Free Essay Example. Job Process

Problem-solving requires a series of steps to tackle a specific issue systematically. Many approaches can be used to solve issues, and organizations and individuals must choose the most appropriate tool. The six steps of the problem-solving process are defining, analyzing, generating and evaluating, making the decision, and implementing and reflecting (Antony, Snee, & Hoerl, 2017). Some of the advantages of the six-step process are that it makes decision-making easier, assist one in finding a justifiable solution, and ensures consistency. The primary goal of this paper is to solve a problem that involves a dilemma of whether to complete a bachelor's degree course or to take up a job in another state.

Is your time best spent reading someone else’s essay? Get a 100% original essay FROM A CERTIFIED WRITER!

Order now

Identifying the Problem

In this case, the primary problem is the dilemma of whether to take up a supervisory job or proceed to do the final exams for the bachelor's degree. Having worked for eleven years without a promotion at the firm, it was necessary to advance my education to get a chance to qualify for high-position jobs. Almost all the people in supervisory jobs have a master's degree, and therefore competing with them for the same positions may be challenging without a higher education level. There is a job opening for a supervisory position, but in another state, and my former supervisor has recommended it to me. However, the new job requires me to start in two weeks' time, but my final exams are scheduled to begin at the same time. The new position has good benefits, like a $15,000 per year salary increase, relocation expenses, and car allowance. I am also assured of the job, and I just have to agree or decline, and if I accept the offer, then the position will be mine. However, options must be weighed to come up with the best decision that will not be regretted later since two serious issues are running simultaneously.

Analyzing the Problem

The root of the problem must be identified for a solution to be found. In this case, there is a dilemma since I am required to choose to have my dream job and complete my bachelor's degree. The two events occurred at the same time and are both important to my career development. Having a bachelor's degree will enable me to remain competitive in the market since all other supervisors have studied at the master's level. However, declining the job could mean the loss of an opportunity of a lifetime that may take longer to get in the future. The first step will be mapping the process. Since the issue is not vast, it will not be necessary to use mapping tools like Pareto analysis or affinity diagrams.

Mind maps will be used by taking the problem at hand and brainstorming all the possible solutions (Antony et al., 2017). The second step will be collecting and analyzing data that are related to the issue. One of the most significant sources of information will be inquiries from my bosses at my former job and from close family and friends. Some of the data collection techniques that will be applied are interviews and discussions with the chosen people. The former bosses will be interviewed and asked to give the best recommendation that will lead to making the best decision at that moment while considering the interests of the two issues at hand. it would also be helpful to consult with people in higher positions in the industry to hear what they would recommend after listening to the predicament. Such decisions cannot be made individually, and a lot of professional advice is required.

Generate Options

There are two significant options in this case. The first option is to decline the job offer for the managerial position that has been proposed in another state and complete the final exams for the course studied. The second option is to quit school and take up the new position without hesitation since it is an opportunity of a lifetime, and someone else might get it.

Evaluate Options

Both options are vital, but they have to be weighed to come up with the decision. The first option is to decline the job offer and proceed to sit for the final exams. If I decide to quit school and not sit for my undergraduate exams, I might not find time to go back to school to complete the program. It is essential to know that I have been employed for eleven years, and at some point, I needed to further my education to increase my chances of being promoted to a better position. Therefore, the dream is almost accomplished after eleven years. Having a bachelor's degree is important since it gives one a competitive advantage in the job market and in activities like promotions. All the people in the supervisory positions have their master's degrees. Thus, it would be challenging to compete with such individuals.

The second option is quitting school and not sitting for the final exams and taking the supervisory job that was recommended by my former boss. The reason for taking a bachelor's degree was to advance my studies to get such a job. If I do not take the job, someone else will have it, and I will have lost a very vital opportunity for me to lead and advance in my career. Studies and exams can be postponed and done at a later time, but a job opening could take a long time to emerge. After getting the job position, I can start taking part-time and evening classes and complete my course. However, there is a possibility that taking part-time classes will be impossible in the future given that the job is demanding and requires a lot of time dealing with employees.

Make Your Decision

The decision made will depend on two factors, feasibility and the solution that will be more favorable for me and my career. The solution must be the best fit. The option to be selected will also depend on the data collected from various parties, and the advice they gave (Antony et al., 2017). After considering all factors and possibilities, the option chosen is to take up the new position and complete my bachelor's degree at a later time. The reason for choosing the option is because there might not be such a good opportunity like that one in the future, and I may spend a lot of time looking for promotions while competing with people who have master's degrees. I can enroll in another degree in some years to come and finish studying.

Implement and Reflect

This is the final step in the problem-solving process, and the stage requires that I implement the solution on a trial basis. Here, key milestones will be identified, and the assessment of actions will be taken before and after accepting the new job (Antony et al., 2017). The time in which the job will begin will also be noted. In this case, a tool like the Gantt chart could be used.

Conclusion

In summary, the first step was identifying the issue. The primary problem is the dilemma of whether to take up a supervisory job or proceed to do the final exams for the bachelor's degree. Secondly, the problem must be analyzed primarily by collecting data from close friends and colleagues to know their opinions. Thirdly, the generation of options gives two choices; to sit for the exams or quit and accept the new job. The next step is evaluating the two opinions and making a decision. The decision made is that I will not sit for my final exams. The final step is implementation and reflection. I am confident I made the right choice.

References

About the GDRC: Search Engine. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.gdrc.org/decision/problem-solve.html:

Antony, J., Snee, R., & Hoerl, R. (2017). Lean Six Sigma: yesterday, today and tomorrow. International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, 34(7), 1073-1093.