Problem Solving Due Week 9 And Worth 150 Points 089458

Problem Solving Due Week 9 and Worth 150 Pointswhen Face

When faced with a problem, what do you do to solve it? This assignment asks you to apply a six-step to 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 choice for your paper (Note: Your professor must approve your topic choice 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 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” located at :

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

The decision to accept a new job opportunity in a different state versus continuing to pursue educational advancement presents a complex problem that involves multiple factors. Applying the six-step problem solving process helps clarify the challenges, evaluate options, and ultimately make an informed decision. This paper systematically explores each stage within the context of the scenario described, illustrating how effective problem solving can be achieved through an organized approach.

Step One: Define the Problem

The core problem in this scenario is whether to accept a lucrative job offer in another state that requires relocation and coincides with final exams, or to stay with the current employer that offers tuition reimbursement but no immediate financial gain. The decision involves weighing immediate financial benefits, future career trajectory, educational goals, and personal circumstances. The challenge is balancing the attractive financial and career advancement opportunity against the ongoing pursuit of higher education and the associated commitments and costs.

Step Two: Analyze the Problem

Analyzing the problem involves assessing the benefits and drawbacks of each option. The new job provides significant immediate financial gain, relocation assistance, and the endorsement of a former supervisor. However, it lacks support for educational expenses, which presents a potential barrier to earning a master’s degree. Conversely, remaining with the current employer offers tuition reimbursement and a stable environment, but delays career progression and the salary increase associated with the new position. Additional considerations include personal readiness for relocation, the demands of final exams, family commitments, and long-term career goals. This analysis reveals that the decision hinges on priorities—whether immediate financial gain or long-term educational and career development.

Step Three: Generate Options

Options include accepting the new position, negotiating a delayed start date that accommodates final exams, or seeking a compromise such as remote work during the transition period. Other possibilities involve declining the offer and continuing the current employment to finish the degree before considering relocation, or perhaps negotiating for educational support with the new employer, even if not explicitly offered initially. Generating a variety of options enables a comprehensive assessment of feasible solutions that align with personal priorities and circumstances.

Step Four: Evaluate Options

Evaluating these options involves considering factors such as financial impact, timing, career development, educational commitments, and personal well-being. Accepting the new job offers immediate financial growth but conflicts with final exams and educational plans. Negotiating a delayed start can address timing concerns but may risk losing the opportunity. Continuing with the current employer ensures educational reimbursement and job stability but delays career advancement. Negotiating educational support with the new employer could mitigate financial concerns but depends on their willingness to accommodate such requests. Weighing these factors helps identify the most compatible and advantageous solution.

Step Five: Make Your Decision

Based on the evaluation, the best course of action could be to negotiate a delayed start date with the new employer to allow completion of final exams, while requesting some form of educational support or flexibility. Alternatively, if the opportunity is too time-sensitive and the risk of losing it is high, accepting the offer with a plan to fund education independently or through other means may be necessary. The decision should prioritize balancing career advancement and educational goals, considering personal circumstances and the likelihood of success with each approach.

Step Six: Implement and Reflect

Implementation involves communicating clearly with the prospective employer about the negotiated start date or support, coordinating moving plans, and managing academic commitments during the transition. Reflection after implementation assesses whether the decision achieved the desired outcomes—career progression, educational achievement, and personal satisfaction. If challenges arise, adjustments such as seeking additional support or delaying certain plans may be necessary. Reflecting on this process emphasizes the importance of systematic planning and flexibility in effective problem solving.

Conclusion

Applying the six-step problem solving process to this scenario demonstrates how a structured approach facilitates effective decision-making. By systematically defining the problem, analyzing options, and evaluating solutions, individuals can make informed choices that align with their values, goals, and circumstances. Ultimately, the success of this process depends on transparency, critical thinking, and willingness to adapt as new information emerges. Through disciplined execution of these steps, individuals can navigate complex problems and achieve desired outcomes in both personal and professional domains.

References

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