One Ideal Decision Making
A. Purpose: Many people can be convinced to make decision with best balance at various levels.
B. Background (General Problems in Decisions): Generally, in many ｄecisions, there would be problems as below. :
1. Bottom-up, or democratic manner frequently causes confusing
discussions. Decision making is frequently difficult.One side insists
merits,another side insists demerits. Discussions often go around in
circles.Adequate and timely compromising is difficult.
2. Ultimate, or top-down can decide quickly, but discussions, information,
And analysis may not be enough. Then problems come up later, which
causes many complaints.
3. Many people cannot know how decision were made.
4.It is not sure than enough discussion were made from an overall and
Long term view.
5. The related facts are not clarified.
6. We often stop discussion saying there are too many problems, or
Problems are beyond control.
7. It is too difficult to organize opinions and get conclusions.
8. Arbitrary factors are involved.
C.Basic Idea for Decision Making(outline): To minimize the above
problems, my basic idea is as follows.
1. List merit and demerit.
2. All members think to maximize merit and minimize demerit.
3. As much as possible, all members put scores by importance.
4. On information, as much as, use figures where possible.
5. Judge overall. Depending on situation, adjust scores.
6. Decide by the discussion group.
7. Final decision for adoption by highest level.
D. Features of BDE
1. The basic idea is easy to understand.
2. Any ideas and opinions are located somewhere on the frame paper and not to be disregarded.
3. Discussion process is clearly visible.
4. Easy to find best balance.
5. Convincing with everyone.
6. Enhances participants` motivation and develops ability.
7.Minimize conflicts.
E. Supplemental Note:
1. Ideal Decision:Means consistency of top-down decision and bottom-up proposal.Through analysis, simulates possible cases, and makes timely adequate decision.
2. Analysis and Attitude:In many cases, we are apt to stop thinking. Saying there are many problems, or it is beyond our control, etc. We should anything. Desirably, BDE needs experience, knowledge, wisdom, analysis, imagine, simulation, objective and a fair attitude.
3. BDE Information Analyst(LA):Desirably, there should be a professional qualification of LA to promote BDE. Before that, related Organizations could issue internal qualification of BDEIA to those people. Who can, are, or have:
(1) Objective, fair, constructive attitude.
(2) Wide knowledge, total and logical thinking ability.
(3) Observing various information resources, adequately pick up key information, good ideas, and organize them, and show them in an easily understandable manner.
(4) Adequately judge importance and value.
(5) Coordinate BDE effectively.
(6) Provide specific policy, projects, and best action for
Problem solving, etc.。
I appreciate your interesting in BDE.
Mr. Hiroaki Suzuki (Japanese, 72 years old)
Formally Management Staff for U.S Force in Japan.