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Provide an paper that compares two problem-solving strategies found on business management websites and provides a critical analysis of their essences.
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##Hicks’s Seven Steps
Figure 1. Tim Hicks (Hicks, n.##d.##).
One of the most reference##d an##d acknowle##dge##d problem-solving gui##delines is the strategy ##describe##d by Hicks (n.##d.##) that inclu##des seven steps. First, Hicks (n.##d.##) recommen##ds i##dentifying the problem from ##different perspectives. Secon##d, the author offers to outline the interests of all the stakehol##ders. The thir##d step is to create a list of all the available options an##d, consequently, the fourth step is to evaluate possibilities. The fifth stage inclu##des sorting through the ##describe##d variants an##d choosing the most balance##d alternative. After that, Hicks (n.##d.##) insists on making a ##documente##d agreement on the ##decision to revise the option an##d to avoi##d forgetting any ##detail. Lastly, the author recommen##ds agreeing on contingencies, monitoring, an##d evaluation of the ##decision. In short, the seven-step metho##d seems to be a comprehensive an##d concise strategy presente##d by a qualifie##d specialist that ##does not have any signs of bias.
##Tracy’s Ten Steps
Another strategy is Tracy’s creative problem-solving process that inclu##des ten steps. The steps are presente##d in the following list:
 * Look at the situation from a positive perspective;
 * Give a precise ##definition of the case an##d inclu##de every possible ##detail;
 * Approach the problem from all ##directions an##d use critical thinking to evaluate options;
 * Describe the i##deal outcome of the situation;
 * Choose the most balance##d solution to the problem;
 * Develop a plan to overcome the worst possible result of the issue;
 * Set measures for evaluating the progress;
 * Specify ##dea##dlines;
 * Take action.
While the gui##deline seems similar to Hicks’s problem-solving strategy, it a##d##ds crucial points that make it more effective.
##Comparing the Two Strategies
The strategies are both viable an##d effective; however, Tracy’s approach is more appealing ##due to the inclusion of several crucial points. First, Tracy (n.##d.##) offers to look at the situation positively but prepare for the worst possible outcomes. Although the suggestion may seem controversial, it is very realistic an##d practical in my opinion. Secon##d, Tracy (n.##d.##) mentions that interventions shoul##d be time specific. As ##dea##dlines are the central criteria for efficiency evaluation, Hicks’s omission of the matter is crucial. In short, I believe that the ten-step problem-solving mo##del is more beneficial for every##day practice.
##The Research Process
The research was con##ducte##d through a Google search on ##decision-making techniques. Articles were teste##d for cre##dibility by i##dentifying the authors an##d their cre##dentials, the publisher, the purpose, an##d the evi##dence provi##de##d. While there were no problems in formatting the ##document, the research was har##d to con##duct ##due to the scarcity of cre##dible sources. Most of the business articles present the signs of bias an##d aim at selling courses, books, or workshops.
Moreover, many publishers fail to acknowle##dge the writer of the materials making it impossible to evaluate the competency of the author. A##d##ditionally, websites rarely specify the publication ##date, which is central for me##dicine an##d business stu##dies. In essence, the research was har##d to con##duct ##due to complications in i##dentifying cre##dible Internet sources.
##Conclusion
Problem-solving skills are crucial for all the people in the worl##d full of stress an##d anxiety. The key to success is in a systematic approach towar##ds the issue, as it helps to overcome the fear an##d ##discomfort of a problematic situation. The two most effective strategies in the matter are ##describe##d an##d evaluate##d in the present paper. In conclusion, Tracy’s gui##delines seem to be more effective for managing ##difficult situations than the metho##d offere##d by Hicks.