Using your own words and based on this week’s readings, define what the difference is between problem solving  and decision making.

Look at each of the five scenarios below. Identify whether the scenario poses a problem to solve or a decision to be made. Explain HOW and WHY you came to your answer.

• You are governor of a state. A very influential political group’s leader comes to meet with you, asking for more money to be spent on shelters for the homeless, on programs to help them get jobs, and on community mental-health programs. You know there is very little money in the state budget to help them with new programs. You also know that come election day you will need the group’s help. Should you make a promise to the leader to help or not?
• Imagine you are a physician who has been whose patient has the following matter up to you. The patient has an unusual infection, which lasts for a short time. The infection has a 15% chance of causing permanent brain damage. You may undertake a procedure that will prevent the brain damage from the infection (with 100% probability). However, the procedure itself has a 20% chance of causing brain damage itself. Should you undertake the procedure or not?
• You are the conductor on a train. A woman gets on the train without a ticket. You tell her that the fare is $2, plus $1 for not buying a ticket at the station. The woman refuses to pay the extra dollar, although she has the money. She says that she did not know the rule. You do not believe her. You have seen her many times riding the train, and you know that there is a sign posted in the station where she got on. The rules say that passengers must be made to pay or they must be put off the train, if necessary, by calling the police. Calling the police would delay the train and make all the other passengers late. All the other passengers are listening to your conversation with the woman. Do you throw her off the train if she does not pay the dollar?
• You graduate from UMGC and are approached by a successful business person who has reason to believe that your experience with online education makes you qualified to complete this mission: Using 2 billion dollars to create the best online school you can. He is offering to pay you $100,000 annually, health care benefits along with luxury housing accommodations . However, you would have to move to Nigeria. Do you take the job or turn it down?
• Imagine you have recently inherited $20,000 and you want to save it. You can put it in a bank and get 2% interest, you can buy a U.S. Government bond and get 5% interest, or you can buy a bond issued by the British Government, which pays 15% interest. The government bonds come due in 15 years; that means that the governments promise to pay back your $20,000 in 15 years. In the meantime, you get just the interest. What should you do? 
• Pick one of the scenarios and explain in detail the process you would use in answering the question at the end of the scenario. For example, would you make a pros and cons list, go with your gut, ask for help, etc.? Make sure that you are specific in your response.

SOLUTION

Problem-solving vs. decision-making

Student

University of Maryland Global College

BMGT 317: Methods of Decision-Making and Problem-Solving

3/19/2024

The difference is between problem-solving and decision-making.

Problem-solving and decision-making are essential cognitive activities in personal and professional life. These processes are similar yet have different goals and methods. Understanding problem-solving and decision-making is essential for navigating difficult situations and reaching goals (Eva, 2015). Problem-solving is the cognitive process of discovering, assessing, and overcoming obstacles to a goal or intended outcome. It involves systematically studying the difficulties, brainstorming ideas, assessing them, and implementing the best one (DuBrin, 2015). Complex, diverse problems demand critical thinking, inventiveness, and analytical reasoning. Collaboration with others to use varied viewpoints and experiences to find unique solutions may also be required

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