IFSM 380 ASSN 2
Assignment: Applying the Rational Decision Making Model

In this assignment you will choose one of the following Decision Making Examples, or develop one of your own. Some are oriented towards management decisions others towards career development. The point of this exercise is less about the actual decision (conclusion) but following the 8 steps of the process. Feel free to make the exercise ‘your own’, if you would like to add specific detail that might be more relevant for your situation and experience.

1. Should you keep a client you cannot give results to?

2. Should you keep a long-time client who requires excessive time and resources and doesn’t generate the level of revenue as many new clients?

3. Should you fire an under-performing employee?

4. Should you take a management position in your company vs staying on the ‘front lines’ and/or in ‘hands on implementation’?

5. Should you change cities, in order to downsize and reduce cost of living?

6. Should you (you=singular, one person or plural, a couple) outsource preschool aged day care or accept a leave of absence to attend full time to a school aged child (or children)?

7. A decision making example of your own: Be sure to either email your instructor or post to the Ask the Prof discussion area with your proposed example BEFORE beginning the assignment.

Rational Decision Making Model:

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Write a paper that lists the 8 steps and applies them to the problem in one of the scenarios above, giving your response for each step.

Your paper should contain the following:

· An introductory paragraph briefly explaining what is to follow

· A short 3-4 sentence paragraph for each step in the model that explains what you do and then explains why that step is important in the decision making process.

· For example, in Step 2, Establish Decision Criteria, you would tell what criteria you will use to come to your decision about what to do and then you will explain why it is important to establish decision criteria.

· Strengths and Weaknesses (Limitations) of the model: As a part of the Critical Thinking component of the assignment, include a paragraph on strengths and weakness (limitations) of the model for decision making.

· A short conclusion paragraph about how the model helped you come to the decision and be able to evaluate your decision (or not).

GRADING RUBRIC: Use the grading rubric below to check that your work meets the standards expected and is complete.

Criteria

Far Above Standards

Above Standards

Meets Standards

Below Standards

Far Below Standards

Completeness Eight stages are addressed. Generally, 0-2 points for each stage.

16 points

All 8 stages are addressed.

14 points

7 stages are addressed.

12 points

6 stages are addressed.

10 points

5 stages are addressed.

0 points

4 or fewer stages are addressed.

Correctness Demonstrates understanding of each stage. Generally, 0-4 points for each stage. Both quantity and quality evaluated.

32 points

All 8 stages are correctly addressed, demonstrating understanding of all stages.

28 points

7 stages are correctly addressed, demonstrating understanding of stages.

24 points

6 stages are correctly addressed, demonstrating understanding of most stages.

20 points

5 stages are correctly addressed, demonstrating understanding of most stages.

0 points

4 or fewer stages are correctly addressed, or demonstrated understanding of 4 or fewer stages.

Critical Thinking Responses demonstrate analysis and critical thinking, including section on Strengths, Weaknesses (Limitations) of the Model.

32 points

Responses are logical and complete for all stages. Superior discussion of Strengths, Weaknesses (limitations) of the Model.

28 points

Responses are logical and complete for most stages. Excellent discussion of Strengths, Weaknesses (limitations) of the Model.

24 points

Responses are logical and complete for some stages. Good discussion of Strengths, Weaknesses (limitations) of the Model.

20 points

Responses are logical and complete for a few stages. Partial discussion of Strengths, Weaknesses (limitations) of the Model.

0 points

Responses are logical and complete for very few or no stages. Insufficient discussion of Strengths, Weaknesses (limitations) of the Model.

Format and Writing

20 points

Very well organized and easy to read. No errors in sentence structure, grammar, and spelling; and presented in a professional format.

17 points

Effective organization; has very few errors in sentence structure, grammar, and spelling; and presented in a professional format.

14 points

Some organization; may have minor errors in sentence structure, grammar and spelling.

12 points

Not well organized, and/or contains several grammar and/or spelling errors.

0 points

Extremely poorly written, has many grammar and/or spelling errors, or does not convey the information.