PPT: Decision Making & Problem Solving

 Page 1


Decision Making & 
Problem Solving
Page 2


Decision Making & 
Problem Solving
What is Decision Making?
A cognitive process of carefully choosing a rational option among several 
alternatives.
Involves considering the advantages and disadvantages of each 
alternative.
Serves as a comprehensive test of an individual's ability to respond to a 
given situation.
Requires anticipating outcomes and selecting the most suitable choice.
Page 3


Decision Making & 
Problem Solving
What is Decision Making?
A cognitive process of carefully choosing a rational option among several 
alternatives.
Involves considering the advantages and disadvantages of each 
alternative.
Serves as a comprehensive test of an individual's ability to respond to a 
given situation.
Requires anticipating outcomes and selecting the most suitable choice.
Types of Decisions
'Whether' Decision
Choosing between only 
two options: "Yes or No." 
Made by considering 
reasons, advantages, 
and disadvantages.
E x a m p l e : Whether to 
purchase land or appear 
for IAS Exam this year.
'Which' Decision
Selecting one option 
from multiple alternatives 
based on predefined 
criteria.
E x a m p l e : Choosing a 
subject for Civil Services 
Main Examination from 
available options.
'Contingent' 
Decision
Made but postponed 
until certain conditions 
are met, based on 'if' 
statements.
E x a m p l e : Appearing in 
Civil Services Prelims 
only if syllabus is 
completed on time.
Page 4


Decision Making & 
Problem Solving
What is Decision Making?
A cognitive process of carefully choosing a rational option among several 
alternatives.
Involves considering the advantages and disadvantages of each 
alternative.
Serves as a comprehensive test of an individual's ability to respond to a 
given situation.
Requires anticipating outcomes and selecting the most suitable choice.
Types of Decisions
'Whether' Decision
Choosing between only 
two options: "Yes or No." 
Made by considering 
reasons, advantages, 
and disadvantages.
E x a m p l e : Whether to 
purchase land or appear 
for IAS Exam this year.
'Which' Decision
Selecting one option 
from multiple alternatives 
based on predefined 
criteria.
E x a m p l e : Choosing a 
subject for Civil Services 
Main Examination from 
available options.
'Contingent' 
Decision
Made but postponed 
until certain conditions 
are met, based on 'if' 
statements.
E x a m p l e : Appearing in 
Civil Services Prelims 
only if syllabus is 
completed on time.
Decision Making Categories
Rational Decision-Making
Following logical and 
systematic models, 
generating numerous 
potential options, and 
assessing pros and cons 
based on their 
significance.
Intuitive Decision-Making
Relying on inner 
knowledge, intuition, or 
sense of what feels 
right, without clear 
explanation or 
justification.
Combination Decision-
Making
Influenced by both 
rational and intuitive 
processes, either 
intentionally or naturally 
incorporating elements 
of both approaches.
Page 5


Decision Making & 
Problem Solving
What is Decision Making?
A cognitive process of carefully choosing a rational option among several 
alternatives.
Involves considering the advantages and disadvantages of each 
alternative.
Serves as a comprehensive test of an individual's ability to respond to a 
given situation.
Requires anticipating outcomes and selecting the most suitable choice.
Types of Decisions
'Whether' Decision
Choosing between only 
two options: "Yes or No." 
Made by considering 
reasons, advantages, 
and disadvantages.
E x a m p l e : Whether to 
purchase land or appear 
for IAS Exam this year.
'Which' Decision
Selecting one option 
from multiple alternatives 
based on predefined 
criteria.
E x a m p l e : Choosing a 
subject for Civil Services 
Main Examination from 
available options.
'Contingent' 
Decision
Made but postponed 
until certain conditions 
are met, based on 'if' 
statements.
E x a m p l e : Appearing in 
Civil Services Prelims 
only if syllabus is 
completed on time.
Decision Making Categories
Rational Decision-Making
Following logical and 
systematic models, 
generating numerous 
potential options, and 
assessing pros and cons 
based on their 
significance.
Intuitive Decision-Making
Relying on inner 
knowledge, intuition, or 
sense of what feels 
right, without clear 
explanation or 
justification.
Combination Decision-
Making
Influenced by both 
rational and intuitive 
processes, either 
intentionally or naturally 
incorporating elements 
of both approaches.
Steps of Decision Making Process
Identify the Problem
Carefully review the case study to gain clear 
understanding of the problem requiring 
resolution.
Identify Multiple Alternatives
Explore and consider every possible 
alternative, recognizing that problems may 
require different courses of action.
Analyze Each Alternative
Establish criteria to evaluate alternatives, 
assess pros and cons systematically based on 
selection criteria.
Remove Unsuitable Alternatives
Eliminate options that don't meet criteria or 
have negative consequences, narrowing 
choices to two or three.
Make the Decision
Rank remaining alternatives, balance 
humanitarian and logical aspects, and choose 
the best option.