A decision making process based on data leads to good decisions (www.lib.umd.edu). If those in the position to do so will remember how decision making directly affects themselves and others, they will think a little more soberly about the process involved. The first model discussed is a five-step model and includes Framing, Deciding, Communicating, Implementing and Evaluating.

The first step in framing is to clarify the purpose and boundaries of the decision. This will set a tone for the process that needs to be implemented in order to achieve the best possible outcome. Clearly understanding the subject matter about which the decision is being considered aids in the overall decision-making process. It is the foundation on which the final outcome is based. Without a clear understanding the other four steps will not result in a favorable outcome.

Once clarity is determined, the gathering of information comes next. During this step some guidelines will be established that will make the next four aspects of decision making viable. Identified here are the people it will affect and exactly who is responsible for the final decision; an individual or group. Then a deadline for making the decision must be agreed upon or set.

When guidelines are set with deadline in place, the method defining how the decision will be made comes next in this five-step procedure. Appropriate tools should be used for gathering data, integrating ideas with the data, and deciding if it will be the responsibility of one individual or a group who makes the final determination. There is a certain amount of decision making within the decision making model.

Communicating by summarizing the rationale for the decision and why it was made along with defining the steps used to implement the decision are the next two steps in this model of decision making. Also in these steps is the defining of who will report, and how they will do it, the completion of certain steps within the decision making needs to be established.

Finally, there is the evaluation of the decision to be sure all steps have been accomplished in a satisfactory manner. If the final outcome is not favorable the decision making group or individual should rethink the data used and start the process over.

The seven-step model developed by Rick Roberts of the University of North Florida Career Services includes identifying the decision to be made, self assessment, identifying any options, gather data, evaluate problem solving options, selecting one and designing a course of action (www.unf.edu). This decision making model is much like the previous one mentioned, but is a little more detail orientated. It is preferred to have as much knowledge about the decision desired so it tends to be a little more involved for everyone in the decision making group.

The first step in Roberts' design is like the five-step model, and is imperative to making a good decision. Understanding what the problem is in order to implement a process to render the best possible decision has to be the first step in any decision making model. This is usually a question to delineate and define the unique characteristics concerning the problem faced. The more information gathered the broader the spectrum is from which to choose pertinent information needed.

Self assessment involves how you see yourself in four categories of understanding. They are skills, interest, values and personality. This is important because it has a direct bearing on how the process will flow. If we are not aware of personal traits that are inevitably exhibited in our every day affairs, we can be tripped up by them and find ourselves embarrassed. "Know thyself" is the adage.

Exploration of the options available is the next step in this seven step decision making model. Determine whether the information acquired will be helpful or not. This means input from everyone involved is vital. The decision will be made, but the affect it has lies in opinions being shared by those making the decision.

After choosing the information to be used decision makers will collaborate by offering personal data about the information. Also, it is good to research these pieces of information in order to get a clear understanding of how they will be used in the process of decision making. Finding and using more resources that can be used as evidence to support the implementing of the process will go a long way in determining how successful the outcome of the decision will be.

Select only one of the options that you have explored and design an implementation procedure. These are the last two steps in this model. Based upon the data analyzed the people involved should be able to ascertain the best method of implementation. This will bring a satisfactory level of confidence not only in those who developed the process, but also those the decision will affect.

Any decision making model used will begin with identifying the problem that makes a decision making process required. The steps outlined above are all illustrations of the critical thinking necessary to be able to make good decisions. Whether we see them, notice them, or even understand them does not make them of no use to us. In fact, we use them to some degree in every decision we make. Taking this class, for example, took a decision on my part. I had to weigh the options presented to me, gather the information about the classes in this field of study, and based upon those findings I was able to decide to register for this class. Critical thinking is absolutely necessary to make good decisions. If I had allowed incorrect or false data to become part of the criteria on which I based my decision, I would probably be in a class that I would not benefit from.

Finally, choosing a decision making model, whether it be from a professional viewpoint or a personal one is vital to everyday activities. Most people make decisions without giving them much thought only to regret what they have done, especially when they realize a little more insightful and critical thinking could have avoided a less-than-desirable outcome.

Model Break Down:

Major Steps:

1. Socialization:

   This step focuses on developing ties with students before the goal is announced, creating personal ties with one another. This step also helps people acknowledge who is better to work with and create relationships that may be beneficial in the future.

