CSL Decision Making & Strategic Planning 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which decision-making model involves systematically evaluating all possible alternatives against a set of criteria to find the optimal solution?
- Intuitive model
- Rational/classical model (Correct answer)
- Bounded rationality model
- Garbage can model
Correct answer: Rational/classical model
The rational model assumes decision-makers have complete information, can evaluate all alternatives, and select the option that maximizes outcome.
Question 2: A supervisor must make a quick decision under time pressure with limited information. Which concept BEST describes this situation?
- Rational decision making
- Bounded rationality (Correct answer)
- Analysis paralysis
- Strategic planning
Correct answer: Bounded rationality
Bounded rationality, coined by Herbert Simon, recognizes that humans make 'good enough' decisions given real-world limits on time, information, and cognitive capacity.
Question 3: What is 'analysis paralysis' and why is it problematic for supervisors?
- A physical condition caused by sitting at a desk too long
- Over-analyzing a situation to the point where no decision is made, causing delays and missed opportunities (Correct answer)
- A formal review process that prevents hasty decisions
- A computer software error in decision-support systems
Correct answer: Over-analyzing a situation to the point where no decision is made, causing delays and missed opportunities
Analysis paralysis occurs when the fear of making a wrong decision leads to excessive deliberation, preventing timely action and increasing organizational costs.
Question 4: When using a SWOT analysis to support a departmental decision, what does the 'T' represent?
- Training
- Threats (Correct answer)
- Timelines
- Technology
Correct answer: Threats
SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats — Threats are external factors that could negatively impact the department or organization.
Question 5: A supervisor is presented with a problem and quickly jumps to a solution without identifying its root cause. What decision-making error is this?
- Confirmation bias
- Jumping to solutions (solution bias) (Correct answer)
- Escalation of commitment
- Groupthink
Correct answer: Jumping to solutions (solution bias)
Solution bias occurs when decision-makers focus on implementing fixes before fully understanding the problem, often resulting in solutions that don't address the real issue.
Question 6: What is the '5 Whys' technique used for in problem-solving and decision making?
- Evaluating five candidate solutions simultaneously
- Asking 'why' repeatedly to drill down to the root cause of a problem (Correct answer)
- Interviewing five employees before making a decision
- Meeting with stakeholders five times before finalizing a plan
Correct answer: Asking 'why' repeatedly to drill down to the root cause of a problem
The 5 Whys technique traces a problem back to its root cause by repeatedly asking 'why' until the fundamental source of the issue is identified.
CSL Decision Making & Strategic Planning 1
Which decision-making model involves systematically evaluating all possible alternatives against a set of criteria to find the optimal solution?