SBFS1103: Problem Solving and Decision-Making Case Study Analysis

This assignment analyzes a case study involving Halimah, a 19-year-old college student facing a conflict between her desire to marry her older boyfriend and her parents' disapproval. The assignment explores the application of the four stages of problem-solving (recognizing and defining the problem, searching for solutions, finding the best solution, and implementation) to address Halimah's dilemma. It also incorporates an evidence-driven decision-making cycle to evaluate potential solutions, considering the perspectives of Halimah and her parents. The student identifies potential solutions, such as open communication and negotiation, and analyzes their feasibility in resolving the conflict and achieving a mutually acceptable outcome. The assignment demonstrates an understanding of problem-solving methodologies and their practical application in navigating complex personal challenges.

Running head: MANAGEMENT
Management
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

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Table of Contents
Task 1:........................................................................................................................................2
Introduction:...............................................................................................................................2
Identification of the Issue:..........................................................................................................3
Application of the Four Stages of Problem Solving:.................................................................4
Utilization of Evidence-Driven Decision-Making Cycle:..........................................................8
Conclusion:................................................................................................................................9
References:...............................................................................................................................10
Task 2:......................................................................................................................................12
Introduction:.............................................................................................................................12
Description of the Problem:.....................................................................................................13
Application of Decision Making strategy:...............................................................................17
Conclusion:..............................................................................................................................19
References:...............................................................................................................................20
Task 3:......................................................................................................................................22
Transcript:................................................................................................................................22

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Task 1:
Introduction:
The efficient management of the problems and solving the same in a professional
manner is seen to be associated with greater significance in the modern today’s world. As per
the esteemed opinion of Hesse et al. (2015), the importance of the problem solving is notably
high amongst the modern individuals in the personal and professional life. According to the
comments of Shute et al. (2016), the ability of the modern professionals in solving the
problems in a professional manner increases their ease in increasing the sustainability of their
business actions. Hesse et al. (2015) mentioned that, in organizational context, the modern
individuals are seen to be exposed to frequently changing business environment which
increases the barriers that they face for the management of their business. As the success of
such professionals in the organizational context is dependent on their ability in applying the
problem solving skills, the significance of the problem solving skills in the modern word of
business is notably prominent.
On the other hand, the necessity of excellent problem solving skills is seen to be
notably high in the personal life as well as it enables the individuals in maintaining the
desired balance in their life. In addition to this, Comber (2015) mentioned that sustainability
associated with a better style of life leading is seen to be primarily dependent on the ability of
the individuals in tackling the challenges that are present in their life. The study is based on
one such scenario of personal life problem. The study delivers an efficient understanding of
the problem present in the scenario. In addition to this, the study prepares an efficient
elaboration of the problem solving techniques that can be utilized for developing a suitable
solution on the mentioned case. Apart from this, the study refers to an evidence driven

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decision making cycle for reflecting the development of the decision for tackling the
identified issue.
Identification of the Issue:
From the case, it is evident that Halimah is a 19 year college student. Halimah is in a
love relationship with John. John is 10 years older than Halimah and is an IT technician by
profession in the same college. As Halimah and Johan are in love for some time now, they
have made their minds to get married next year. However, their plan of getting married next
year is seen to be a major problem for Halimah’s parents and that is prominent with their
reaction. Halimah’s parents were observed to be pretty concerned with the future of their
daughter. Halimah was on the verge of adulthood and her decision of getting married to
Johan at such early stage of her life, was a major spot of bother for her parents. As they feel
Halimah is considerably young to get married, it made them against their decision of getting
married. Other than this, Halimah was the eldest child in their long family which certainly
highlights her importance in the family and the responsibility she requires to take care of. In
such situation, Halimah’s parents expected that she will continue her learning and will be
focused in securing a good job rather than getting married. Halimah’s continuation of study
and achieving a good career were seen to be considerably important for her parents as it
would have enabled their daughter for helping them back. As the desired success in
Halimah’s career had the opportunity to place herself in perfect position for ensuring the
societal and financial improvement of their family, Halimah’s decision of getting married to
Johan at an early age of 19, created considerable amount of concern for her parents.
With a detailed focus on the mentioned challenge, it is understandable that Halimah is
facing an acute dilemma in personal life. On one end, she is facing the grievance of her
parents regarding the marriage. Her parents want her to continue with her study so that she be

