In five pages the process of decision making is examined through a discussion of the differences and similarities between soft systems and hard systems thinking. Four sources are listed in the bibliography.
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that is used will depend on a range of factors, not only that style of the decisions maker, but also the context in which the decision is being made and
the nature of the decision itself (Pettigrew, 1990). Despite this, all process will have similar stages, even if the contents and relative important of each stage may vary. The main
systems considered in this paper will be hard systems thinking, soft systems thinking and organisational thinking. The main stages are the same in all processes; to define the
problem, to consider the alternatives, to evaluate the best course of action and to make the decision. This process may take seconds, or may take months, depending on the context.
With this process there will also be three major components that are all present in the different models. The criteria, which are the standards that will be used by hose
making decisions to evaluate the alternatives, these have also been referred to as the interests (Simon, 1947). The next are the alternatives, which are the different options that may be
chosen and finally the aspect of cause and effect, these may be elements that are based on human assuming, of one thing is done another will occur, as well as
the attitude of the decision maker (Simon, 1947). The understanding of decisions making has developed and more stages and criteria may be present in some models. Hard systems thinking is
a model that is used to solve problems in a logical manner using factual data to meet a set goal or objective. There is a very basic concept to
this, which is the company is at A, they want to get to B, and they want to get from A to be in the most advantageous way. A and