Problem solving and Decision making [defined]

Problem solving can be defined as the process of identifying a difference between the actual and the desired state of affairs and then taking action to resolve the difference. For problems important enough to justify the time and effort of careful analysis, the problem solving process involves the following seven steps:

1. Identify and define the problem.

2. Determine the set of alternative solutions.

3. Determine the criterion or criteria that will be used to evaluate the alternatives.

4. Evaluate the alternatives.

5. Choose an alternative.

6. Implement the selected alternative.

7. Evaluate the results to determine whether a satisfactory solution has been obtained.

Decision making is the term generally associated with the first five steps of the problem solving process. Thus, the first step of decision making is to identify and define the problem. Decision making ends with the choosing of an alternative, which is the act of making the decision.