(Solution) Oakwood International 5CO02 Evidence-based practice Assessment ID / CIPD_5CO02_23_01

Effectiveness- Evidence-based decision making is effective when it leads to choices supported by empirical research and metrics. Outcomes are stronger and solutions more targeted when grounded in verifiable evidence over untested assumptions.

Strengths and weaknesses- Strengths of evidence-based decision making include making choices logically based on facts rather than subjectively. It considers broader perspectives through data. Weaknesses can be that not all factors are quantifiable, evidence gathering has costs, and analysis relies on past data not accounting for new variables.

Application

People practice issues

Resourcing issue- Determining optimal staffing levels can be challenging. Evidence-based tools like workload measurement systems provide objective data on time requirements for tasks ‌ (FasterCapital, 2024). This helps schedule appropriate headcounts and prevents over- or under-staffing.

Performance issues- Tracking performance regularly allows facts to emerge but can be seen as punitive. Gathering anonymous employee and customer feedback provides a fuller picture. Outcome data from training programs help ensure funds strengthen skills as intended. Making decisions based on factual evidence considers multiple viewpoints and leads to fairer solutions (Young, 2023).

Organisation issue

Raising low levels of employee engagement

An issue many organisations face is raising low levels of employee engagement. To address this through evidence-based practices, an organisation could conduct an anonymous survey to gather both qualitative and quantitative data from employees on their satisfaction, motivation and retention risks (‌Alshaabani et al.2021). Through benchmarking, they would research what specific practices highly engaged competitors employ, such as rewards programs, training opportunities, flexible schedules. Analytics of this internal and external evidence could reveal engagement drivers and barriers. Decisions about initiatives targeting pain points like communication, culture or career development would then be backed by facts rather than assumptions, focusing efforts where they can have the greatest impact.

 Word count: Approximately 400 words

Porter’s Five Forces

In ever-changing settings influenced by laws, new rivals, and potential for expansion, Porter’s Five Forces model is an effective diagnostic tool for companies (Mindtools, 2023). Its organised method, which systematically assesses competitive dynamics affecting a business, is a remarkable strength.

  Organisational Diagnosis- Porter’s 5 model helps to discover important opportunities and threats by providing a methodical way to assess the competitive dynamics influencing an organisation’s industry. An organisation’s position within its industry can be understood by examining the strength of suppliers, buyer power, the threat of substitutes, the threat of new rivals, and industry rivalry (CIPS, 2023). This makes it easier to make strategic decisions by drawing attention to potential weak spots or opportunities to fortify the company’s competitive edge.

Problems with legislating- Although businesses can use Porter’s Five Forces to foresee the effects of regulations. Because of its emphasis on market dynamics, the framework runs the risk of ignoring subtleties in legislation or regulation that have the potential to drastically alter the competitive landscape. To ensure a thorough knowledge of possible implications and compliance requirements, organisations should enhance this tool with legal expertise when assessing legislative concerns.

New Competitors Challenges– By analysing entrance hurdles and current competitive dynamics, Porter’s Five Forces finds the danger that new rivals pose. This allows companies to take the initiative to protect their market share or take advantage of chances given by new competitors, says Harvard Business School (2008). Nevertheless, organisations must always keep an eye on the competitive landscape and adjust their strategies accordingly to tackle new difficulties as they arise.

Growth Opportunities- By analysing the dynamics of the market and the forces exerted by competitors, Porter’s Five Forces can help an organisation spot development opportunity. Organisations can find growth opportunities by analysing supplier and buyer power and industry competition (Mindtools, 2023). The framework may not be able to foresee revolutionary innovations or changes in customer tastes because it only considers current market conditions.

Micro Analysis Tool

Surveys

Based on DeFranzo (2017) findings, surveys are a great tool for organisations to identify problems, tackle obstacles, and take advantage of opportunities. To get useful insights and motivate strategic measures, however, they rely on well-planned surveys, efficient administration, and precise interpretation of results.

Problem Identification – Because they collect both quantitative and qualitative information about different parts of the business, surveys are useful for identifying a wide range of problems. According to LinkedIn (2024), surveys make it possible to collect input from stakeholders like as employees, customers, and others in order to pinpoint the source of issues. Low morale among employees, unhappy customers, or inefficient operations are just a few of the problems that surveys might reveal.

Overcoming Obstacles – By collecting data on specific areas of concern, surveys allow organisations to methodically examine difficulties. Market trends, competitive pressures, and technology impediments can all be better understood with the help of surveys that gather pertinent information from specific audiences. Organisations should take great care when designing surveys to avoid bias and guarantee reliable data collecting.

