Solve the problem presented in the scenario by using the seven step

Manuel Talbot, a second-line manager of the ZYXW department at a  state agency, does not like what he saw this morning. What he saw was  mud-splattered storage buildings, dirty state-owned vehicles, and even  some spider webs when he looked out his office window. Unfortunately,  this state of disarray has existed for a few months. Furthermore,  another department—the VUTS—oversees these buildings and equipment, not  Manuel. The VUTS are led by Jeff Gnash. Jeff is a second-line manager  like Manuel.

Manuel is frustrated by this situation. He runs an orderly  department and is upset that Jeff’s department seems to have little  concern about the poor impression it makes when clients see the  buildings, vehicles, and equipment poorly maintained. Moreover, the way  the agency divides the work among departments contributes to Manuel’s  frustration:

• Manuel, his four supervisors, and other members of the ZYXW  department are responsible for designing the work to be done by the  agency for this region.
• Jeff’s VUTS department is responsible for implementing the designs created by ZYXW.
• After VUTS finishes the job, the ZYXW department inspects the completed work.

Manuel admits that the VUTS department does good work despite the  mud, dirt, and spider webs. However, he’s not sure how much longer he  can tolerate this situation.

One day the agency announces a big change. As part of an agency-wide  reorganization plan, the two departments, ZYXW and VUTS, are merged  into one department. Manuel now leads the new, single group in the  region, called the ZYTS group. Jeff Gnash is transferred to a different  region to do the same thing.

Now that Manuel is in charge, what are some things he should do in  the next few weeks?  Use the seven step problem-solving method discussed  in the reading to solve the problem.

IMPORTANT: Use the questions below as subtitles. Write at least 150 words per paragraph for each question.

1. Identify the issues.

Clearly state the REAL decision problem  and state all issues surrounding the problem. In other words, what is  the difference between what is desired and what exists? (1 paragraph)

2. Understand everyone’s interests.

What are your objectives? Describe the interests or needs that you want satisfied by any given solution.  (1 paragraph)

3. List the possible solutions.

Create a range of workable alternatives, without evaluating any of the options. (The term workable  prevents alternative solutions that are too expensive, too  time-consuming, or too elaborate.) This is the time to do some  brainstorming. There may be lots of room for creativity. Be sure you are  not EVALUATING the options in this step, just listing them.  (1  paragraph)

4. Evaluate the options.

Provide pluses and minuses for each  possible solution. What are the consequences (outcomes) of the  alternatives? (Consequences include personal, social, health, and/or  environmental. Watch the video Analysis of the Biological Clock Decision.  What are the trade-offs? What would happen with each alternative? What  would be its effect on the problem Gather the data you need to defend  each option, and compare them with a checklist. Watch the video Making A Checklist, And Checking It.  (1 paragraph)

5. Select an option or options.

What’s the best option and why? What  decisions are interrelated? What are the implications for interrelated  decisions? If there is a way to “bundle” several options together for a  more satisfactory solution, do that. (1 paragraph)

6. Document the agreement.

Once the solution is chosen, share the  decision with those whose work will be affected. [Questions to consider  answering include: What should be communicated? What is the reason for  the decision? Whom will it affect and how? What are the benefits  expected for the individual, the department, and the organization? What  adjustments will be required in terms of how work will be done? What,  specifically, is everyone’s role in implementing the decision? What  results are expected from everyone? When does, the action called for by  the decision go into effect?] Write out all the details and  implications. (1 paragraph)

7.  Agree on contingencies, monitoring, and evaluation.

What might be a contingency plan if  circumstances change?  Generally, feedback and reports are necessary to  learn of the decision’s outcome. How will you monitor compliance and  follow-through?  (2 paragraphs)