A Problem Solving Process Model for Personal Decision Support (PSPM-DS)

Abstract

This article presents a Problem Solving Process Model for personal decision support (PSPM-DS). The model was used to provide decision support in the counseling of young adults facing difficulties in life decisions, in their career decision making, their intimate relationships, their choice of friends and life style, as well as, their academic or job performance. The model was also used as a consultancy methodology in the human resource department of two middle-size companies helping employees at all levels to cope with personal and interpersonal problems and conflicts within their organization. For the creation of the model, decision theory, systems thinking and soft system methodologies were used. The facilitating and counseling process follows the three generic phases of the decision making process, i.e. problem awareness, problem structuring, and problem evaluation, incorporating within them three different ways of problem representation, i.e. Future Scenarios frame, Multi-Attribute-Utility (MAU) frame, and Rule-base frame. The process focuses on the creation of a responsive, flexible and adaptive environment, which enhance exploration, creativity and freedom in the expression of feelings and desires and increase the awareness of the problem. The processes, frames and activities involved in the practical use of the three phases of the PSPM-DS are illustrated through a detailed case study.