A computer machine is one of the most important requirements for any student. According to Anderson (2015), the biggest problem that students including me face in the market today is to choose which machine meets their requirements. Earlier this year, I wanted to change my laptop; therefore, I went through different decision-making stages to come up with the best computer choice. Previously, I was having a Samsung - 3 11.6" Chromebook - Intel Celeron - 2GB Memory - 16GB Solid State Drive - Metallic black. The initial cost of the laptop was $189 in an online shop that was one and a half years ago.
Tasked with newer challenges in class, I had to purchase another laptop computer that will help me in different ways. Some of the challenges I faced during my decision-making process was the numerous number of different laptop computer models in the market. I had to choose from different models such as MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and other products not from the Apple Company such as Lenovo, HP, Dell, and Samsung.
Need recognition stage
Before doing any search on the internet to evaluate different factors such as price and specifications of the machines, I conducted a need recognition analysis where I evaluated my personal needs. I needed a laptop computer with an improvised memory of not less than 4GB internal storage. Apart from memory, I realized that I was starting to solve different class assignments that needed data analysis. Therefore, a laptop computer that would help me in my statistical analysis was going to be the chosen one. Finally, the size of the computer was another factor to consider. I previously had a 16” computer which I believe was far way out of fashion in the market and among my peers.
Pre-purchase search
I had different option to choose from. Before deciding on what computer to buy, I conducted various pre-search in the market to ensure that I purchase the best product at a reasonable price. According to Karimi (2015), a buyer can use different sources to make a search. I revisited my memory and looked around. During a Christmas holiday of 2015, I wanted to design some gift cards so that I can give them to my good friends and family. Things changed drastically when my computer failed to accommodate the Adobe Indesign software forcing me to borrow one. My friend had a MacBook Air which assisted me in a very positive manner. The experience I had with a MacBook back in 2015 made me think of buying an Apple product. This was until I conducted some internet searches to compare the specification and prices. Apart from the specifications, I was very much concerned about the warranty different companies were offering. Since I had prior knowledge about MacBook Air, I did not take a lot of time conducting an internet search. Additionally, most of my friends at school already have the product and I managed to share with them one or two about their experience using the product. Their responses were very positive.
Decision rule applied
I weighed the competing products on various scales. I chose to use the compensatory decision rule over the non-compensatory option since I had an in-depth formed opinion and knowledge on the MacBook Air. The only choice I had to make was either to buy a Pro or a MacBook Air machine. Convinced that they both have the same specifications, I trusted MacBook Air much due to the loyalty that most of the students showed towards the product.
Decision-making output
Choosing MacBook Air over other products made me feel satisfied. Unlike other people who will have an after purchase panic, I felt no effect at all, I was convinced that the product I chose was the beat in the market and that which met all my requirements. Even though the product was much more expensive than the competitors in the market, I was convinced that I received a value for my money.
Works cited
Anderson, David R., et al. An introduction to management science: quantitative approaches to decision making. Cengage learning, 2015.
Karimi, Sahar, K. Nadia Papamichail, and Christopher P. Holland. "The effect of prior knowledge and decision-making style on the online purchase decision-making process: A typology of consumer shopping behaviour."Decision Support Systems 77 (2015): 137-147.
