Success in business is measured by the ability to make the right decisions, especially when it involves the life or death of an organization. Making the right decision however is not a simple task. One of the effective tools that help reach the best possible solution is the nine step problem solving model. This paper is about two major automobile companies that each struggles to achieve its desired end state goal.
US Auto: An American based company that despite its foreseen financial problems has strong goals like maintaining its presence in the domestic market and even expanding its business to explore the central and south American markets by maintaining technology leadership in critical areas of the automobile manufacturing; Although, US Auto realizes that cutting its labor cost is the only way out.
Auto Mex: A Mexican based company that has built a reputation for itself marketing US new and used autos for over three decades with even stronger goals such as developing competency in key auto manufacturing technology through maintenance of its presence in both central and south American markets as well as keeping the lowest labor cost in automobile manufacturing. But with no product of its own to offer, Auto Mex has no chance.
Both companies got together to discuss the possibility of a joint business. With an offer and a counter offer on the negotiation table, the 9 step problem solving model was the lead to the middle ground where both companies will be able to reach an agreement.
Team B is in consensus that decisions are made hastily in our personal lives. We make decisions daily and we are unaware that the 9-step problem solving model method is in use. Howeve ...