What Do You Do To Solve A Problem When Faced With It? ✓ Solved

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. Choose one (1) of the problem scenarios 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 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.

Scenario 2: Your child comes home from school with an assignment sheet for a school project. He / she is very excited about the project and begins work immediately, doing research on the Internet and gathering materials. You read over the assignment sheet and notice that your child is not including all of the required items in the project, and you have some ideas for how to improve the quality of the presentation. You recently read an article in a parenting magazine about the importance of a child developing responsibility for his/ her own learning. You recall the many ways in which your parents took over your school projects. You, on the other hand, want to encourage your child's confidence in his / her ability to complete a project independently. 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 that meets from 6:00 to 10:00 pm, and one class online. You have two kids, one who plays soccer, and one who is in band. You have two elderly parents who no longer drive. You have two siblings, one who lives two (2) miles away, and one who lives in another state. You have two (2) papers due in your classes the same week that one (1) of your children has a soccer tournament, and the other child has a band concert. You are coaching the soccer team, and you are in charge of fundraising for the band. You have a goal to complete your degree in two (2) years. Your doctor tells you that your blood pressure, your cholesterol, and your weight are too high and recommends several medications that cost you nearly $200 per month after your insurance co-pay.

Scenario 4: You are a sales representative for a company that encourages staff to log time in the field and away from the office. You notice that each day when you arrive and return another co-worker is already there, and you wonder whether this person spends most of his / her time at the office. At your weekly sales meeting, you are informed of your co-workers' outstanding sales performance. You suspect that this co-worker is spending more time flattering the boss instead of working leads in the field, and as a result is getting the best client referrals. Your own sales numbers have steadily decreased since this other sales representative was hired.

Scenario 5: Professor's Choice - problem scenario presented by your professor. Scenario 6: Student's Choice - Problem scenario presented by you. 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: This course requires use of Strayer Writing Standards (SWS). The format is different than other Strayer University courses.

Based on the guidelines in SWS, "A well-researched assignment has at least as many sources as pages." Therefore, since this assignment requires you to write at least 4-5 pages, you should include at least 4-5 references.

Paper For Above Instructions

Problem-solving is an essential skill in both personal and professional settings. Applying a systematic approach to addressing issues can lead to effective resolutions. In this paper, I will use Scenario 1 to illustrate the six-step problem-solving process: a dilemma involving career advancement versus educational commitments. This scenario involves having to choose between accepting a promoted position in another state, which could jeopardize the completion of my Bachelor’s degree, or staying at my current job, which offers tuition reimbursement but lacks the salary increase and opportunities associated with the new role.

Define the Problem

The core problem in this scenario is the conflict between pursuing a career advancement opportunity that offers a substantial financial benefit and the commitment to completing my educational journey. Accepting the new position means I will have to navigate intense time constraints, as the start date coincides with my final exams. Furthermore, the new job does not provide tuition reimbursement, contrasting with my current employer. This introduces an additional layer to the dilemma, as I will have to consider the long-term ramifications of completing a Master's degree without financial support.

Analyze the Problem

Analyzing the problem involves assessing the implications of each option. Pursuing the new job could significantly enhance my financial situation, allowing for better stability and independence. Moreover, being endorsed by a former supervisor highlights my capabilities. However, the decision to accept the position also raises concerns about educational interruptions and long-term career progression—other supervisors have achieved higher qualifications. Staying at my current company offers a more stable environment where I can focus on completing my degree with some financial assistance, but it may limit future earning potential if I do not pursue advanced education.

Generate Options

Several options may be considered in this scenario:

• Option 1: Accept the new position and defer my studies.
• Option 2: Stay at my current job and complete my Bachelor's degree first.
• Option 3: Communicate with the new employer about the possibility of flexible scheduling to accommodate my final exams.
• Option 4: Explore options for financial aid or scholarships that could support my continued education while working.

Evaluate Options

Each option presents distinct advantages and disadvantages:

• Option 1 (Accepting the new position): Immediate financial gain, enhanced responsibilities, and professional development, but risks educational completion.
• Option 2 (Staying put): Completion of degree with financial support ensuring future opportunities, but forgoing immediate salary increase.
• Option 3 (Flexible scheduling): Potential compromise that enables maintaining current degree timeline, but it may not be realistic given workplace demands.
• Option 4 (Financial aid): Access to educational funding, yet applying for assistance can be time-consuming and competitive.

Decide on the Best Option

After careful evaluation, Option 3 emerges as the most favorable decision. By negotiating flexible scheduling with the new employer, I can maintain my educational trajectory while securing a higher income. If my situation allows, this would enable me to complete exams without compromising my performance, providing a pathway to both personal and professional advancement.

Implement and Reflect

To implement this decision, I will first communicate with the new employer, articulating my commitment to the role while emphasizing the importance of completing my degree. This may involve discussing potential arrangements, such as adjusted working hours during exam weeks or the possibility of remote working arrangements. Additionally, I will set personal deadlines to ensure academic commitments are met during this transition.

Reflecting on this decision will involve monitoring my performance in both my new role and my academic pursuits. It will be crucial to assess whether this flexible approach meets my needs or if adjustments are necessary. This proactive evaluation helps ensure that the chosen path continues to align with my long-term career goals while also facilitating personal growth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, tackling the complex issue of career advancement versus academic commitments through the structured six-step problem-solving process emphasizes the importance of careful evaluation and decision-making. By considering the implications of each option and negotiating terms that support both my educational journey and professional aspirations, I have positioned myself for a successful transition into the new role while maintaining the integrity of my academic pursuits.

References

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• Mintzberg, H. (1994). The Rise and Fall of Strategic Planning. Free Press.
• Simon, H. A. (1977). The New Science of Management Decision. Prentice-Hall.
• Robinson, S. P., & Judge, T. A. (2018). Organizational Behavior. Pearson.
• Northouse, P. G. (2021). Leadership: Theory and Practice. Sage.
• Fisher, R., Ury, W. L., & Patton, B. (2011). Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In. Penguin Books.
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• Kepner, C. H., & Tregoe, B. B. (1981). The New Rational Manager. Prentice Hall.
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