1. Cite an example (a real-life experience) illustrating the 7 steps in problem solving.

a. Define the problem.

Which mode of transportation should I take to go to and arrive from school?

b. Determine the set of alternative solutions.

Option 1: car
Option 2: jeep
Option 3: taxi
Option 4: LRT
Option 5: tricycle

c. Determine the criteria for evaluating alternatives.

Criterion 1: Expense
Criterion 2: Travel Time

d. Evaluate the alternatives.

Options Expense Travel Time
Family Car High (Gasoline) Moderate-High
Jeep Low Moderate-High
Taxi Moderate-High Moderate-High
LRT Low Low-Moderate
(plus walking
afterwards)
Tricycle Moderate Moderate

e. Choose an alternative (make a decision).

Option 4 is selected

f. Implement the decision.

To save money, and to arrive to and from school fast, the mode of transportation
should be LRT. Observe and evaluate its result in the long run and assess whether it
should stay as the chosen mode of transportation or be changed.

g. Evaluate the results.

Is option 4 still the right mode of transportation in the long run? Or will the travel be
less expensive and faster if another option is selected?

2. Identify the similarities and differences between qualitative and quantitative

analyses.

The similarity between them is that both analyses require interpreting and processing
information. They deal with this information/data and they use it to achieve their desired
 goal. Aside from this, both analyses share the same objective of helping managers in
making decisions and solving problems although through different means.

One of the key differences between them is that qualitative analysis focuses more on
experiences and lessons acquired by the manager and apply them in order to make
decisions. This means that this type of analysis mostly deals with descriptions, thoughts,
perceptions, and experiences. While quantitative analysis makes use of mathematical
equations and models to solve problems and come up with a decision. Numbers, figures,
statistics, and facts are mostly involved in this kind of analysis

3. What are the advantages of analyzing and experimenting with model as opposed to
real object or situation?
Through studying models, we are able to make inferences and conclusions about the real
object or situation and learn how to deal with them. We are able to answer multiple
questions like “how?”, “what to do?”, and “what if we do this?” regarding the subject that
we are working with without building it or dealing with it in real life. Aside from that,
experimenting with models is much faster, cheaper, and safer than with real life object or
situation. Models would tell us the corresponding effects and consequences of a
particular action that we apply and this prepares us in the real life situation.