Define the problem in the scenario that you have chosen. 2. Analyze the problem in the scenario. 3. Generate options for solving the problem in the scenario. 4. Evaluate the options for solving the problem. 5. Decide on the best option for solving the problem.

QUESTION

Write a four page paper in which you define the problem in SCENARIO 1 and:
1. Define the problem in the scenario that you have chosen.
2. Analyze the problem in the scenario.
3. Generate options for solving the problem in the scenario.
4. Evaluate the options for solving the problem.
5. Decide on the best option for solving the problem.
6. Explain how you will implement the decision made and reflect on whether this option was the most effective.

Scenario 1: You have worked at your company for eleven (11) years. You have returned to college to earn a Bachelor’s degree in order to increase your chances for a promotion. You are nearly finished with your degree, when a supervisor’s position in a competing company becomes available in another state. The start date is in two (2) weeks, during your final exam period for your courses. The position offers a $15,000 per year salary increase, a car allowance, and relocation expenses. Your former supervisor works for the company and is recommending you for the position based on your outstanding job performance; if you want the job, it’s yours. All of the other supervisors at this level in the company have Master’s degrees, so you know that you would be expected to earn your Bachelor’s degree and continue on to a Master’s degree. Your present company offers tuition reimbursement, but the new company does not.

ANSWER

The Dilemma of Pursuing a Promotion: Balancing Education and Career Advancement

Introduction

In this paper, we will explore a scenario where an individual, having worked at a company for eleven years, is faced with a difficult decision. The person is in the final stages of completing a Bachelor’s degree, which is intended to enhance their chances of promotion within their current organization. However, an unexpected opportunity arises in the form of a supervisor’s position at a competing company, located in another state. The decision becomes even more challenging as the start date coincides with the individual’s final exam period. This paper aims to define the problem in this scenario, analyze its implications, generate options for solving the problem, evaluate those options, decide on the best course of action, and discuss the implementation of the chosen decision and its effectiveness.

 Defining the Problem

The problem in this scenario can be summarized as follows: the individual, who is close to completing their Bachelor’s degree, must decide between pursuing a promotion within their current company or accepting a supervisor’s position at a competing company that offers attractive benefits and a higher salary (Bhidé, 2022). The timing of the new opportunity poses a challenge as it coincides with the individual’s final exam period.

 Analyzing the Problem

The decision entails weighing the value of education and career advancement against immediate financial and professional benefits. On one hand, earning a Bachelor’s degree can significantly increase the individual’s chances of promotion within their current company. However, the new position presents an opportunity for an immediate salary increase of $15,000 per year, a car allowance, and relocation expenses. Furthermore, the individual’s former supervisor’s recommendation enhances their prospects for success in the new role.

Generating Options for Solving the Problem

Several options can be considered to address this problem:

   Decline the new position and focus on completing the Bachelor’s degree: This option prioritizes long-term career growth within the current company, taking advantage of potential tuition reimbursement and the eventual pursuit of a Master’s degree.

   Accept the new position and postpone the final exams: This option allows the individual to seize the immediate financial benefits and take advantage of the recommendation from the former supervisor. However, it risks jeopardizing the completion of the Bachelor’s degree.

   Negotiate a later start date for the new position: This option aims to find a compromise by requesting a delayed start date that allows the individual to complete their final exams before assuming the new role.

Evaluating the Options

Each option has its pros and cons:

   Option a) provides the opportunity to solidify the educational foundation and align with the company’s future expectations. However, it delays immediate financial benefits and the potential for career growth in the competing company.

   Option b) offers immediate financial gains and the endorsement of a former supervisor. However, it risks jeopardizing the completion of the Bachelor’s degree, potentially limiting long-term career prospects.

   Option c) seeks a middle ground by negotiating a delayed start date, accommodating both the completion of the degree and the new position. This option balances immediate benefits and long-term career growth.

Deciding on the Best Option

After careful consideration, option c) stands out as the most viable solution. Negotiating a later start date for the new position allows the individual to complete their final exams while capitalizing on the opportunity presented by the competing company (Malhotra, 2022). This option strikes a balance between immediate financial benefits and the pursuit of further education.

Implementation and Reflection

To implement the decision, the individual should communicate with the competing company promptly and professionally. Requesting a later start date, explaining the situation and the value of completing the Bachelor’s degree, can demonstrate commitment to both education and the new position (National Academies Press (US), 2011). Reflecting on this option’s effectiveness will depend on the response of the competing company and the ability to find a mutually agreeable compromise. If successful, the decision to negotiate a delayed start date could provide the best outcome by allowing the individual to secure immediate benefits while still completing their degree.

Conclusion

In the scenario presented, the individual faces a complex decision regarding career advancement and education. By defining the problem, analyzing its implications, generating options, evaluating those options, deciding on the best course of action, and considering the implementation and reflection, the paper has highlighted negotiating a delayed start date as the most effective solution. This approach strikes a balance between immediate financial benefits and long-term career growth, providing an opportunity to both complete the Bachelor’s degree and pursue the new position.

References

Bhidé, A. (2022, April 19). The Questions Every Entrepreneur Must Answer. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/1996/11/the-questions-every-entrepreneur-must-answer 

Malhotra, D. (2022, March 11). 15 Rules for Negotiating a Job Offer. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2014/04/15-rules-for-negotiating-a-job-offer 

National Academies Press (US). (2011). Transforming Education. The Future of Nursing – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK209885/