Problem-Solving — Example

In his Organizational Theory course, the professor developed several online modules on decision-making models: rational choice, incremental bargaining, bounded rationality, and means-end hierarchy. To help students understand these models fully, he created discussion activities using Analytic Teams approach. He divided students into groups of four and assigned each student to one of the four roles (Summarizer, Connector, Proponent, and Critic). He gave the students a case study detailing a complex situation that required a decision. Students were to review the case as if they were a consultant to the organization in the case. Each student was to post his/her decision-making model, describe how it might be applied to the case, and suggest a solution based on that model. Students argued their cases and decided which solution would guide their decision-making process, along with a rationale for why it was the best choice (Barkley 251-252).

• Discussion Prompt: Review the case study you were assigned. In your group forum within the Canvas Discussions tool, post your decision-making model using your assigned role (Summarizer, Connector, Proponent, and Critic). Describe how it might be applied to the case, and suggest a solution based on that model.
• Response Prompt: After reviewing each post, decide which solution you would adopt to guide your decision-making process, along with a rationale for why it was the best choice.
• Followup Activity: The group members must decide on the best solution and present the solution and rationale in a separate post.
• Points: Students received up to 20 points for the activity.