In the interview with Ram Charan he references that decisions are harder to make today because of the way doing business has changed. Businesses have to make more complex decisions with even more data than in the past century. It is for this reason that this course focuses on complex decision making. It is important to understand what the difference is between a problem and a decision as well as the simple versus complex decision and the way they are approached in terms of the process.

Problem or Decision-Complex or Simple

Read the following scenarios below and identify whether the facts are stating a problem or decision. If the scenario is a decision explain why you think it is a simple or complex decision. Using your reading explain why you made your choice. Include in your explanation the difference between solving a problem and making a decision. Be sure to reference the reading in your explanations. Then post your answers and compare notes.

1) Microsoft is finding itself at an impasse, with Google and Apple taking the lion's share of the growth. Change is needed. Some executives at Microsoft feel that a creative and expansive approach toward product development is needed while others feel that simply improving the existing products is sufficient. Which is the better way?

2) You are a conductor on a train. A woman gets on without a ticket. You tell her that the fare is $2, plus $1 for not buying a ticket at the station. The woman refuses to pay the extra dollar, although she has the money. She says she didn't know the rule. You do not believe her. You have seen her many times riding the train, and you know there is a sign posted at the station where she got on. The rules say that a passenger must be made to pay or they must be put off the train, if necessary by calling the police. This would delay the train and make the other passengers late. The other passengers are listening to your conversation. Do you enforce the rule or not?

3) Maxwell is a clothing wholesaler. He has been in business for twenty years. He has a good reputation. He buys goods against cash and sells on credit to his customers. Recently one of his big clients went bankrupt leaving him in debt and cash poor. He needs cash to finance more stock. He is worried about the future of the company and the safety of his family's future. Assuming he can get a short term loan does he take or not?

4) You are a newly promoted sergeant and the platoon leader just made you a squad leader. During your initial encounter with the members of your squad, you sense some resentment as their "new" leader. The squad leader you have replaced was popular with them, but the platoon leader relieved him for failure to motivate the squad to achieve standards. Your first assignment as squad leader is to fold the U.S. flag at a ceremony. While you are meeting briefly with the platoon sergeant, your squad departs for the football field to prepare for a rehearsal. During the meeting, the platoon sergeant tells you who in your squad has been on these details before. As you approach the field, you see your squad relaxing. Instead of going straight into a rehearsal, you decide to have a few knowledgeable people demonstrate how to fold the flag. You state to the squad that you are going to conduct a demonstration and for them to move into a circle. They don't move. You walk up to PFC Hart, whom the platoon sergeant said knows how to fold the flag, and he gives you a challenging stare as if to say, "I don't want to be a demonstrator." You ask him to come forward and take the flag. He says something disrespectful and still doesn't move. This action infuriates you, but you control your emotions and remain calm. Your mind swiftly goes to work on the situation. This subordinate has challenged your authority and put you in a difficult position. He has given you a major disciplinary action disrespect and insubordination-before you have even had the opportunity to get to know your squad members and the informal norms of the squad. The way you handle this situation will have a major impact on the cohesion, discipline, and the respect these people will have for you. What do you do?