Problem Solving and Decisions

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Table of Contents

Problem Definition
Problem Analysis
Generating Solutions
Analyzing Solutions
Making the Decision
Implementation and Reflection
Conclusion
Reference

In economics, a science-based on rational decisions, there is an underlying concept of opportunity cost. It suggests that by making any choice, a person is giving up potential benefits or outcomes of other alternatives. Therefore, in any rational decision-making mechanism, it is critical to consider every possible path of action before choosing to take it. The theory can be applied to the process of problem-solving. Using a structured method, a problem is defined and analyzed, allowing one to form viable solutions.

A person can then compare and select the most rational and beneficial resolution which is implemented to resolve an issue (“The problem-solving process,” n.d.). There may be occurrences that the chosen solution fails or a person becomes emotionally compromised. However, it is a logical sequence of thought that can be used in all areas of life when one is faced with a problem or difficult decision.

Problem Definition

The main problem in the selected scenario is the concatenation of circumstances that place the subject in a position of having to make some difficult choices, all of which have significant consequences if avoided. A lack of physical time prevents one from establishing a balanced approach and dedicating time to every activity or responsibility. Also, each side is essential in its own way, creating an internal conflict of interest. The issue lies in identifying and selecting the most critical priority on which to focus and which has the most significant long-term impacts.

Problem Analysis

When analyzing the problem, it seems that the difficult position which puts the subject at the crossroads of making these decisions is partial personal responsibility, just as much as it is a matter of circumstance. The person involved in such a predicament failed to account for future events accurately and to plan accordingly. There is an apparent lack of time management, preparation, and communication within the context of the person’s responsibilities and activities.

Every individual struggle with achieving a delicate work-life balance, but problems begin to arise if there is a continuous occurrence of mismanagement and procrastination that lead to the situation, such as described in the scenario. This induces a re-examination of the main problem that is being resolved. While solutions may focus on fixing the current crisis, they should attempt to influence the underlying behavior which precipitated the dilemma in the first place. Therefore, in the process of generating solutions, the criteria for evaluation should include addressing the problem of adequate time management, planning, and proper communication to prevent similar situations in the future.

Generating Solutions

There are some solutions that can be suggested in the given scenario. The person can make a choice based on an accountability factor. Therefore, since the job schedule requires one to work 55 hours without calling in, it would be the first priority as there is actual accountability to an employer with concretely defined consequences. Any remaining time is put towards writing the exam since missing the party holds no weight. Another solution would be to make the decision based on long-term consequences. Therefore, focusing entirely on the exam, as doing poorly will result in the termination of education, is a critical factor in the person’s life. Missing shifts at work only leads to a two-week suspension, while skipping the party has a minor consequence of being unable to relax for the time being.

There can be a more concrete rationale for the decision-making process, such as basing priorities on their financial costs. For example, if the person depends on their job to pay rent and various bills, it would be impractical to miss out on the work hours, mostly since the consequence is set at two weeks of a non-paid suspension. There may be more personal reasons, namely high-stress levels or a relationship with a friend, which would make going to the party a priority.

All of the solutions offered so far focus on prioritizing the offered choices built on a specific parameter. However, it is possible to fulfill most, if not all, activities if the subject attempts to communicate. For example, the student can communicate with a professor to relay the stressful situation and pressures at work, hoping that the deadline could be extended due to personal circumstances. The person can also attempt to communicate with the employer, explaining the critical importance of the specific exam and hopefully negotiate a reduction of work hours for the week.

Analyzing Solutions

In a tricky situation, it is rare that there is a perfect solution that can resolve the issue without any potential consequences. Therefore, it is critical to analyze each decision from an opportunity cost perspective to determine the situational intricacy of various outcomes that may arise. There were a number of factors pointing to prioritizing each one of the activities over others. Attending the party has very few benefits other than satisfaction, entertainment, and relaxation, all of which are short-term aspects. Skipping the party may result in disappointment or a possible tension with the friend, conclusions which are inconclusive.

There are no long-term consequences, accountability, or financial risks in connection to the party other than some time spent away from other more critical activities. Meanwhile, the job holds a higher priority since it is a real responsibility that the person has as an employee. It presents concrete consequences that may impact finances, job status, and future recommendations for employment. These details can vary significantly based on a person’s life situation and type of job, which are unknown in the scenario. Nevertheless, work is a serious matter to a rationally thinking adult and should not be lightly disregarded.

Looking at the scenario, the first instinct is to prioritize the exam, which has a tremendous impact on the continuation of the person’s education. Although indirect, there is a massive accountability factor to various figures, including the instructor, the institutions, family, and most importantly, the student. Since a low grade on the exam will result in failure, it is a significant responsibility for one’s future, with long-lasting consequences that are dependent on a single decision to input time and effort.

It even has implications towards financial and personal aspects. Although the effects are not felt immediately, failing out of school is more likely to compromise one’s potential career and financial future while causing many mental health challenges due to severe stress caused by the problems—all of these aspects on a large-scale contrast with the minor consequences of disregarding other activities. However, the solution to communicate is very beneficial in this situation. It has a potentially high return without any substantial drawbacks. Since in a real physical world, a person would not be able to perform all these activities and function typically, it is critical to ask for more time.

Making the Decision

When making the final decision, the most logical approach is to consider a method to resolve the situation or focus on salvaging the best alternative. Communication with the involved parties can potentially create a window of opportunity to succeed in fulfilling the most important responsibilities. Since people usually have a sense of understanding and desire to help in times of crisis, this can help manage the situation.

Even if the communication does not provide any results, due to the gravity of the consequences, it is critical to focus on completing the exam at the highest quality to fulfill educational requirements. This definitely includes skipping the party and may require being absent from work without a satisfactory excuse. This decision is the most rational provided the opportunity costs of foregoing; other activities are much smaller than maintaining one’s education.

Implementation and Reflection

At this point in the process, it is essential to be confident in the chosen decision and proceed with a plan. In consideration of the scenario, timely communication can be more beneficial to create a plan of action. One should contact the employer first and explain the situation since there is a more significant chance of flexibility than moving the exam date. One can discuss the possibility of working more in the following weeks to make up for the missed time.

It can be helpful to contact the course instructor in any situation to discuss the critical academic importance of the exam and hope that help can be offered. Obviously, the friend will be notified that one will not be attending the party. A detailed schedule should be created for the week in order to stay focused and fulfill all necessary responsibilities that there is time for. This is not only beneficial for stress and time management but will help to form habits that can prevent such problems from occurring in the future.

Conclusion

In this paper, a scenario was used to define, analyze, and find a viable solution to a problem. It represented a series of relatively small choices that had significant long-term consequences in the person’s life. The problem-solving process allowed one to logically identify priorities and understand how each decision impacted the outcomes helping to select the solution which best resolved the situation.

Reference

The problem-solving process. (n.d.). Web.

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