   • Compressor:

     Confirm relationships with other students, and develop closer ties with those who connect better than other students

2. Create and Assess:

   This step is about creating a team, where all members have been introduced and know a little bit about each other. This is a short process, due to the step before, where social ties were formed already. This step also brings together the group and clearly defines what the goal is. By combining everyone's individual thoughts, the group can move forward together.

3. Compressor:

   Review the goal individually, taking notes of what to do, so that you can share with the group. Looking over the goal, brainstorm ways of sharing the workload in correspondence with everyone's strengths.

   • Throttle:

     If the group created does not seem to feel comfortable, then go back and try to deepen relationships with each other to make a stronger team. Also, if the assessments made by the group members do not seem to agree, try and meet to develop a more common solution.

4. Divide and Develop:

   Now the team must focus on breaking the work evenly amongst itself so that the work may be done in time, and in respect to everyone's strengths. Not only is it divided, but also the team will schedule a set time table for when work must be completed and when to meet to check everyone's progress. Each member is encouraged to make sure they all do their parts so that the project may come together in later stages and meet the set deadlines in their schedule.

5. Compressor:

   After receiving the individual assignment, each member should review their part. As each team member nears completion of their part, keep in mind to review your work before showing it to the group.

6. Throttle:

   If the individual assignments do not seem to work, simply try to reassign the tasks, or change them. If team members begin to fall behind in their work the task may be too much for one person to bear, so simply try and split it. It is possible to underestimate a task in the earlier stage and not realize it until actual work is being put in.

7. Merge:

   In this step, the team meets to combine the individual parts of the project so that they have a rough copy of what they wanted as their final project. This step is done when all the deadlines for each person has been met.

8. Compressor:

   Even though everything is now in place, do not forget it is still a rough draft and must be proof read and corrected by everyone

9. Throttle:

   If the individual part is not completed to the satisfaction of the other members, then the member responsible must continue on their part until it is ready

10. Conquer:

    This is the last step in the model. Simply put, this step is after the project has been double checked and accepted as finished by all team members and can now be handed in.

11. Throttle:

    If something is still not right with the project then the team must go back and continue to work on it until it is corrected

Meeting Components of Critical Thought:

Clarity:

Our thesis statement is properly stated in the beginning and labeled. Our model is clearly labeled and color coded, to make it organized and easy for the reader to find the corresponding definitions.

Accuracy:

The information and components of the model were based off of the Drexler, Sibbet and Forrester Model, and also the Tuckerman Model. These models are cited at the end of the report.

Precision:

Each step in the model is clearly described in the flowchart. The whole process is based off of our team's personal experience. As you go through a step the compressors help explain the steps that can push you forward and if there is trouble in one step you can go back and reflect on what may have been wrong using the throttle steps.

Relevance:

This project focused on a group working through a Triple E project. Triple E calls for a limited amount of time for a lot of work to be produced.

Depth:

The research was sufficient because it was based off the creation of our own group. It is thoughtful and convincing because it was formed by the group and thus tailored to our own group. This model also differs from the Tuckman model because our model's first step is applied anytime before the team making process is applied. We also include steps that go back to previous steps in case of any trouble with the group.

Breadth:

Points on social interaction, teamwork, and other topics were explored. Each member contributed their ideas and views towards the final product. We kept the final process because it embodies each member's ideas than the others before.

Logic:

Our model is a completely autonomous process. The model is a complete embodiment of our ideas and expresses our thesis and point of view the way we feel is best.

Well, at Amber Talent, we get an awful lot of applications from people who feel they should be famous or where mum or Mr Jones down the road, or any one else, said they they have some sort of talent. In fact, we get between 700 and 1500 applications every week. But not all are going to get on our books.

The reason for this is that we are looking for people who have a look that we can sell - we're in the business to make money so we're not going waste resources on someone who hasn't got a chance of earning us any money. Sounds harsh doesn't it? But that's the reality of any agent you approach, no matter how nice they are.

Don't forget, that as agents we don't charge an application or registration fee, we don't take any money off you. The only way we make money is from commissions that we earn on the jobs that we find for you.

So here's a bit of a guide for those of you that are aspiring models, singers, actors, dancers, even magicians, and want to register with an agent.

First of all, find out about the agent - what they are looking for, what their application/registration process is and what they offer. This can usually be found on the company's website or by simply telephoning the agent.

Now what we do is send out instructions for completing the application form along with an information sheet. The information sheet tells you what services we offer and what commissions we take. Normally, you don't need any more information than that because it states it clearly. If you do, then you can always e-mail and ask your question but beware if your question is already answered in the information sheet then you are likely to get a very terse reply!!

