Using your own words, define what is meant by the term problem and decision. Clearly explain HOW they are
different.
Look at each of the five scenarios below. Identify and discuss if each is problem or a decision. Explain HOW
and WHY.
Pick one of the scenarios and explain in detail the process you would use in answering the question at the end
of the scenario. For example, would you make a pros and cons list, go with your gut, ask for help, etc.? Make
sure that you are specific in your response.
You must use course material to support your responses and APA in-text citations with a reference list.
Scenarios:
Determine if each of the five scenarios below are a Problem or a Decision
You are governor of a state. A very influential political group’s leader comes to meet with you, asking for more
money to be spent on shelters for the homeless, on programs to help them get jobs, and on community mentalhealth programs. You know there is very little money in the state budget to help them with new programs. You
also know that come election day you will need the group’s help. Should you make a promise to the leader to
help or not?
Imagine you are a physician making a decision on behalf of a patient who has left the matter up to you. The
patient has an unusual infection, which lasts for a short time. The infection has a 15% chance of causing
permanent brain damage. You may undertake a procedure that will prevent the brain damage from the
infection (with 100% probability). However, the procedure itself has a 20% chance of causing brain damage
itself. Should you undertake the procedure or not?
You are the conductor on a train. A woman gets on the train without a ticket. You tell her that the fare is $2,
plus $1 for not buying a ticket at the station. The woman refuses to pay the extra dollar, although she has the
money. She says that she did not know the rule. You do not believe her. You have seen her many times riding
the train, and you know that there is a sign posted in the station where she got on. The rules say that
passengers must be made to pay or they must be put off the train, if necessary, by calling the police. Calling
the police would delay the train and make all the other passengers late. All the other passengers are listening
to your conversation with the woman. Do you throw her off the train if she does not pay the dollar?
You graduate from UMGC and are approached by a successful business person who has reason to believe
that your experience with online education makes you qualified to complete this mission: Using 2 billion dollars
to create the best online school you can. He is offering to pay you $100,000 annually and luxury housing.
However, you would have to move to Nigeria. Do you take the job or turn it down?
Imagine you have recently inherited $20,000 and you want to save it. You can put it in a bank and get 2%
interest, you can buy a U.S. Government bond and get 5% interest, or you can buy a bond issued by the British
Government, which pays 15% interest. The government bonds come due in 15 years; that means that the
governments promise to pay back your $20,000 in 15 years. In the meantime, you get just the interest. What
should you do?
