Management Tools and Techniques

Tools and Techniques Paper

Decision-making and problem-solving are important skills for business and life. We solve problems and make decisions everyday. Problem-solving often involves decision-making, and decision-making is especially important for management and leadership. Decision-making is the ultimate selection of a course of action after problem-solving has been exhausted. Although problem-solving and decision-making are two separate behaviors, they complement one another. Furthermore, for any problem or issue that needs to be resolved, there are various tools and techniques that could be used. One must first find out what tools are available and choose which tool is appropriate for the situation and decision that needs to be made. Also, one must then learn how to use it, understand the advantages and disadvantages, comprehend the procedures, and when to use the chosen tool or technique and not to use the chosen tool or technique.

Steps in the problem solving process include: “defining the problem and collecting data, analyzing the data, evaluating and selecting possible solutions, and developing an action plan for implementation. To solve organizational problems and make effective decisions, a proper tool and/or technique needs to be selected during the planning stage” (Daft and Marcic 2004, pg. 155). This may be the most essential step in the problem-solving process.

Description of Technique

One possible technique used for decision-making is the nominal group technique, which is a subcategory of brainstorming. Brainstorming “is a tool used to stimulate and capture creative thoughts and ideas. It involves the creative generation of many ideas to solve a problem. The nominal group technique, or NGT, is another variation on open brainstorming that ameliorates the negative impact that status differences may have on a problem-solving group. The technique "nominalizes" or equalizes hierarchical or status differences among members of a group, enabling individuals to speak out without concern for such differences or fears of being ridiculed” (Janasz, Dowd, and Schneider pg. 4-5).

Nominal Group Technique (NGT) Procedure

The procedure to the nominal group technique that we, the Sons of Italy (B.O.D.) follow when facing an issue include: first stating the issue at hand. Second, each board member (silently) writes down as many ideas as possible for a certain period of time. No discussion is allowed during this period, not even questions to another member for clarification. Third, after all “votes” are submitted to our president, the results are read aloud (with no names as to whom recommended what solution) and all solutions / ideas are discussed. Fourth, we prioritize the results by using multivoting,