Secondly, fill out as the application form as instructed - there is nothing worse than having to chase up someone, say a model, just because they have omitted to give their vital statistics on the form (we can't “sell” you without this information).

My staff's biggest bugbear however is applicants that send in their forms and don't include enough photos, show-reels, voice-reels etc. You are what we are marketing so you need to give us the material to market you with. You may think that this is stating the obvious and indeed it is, yet you would be surprised how many people send us forms with either just one photo with their face obscured or a very bad recording of themselves singing (usually of “Angels” by Robbie Williams!).

Finally, don't chase us for your profile to get done or get you jobs. If you are accepted onto our books we will let you know in due course and then we'll build your profile, cards etc. We will then start marketing you to talent users.

In the meantime, be patient. You are not going to be rich and famous overnight so waiting for your agent to get the job done properly is far better than hassling them to rush it and then sending you off to jobs you won't do.

MODEL ONE:

Sell Information Products.

This is one of the most profitable businesses you can ever run online. It involves selling “how to” products to people. People are always looking for information about different topics online. Your job is to create a product that will provide answers to what people are searching for.

What do you know about? Do you know how to cure Acne? Write a “how to cure Acne” product and people will buy from you. Do you know about stock market? Then, create a product that teaches people how to make money from stock market. This is one of the ways of making your idea sell like hot cake, Bill Gate did it you can do it.

MODEL TWO:

1. Provide Online Assistance. In the last few years, there has been an explosion of Internet marketers in the world. Hundred of people come online to do business and trying to make money from it. These online wealth seekers however require various kinds of tools to start their businesses.
   That is where you come in. Decide on a service you know these people will pay money for and dominate the market. Let me give you a few ideas so you will know what I'm talking about. Provide web hosting service solution: Internet marketers will always be in need of this.
2. Provide a payment solution: We will all need to make payment online.
3. Become an e- cover designer: The demand for this is growing by the day.

Look around and you will become a moneymaker in no time.

Subway

Subway has over 23,000 franchises around the world and commands an 8% royalty fee from sales. The total investment into the franchise ranges between $70,000 and $220,000 and requires a net worth of $30,000 to $90,000. Subway has been so successful with its franchises partly due to the extensive training and support that it offer franchise owners. Owners are invited to a two week training session at the Subway quarters in over seven countries. Additionally, Subway provides ongoing support in the way of newsletters, meetings, and marketing help.

Curves

Curves has nearly 9,000 franchises around the world, with the majority in the United States. The company requires only a 5% royalty fee and has a modest investment into the company of only $36,400 to $42,900. The company requires a net worth of $75,000 to operate. Curves succeeds at offering one week-long training course at the national headquarters in addition to offering a four-day training course at the franchisee location. Franchise owners are also invited to regional meetings that are full-day, conventions and local events. Curves offers generous marketing help and on-going support to encourage franchise owners to spread the word about the innovative women-only gym.

Quiznos Sub

Quiznos Sub operates about 2,500 Italian sandwich stores around the world. The start-up investment is sizeable - ranging from $208,400 - $243,800, plus a 7% royalty fee. Net worth also must be high - at $125,000 with a $60,0000 cash liquidity requirement. Perhaps because of the high expenses, only about 7% of franchise owners own two or more stores. Quiznos does, however, offer substantial training, including one week at the Quiznos headquarters and a full three weeks at the franchise locations. Quiznos also offers a competitive support package for operations and marketing.

Jackson Hewitt Tax Service

Jackson Hewitt Tax Service has just over 4,000 locations spread out across the US. The tax firm specializes in federal and state taxes and sees clients year-round. The franchise requires a mid-line investment of $51,700-$85,400 and commands a rather large royalty fee of 15%. Net worth requirements must fall between $100,000 and $200,000 and most franchise owners own two or more Jackson Hewitt stores. Training for franchise owners is at a minimum. Jackson Hewitt offers five days at the headquarters and two days at a regional location. The company also offers support such as a newsletter, meeting invitations, Internet and operational materials. Additionally, Jackson Hewitt assists with marketing support in the way of national media and co-op advertising.

The UPS Store

The UPS store franchises nearly 6,000 franchises around the world, including over 4,200 in the US. The total investment is high, ranging from $138,700 - $245,500 with a low royalty fee of only 5%. Net worth also must be high at $150,000 and owners are required to have business and computer experience. Training and support for the UPS franchisee is substantial - with two weeks at the headquarters and two weeks at the franchisee's location. Ongoing support is also available.