The five-step problem solving model

I love the use of models in a workplace environment, my business training is supportive of models and efficient decision-making should be highly structured. From my personal experiences, haphazard, illinformed and misconceived decisions occurred after ad hoc ideas lead to poor decision-making. 

At business school, I undertook a unit on decision-making, we read a ton papers loosely related to decison-making but never really reviewed one model. So I went searching for my own models, the whole framework of university education is research based after all.

The five-step problem solving model begins with the recognition that a problem exists, the identification of the problem of what should be occurring as opposed to what is actually happening. The analysis of the identified problem

The second step is to gather information, in order to make an informed decision. All decisions should be based on fact and the only way to do so is via reliable data collected via information.

On the data is collected and analysed, you are able to devise alternate solutions and then analyse the consequences of each potential solution. A number of quantitative data analysis exist that may use extensive mathematical modeling and programming.

Implement the decision, in many respects is the easiest step. To properly implement a decision, in many instances a matrix is required that not only sets out responsibilities and tracks progress, it identifies obstacles and provides solutions.

A step often overlooked is evaluating the decision, this step is important for future decision-making as the process is reviewed in relation to the data collection methods, evaluation criteria and compilation of the action/consequence grid.