Use decision-making models, Select a problem or opportunity for improvement identified in your home, work, or school life. This could be anything that you need to make a decision on. Once you have your decision in or opportunity in mind. Review the Decision-Making Steps section of the textbook in Chapter 6. Begin the assignment with a brief description of the problem, then use the six steps of the decision-making process as headings in one column and describe the actions you have taken or would take for each of these steps in another column. Be sure to address each of the six steps in your assignment. Recognition of Decision Requirement A decision about a problem or an opportunity must be made. Survey the internal and external environment for related issues—“intelligence gathering” and integrate the information. Diagnosis and Analysis of Causes Analyze underlying causal factors—what created the problem or opportunity? When? Where? How? To whom? Development of Alternatives Generate possible alternative solutions that will respond to the needs of the situation and correct the underlying causes. Selection of Desired Alternative Determine which solution/alternative best fits the overall goals and values of the organization and achieves the desired results using the fewest resources. Implementation of Chosen Alternative Translate your chosen solution into action. Evaluation and Feedback Gather information that tells you how well the decision was implemented and whether it was effective in achieving its goals. Determine whether a new decision cycle is needed if the first decision fails.