Problem Solving-Critical Writing

Assignment 2: Problem Solving

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.”

Choose
one (1) of the problem scenarios as a topic choice for your paper
(Note: Your professor must approve your topic choice before you begin
work on the assignment. See below the chosen topic:

Scenario
1: You have worked at your company for eleven (11) years. You have
returned to college to earn a Bachelor?s degree in order to increase
your chances for a promotion. You are nearly finished with your degree,
when a supervisor?s position in a competing company becomes available in
another state. The start date is in two (2) weeks, during your final
exam period for your courses. The position offers a $15,000 per year
salary increase, a car allowance, and relocation expenses. Your former
supervisor works for the company and is recommending you for the
position based on your outstanding job performance; if you want the job,
it?s yours. All of the other supervisors at this level in the company
have Master?s degrees, so you know that you would be expected to earn
your Bachelor?s degree and continue on to a Master?s degree. Your
present company offers tuition reimbursement, but the new company does
not.

Review
the six-step problem solving process outlined in the webtext, based on
the article ?The Problem Solving Process? located at http://www.gdrc.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.

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:

• Recognize the hindrances to the decision-making process in order to apply problem-solving skills to a variety of situations.
• Create written work utilizing the concepts of critical thinking.
• Use technology and information resources to research issues in critical thinking skills and informal logic