DECISION-MAKING ASSIGNMENT 1
Decision-Making Assignment
Liberty University
BMAL703: Managing the Contemporary Organization (B07)
By submitting this assignment, I attest this submission represents my own work, and not that of
another student, scholar, or internet source. I understand I am responsible for knowing and
correctly utilizing referencing and bibliographical guidelines.
Abstract
DECISION-MAKING ASSIGNMENT 2
The similarities and differences in managerial decision-making can determine what the best
options are based on the problem at hand. Just as situations differ, so do the solutions that they
require. Choosing the right technique for the job is necessary, seeing as the wrong technique may
not give management the correct solution to fix the problem. Of all the different decision-making
techniques, this assignment looks at the Vroom-Yetton Decision Model and the Scientific
Method. These two methods have some similarities and differences that can prove to be the
deciding factor on which is the best to use in the situation that is faced. It looks at a specific
problem of a fashion designer’s company’s decline to assess the method necessary to solve the
issue of the short lifespan the company had. Focusing on how to best approach the situation is
the most important and is the main notion. There is also a biblical perspective provided on the
Bible’s views on decision-making.
DECISION-MAKING ASSIGNMENT 3
Decision-Making Assignment
It can be a challenge making the appropriate managerial decisions in response to
problems that may arise. The process of decision-making starts with how a manager chooses to
approach a problem in the first place. The textbook defines decision-making as follows: “the
process by which managers respond to opportunities and threats by analyzing options and
making determinations about specific organizational goals and courses of action. (Jones &
George, 2021, p. 156, The Nature of Managerial Decision Making section, para. 1)” There is a
multitude of decision-making techniques available for consideration, however two that stand out
are the Vroom-Yetton Decision Model and the Scientific Method. These both are different, but
equally as capable to solve a wide range of problems.
The Problem
The problem at hand comes from the media pertaining a brick-and-mortar business that is
closing after less than two years of operation. The Atira Lyons label specialized in luxury durags
and was based in Los Angeles, California. The problem stems from this company’s inability to
prosper with such a unique product type and notoriety on social media. There were many
speculations as to the root of the problem including price range, location, inefficient
management, poor employee treatment, etc. Solving these issues could have possibly resulted in
a better outcome for the company depending on the steps that were taken.
The Solution
When comparing the Vroom-Yetton Decision Model with the Scientific Method, the
major difference lies in the ways of application. When looking at the Vroom-Yetton Decision
Model, it can be applied in a numerous amount of ways just depending on what the problem is
DECISION-MAKING ASSIGNMENT 4
and requires, while the Scientific Method focuses on using a hypothesis or question as the basis
of its technique. Both techniques have been proven to be efficient methods of decision-making,
but the question is: how do they compare in relation to this specific problem? One method may
have more success than the other in application.
When approaching the problem using the Vroom-Yetton Decision Model, management
has a wider range of options for use than other techniques. This model can be used in almost any
setting that has a problem, mainly because it focuses on the right path to take when trying to
solve the problem, and it does not use a specific method for every problem. It is a very flexible
method of choice in ways of time and opportunity. Research showed that “in testing of the
Vroom-Yetton model it was found that time constraints did not affect the rates of effective
decisions in public management. (Lührs et al., 2018, Discussion section, para. 6)” This technique
can be considered before any other technique to see what other technique could be used in
conjunction with the Vroom-Yetton Decision Model.
On the other hand, the Scientific Method also has similar values. It can be applied in a
plethora of ways with research backing the findings. “One might describe the scientific method
as a collection of methodologies and processes of gathering observable, measurable evidence
using experimentation and careful observation, and of analyzing the evidence to draw
conclusions, inform decisions and raise new questions. (Brownstein et al., 2019, The Cycles of
Inference and Decision in Science section, para. 1)” When using the Scientific Method, it all
begins as a hypothesis, so for this specific problem there would need to be a hypothesis that first
find the root of the problem before attempting to solve it. The best attributes of the Scientific
Method lie in the research that must be performed for it to be accurate and reliable.
DECISION-MAKING ASSIGNMENT 5
I strongly sense that the better choice in this situation would be the Vroom-Yetton
Decision Model. This allows a lot more freedom in finding the answers that the management
requires while the Scientific Method may not be as necessary with its details and research. With
them both being used, that would find for the best possible outcome. The Vroom-Yetton
Decision Model could begin the process, and once the best route is found, the Scientific Method
could begin work on a hypothesis that is more specified as to save time and effort.
Conclusion
When looking at the biblical opinion of decision-making, the simplest route is to always
follow God. “Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me. (Psalms
119:133)” Allowing God to direct your footsteps is the best way to ensure that you are always
walking on a path of righteousness and according to His plan. In the text, Merida et al. shows us
how disobedience can lead to downfall such as it did to Solomon. (2015, p. 63-64) Decision-
making is imperative to good management so all techniques available must be perused in order
to find the best option.
DECISION-MAKING ASSIGNMENT 6
References
Brownstein, N. C., Louis, T. A., O'Hagan, A., & Pendergast, J. (2019). The role of expert
judgment in statistical inference and evidence-based decision-making.The American
Statistician,73(1), 56-68.Khttps://doi.org/10.1080/00031305.2018.1529623
Jones, G. R., & George, J. M. (2021). Essentials of contemporary management. McGraw-Hill
Education.
Lührs, N., Jager, N. W., Challies, E., & Newig, J. (2018). How participatory should
environmental governance be? testing the applicability of the vroom-yetton-jago model in
public environmental decision-making.Environmental Management (New York),61(2),
249-262.Khttps://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-017-0984-3
Merida, T., Platt, D., & Akin, D. L. (2015). Exalting jesus in 1 & 2 kings. Holman Reference.
Zondervan. (2005). The holy bible: New international version.
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