Questions to answer
DECISION MAKING MATRIX
Use the following table to choose four mutually exclusive options to pursue in the first year after your graduation from college. In other words, what will you do with your life after you graduate?
Step 1. At the bottom of this page, briefly describe each option.
Step 2 In the column entitled “Decision Factor,” briefly describe the aspect or criterion that differentiates each choice. For example, one decision factor might be “income in first year.” Another might be “intellectual challenge,” and so on. Bear in mind that each decision factor must be applicable (but not necessarily the best) for each outcome. For example, if one outcome option is to join the army, you cannot use a decision factor like “overcome fear of guns.” If you did, the only possible column that could get the check mark would be the one for “Join the army.”
Step 3: Using the criteria in step 2, place an X in the column for each row that will most thoroughly fulfill that criterion/factor. That is, which option is the best for that decision factor?
Step 4: Add the number of X’s in each column and record that number at the bottom of the table in each column.
I WOULD PREFER some decisions factors would be: Getting a job as international student (going to Optional practical training -OPT) and some others you decide.
Options ABCD TOTALS:
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Option A: ______________________________________________________________________ Option B: ______________________________________________________________________ Option C: ______________________________________________________________________ Option D: ______________________________________________________________________
Based on your work with the decision-making process
1. Did you find it relevant/useful?
2. Would you use it regularly at work or personal? Why or why not?
Source: This exercise was developed and contributed to this book by Dr. Brian K. Miller, Assistant Professor, Management Program, College of Business, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia (2004).