Tested in hundreds of classrooms, this text, with cases, is a student favorite that brings eight classical models of decision making to life, creating useful tools in developing strategies to solve real-life problems.
This book describes eight different models of decision-making, compares the models, and illustrates how to use each model with real cases from schools. The frameworks include; classical, administrative, incremental, mixes scanning, political, and garbage can models as well as two models of shared decision making. After illustrating the use of these decision-making models to analyze and develop solution strategies, students have the opportunity to explore about fifty actual cases to build their own analyses and solution strategies.
Table of Contents:
<> Preface
Chapter 1: Introduction
Case Method: An Historical Perspective
Rationality and Decision Making
Rationality and Values
Rationality and the Environment
Rationality and the Unexpected
Mindful Decision Making: Reflective, Not Mechanical
Chapter 2: Decision Making: Optimizing and Satisficing
The Classical Model: An Optimizing Strategy
The Administrative Model: A Satisficing Strategy
Decision-Making Process: A Cyclical Process
Case 2.1 The Teachers Council
Analyzing the Case: Using the Satisficing Model
Case 2.2 Controversial Speaker
Chapter 3: Decision Making: Muddling and Scanning
The Incremental Model: A Strategy of Successive Limited Comparisons
Case 3.1: Conflict at Christmas
Analyzing the Case: An Incremental Approach
The Mixed-Scanning Model: An Adaptive Strategy
Analyzing the Case: An Adaptive Strategy
Summary and Conclusion
Case 3.2: Crisis in Marshall Creek
Chapter 4: Decision Making: Garbage and Politics
The Garbage-Can Model: Irrational Decision Making
Case 4.1: Critical Friends Groups
Analyzing the Case: Garbage-Can Model
The Political Model: Personal Rationality
Case 4.2: Divided Loyalties
Analyzing the Case: The Political Model
Summary and Conclusion
Case 4.3: Politics at River Grove
Chapter 5: Using the Best Model: Practice Cases
Decision-Making Models: A Comparison
The Best Model: A Contingency Approach
A Contingency Mode: Matching Strategy with Situation
Applying the Appropriate Model
Decision Making: A Practical Tip
Case 5.1: Freak Dancing
Case 5.2 Sexual Harassment
Case 5.3: Late Again
Case 5.4: Excessive Force?
Case 5.5 Discord and Disharmony
Case 5.6: Superintendent’s Hiring Dilemma
Case 5.7: Electives
Case 5.8: Sour Notes
Case 5.9: Zero Tolerance Policy: The Eagle Scout
Case 5.10: The Slap
Case 5.11: Low Expectations, Poor Performance
Case 5.12: Kinky Hair
Case 5.13: The Reluctant Assistant
Case 5.14: The Setup
Case 5.15: Dropped for a Loss
Chapter 6: Shared Decision Making: A Comprehensive Model
Managing Participation: Enhancing Quality and Acceptance
Decision Making Styles
Decision Making Trees
Case 6.1: The Curriculum Dilemma: A Group Problem
Analyzing the Case: The Curriculum Dilemma
Individual Problems
Case 6.2: The Secretary’s Office: An Individual Problem
Analyzing the Case: The Secretary’s Office
Summary and Cautions
Case 6.3: The Parking Lot
Chapter 7: Shared Decision-Making: A Simplified Model
Zone of Acceptance
Participation
Directing Participation: Administrative Roles
Using the Model
Case 7.1: The Curriculum Dilemma: A Group Problem Revisited
Analyzing the Case: The Curriculum Dilemma
Discussion: A Preference for Action
Case 7.2: The Secretary’s Office: An Individual Problem Revisited
Analyzing the Case: The Secretary’s Office
A Comparison
Another Application
Case 7.3: Computer Purchasing Problem
Analyzing the Case: A Theory-Driven Student Analysis
Summary and Cautions
Case 7.4: Teacher Tardiness
Chapter 8: Decision Making: Final Cases
Subordinate Participation: A Comparison
Which Model?
Case 8.1: Administrative Communication
Case 8.2: Principal’s In-Service
Case 8.3: Parent Complaint
Case 8.4: The Hiring Problem
Case 8.5: The Advisory Council
Case 8.6: Student Athletes
Case 8.7: Subversive Web Page
Case 8.8: Grading Policy
Case 8.9: Honest Reporting
Case 8.10: Double Entendre
Case 8.11: Special Education
Case 8.12: Just Change It
Case 8.13: Appropriate Attire
Case 8.14: Professional Dilemma
Case 8.15: Intellectual Property
Case 8.16: Grade Change
Case 8.17: The Staffing Problem
Case 8.18: New Department Chair
Case 8.19: Assistant Dean
Case 8.20: The Dean’s Advisory Council
Chapter 9: Putting it All Together
Case 9.1: Redistricting
Suggestions for a Group Project
Other Suggested Activities
Bibliography
Index
