Describe both the Strategic Choice Approach (SCA) and Strategic Options Development Analysis (SODA).
The Strategic Choice Approach (SCA) is an approach to planning that is centered on managing uncertainty in strategic situations. The origin of this approach can be traced in the 1980s when the industrial relations discipline came under the strong influence of human resource management. Its basic characteristic is a strong focus on the company level, less attention to the role of the state in industrial relations systems and economically oriented trade unions and decentralized collective bargaining structures. Strategic choice approach revolves around the eclipse of industrial relations by HRM, a process that largely undermined the position of trade unions in recent years. Given the description of SCA, it is clear that strategic choice approach is a management function in order to deal with uncertain strategic situations.
The Strategic Options Development Analysis on the other hand is a methodology that requires practice and possibly even training before they can be used effectively. While SODA is not a tool which can be picked up, it however involved listing multiple options for addressing each strategic issue, phrasing each option in imperative, action term. The SODA therefore is a very good methodology because it provides an opportunity to see the different avenues of addressing the issue concern through the multiple options available and to determine which option can best utilize in order to achieve the given intentions. Thus, while SCA is an approach to planning that is centered on managing uncertainty, SODA is a methodology for addressing specific issues through the multiple options available.
Both Strategic Options Development and Analysis (SODA) and the Strategic Choice Approach (SCA) are intended to help strategic decision-making. Compare and contrast the two approaches, outlining their similarities, differences, strengths and weaknesses, and discuss and evaluate the different ways in which they fulfill their roles as aids to strategic decision-making.
Both SODA and SCA are management approaches that are useful towards making decisions that affects business organization. Both offer potentially beneficial result towards addressing issues confronting the business organization. In contrast with SCA however, SODA is a methodology that relies on multiple options to address the problem or issues confronting the organization. SCA on the other hand, is an approach dealing with managing the uncertainty.
The strength of SODA lies on its ability to address the issue through a variety of potential options based on the analysis of the given situation. Its weaknesses however is that it only provide an option. That is, the manager still needs to decide whether the option can be beneficial or not. SODA can fulfill its role when the option taken becomes an instrument for the success of the decision made. SCA on the hand fulfill its role it becomes instrumental in resolving uncertain situation.
Why do we need problem structuring
Problem structuring is very important because it helps determine the right course of action and to develop value value-focused courses of action which is equally important regardless of what is the problem classification. One quotation that is often quoted when talking about problem restructuring goes, A problem well structured is a problem half solved. This quotation implies the importance of problem restructuring especially in terms of resolving the problem. The need for problem restructuring is further reflected by its sheer definition. Problem restructuring is defined as the process of making sense of an issue identifying key concerns, goals, stakeholders, uncertainties, and so forth.
Given this definition, problem restructuring provides necessary information that can help identify the real issue causing the problem as well as the solution to the problem. It can also provide necessary information of the potential impact of the problem and who will be affected by the problem.
What are the ethical issues in problem structuring
The ethical issue that must be involved in problem restructuring is the ecological issues which are ultimately ethical issues involving human choice. This pertains to the decisions about equity such as fairness in the relationship with others, and the natural ethics, which pertains to what is right, with respect to relationship with nature. In other words, the ethical issues involved in problem restructuring has to do with the impact of problem restructuring on the stakeholders involved whether it is ecological issues or the individuals who are likely to be affected by the actions that will be taken to address the problem. The ethical issues concern therefore is fairness on the individual who will be affected by the decision. That is, problem restructuring should not cause habitat degradation, the in human health and the loss of human lives. Rather it should seek to promote the welfare of the stakeholders mentioned earlier.
How do we mix problem structuring methods and why
Mix problem restructuring methods can be done through integrating opinions on the problems and the possible causes including potential solution. The mixed problem restructuring methods can be done through developing a shared view of the through some form unambiguous modeling. In the mix restructuring methods, the problem structure is the basis or the object of the solution. The main implication of this method is that the problem should be approach by a group rather by individual. That is, inherent to this method is a supposition that members of the group share and construct their knowledge about the domain of the problem.
Doing mix problem methodology is important because it will help create better solution to the problem as each member of the group is expected to contribute in the problem restructuring which will provide better options and solutions. Mix problem restructuring methods can also poster cooperation and solidarity among members.
How do we choose a problem structuring method
Since most of the problem-structuring methods are used to address very complicated problems in an organization it requires that managers acquires understanding of the approaches suggested in the methods specifically the interpretation of the model as well as its relevancy in a given situation.
To choose from the common problem structuring methods such as the JOURNEY making, Soft System Methodolgy, and Strategic Choice, it is important that the objective of problem-structuring is clear because each method corresponds to that objective. For instance, Jointly Understanding, Reflecting, and Negotiating Strategy (JOURNEY) Making is effective if the objective is on understanding or reflecting the process than the final decision through the information elicited from the members. SSM on the other hand focuses on finding possible action to take while Strategic Choice is recommended when identifying a good decision in cases of uncertainty areas (Rosenhead).
Do problem structuring methods work
Definitely, problem structuring works because it concerns on identifying the key concern on the issue, the goals, the stakeholders, the uncertainties and the process of making sense of an issue. In other words, it greatly contributes towards the creation of solution to the problem on the basis of the issues causing the problem, and in crafting appropriate solution to the problem. The positive benefit of problem restructuring is depicted in the quotation mentioned earlier that a problem well structured is a problem half resolved. Problem restructuring therefore means identifying the problem in order to be able to identify appropriate solution.
