Recently, we’ve heard a lot of discussion and decisions about the decision to contract with a company based in the United Arab Emerates for port operations.  These same sorts of discussions frequently occur within organizations, by the way. 

Decisions are often evaluated based on criteria such as: 

1. Did the decision support the goals?
2. Was an appropriate process used?
3. Was a reasonable decision reached?
4. Were necessary approvals secured?
5. Was the decision implemented well?
6. Was stakeholder communication sufficient?
7. Were applicable parameters satisfied in reaching the decision?
8. Did the decision solve the problem or yield the desired results?
9. Does new or additional information warrant reconsideration of the decision?

The best approach is to decide how the decision will be evaluated as part of the initial planning process.  This increases the likelihood of a decision that meets the criteria. 

Success of decision making might be defined as making the best decision one can based on the facts and constraints that exist. 

Typically, decisions are based on incomplete information.  A decision is made based on the situation at an instant in time, as one understands the situation to exist. 

As more facts are discovered or the impact of the decision is observed, opportunities for improvement or negative consequences may be identified.  When this occurs, it is important to examine the situation and decide if the results achieve the objectives and goals, as they too have evolved or been further defined.

Filed by Coleen Davis at 6:01 am under Business Tips, Solving Problems, Tips for Students