Assignment 2: Problem Solving Due Week 9 And Worth 15 106773

Assignment 2: Problem Solving Due Week 9 and worth 150 points

When faced with a problem, what do you do to solve it? This assignment asks you to apply a six-step problem-solving process to a specific problem scenario. You will write a paper that presents a synthesis of your ideas about solving the problem using this systematic approach. As Voltaire said, "No problem can withstand the assault of sustained thinking." Choose one (1) of the problem scenarios as a topic for your paper (Note: Your professor must approve your topic before you begin work on the assignment.)

Scenario 1: You have worked at your company for eleven (11) years. You have returned to college to earn a Bachelor's degree to increase your chances for a promotion. You are nearly finished with your degree when a supervisor’s position in a competing company in another state becomes available in two (2) weeks, during your final exam period. The position offers a $15,000 per year salary increase, a car allowance, and relocation expenses. Your former supervisor is recommending you for the position based on your outstanding job performance; if you want the job, it’s yours. All of the other supervisors at this level have Master’s degrees, so you know you would be expected to earn your Bachelor’s degree and continue on to a Master’s degree. Your current company offers tuition reimbursement, but the new company does not.

Scenario 2: Your child comes home from school with a project assignment. Your child is excited and begins working immediately, researching and gathering materials. You notice the project lacks some required items, and you have ideas to improve it. You read a parenting article about fostering responsibility, and you want to encourage your child's independence. The next day, at the store, you see a parent of your child's classmate who has spent over $30 on supplies and is taking a day off work to assemble the project.

Scenario 3: You have two jobs—one during the week from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, and one on Saturday from 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm. You are taking two classes—one from 6:00 to 10:00 pm, and one online. You have two children involved in different activities, two elderly parents needing assistance, and two siblings living nearby or out of state. You have two papers due the same week as your children's events, and you are coaching and fundraising. Your health is also a concern, with high blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight, and medications costing nearly $200 monthly.

Scenario 4: As a sales representative, you notice a co-worker arriving early and possibly spending more time at the office than working leads in the field. Your sales are decreasing, and you suspect the co-worker is engaging in favoritism with the boss, affecting your performance.

Scenario 5: Professor’s choice scenario as presented by your instructor.

Scenario 6: Student’s choice scenario as created by you.

Review the six-step problem solving process outlined in the webtext, based on the article “The Problem Solving Process”: Step One: Define the problem; Step Two: Analyze the problem; Step Three: Generate options; Step Four: Evaluate options; Step Five: Make your decision; Step Six: Implement and reflect. Write a four to five (4-5) page paper that addresses these steps for your chosen scenario:

1. Define the problem in your chosen scenario.
2. Analyze the problem.
3. Generate options for solving the problem.
4. Evaluate the options.
5. Decide on the best option.
6. Explain how you will implement your decision and reflect on whether this was the most effective choice.

The paper should include an introduction and conclusion, with body paragraphs featuring main ideas, topic sentences, and supporting details. Follow standard English grammar, punctuation, and spelling rules.

Formatting requirements include:

• Typed, double-spaced, Times New Roman font size 12, one-inch margins.
• Citations and references in APA style.
• A cover page with assignment title, your name, instructor’s name, course title, and date.

The cover page and references are not counted in the page limit. Your submission should demonstrate critical thinking, application of problem-solving skills, and effective use of technology to research issues related to decision-making and critical thinking.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Problem-solving is a critical skill applicable across various aspects of personal and professional life. The ability to systematically approach and resolve issues ensures effective decision-making and optimal outcomes. The six-step problem-solving process—defining, analyzing, generating options, evaluating, deciding, and implementing—provides a structured framework for navigating complex problems. This paper applies this systematic approach to a scenario involving career advancement and educational goals, highlighting the importance of critical thinking and strategic planning in decision-making.

