BUS301: Problem Solving and Decision Making Processes Report

This report delves into the critical aspects of problem-solving and decision-making within organizational contexts. It begins by defining the core concepts, differentiating between problem-solving as a comprehensive process and decision-making as the selection among alternatives. The report emphasizes the importance of structured approaches, highlighting guidelines for problem definition, including identifying the root causes, scope, and stakeholders involved. It stresses the significance of determining the problem's significance and generating diverse solutions, including the use of brainstorming. Furthermore, the report underscores the importance of communication, team handling, and the role of managers in making effective decisions. The conclusion reinforces the need for enhanced problem-solving skills to achieve organizational goals and increase productivity and profitability, emphasizing that effective decision-making is crucial for organizational success.

Running Head: BUS301 INTEGRATED CAPSTONE PROJECT
BUS301 Integrated Capstone Project
Name of the Student:
Academic Affiliation:
Date:

BUS301 INTEGRATED CAPSTONE PROJECT
2
Problem solving and Decision Making Processes in the Organization
Introduction
Decision making and problem solving are very vital in all the organization’s managerial
activities. It is important to note that even though the two defining characteristics associated with
management can be interchangeably be used, contemporary literature actually makes the two
terms to become alienated. Problem solving can thus be defined as being a mental and larger
process which starts with the identification of the problem then ultimately ends through the
assessment of viable solutions (Aken & Berends, 2017). On the other hand, decision making can
be defined as being also a mental process that results in the identification of numerous alternative
scenarios before ultimately arriving at the final selection.
It is quite a common fact that what is done in most contemporary organizations is solving
problems and making of decisions. When individuals in the organization come across any new
problems in the organization or decisions which have to be made, they usually react with
decisions which seemed to have resolved such problems before. It is thus quite important to
ensure that organized approaches are used to resolve problems and make viable decisions for the
organization. However, it is important to note that not all the problems and decisions can be
resolved using rational approaches. Putting in place effective frameworks that can be used for
resolving of problems is quite important because not only will it help the organization to enhance
productivity but it will also help it to increase its profitability. Some of the basic guidelines
below will be quite helpful in ensuring that organizational problems are resolved amicably.
Definition of underlying Problems
Recognition and definition of the problems facing an organization is usually the first step.
This implies that organizational managers must have the ability of defining problems facing their

BUS301 INTEGRATED CAPSTONE PROJECT
3
respective organizations based on their planned objectives regarding what is wrong and what is
right. It is quite important for organizational managers to ascertain the causes of the problems,
ascertain where such a problem is occurring, and ascertain how such a problem occurs.
Definition of the problem should be done through ensuring that it is broken down into steps. It is
important for the managers to ensure that they verify problems for analysis through ensuring that
they confer with the relevant stakeholders.
In case the organization is faced with numerous problems, then it will be prudent to
ensure that they are prioritized so as to know which ones ought to be addressed first. It is also
prudent for the organization to note the differences which exist between the urgent and important
problems. This is due to the fact that at most times, what most people consider to be important
problems ultimately turn out to be just urgent problems (Bolman & Deal, 2017). It is important
for the organizational managers to ascertain or comprehend their roles in the existing
organizational problems. This is attributed to the fact that understanding one’s role in the
organizational problem greatly influences the manner in which one perceives the roles that have
been taken up by other people.
Determination of the Significance of the problem
Upon the definition of the problem, it is important for the organizational managers to
ensure that the significance of the problem is also determined. During this period, there is need
for the top management of the organization to ensure that it focuses on the manner in which such
problems had developed in the organization and also assess viable resources that will be required
in order to resolve the problem. After knowing the problematic information, it should be the
responsibility of the organization’s management to generate all the viable solutions that can be
used in resolving the problem. It is thus recommended that the management of the organization

