Attachment review and analysis

¶ … Decision Making Methodology

Decisions in business should be based on sound intuition and factual data. Oftentimes management has to make a judgment call of whether to evaluate from projections or from objective analysis of the circumstances. It is important for those in business to have proof to back the reasoning for making a decision which is sound and reasonable. According to Bazerman and Moore there are six main steps to making a sound decision this structure can be used for any problems requiring a resolution. The methodology is considered useful due to the fact that consistent results can be documented (Bazerman and Moore, 2005).

Identifying a business problem is the first step in the Bazerman and Moore decision model. A problem that recently presented itself in the workplace was related to tenants in the Wulvern housing complex.

Background

Wulvern is part owner to a Senior Living Association that houses thousands of tenants providing affordable living (WulvernHousing, 2010). The Association is a non-profit provider that offers leasing, co-operative living, and shelter to those that are without permanent housing. They also provide residency to the disabled and assisted living for the elderly. The services Wulvern provide are aligned with the corporate goals of giving the highest level of living arrangements that meet not only the needs of the residents but accommodates their desires.

Goal: One of the goals at Wulvern is customer centric and employees are expected to respond to resident requests in an efficient and timely manner (WulvernHousing, 2010). The ability to meet these requirements has put Wulvern at the forefront as a leader in the industry where they have a reputation that will attract new entrants, as well as investors and expansion.

Returning to step one of the Bazerman and Moore to determine the problem and the reason that it needs to be addressed as soon as possible are part of this analysis.

The most pressing problem that Wulvern faces in fulfilling its mission are

Dealing with community residents that display anti-social behavior that has led to confrontations.

Problem: Two tenants were perpetrating gang related violent behaviors. Incidents of fighting, offending noise, and incidents of anti-social behaviors were reported by others in the neighborhood. Several complaints were documented from neighbors about these tenants. The facts included claims of late visitors throughout the night and early morning with loud music playing. Foul language and lewdness were among the incidents reported.

By looking at this problem, getting input from residents that report incidents and observing cases that have been documented, alternative solutions may be proposed using the weighted scoring of Bazerman and Moore (Scotch College, 2011, 12).

The second step involves documenting the objectives that relate to company goals in resolving the problem. Detail is important to define criteria that can be used to evaluate a successful solution (Bazerman and Moore, 2005). Metrics are needed to determine what criteria qualifies as success based on the objectives and goals of Wulvern management.

Details of the problem of anti-social behavior

The age of tenants at Wulvern range from children to elderly adults. Therefore a wide range of issues of unacceptable behavior can and will be monitored to resolution by the Association. The definition that Wulvern uses for anti-social behavior are any action that disturbs other tenants of a troubling or annoying nature. Simple examples being music being played too loudly after hours. Arguments or fighting on the grounds including aggressive behaviors due to alcohol or substance use. Also included are vandalism of Wulvern or other residents property. In terms of expectations Wulvern has informed parents and guardians that they must be held accountable for minors or residents under their care. The monitoring objective of Wulvern is demonstrated through promoting community meetings and providing neighborhood safety watch programs that work cooperatively with local law enforcement.

The third step is to assign a weight to each criteria related to how important it is to the overall goals of Wulvern to provide a safe and high level of resident satisfaction. These criteria are to be ranked based on the importance. With 1 representing the least important and 5 representing the most crucial to residents or customers as well as Wulvern company mission and goals.