Question

Apply the problem-solving strategies to the following situations. a. Buying a toy for your four-yearold cousin b. Organizing an awards banquet for your soccer team c. Buying a dress or suit for an awards banquet at which you are being honored

Short answer

Identify needs, gather information, evaluate options, make decisions, plan and execute.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Needs and Wants

For each situation, determine the needs and wants associated with the task. For example, your four-year-old cousin wants a toy that is fun and safe, the banquet requires a venue and catering, and your outfit needs to be appropriate for the awards event.

Gather Information

Research options that meet the identified needs. For the toy, check for age-appropriate toys online or in stores. For the banquet, look at potential venues, catering services, and decorations. For the outfit, consider stores and styles that are within your budget and suitable for the event.

Evaluate and Compare Options

List the pros and cons of each option for all three situations. Consider factors such as cost, time, convenience, and personal preferences. This will help in making an informed decision.

Make a Decision

Choose the best option for each need based on your evaluation. Select a toy that is both safe and enjoyable, book a suitable venue and catering service for the banquet, and purchase an outfit that you feel confident in and meets the event's formal requirements.

Plan and Execute

Plan how you will purchase your choice and implement the decision. For the toy and outfit, plan your visit to the store or online purchase. For the banquet, develop a timeline and checklist for organizing the venue, catering, and additional arrangements such as seating and entertainment.

Key concepts

Needs and Wants Analysis

During the problem-solving process, it is crucial first to understand the distinction between "needs" and "wants". A need is something essential or necessary for a specific purpose, while a want is something that adds value or desire but is not necessary. For example, when buying a toy for your cousin, the need is finding a safe and age-appropriate toy, while the want might be that the toy is colorful or from a popular character line.
Similarly, organizing an awards banquet involves needs like booking a venue and catering, whereas wants might include having an elaborate decoration or a popular DJ. Clearly identifying needs and wants helps in setting priorities and guides the subsequent steps in problem-solving.

Information Gathering

Once you have identified the needs and wants, the next step is to gather relevant information. This involves researching the available options that can fulfill these requirements. For buying a toy, it means checking various stores, both online and physical, for age-appropriate toys that meet safety standards.
For organizing an awards banquet, it involves seeking out venues and catering services that can accommodate the number of guests and fit your budget. Meanwhile, when choosing an outfit, explore different fashion stores or online platforms to find styles that not only suit the event’s formality but also fit within your financial means. Proper information gathering ensures that you’re well-informed about the choices before moving to the next stages.

Option Evaluation

When you have all the necessary information, it is essential to evaluate the options. This involves comparing different choices based on pros and cons. Factors to consider might include cost, practicality, personal preference, time constraints, and convenience.
For example, when selecting a toy, ask whether it offers educational value, its durability against wear and tear, and if it fits your budget. For the banquet, consider the capacity of each venue, the quality of catering services, and any additional services offered. Similarly, when selecting an outfit, weigh factors such as style compatibility, fabric quality, and whether it matches the dress code. Evaluating options methodically supports a more informed and satisfactory decision.

Decision Making

With all options laid out and evaluated, the next stage is making a decision. Decision-making involves choosing the best option that meets the criteria established in your evaluations and aligns with your values.
In the toy purchase scenario, you might decide on a toy that is safe, educational, and trusted by other buyers. For the banquet, opt for a venue that provides good service at an affordable price and has previous positive reviews. For the event attire, choose an outfit that not only looks great but leaves you feeling confident.
The decision-making process should be guided by a balanced approach, ensuring all necessary needs are met while maximizing your wants when possible.

Planning and Execution

Once a decision is made, it's time to plan and execute. This involves taking the decision and creating a practical plan to implement it. For purchasing a toy or an outfit, this might involve scheduling a time to visit the store or making the purchase online.
When organizing a banquet, develop a detailed action plan that includes timelines, checklists, and possibly a team to help implement different aspects like seating arrangements and entertainment. Effective planning ensures that decisions are carried out smoothly and that any issues that arise can be promptly addressed. Execution of the plan marks the completion of this problem-solving cycle, leading to a successful outcome.