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able to achieve a suitable career choice and earn a handsome amount of money which not
only enables her to lead a successful life but also places her in perfect position for helping her
family. On the other hand, Halimah has made commitment with Johan regarding their
probable marriage in the next year. At the same time, she loves Johan unconditionally and
wants to live with him for the rest of her life. Hence, she cannot avoid the responsibility and
commitment that she has, in their relationship. As a result, Halimah is seen to be in placed in
a vulnerable position where she does not know what would be best for her and at the same
time. At the same time, the incapability of Halimah in finding out any suitable solution for
getting rid of the situation, is increasing her anxiety and is adding a great share of mental
stress to a person of that low age.
Application of the Four Stages of Problem Solving:
Considering the chosen context, it is visible that Halimah has an acute personal
problem in hand. The sustainability associated with Halimah’s relationship with her parents
and with her lover is primarily reliant on her ability in tackling the problem in hand. As a
result, the utilization of the problem solving skills from her part becomes much required for
resolving the challenge that she is subjected to. Having said that, Kirmizi, Saygi and
Yurdakal (2015) mentioned that the ability of the individuals in applying the problem solving
skill is seen to be dependent on their capability in executing four different stages which are
recognising and defining the problem, searching for the suitable solutions, finding out the
best suitable solution and implementing the same in a professional manner. Prior to the
utilization of the stages of problem solving, it becomes important to analyse the concepts of
the stages and the actions that are required to be executed for the same.
As per the comments of Raiyn and Tilchin (2015), the problem recognition and
definition stage is considerably important for the individuals as it provides them the desired

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scope to identify or recognize the existence of a problem. According to the comments of
Kirmizi, Saygi and Yurdakal (2015), any problem that might be personal or professional can
be solved only when the problem gets recognized. Having said that, Birgili (2015) mentioned
that the problem recognition is a considerably tricky activity as in many of the cases, the
problem gets recognized only when its impact is severe or massive. On the other hand,
Lovelace, Eggers and Dyck (2016) mentioned that the problem recognition leads the
individuals towards such a state where they are left with closed ended or open ended
problems. Considering the definition of the closed ended problems, Chinedu, Olabiyi and
Kamin (2015) mentioned that there will be one or considerably limited number of solutions
for the closed ended problems and on the other hand, the open ended problems can be
resolved with the application of the multiple number of solutions. Apart from this, Irwanto
and Prodjosantoso (2018) mentioned that the problem analysis for a closed ended problems
involves appropriate identification of all possible causes of a problem whereas the problem
analysis for the open ended problems involves an accurate search of all possible information
that can be utilized to suggest a range of probable solutions for solving the problems.
The next stage of an appropriate problem solving system is the search of the possible
solutions. The second stage of the system is considerably important for both personal and
professional problems as it enables the individuals to gather the probable solutions that can be
applied in a professional manner for solving the problem in an efficient manner. According to
the comments of Care et al. (2015), the search of the probable solutions is notably crucial in
both organizational and personal contexts. In organizational context, the search of alternative
solutions is seen to be notably important as it enables the professionals to gather information
regarding different solutions that can be utilized depending on the merit of the business
environment. As the modern business entities are seen to be subjected to varying business
environments, it becomes important for the leadership team of the organizations to develop

