Decision Paradise Decisions in Paradise

Decision Paradise Decisions in Paradise Part II The situation in Kava is not an easy one, and Nik has some very difficult choices to make. One of the most important choices is how exactly to go about determining what solutions need to be applied to the problems identified in the area that will affect the company's expansion while it also strives to improve life for the inhabitants and society of Kava.

Determining the problems themselves required a specific framework and theoretical approach in order to be carried out n a concrete manner, and determining the proper solutions requires an equally structured and direct approach. Selecting an appropriate decision-making model to choose from among the potential solutions to each problem is an important part of the solution process, and the Six-Step Model is an effective technique for this purpose.

Applying the Six-Step Model The six-step decision making model consists of defining the problem, developing alternatives, evaluating the alternatives, making a decision, implementing the solution, and monitoring the solution following its implementation (Buzzle 2011; DMC 2011). For the four problems identified in Kava -- natural disasters that can be mitigated, natural disasters that cannot be mitigated, purposeful human threats such as terrorism, and health threats -- the six steps can be applied in a very direct and even a collective manner.

The situation and desired outcomes have already been largely defined, taking care of the first step in this model (DMC 2011). Researching and analyzing the alternatives comes next, and is still simple if somewhat more complex. For the natural disasters that cannot be effectively mitigated, by definition there is little that can be done.

Research into disaster preparedness techniques, the building of effective shelters, and having plans for rebuilding could help the company and the people of Kava to bounce back after such incidents, however, and research into this area is likely to yield several solutions. Even natural disasters that can be mitigated will be most effectively met through similar techniques for the most part, and thus the same research will suggest possibilities for both threats.

The purposeful human threats and the potential health threats can both be met more proactively; installing greater levels of infrastructure and stability to the government and the provision of basic human services will greatly improve health and help to reduce poverty, crime, and terrorism through a variety of means (Totus 2011).

Other solutions to the terrorist threat could include enhancing military responses and trying to impose harsher restriction on the populous in order to weed out criminal elements, and health improvements through treatment rather than prevention, however neither of these methods is demonstrated to be as effective -- especially for both issues at once -- in the developing world as infrastructure improvement (Totus 2011; WHO 2011). After selecting the decision, the next steps are implementation and monitoring that solution (Buzzle 2011; DMC 2011).

Clearly, these cannot be accomplished in the scope of this written assessment, however it is certain that infrastructure development if properly implemented would take care of many of Kava's problems. As for the final steps in the process, those will have to wait. Critical thinking involves creative thinking as well, and in decision-making and problem solving applications this means being able to imagine possible barriers to the implementation of proposed solutions, as well.

Developing infrastructure in Kava will be difficult precisely because of the problems that the infrastructure is meant to address -- terrorism, constant threats of destruction from natural disaster, and health problems that affect the workforce could all prevent or set back infrastructure development significantly. With the right commitment and effective, detailed planning in the infrastructure development, however, these problems can be mitigated and even overcome.

The more infrastructure is put in place, the less these problems will exist and the easier it will be to continue making infrastructure improvements, as well. There are also human factors that will need to be dealt with; all of the progress made should be done in tandem with the government and the larger community in Kava, ensuring that their needs are being met along with the company's.

Factors and Resources Affecting Implementation The organization will need to bring in a variety of engineers and skilled workers to Kava in order to carry out infrastructure projects, as it is likely that the number of knowledgeable and skilled personnel needed for large-scale projects will not be found in Kava initially. The resource intensity that this undertaking will require will also take some convincing for company brass.

Though the company's leader is committed to doing the right thing, this will be hugely costly and might not be entirely feasible without additional outside assistance. Other resources needed for infrastructure development in Kava range from a variety of physical resources -- concrete and other construction materials, various types of wiring for telecommunications infrastructure and power conducting, etc. -- to capital resources for paying laborers to the right project leaders and labor trainers.

Actions that will need to be taken include extensive planning meetings with government officials and community leaders; surveying of sites for roads, utility plants and lines, other public.