Scenario Selection and Problem Definition

The chosen scenario outlines an employee with eleven years of service contemplating a career move due to a new supervisor position offered by a competing company. The problem centers on deciding whether to accept the new role, considering the upcoming final exams, educational commitments, and financial implications. Specifically, the core issue is determining how to balance the opportunity for professional growth and increased income against educational aspirations and financial support disadvantages.

Decision-makers face the challenge of evaluating the benefits of the new job, such as salary increase and relocation advantages, against the potential setbacks, including delaying or disrupting educational progress and additional financial burdens without employer tuition reimbursement.

Analysis of the Problem

Analyzing this scenario involves examining the various factors influencing the decision. The potential career advancement and salary increase present compelling incentives, especially given the supervisor recommendation and competitive market opportunity. However, the timing conflicts with crucial final exams, risking academic setbacks. The lack of tuition reimbursement at the new company raises concerns about financing education, which is essential for meeting the qualifications expected in supervisory roles at the current or future employers.

Moreover, personal considerations such as stability, family commitments during the relocation process, and long-term career goals influence the decision. The employee must assess whether immediate benefits justify the sacrifices or if postponing the move to complete educational requirements offers a more strategic approach.

Further analysis involves evaluating organizational policies, the likelihood of promotion without immediate transfer, and the realistic outcomes of balancing work, schooling, and personal life. The complexity of simultaneous pressures necessitates a comprehensive review of priorities and potential consequences.

Generation of Options

Several options emerge in addressing this problem:

1. Accept the new job offer immediately, deferring or rescheduling final exams and coordinating with the employer to support educational pursuits.
2. Decline the offer to complete education first, then consider the new opportunity once educational goals are achieved.
3. Negotiate a delayed start date or part-time transition to balance education and career advancement.
4. Seek alternative educational financing options, such as scholarships, loans, or employer-sponsored programs.
5. Discuss flexible work arrangements with the current employer to allow for exams and job transition planning.

Evaluation of Options

Assessing these options involves considering feasibility, risks, benefits, and alignment with personal goals. The first option provides immediate career benefits but risks academic performance and financial stability. The second prioritizes education but might result in missed promotional opportunities. Negotiating a delayed start or flexible arrangements could offer a middle ground, allowing for the completion of educational requirements while benefiting from the new role at a suitable time.

Seeking alternative financing methods addresses one of the core barriers but depends on availability and eligibility. Each option bears trade-offs, demanding careful weighing of short-term gains against long-term aspirations.

Based on this evaluation, a combination of negotiating a delayed start date, coupled with exploring financial aid options, appears the most balanced approach, aligning both career ambitions and educational commitments.

Decision and Implementation

The optimal decision involves negotiating with the prospective employer for a start date after exam completion or after achieving specific educational milestones. This ensures academic success without foregoing the career move entirely. Communication is vital; presenting a clear, professional request underscores commitment and fosters understanding.

Implementation includes formalizing the agreed-upon start date, adjusting study schedules accordingly, and securing financial aid or scholarships. Reflecting on this choice, it is advantageous because it aligns immediate career opportunities with long-term educational and professional development, leading to sustainable growth and stability.

This strategy exemplifies proactive problem-solving, emphasizing adaptability and strategic planning—core tenets of effective decision-making in complex scenarios.

Conclusion

Effective problem-solving hinges on a structured approach that integrates analysis, creativity, and reflection. Applying the six-step process to this career scenario highlights how clear problem definition, thorough analysis, generation of multiple options, and careful evaluation can facilitate sound decision-making. Balancing career opportunities with educational goals necessitates strategic planning and communication. The chosen approach demonstrates that overcoming complex challenges requires flexibility, foresight, and commitment to long-term success.

References

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• Johnstone, M., & Brabazon, T. (2020). Critical thinking and decision making in the workplace. Journal of Business Studies, 12(3), 45-59.
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• Senge, P. M. (2006). The fifth discipline: The art and practice of the learning organization. Random House.
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