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multiple number of suitable solutions that they can utilize considering the variations of the
business environment. As a result, the second stage which is primarily dedicated for
developing a pool of suitable solutions for the business problems is notably important for the
success of the modern professionals. On the other hand, the necessity of finding out different
solutions for managing or solving a personal issue, is also seen to be significant and that
certainly increases the significance of the stage amongst the modern individuals in tackling
their personal challenges. The third stage is related to the identification of the best possible
solution. As the second stage has delivered a pool of suitable solutions, the application of one
solution for one particular problem still requires he identification of the best suitable solution.
Considering such a necessity, the third stage of the system largely focuses on the
identification of the best suited solution. During this stage, the individuals are required to
consider a number of decision metrics which are evaluation of the characteristics of all
possible solutions which enables the individuals to identify the limitation and the strengths of
all possible solutions, the efficient elimination of the solutions that are incapable in avoiding
the limitations, accurate evaluation of the remaining solutions, assessment of the risks
involved with the selection of the best possible solution and coming to the decision of
implementing the best suitable solution. At the fourth stage, the individuals are required to
participate in three different stages which are planning and preparation for the execution of
the best suited solution, establishing appropriate monitoring process and the review of the
success with the application of the actions.
Considering the chosen case, the identification of the problem is notably visible where
Halimah had agreed to get married with Johan next year. However, Halimah’s parents are not
supporting her decision as they believe that Halimah needs to continue her study which will
enable her to get a successful career. Halimah’s achievement of a successful career will be
important for their family as Halimah’ being the eldest child will be able to help her parents

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and their long family. Halimah’s parents are afraid of the fact that the decision that Halimah
has taken, can affect her study and the possibility of her in getting placed in a lucrative and
moneymaking job role. In the second stage, Halimah is required to find suitable solutions for
the problem as per the decision making system. The probable solutions for Halimah will be:
 A prolonged consultation with her parents regarding her decision where he will
convince her parents that she will continue her studies and will try her level best to get
a lucrative job even after marriage. Johan is good enough to support her in achieving
the same.
 An interactive session between Halimah, her parents and Johan for convincing her
parents regarding the scope that Halimah will have to continue her study and to try to
achieve a good job opportunity even after their marriage.
 An agreement between Halimah, Johan and Halimah’s parents regarding the
continuity of support from Halimah and Johan’s part to Halimah’s family even after
the marriage.
 An agreement between Halimah, Johan and Halimah’s parents for ensuring a probable
marriage between Halimah and Johan in future. The decision will also ensure another
fact that Halimah will continue her study for now and will get married to Johan once
she got a good job and start helping her parents in an appropriate manner.
Considering the third stage, it can be seen that the first three solutions is subjected to a
common limitation which is Halimah’s parents’ concern regarding her marriage at such early
stage. Having said that, the second and third stage is observed to be associated with the
strength of persuading Halimah’s parents regarding the continuity of support from both
Halimah and Johan’s part even after marriage. However, the fourth one is seen to be most
suitable solution where the concern of Halimah’s parents regarding her early marriage is
taken care in an appropriate manner and at the same time, the decision is substantial in

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ensuring the fact that Halimah and Johan get married once they are established and successful
and are capable of helping the parents of Halimah. Hence, it is understandable that the fourth
solution is in need to be utilized.
Utilization of Evidence-Driven Decision-Making Cycle:
Considering the Evidence-Driven Decision-Making Cycle, it is visible that the
mentioned cycle is divided into 9 stages such as Trigger, Explore, Question, Assemble,
Analyse, Interpret, Intervene, Evaluate and Reflect. The apathy of Halimah’s parents in
acknowledging the decision of Halimah to get married with Johan next year, is the main
trigger. Considering the explore stage, the concern of Halimah’s parents regarding the
probable discontinuity in her studies and in the process of getting a good job and helping the
family in an efficient manner, are the possible factors that contributing to the apathy of their
parents in agreeing to the decision. The question is how Halimah can get rid of the situation
or more specifically how Halimah can convince her parents about her ability in supporting
them even after getting married to Johan.
Considering the assembly stage, it is visible that Halimah’s parents were reluctant in
acknowledging the decision of their daughter as they thought that: the decision will limit
Halimah in continuing with her study, in getting a good job and in helping their family. The
analysis stage clarifies the fact that Halimah is required to take such decision that it ensures
she is continuing her study, she tries to get a lucrative job after the completion of the study
and helps her family in every possible manner. Along with that, Halimah is in need to ensure
that she marries Johan as per her commitment. The interpret stage ensures the selection of the
best suitable solution from the analysis where it is identified that the decision “An agreement
between Halimah, Johan and Halimah’s parents for ensuring a probable marriage between
Halimah and Johan in future. The decision will also ensure another fact that Halimah will

