Assignment 2 Problem Solving When Faced With A Proble 724463

Assignment 2 Problem Solvingwhen Faced With A Problem What Do You D

Assignment 2: Problem Solving 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." Use the problem scenario below as a topic choice for your paper.

Scenario 1: You have worked at your company for eleven (11) years. You have returned to college to earn an IT Bachelor’s degree in order to increase your chances for a promotion. You are nearly finished with your degree, when a supervisor’s position in a competing company becomes available in another state. The start date is in two (2) weeks, during your final exam period for your courses. The position offers a $15,000 per year salary increase, a car allowance, and relocation expenses. Your former supervisor works for the company and 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 in the company have Master’s degrees, so you know that you would be expected to earn your Bachelor’s degree and continue on to a Master’s degree. Your present company offers tuition reimbursement, but the new company does not.

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 in which you:

1. Define the problem in the scenario that you have chosen.

2. Analyze the problem in the scenario.

3. Generate options for solving the problem in the scenario.

4. Evaluate the options for solving the problem.

5. Decide on the best option for solving the problem.

6. Explain how you will implement the decision made and reflect on whether this option was the most effective. The paper should follow guidelines for clear and organized writing: Include an introductory paragraph and concluding paragraph. Address main ideas in body paragraphs with a topic sentence and supporting sentences.

Adhere to standard rules of English grammar, punctuation, mechanics, and spelling. Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements: Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA Style format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length.

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are: Recognize the hindrances to the decision-making process in order to apply problem-solving skills to a variety of situations. Create written work utilizing the concepts of critical thinking. Use technology and information resources to research issues in critical thinking skills and informal logic.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Decision-making in professional and personal contexts necessitates a systematic approach, especially when faced with significant choices such as career advancement versus educational commitments. The scenario presented involves a complex dilemma where career opportunity, educational pursuits, financial implications, and personal growth intersect. Utilizing a structured six-step problem solving process facilitates clarity and effective decision-making. This paper explores the problem scenario, analyzes its components, generates potential options, evaluates these options, selects the optimal solution, and discusses the implementation and reflection of this decision.

Defining the Problem

The core problem revolves around choosing between accepting a lucrative job offer in a different state, which conflicts with final exams and ongoing educational goals, and staying with the current employer to complete a degree with the benefit of tuition reimbursement. The dilemma is compounded by the immediate financial and professional benefits of the transfer versus the long-term goal of completing higher education, which is a prerequisite for career advancement within the current company.

Analyzing the Problem

The situation involves multiple factors: the tempting job offer with immediate financial incentives and higher responsibilities, the timing conflict with final exams, lack of tuition reimbursement from the new employer, and the educational and career trajectory requiring advanced degrees. Additionally, personal considerations include willingness to relocate, job security, and career aspirations. The analysis reveals the importance of weighing short-term benefits against long-term goals, recognizing the potential impact on both career progression and educational attainment, and understanding the organizational and personal priorities involved.

Generating Options

Several options emerge from this scenario:

1. Accept the job offer and defer or reschedule final exams: Negotiating with the new employer to delay the start date or adjusting academic schedules.
2. Decline the job offer and continue with current employment: Focus on completing the degree, leveraging tuition reimbursement, and seeking internal promotions.
3. Negotiate with both employers: Seek a compromise, such as a delayed transfer or flexible work arrangements, to allow for academic completion.
4. Pause educational pursuits temporarily: Accept the job, then resume education later through part-time study or online programs.
5. Seek alternative educational funding: Find scholarships, grants, or employer-supported educational programs that could offset costs.

Evaluating the Options

Evaluation involves assessing each option’s benefits and drawbacks:

• Accept the job and reschedule exams: Offers immediate career advancement and financial gain but risks academic failure or delays, impacting long-term goals.
• Decline the offer and stay: Ensures completion of education and maintains tuition benefits but may miss out on salary increases, relocation perks, and rapid career growth.
• Negotiate with both employers: Potentially a win-win if a compromise is reached, but it depends on employer flexibility and could prolong decision-making.
• Pause education temporarily: Combines earning career experience while preparing to resume educational pursuits later.
• Seek additional funding: Eases tuition concerns but might involve additional effort and uncertain funding availability.

Deciding on the Best Option

The optimal decision balances career aspirations with educational commitments. A strategic approach involves negotiating with the new employer for a delayed start or flexible arrangements, coupled with a commitment to complete the degree. This choice maximizes immediate benefits, preserves long-term career prospects, and aligns with educational goals. It also minimizes risks associated with academic failure or financial strain, providing a sustainable pathway for professional advancement and personal development.

Implementation and Reflection

Implementing this decision entails communicating with the prospective employer to negotiate a delayed start date, explaining the importance of completing educational commitments. Simultaneously, coordinating academic schedules and final exams with educational advisors ensures minimal disruption. Reflection involves assessing whether this approach effectively balances career growth and educational attainment, and regularly reviewing progress. The chosen option’s success hinges on clear communication and realistic goal-setting, with readiness to adapt if circumstances change. This approach fosters professional advancement while maintaining academic integrity and long-term career development.

Conclusion

Decision-making in complex scenarios requires a structured methodology that considers all relevant factors, options, and consequences. By applying the six-step problem solving process to the presented scenario, a balanced decision emerged that aligns career ambitions with educational goals. Negotiating a delayed start for the new job offers a pragmatic solution that maximizes benefits and minimizes risks. Ultimately, systematic problem-solving enhances organizational effectiveness and personal growth, reaffirming Voltaire’s assertion that sustained thinking is essential in overcoming obstacles.

References

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