The Strategic Choice Approach (SCA) is an approach to planning that is centered on managing uncertainty in strategic situations. The origin of this approach can be traced in the 1980s when the industrial relations discipline came under the strong influence of human resource management. Its basic characteristic is a strong focus on the company level, less attention to the role of the state in industrial relations systems and economically oriented trade unions and decentralized collective bargaining structures. Strategic choice approach revolves around the eclipse of industrial relations by HRM, a process that largely undermined the position of trade unions in recent years. Given the description of SCA, it is clear that strategic choice approach is a management function in order to deal with uncertain strategic situations.
The Strategic Options Development Analysis on the other hand is a methodology that requires practice and possibly even training before they can be used effectively. While SODA is not a tool which can be picked up, it however involved listing multiple options for addressing each strategic issue, phrasing each option in imperative, action term. The SODA therefore is a very good methodology because it provides an opportunity to see the different avenues of addressing the issue concern through the multiple options available and to determine which option can best utilize in order to achieve the given intentions. Thus, while SCA is an approach to planning that is centered on managing uncertainty, SODA is a methodology for addressing specific issues through the multiple options available.
Both Strategic Options Development and Analysis (SODA) and the Strategic Choice Approach (SCA) are intended to help strategic decision-making. Compare and contrast the two approaches, outlining their similarities, differences, strengths and weaknesses, and discuss and evaluate the different ways in which they fulfill their roles as aids to strategic decision-making.
Both SODA and SCA are management approaches that are useful towards making decisions that affects business organization. Both offer potentially beneficial result towards addressing issues confronting the business organization. In contrast with SCA however, SODA is a methodology that relies on multiple options to address the problem or issues confronting the organization. SCA on the other hand, is an approach dealing with managing the uncertainty.
The strength of SODA lies on its ability to address the issue through a variety of potential options based on the analysis of the given situation. Its weaknesses however is that it only provide an option. That is, the manager still needs to decide whether the option can be beneficial or not. SODA can fulfill its role when the option taken becomes an instrument for the success of the decision made. SCA on the hand fulfill its role it becomes instrumental in resolving uncertain situation.
Why do we need problem structuring
Problem structuring is very important because it helps determine the right course of action and to develop value value-focused courses of action which is equally important regardless of what is the problem classification. One quotation that is often quoted when talking about problem restructuring goes, A problem well structured is a problem half solved. This quotation implies the importance of problem restructuring especially in terms of resolving the problem. The need for problem restructuring is further reflected by its sheer definition. Problem restructuring is defined as the process of making sense of an issue identifying key concerns, goals, stakeholders, uncertainties, and so forth.
Given this definition, problem restructuring provides necessary information that can help identify the real issue causing the problem as well as the solution to the problem. It can also provide necessary information of the potential impact of the problem and who will be affected by the problem.
What are the ethical issues in problem structuring
The ethical issue that must be involved in problem restructuring is the ecological issues which are ultimately ethical issues involving human choice. This pertains to the decisions about equity such as fairness in the relationship with others, and the natural ethics, which pertains to what is right, with respect to relationship with nature. In other words, the ethical issues involved in problem restructuring has to do with the impact of problem restructuring on the stakeholders involved whether it is ecological issues or the individuals who are likely to be affected by the actions that will be taken to address the problem. The ethical issues concern therefore is fairness on the individual who will be affected by the decision. That is, problem restructuring should not cause habitat degradation, the in human health and the loss of human lives. Rather it should seek to promote the welfare of the stakeholders mentioned earlier.
How do we mix problem structuring methods and why
Mix problem restructuring methods can be done through integrating opinions on the problems and the possible causes including potential solution. The mixed problem restructuring methods can be done through developing a shared view of the through some form unambiguous modeling. In the mix restructuring methods, the problem structure is the basis or the object of the solution. The main implication of this method is that the problem should be approach by a group rather by individual. That is, inherent to this method is a supposition that members of the group share and construct their knowledge about the domain of the problem.
Doing mix problem methodology is important because it will help create better solution to the problem as each member of the group is expected to contribute in the problem restructuring which will provide better options and solutions. Mix problem restructuring methods can also poster cooperation and solidarity among members.
How do we choose a problem structuring method
Since most of the problem-structuring methods are used to address very complicated problems in an organization it requires that managers acquires understanding of the approaches suggested in the methods specifically the interpretation of the model as well as its relevancy in a given situation.
To choose from the common problem structuring methods such as the JOURNEY making, Soft System Methodolgy, and Strategic Choice, it is important that the objective of problem-structuring is clear because each method corresponds to that objective. For instance, Jointly Understanding, Reflecting, and Negotiating Strategy (JOURNEY) Making is effective if the objective is on understanding or reflecting the process than the final decision through the information elicited from the members. SSM on the other hand focuses on finding possible action to take while Strategic Choice is recommended when identifying a good decision in cases of uncertainty areas (Rosenhead).
Do problem structuring methods work
Definitely, problem structuring works because it concerns on identifying the key concern on the issue, the goals, the stakeholders, the uncertainties and the process of making sense of an issue. In other words, it greatly contributes towards the creation of solution to the problem on the basis of the issues causing the problem, and in crafting appropriate solution to the problem. The positive benefit of problem restructuring is depicted in the quotation mentioned earlier that a problem well structured is a problem half resolved. Problem restructuring therefore means identifying the problem in order to be able to identify appropriate solution.
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