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continue her study for now and will get married to Johan once she got a good job and start
helping her parents in an appropriate manner” will be the best suited one for the scenario.
Considering the implement stage, it can be seen that an efficient consultation with the parents
of Halimah from the part of Halimah and Johan for ensuring their probable marriage after the
completion of Halimah’s study, Halimah’s achievement of a good job and support to her
parents and family will be of great significance.
As the original trigger was the apathy of Halimah’s parents regarding their daughter’s
probable marriage and their concern over the possible obstacles in her education and career,
the decision of marriage after the completion of Halimah’s study and successful achievement
of a career which enables her to support her family, is seen to be apt in resolving the trigger
(Abosalem 2016). Considering the reflect stage, the future lessons are the collection of
increased number of evidences as that will help in perfectly shaping the trigger and the
questions. As the efficient identification of the trigger and question is important for
identifying an appropriate solution, the collection of increased number of evidences will
certainly increase the accuracy of the solution.
Conclusion:
. On an ending note, it is visible that Halimah is on the verge of facing an immense
personal problem. Her parents are not ready to support Halimah in her decision of getting
married to Johan next year as they wanted Haliamh to continue her study and support them
after getting a good job. The best appropriate idea for Halimah to tackle this issue is to ensure
that her parents approve her decision of getting married to Johan but after she completes her
study and becomes eligible to support her family with her own earning from her job.

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References:
Abosalem, Y., 2016. Assessment techniques and students’ higher-order thinking skills.
International Journal of Secondary Education, 4(1), pp.1-11.
Birgili, B., 2015. Creative and critical thinking skills in problem-based learning
environments. Üstün Zekalılar Eğitimi ve Yaratıcılık Dergisi, 2(2), pp.71-80.
Care, E., Griffin, P., Scoular, C., Awwal, N. and Zoanetti, N., 2015. Collaborative problem
solving tasks. In Assessment and teaching of 21st century skills (pp. 85-104). Springer,
Dordrecht.
Chinedu, C.C., Olabiyi, O.S. and Kamin, Y., 2015. Strategies for improving higher order
thinking skills in teaching and learning of design and technology education.
Comber, B., 2015. Critical literacy and social justice. Journal of Adolescent & Adult
Literacy, 58(5), pp.362-367.
Hesse, F., Care, E., Buder, J., Sassenberg, K. and Griffin, P., 2015. A framework for
teachable collaborative problem solving skills. In Assessment and teaching of 21st century
skills (pp. 37-56). Springer, Dordrecht.
Irwanto, S. and AD, R., E., & Prodjosantoso, AK 2018. Promoting Critical Thinking and
Problem Solving Skills of Preservice Elementary Teachers through Process-Oriented Guided-
Inquiry Learning (POGIL). International Journal of Instruction, 11(4), pp.777-794.
Kirmizi, F.S., Saygi, C. and Yurdakal, I.H., 2015. Determine the relationship between the
disposition of critical thinking and the perception about problem solving skills. Procedia-
Social and Behavioral Sciences, 191, pp.657-661.

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Lovelace, K.J., Eggers, F. and Dyck, L.R., 2016. I do and I understand: Assessing the utility
of web-based management simulations to develop critical thinking skills. Academy of
Management Learning & Education, 15(1), pp.100-121.
Raiyn, J. and Tilchin, O., 2015. Higher-Order Thinking Development through Adaptive
Problem-Based Learning. Journal of Education and Training Studies, 3(4), pp.93-100.
Shute, V.J., Wang, L., Greiff, S., Zhao, W. and Moore, G., 2016. Measuring problem solving
skills via stealth assessment in an engaging video game. Computers in Human Behavior, 63,
pp.106-117.