ILM Level 4 Unit 416 Solving Problems by Making Effective Decisions in the Workplace Assignment

U416 Assessment Criteria

Additional Information About the Unit

Additional Guidance about the Unit

ASSIGNMENT TASK

for Unit: Solving problems by making effective decisions in the workplace

Level 4 Diploma in Principles of Leadership & Management

Assignment – LO1 – Analyse a complex problem in the context of the workplace

Assignment – LO2 – Be able to apply decision making techniques when assessing possible solutions

Session 3 – Assignment – LO3 – Plan how you will implement the solution

NB: Statements made in blue are to be addressed while answering the question.

Questions

Unit 416 – Solving problems by making effective decisions in the workplace

1.1 Define a complex problem and include the importance of defining the scope and impact of the problem.

You need to identify a complex problem, where a solution has to be reached, and explain, including in your explanation the scope and impact of the problem.

Your problem must be complex enough to look at multiple solutions, and also demonstrate an opportunity for improvement.  Each of the possible solutions needs to be clearly explained and show reasoning behind your final decision

Your write up must also consider restrictions/limitations to each of the possible solutions.

Within this section, you will need to show how you are able to recognise, investigate and analyse your problem, and explain the technique you have used.  You will also need to show an understanding to the following techniques, even if they are not used;

Root Cause Analysis (RCA)

Cause and Effect

Ishikawa

Why-Why

Brainstorming

You will need to look at the terms; ‘framing’ and ‘Scoping’ problems, with a strong understanding of the ‘Problem Definition’

1.2 Analyse information on the identified problem, to help with the decision making

Reflecting on your complex problem and multiple solutions, you need to provide an analysis of how and why you need to set objectives in relation to the problem.

Your analysis will need to show your understanding of the terms primary and secondary data, and when and why you would use these methods.  Please reflect on your problem and how you gathered the data in order to make your decision.

The terms quantitative and qualitative data, how are these techniques used and how do they relate to your decision making.

You will also need to show a clear understanding of the difference between ‘data’ and ‘information’.

Unit 416 – LO2 – Applying decision making techniques when assessing possible solutions

2.1 Reflecting on your complex problem highlighted in LO1, you will need to propose a range of solutions to your problem.  You will need to consider factors such as;

Conditions under which your decisions have been made, i.e., certainty or uncertainty

Creative and rational decision-making

Techniques for generating creative solutions / rational solutions

What and how do you establish criteria for decision making

How you have set priorities and evaluated options

2.2 – Use a decision-making technique, evaluate a range of solutions to identify the most appropriate solution.

Reflecting on 2.1, and using your chosen decision-making technique, you will need to show that you have used a decision-making technique to evaluate your possible solutions and come to a decision as to which solution would be most appropriate and why.

You will need to conduct research in to the following models, and demonstrate your understanding within your findings, the following factors;

Rational decision-making models, including; grid analysis, paired comparison analysis, decision trees, pros and cons.  Which would be the most appropriate model to use in relation to your own problem?

Creative decision-making, such as brainstorming.

Showing your understanding as to whether your final decision can be classed as routine, adaptive, innovative, however, you will need to show an understanding of each one.

How have you related your decision making to goals that specify the quality or quantity of the desired results

Unit 416 – LO3 – Planning how to implement solutions 

3.1 – Develop a detailed plan for implementing the solution

In order to support LO1 & LO2, you will need to ensure that you have developed a detailed plan for implementing your chosen solution.  Your implementation plan will need to show both reflection of how you have developed it and why, along with the submission your plan.

Implementation planning, such as; human resources, finance, marketing, operations, health and safety.

Resource allocation such as; money, people, facilities, equipment, etc.

You will need to show that you have researched and shown an understanding of implementation tools and techniques, such as Gantt charts, PDCA Cycle (plan-do-check-act), PDSA (plan-do-study-act), and which tool was appropriate for you.

Your plan will also need to show evidence of SMART objectives, and what and how they are used.

3.2 – Communicate the plan to relevant stakeholders

You will need to provide detailed evidence that your implementation plan has been communicated.  It will not be sufficient just to write a reflection, you will also need to add supporting evidence in order to cover the criteria.  How did you ensure that you met the needs of all stakeholders during the implementation of your plan.

Evidence can be in the form of;

Minutes

Emails

Witness Statements from stakeholders

3.3 – Assess appropriate monitoring and review techniques to ensure successful implementation of solution.

You will need to research into different monitoring and reviewing techniques that can be used and reflect on the appropriateness of each technique in relation to your problem/decision-making.  You will need to show an understanding of techniques such as;

Crytical Path Analysis (CPA)

Programme Evaluation and Review (PERT)

Answer

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