Decision making models and frameworks

Facilitators Team, 12-06-02. Decision Making Model, The Team Handbook, pp.4-20 -- 4-25. Retrieved 9-16-05, from Facilitators Team. http://www.lib.umd.edu/groups/learning/Decision-MakingModel.pdf

Roberts, Rick, unknown. 7-Step Decision-Making Model. Retrieved 9-16-05, from University of North Florida.

Decisions are an everyday part of life, and sometimes they can be rather tough to make. Recently, I had an important decision to make regarding my own career. I found myself working a very unsatisfying job and had to decide what to do about it. To help, I used a decision making model. A decision making model is an organized process that helps you gather and organize the information necessary to make a confident decision. The model I used is called the 7-Step Decision-Making Model and was developed by Rick Roberts.

The first step in the process is to identify the decision to be made. In my case, I had to decide if I should change my career path, and if so, what career to pursue. To answer that question, I needed the second step; to evaluate myself. Questions like, "What can I do best?" And "What am I interested in doing?" are useful. Once you have figured out what you would like to do, you can identify options, the next step. Step four is to gather information and data. Examine the information and resources you already have and research what you need. Then, consider the pros and cons of each alternative and decide which options satisfy the most.