Final answer:
Alternatives generation in business consists of methods like brainstorming, SWOT analysis, cost-benefit analysis, and scenario planning, each offering distinct approaches for identifying viable solutions. Evaluative criteria include effectiveness, feasibility, and efficiency, which help to judge the viability of an alternative against the needs and capabilities of the organization, using objective evidence to support the assessment.
Step-by-step explanation:
When generating alternatives for problem-solving or decision-making in a business context, it is important to come up with a variety of potential solutions. Here are four examples of alternatives generation:
- Brainstorming sessions where team members contribute ideas without criticism, fostering creative and out-of-box solutions.
- SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) to determine internal and external factors that can impact the decision.
- Cost-Benefit analysis to weigh the financial pros and cons of different options.
- Scenario planning to explore how different future events could affect the outcome of a decision.
For evaluative criteria, here are three examples:
- Effectiveness refers to the degree to which the proposed alternative solves the problem or meets the business need.
- Feasibility examines whether the organization has the resources and capabilities to implement the alternative.
- Efficiency measures the cost, time, and resources required for the implementation relative to the benefits gained.
It is important to provide objective evidence when evaluating these criteria to support judgment. Remember, criteria are fluid and may differ based on genre, audience, and subject. Finally, the evaluate solutions stage involves systematically comparing potential designs or alternatives against the established criteria to select the most suitable one.