Discussion 1: Problem Solving

Consider the following scenario: You are trying to complete a difficult assignment, and you become “stuck” on a specific problem, question, or detail. You are tired, hungry, and frustrated and have difficulty coming to a resolution. Eventually, you give up or take a break and move on to another activity.

Later, while you are cooking dinner, jogging down the street, or taking a shower, the answer comes. Out of thin air, you have solved a problem that you had stopped thinking about. How might this phenomenon be possible?

For this Discussion, you consider barriers to problem solving. You also explain how one might overcome such barriers.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post by Day 3 a brief description of two examples when you encountered barriers to problem solving. Then explain the steps you took to overcome the barriers in each example. Finally, explain strategies to enhance problem-solving skills. Support your response with references to the Learning Resources and current literature.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.

Read a selection of your colleagues’ postings.

Respond by Day 5 to at least one of your colleagues’ postings in one or more of the following ways:

• Share an insight from having read your colleague’s posting.
• Validate an idea with your own experience.
• Make a suggestion.
• Expand on your colleague’s posting.

Return to this Discussion in a few days to read the responses to your initial posting. Note what you have learned and/or any insights you have gained as a result of the comments your colleagues made.

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Discussion 2: Decision Making

Would you flip a coin for the chance of winning two dollars? What if you were given a dollar and offered the chance to flip a coin to either gain a second dollar or lose the first? Which wager seems more appealing—the first or the second?

Far more people choose the first wager than the second. Both scenarios have exactly the same probability of outcomes: a 50% chance of ending up with nothing, and a 50% chance of ending up with two dollars. Why might the first wager appeal to people? Do we always make the best possible decision?

Impediments are factors that can hinder decision making. While they often vary by situation, common impediments exist that might influence decision making in general.

In this Discussion, you explain a difficult decision you have made. You also describe impediments that you faced when making this decision, as well as common decision-making impediments.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post by Day 4 a brief description of a recent difficult decision you made between two or more alternatives. Then explain the nature of two impediments that you faced in making the decision. Finally, describe two common impediments to optimal decision making.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.

Read a selection of your colleagues’ postings.

Respond by Day 6 to at least one of your colleagues’ postings in one or more of the following ways:

• Share an insight from having read your colleague’s posting.
• Validate an idea with your own experience.
• Expand on your colleague’s posting.

Return to this Discussion in a few days to read the responses to your initial posting. Note what you have learned and/or any insights you have gained as a result of the comments your colleagues made.