Decision-making
Decision making refers to the recognition and deciding on alternatives depending on the values and predilections of the decision maker (Murty, 2010). In decision making therefore, there must be some alternatives to opt from and some standards of conclusion. It is important to note however that there are various models for decision making, for example linear decision-making. The intent of this paper is to avail an internet research on this type of decision making and show its usage in decision making at a personal level.
Linear decision-making
Linear decision making is one of the models for making decisions. This model of decision making is commonly used in circumstances in which choices are made on the basis of numerous codable inputs (Murty, 2010). Researchers have established that linear decision making models generate more superior predictions than those of professionals across a remarkable range of domains. This model is mostly used to enhance certainty hence a need to predict the impact of a course of action before making decisions. Here, the weight of the pro and cons arguments are estimated before coming up with a decision. Generally, the use of linear decision making models is attributed to be a source of great help to decision making. Notably, they assist them to evade the drawbacks of biases in judgment (Murty, 2010).
According to Bazerman and Moore (2009), any rational decision making model should be founded on a linear decision making process. This , they argue should include a series of steps like problem definition, objective identification, identification of alternative courses of action and the computation of the final decision. These ideas however may not be valid with reference to the linear decision making model. Incorporating these ideas will indicate an escape from the representation of reality, which is in fact emphasized in the linear model of decision making. Again, the validity of the linear decision making process may be questionable as common principles cannot be used in the absence of exact content knowledge (Bazerman & Moore 2009).
How a linear decision-making model could have helped in making a past decision.
In the past, I was really interested to know what could predict a student’s academic success in college. I came up with a list of various variables that could be success determinants. I was interested in coming up with a single grade point, based on the variables that could be used in predicting the success level of student. Linear decision making could however be handy in the making of such a decision. With this kind of decision making model, I could be able to analyze and determine the strength levels of each variable and hence indicate a percentage representation of the same in the final grade point.
References
Bazerman, M. H., & Moore, D. A. (2009). Judgment in managerial decision making. Hoboken
NJ: John Wiley and Sons, Inc.
Murty, K. G. (2010). Optimization for decision making: Linear and quadratic models. New York: Springer.