Seizing Opportunities – In order to find opportunities, surveys are essential for gathering stakeholder preferences and comments (FAO,2024). Strategic decision-making might be guided by their ability to uncover unmet demands, rising trends, or areas for innovation. Market demand, consumer preferences, and competitive analysis may all be quantified with the help of surveys, which can then be used to find growth prospects. Still, businesses should be wary of respondent bias and survey fatigue by making sure their surveys are specific enough to yield useful results.

Principles of Critical Thinking

Several basic principles underpin critical thinking, which is necessary for sound analysis and decision-making:

Logic and reason without bias- For people professional, being able to think critically is being able to approach information and problems without letting their emotions or biases influence your decision-making as outlined by People professional map (CIPD, 2023).

Validity of sources being checked- In order to determine whether an information source is credible and trustworthy, critical thinkers check the source’s authority and accuracy.
Taking unconscious bias into account- A critical thinker is one who is self-aware enough to know when they are biased and does all they can to combat it so that their opinions are not skewed.
Avoiding premature conclusions- Thinkers who are capable of critical thinking take their time to collect and analyse all relevant information before drawing any conclusions, rather than jumping to conclusions without sufficient proof (Laurier, 2022). The importance of being patient and meticulous when addressing problems and making decisions is emphasized by this idea.

Application of the Critical thinking in my own ideas

I always present and validate facts and data with great care, placing a premium on accuracy and reliability, in my professional pursuits, and doing my best to uphold values of integrity. My goal is to remain objective and unaffected by my own feelings or prejudices in my approach and presentation. The use of facts and logic rather than speculation or personal opinion is something I stress heavily. Following these guidelines helps me be a credible and professional professional, which in turn builds trust with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders, and makes it easier for everyone involved to make well-informed decisions and solve problems.

Application of the Critical thinking in other’s work

I follow the concepts of critical thinking when I evaluate other people’s work. Drawing from my personal experiences in building trust and demonstrating knowledge in my profession, I am acutely aware of the significance of evaluating an author’s trustworthiness when I examine their research. Their research techniques and cited sources make me appreciate how careful I must be in my own work to avoid accusations of bias. Being diligent about verifying assertions becomes second nature, which shows that I prefer to give factual information rather than just my personal view. The significance of always monitoring one’s own work and attempting to evaluate it objectively is further shown by my personal path of identifying and reducing unconscious biases. The importance of not jumping to conclusions is emphasized by the lessons of patience and thoroughness that one learns from their own obstacles. Using these principles—grounded on my personal experiences—I am able to evaluate other people’s work with certainty and honesty.

A critical thinking approach assists rational and objective debate by analysing issues from multiple perspectives before forming conclusions as evidenced by Lumen Learning (2023). It questions assumptions and seeks corroborating evidence to avoid bias. Considering alternative views through deductive and inductive reasoning leads to well-informed discussions less influenced by preconceptions or subjectivity.

De Bono’s Six Hats- With De Bono’s six hats method, professionals can make decisions in a methodical way while yet giving equal weight to different perspectives. From optimism to critical analysis, inventiveness to prudence, each “hat” represents a different way of thinking. By providing a framework for thorough investigation and assessment, this tool improves the breadth and depth of decision-making (MindTools, 2022). It is possible to reduce the likelihood of cognitive biases and blind spots and increase the likelihood of a thorough comprehension of the decision at hand by methodically donning each hat in turn.
Adopting De Bono’s six hats approach entails going through several ways of thinking in a sequential fashion while making critical business decisions. After donning the white hat to systematically gather facts, decision-makers transition to the red hat to take into account instinctive reactions and emotions. Afterwards, they can put on the yellow hat to evaluate possible benefits and possibilities, and they can keep switching hats to make sure all angles are covered.

Best Fit Approach- The best fit method comprises considering available options and selecting the one that is most suitable given the situation’s requirements, limitations, and objectives. This approach highlights the need of making sure the choice is suitable for the given circumstances (Francis, 2012). By thoroughly assessing each choice in light of established criteria, decision-makers may zero in on the best possible combination of practicality and advantages.
When choosing software for a company, for instance, the best fit model might involve comparing several software solutions based on criteria like cost, features, flexibility, and compatibility with existing systems. To make sure the software is a good fit for the organisation’s needs and goals, it’s a good idea to do research and get user feedback before making a final decision.

Future Pacing- According to CIPD (2023a), future pacing involves thinking about what might happen in the future so you can assess the impact of your current choices. This approach allows people to plan ahead for what’s to come, so their decisions can be flexible and strong even when faced with new possibilities or problems. Poople professionals can evaluate the flexibility and sustainability of their options by imagining several futures, such as economic downturns or technology breakthroughs, and then picking the one with the best long-term prospects.

 Word count: Approximately 400 words