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Social Sciences
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Assignment 2: Problem Solving and Critical Thinking

Essay Instructions:

Assignment 2: Problem Solving
Due Week 9 and worth 150 points
When faced with a problem, what do you do to solve it? This assignment asks you to apply a six-step to problem solving process to a specific problem scenario. You will write a paper that presents a synthesis of your ideas about solving the problem using this systematic approach. As Voltaire said, "No problem can withstand the assault of sustained thinking.
Scenario 4: You are a sales representative for a company that encourages staff to log time in the field and away from the office. You are expected to begin and end your day at the office. You notice that each day when you arrive and return another co-worker is already there, and you wonder whether this person spends most of his / her time at the office. At your weekly sales meeting, you are informed of your co-workers' outstanding sales performance. You suspect that this co-worker is spending more time flattering the boss instead of working leads in the field, and as a result is getting the best client referrals. Your own sales numbers have steadily decreased since this other sales representative was hired.
Review the six-step problem solving process outlined in the webtext, based on the article “The Problem Solving Process” located at http://www(dot)gdrc(dot)org/decision/problem-solve.html:
•Step One: Define the problem.
•Step Two: Analyze the problem.
•Step Three: Generate options.
•Step Four: Evaluate options.
•Step Five: Make your decision.
•Step Six: Implement and reflect.
Write a four to five (4-5) page paper in which you:
1. Define the problem in the scenario that you have chosen.
2. Analyze the problem in the scenario.
3. Generate options for solving the problem in the scenario.
4. Evaluate the options for solving the problem.
5. Decide on the best option for solving the problem.
6. Explain how you will implement the decision made and reflect on whether this option was the most effective.
The paper should follow guidelines for clear and organized writing:
•Include an introductory paragraph and concluding paragraph..
•Address main ideas in body paragraphs with a topic sentence and supporting sentences..
•Adhere to standard rules of English grammar, punctuation, mechanics, and spelling..
Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:
•Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA Style format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions..
•Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student's name, the professor's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length

Essay Sample Content Preview:

Critical Thinking
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Critical Thinking
In the middle of a crisis, few people take the time to address the issue or problem at hand objectively. The result is that most end up fixing bigger problems after a very short time. When faced with a problem, it is advisable to remain calm and seek first of all to assess the extent of the issue first before taking any remedial action. However, people prefer taking drastic and short-term solutions that only elevate the problem once the extent of an issue becomes apparent. The problem-solving process is a six sequential step process that people are often asked to follow to ensure that they deal with a problem permanently and avoid future surprises. The process is not new and contains simple and easy to follow steps that when adhered to keenly can help one address whichever issue or problematic situation at hand. First of all, the process asks that one acknowledges the presence and extent of their problem. Acknowledging the existence of a problem provides one with a peaceful environment in which to address a problem. This article will employ the six-step process in trying to develop a solution for a potentially problematic situation.
The first step in the problem-solving process is problem definition. First of all, before one decides to act, it is essential that they define their problem articulately and accurately. Defining a problem primarily means identifying and acknowledging the existence of a problem. In the scenario provided, the suspected problem is favoritism in the workplace. In some organizations, managers tend to favor some employees and even gift them with opportunities that will make them rise above the others regarding performance and in this situation sales. To bring perspective to this potential issue, it is important first to write it down before developing the necessary actions. However, one also needs to assess the reliability of their assessment. In the case at hand, one can look into the history of the boss and assess any previous cases of favoritism that they might have had. After confirming that the boss is a matter of fact guilty of what one suspects, it is healthy to proceed to the next step.
Analyzing a problem is the second step of the problem-solving process, and it involves assessing the current situation and confirming that what one is dealing with is indeed a problem. It is essential to ensure that what one is trying to solve is a problem first before taking any other step towards finding a solution. Objective assessment is of great importance here because, in most occasions, people find themselves involving their personal fears which often tend to interfere with the credibility of the process. With regards to the scenario provided, one can seek to determine the impact of the problem, not only for themselves but the other employees as well. A deeper understanding of the problem is required here because, at the end of it all, it is important to ensure that the right problem is being solved. Research into the boss as well as the new employee could be essential here as well as an assessment of the kind of relationship the two might have outside the office.
Once the problem is confirmed to be favoritism, it is then ...
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