Anish AbrahamPrivacy Program Manager| University of WashingtonAuburn, Wa, United States
When making a decision of major importance, I have always found it advantageous to consider all the pros and cons. However, some people seem to be more naturally inclined to take an intuitive approach in making decisions. I believe knowledge is very important in making decisions, so it is better to ask questions, like who? what? where? when? why? and how?, also do research and use decision support systems. What is your opinion? Saving Changes...
Henry HattenrathProject Consultant| Tectonic Engineering MSA LLCNew York, Ny, United States
Jan 19, 2018 8:19 AM
Replying to Kiron Bondale
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Anish -
It depends on so many factors including the amount of time you have to make the decision, the number of stakeholders involved in the decision, the ability to reverse the decision without loss, the cost of making a bad decision and so on.
As with most PM scenarios, the higher the stakes or criticality, the greater the rigor you are likely to apply, and the more emphasis on one type of decision making over another (e.g. autocratic vs. consensus).
In most cases, we'd like to have as much information as possible to make a qualified, educated decision, but the cost of delay and the cost of acquiring that information needs to be considered.
While "gut feeling" can work, especially for those with years of pertinent experience, our biases can cause us to ignore valid information, hence wrapping some structure around the process will help.
Kiron
Kiron
You have raised excellent topics to consider in the decision making process for selecting the best solution to a problem. In the pressure to solve problems, some decision makers can unintentionally be biased to allow benefits to over shadow the process by ignoring other information that should be assessed in the process, including the cost and schedule impacts to implement the solution, and consequences of the decision on other elements of the project/program.
And lastly - decisions that are irreversible only lead to more bad decisions.
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
It is always best to put all your cards on the table and evaluate all pros and cons when taking a decision and that evaluation will be based on your knowledge and experience.
I like to use a decision matrix with defined criteria ponderation and marks for each solution according to the defined criteria. Works well , easy interpretation (whichever solution has the most points wins) and good traceability in case you need to be reminded why and how the decision was made and what were the alternatives.
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1 reply by Anish Abraham
Jan 20, 2018 10:47 AM
Anish Abraham
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Thanks Nenad for your feedback on this.
I think a matrix that compares the alternatives with objectives will be a good start.
Saving Changes...
Anish AbrahamPrivacy Program Manager| University of WashingtonAuburn, Wa, United States
Jan 20, 2018 2:22 AM
Replying to Rami Kaibni
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It is always best to put all your cards on the table and evaluate all pros and cons when taking a decision and that evaluation will be based on your knowledge and experience.
Thanks Rami for your comments.. Saving Changes...
Anish AbrahamPrivacy Program Manager| University of WashingtonAuburn, Wa, United States
Jan 20, 2018 4:34 AM
Replying to Nenad Pesic
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I like to use a decision matrix with defined criteria ponderation and marks for each solution according to the defined criteria. Works well , easy interpretation (whichever solution has the most points wins) and good traceability in case you need to be reminded why and how the decision was made and what were the alternatives.
Thanks Nenad for your feedback on this.
I think a matrix that compares the alternatives with objectives will be a good start. Saving Changes...
Henry HattenrathProject Consultant| Tectonic Engineering MSA LLCNew York, Ny, United States
Good Practices for Decision Making
• Identify the problem that the solution will solve
• Describe the criteria for selecting the solution
• List the expected benefit/outcome from implementing the solution
• Establish realistic dates the decision and the realization of benefit
• Determines/specify the inputs needed for the decision process
• Record the Decision in a document that covers all proposed solutions and topics such as cost for implementation, schedule for execution, advantages/disadvantages relative to the project, risks with implementation plan, impacts on interdependencies with other projects, and influence on other projects or organizational assets
• Ensure that subject matter experts within the project and from the organization are providing input
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1 reply by Anish Abraham
Jan 20, 2018 5:15 PM
Anish Abraham
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Thanks Henry, for your feedback on this. I really appreciate it.
Saving Changes...
Anish AbrahamPrivacy Program Manager| University of WashingtonAuburn, Wa, United States
Jan 20, 2018 1:16 PM
Replying to Henry Hattenrath
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Good Practices for Decision Making
• Identify the problem that the solution will solve
• Describe the criteria for selecting the solution
• List the expected benefit/outcome from implementing the solution
• Establish realistic dates the decision and the realization of benefit
• Determines/specify the inputs needed for the decision process
• Record the Decision in a document that covers all proposed solutions and topics such as cost for implementation, schedule for execution, advantages/disadvantages relative to the project, risks with implementation plan, impacts on interdependencies with other projects, and influence on other projects or organizational assets
• Ensure that subject matter experts within the project and from the organization are providing input
Thanks Henry, for your feedback on this. I really appreciate it. Saving Changes...
Most of the answers posted here are appropriate. Decision making should be done by a group and not a single person. To get consensus from most of the stakeholders would help you.
Brainstorming and DAR (of CMMI) are helpful in making a decision.
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