BUS301 INTEGRATED CAPSTONE PROJECT
4
should actually come up with a variety of solutions that can be used in addressing the problems
that their respective companies or organizations are facing before the analysis process starts. In
some of the times, solutions towards organizational problems may be quite simple and even
easily overlooked as a result of heightened stress that is associated with the situation. The
advantages and disadvantages of each of the solutions should be evaluated and then the
management should finally select the best solution that can be used in addressing the specific
problems raised.
Brainstorming as a way of resolving problems and making decisions
Owing to the fact that both the problem solving as well as decision making processes are
usually connected closely, it is important for the organization’s management to determine the
type of motivation that will be used in the determination of the most useful brainstorming
method that will be used. It is prudent for all and sundry to note that brainstorming is indeed a
powerful and useful skill that is normally strongly used to focus on a specific topic over a period
of time that is limited (Bryson, 2018). This is attributed to the fact that it presents different and
even inspiring interactions for the stakeholders who are involved. Decision making is very
important for the success of each and every organization across the world because it helps an
organization to have smooth operations. This thus implies that tactics used in solving problems
in an organization should also comprise of decision making processes which are quite strong.
This implies that problem solving and decision making are not only related to each other but they
are require creativity and skills.
Enhancing Communication
It was ascertained that most of the problems in most organizations are usually caused as a
result of lack of effective coordination and lack of sufficient exchange of knowledge as a result

BUS301 INTEGRATED CAPSTONE PROJECT
5
of ineffective communication between various stakeholders in the organization. It is beneficial
for all the organizational stakeholders to discuss any new emerging ideas among themselves
since not only does it give them an opportunity of expressing their differing points of views but it
also helps them to expose the negative and positive impacts. Stakeholders can thus effectively
communicate with each other on why they selected a specific solution. This is quite essential
since it helps he stakeholders to enhance communication through utilization of experience and
knowledge in order to get improved solutions that are capable of helping the organizations to
attain its set goals and objectives.
Handling of Teams
Research conducted indicated that decision making processes that involved teams were
actually much better as opposed to the individual decision making processes. However, it is
important for the management to note that there are usually some problems that can be
encountered when dealing with a team and therefore they should ensure that the team members
in the organization are handled carefully so as to make it an efficient and successful team (Salas
& Martin, 2017). This is quite true since a team in any given organization may comprise of many
individuals who not only come from different backgrounds but who also have different levels of
knowledge and experiences. It thus becomes apparent that there may be higher chances of team
members conflicting due to disagreements, ego, and even due to the clashing of their different
thoughts and opinions. Team decision processes may also become hampered due to competition
since most of the team members are keen on the building of their respective careers in a world
that has become highly competitive.

BUS301 INTEGRATED CAPSTONE PROJECT
6
Responsibility of Managers in Making Decisions
The decision making process is quite essential in any new management era and the
manager is known to take the most responsibility in the making of best decisions for their
respective organizations. It is important for all and sundry to note that effective organizational
decision making processes normally comprise of numerous steps which require inputting of
information during the different phases of the decision making process and even during the
feedback stage. Effective decision making will thus require the recognition of the decision’s
requirement which can either be an opportunity or a problem (Zenger et al, 2017). While a
problem is known to occur when an organization’s or company’s performance are unsatisfactory
or below the target, an opportunity on the other hand normally happens when the organizational
managers sees a good potential that will help the organization to seize chances that will help it
achieve its set targets.
Conclusion
The management of organizations should always strive towards ensuring that creative
problem solving skills are enhanced in their respective organizations. This is quite important
since not only will it help in resolving conflicts but it will also help the organization to easily
achieve its set goals and objectives thus increasing productivity and profitability. It is also
prudent for the management of organizations to put in mind that problems are normally
encountered in most of the organizations across the world and thus knowing the best way of
resolving such problems is what will make them fail or succeed in their daily operations. Based
on the above information, it is quite apparent that decision making and problem solving skills are
indeed vital skills that can guarantee the success of most organizations across the world. People

BUS301 INTEGRATED CAPSTONE PROJECT
7
responsible for making decisions in the organizations should put more attention on ensuring that
the quality of their respective decisions is enhanced.

BUS301 INTEGRATED CAPSTONE PROJECT
8
References
Bolman, L. G., & Deal, T. E. (2017). Reframing organizations: Artistry, choice, and leadership.
John Wiley & Sons.
Bryson, J. M. (2018). Strategic planning for public and nonprofit organizations: A guide to
strengthening and sustaining organizational achievement. John Wiley & Sons.
Nickerson, J. A., Wuebker, R., & Zenger, T. (2017). Problems, theories, and governing the
crowd. Strategic Organization, 15(2), 275-288.
Salas, E., & Martin, L. (2017). Decision-making under stress: Emerging themes and
applications. Routledge.
Van Aken, J. E., & Berends, H. (2017). Problem solving in organizations. Cambridge University
Press.