DISCUSSION BOARD
Effective Techniques for Making Decisions
Having read Chapter 5 on decision making, learning, creativity, and entrepreneurship, you are now familiar with some of the techniques and tools that managers use for making good decisions or having good decisions in place.
You should have a clear understanding of the difference between programmed and non-programmed decisions.
Post by WEDNESDAY a 150 - to 300- word statement in the Discussion thread that answers both of the following questions:
What techniques or tools can managers use to improve programmed and non-programmed decisions?
Why are these techniques effective?
Which techniques or tools would you use as a manager and why?
Support your work with specific citations from the Learning Resources. You are allowed to draw from additional sources to support your argument, but you must cite using APA standards. All quoted material must be identified, cited, and referenced per APA standards.
You are encouraged to enrich your posting with your personal examples, experience, or insights.
Edit your postings carefully for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.
ASSIGNMENT 1
Application: Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella Looks to Future Beyond Windows
Having read Chapter 6 in your course text, you should now be familiar with the concepts of planning, strategy, and a competitive advantage.
It is now time to examine the case ofof "Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella Looks to Future Beyond Windows." See Chapter 6 of your course text.
Submit by FRIDAY a 300 - to 700- word paper which answers all of the following questions:
What kind of planning missteps helped cause Microsoft's decline over the past few years?
How is Nadella trying to eliminate some of the bureacracy that has hurt the company's ability to innovate?
What business strategies has Nadella implemented that will help revitalize the technology giant?
RESOURCES
Jones, G. R., & George, J. M. (2017). Essentials of contemporary management (7th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
Chapter 5, "Decision Making, Learning, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship" (pp. 160-187)
This chapter addresses the concepts of "programmed" and "non-programmed" decisions. The authors also review the rational or classical approach to decision making, as well as the administrative model, which seeks to explain why decisions are often flawed.
This chapter also introduces the possibilities and the problems inherent in group decision processes, and describes the role of creativity and learning in decision making and entrepreneurship.
Chapter 6, "Planning, Strategy, and Competitive Advantage" (pp.192-225)
This chapter addresses the concept of a "competitive advantage" and how, through planning and strategic decisions, a competitive advantage can be obtained.
The authors explain planning levels, types, and time frames, along with their correlation to levels of management and perspectives of the company's operations and environment.
The concept of "strategy" is discussed at length, along with various approaches to formulating a strategy with examples provided to help the reader understand the complexity and variety of strategic planning.