Think tanks - decision making overview

Think tank image [photo]. The Brazilian Report. https://brazilian.report/business/2017/12/12/brazils-think-tank-boom/ 

Think tanks consist of a variety of experts in their respective fields, who come together to find answers to many of our most elusive questions.  Think tanks are often funded by government, corporate, or special interest groups, but some are established for non-profit organizations.  Think tanks can operate under a one roof model, where everyone meets face to face, or a without walls model, where technological means are used to communicate (Hernandez, 2018).

 

Think tanks utilize decision making techniques that allow the experts to create and collaborate on ideas that could present possible solutions.  Two methods that can be used in a think tank are listed below.

·      Thinking backwards by starting with the desired outcome and working your way back - this method establishes the end goal first, then uses backward planning to determine what is needed along the way to achieve the goal.  Third, the think tank group then plans the process of reaching the goal using the information they gathered.

·      Internal incubation funding for ideas – research and development funds can be set aside to chase ideas and promote innovation (Silentstrike, 2016).  These funds can come from various sources and fund a variety of projects, but are intended for experts to research their ideas.      

 

References

 

Hernandez, M. (2018). Think Tank Methods. Dr. Michael K Hernandez. https://mkhernandez.wordpress.com/2018/01/13/think-tank-methods/

 

Silentstrike. (2016). Think Tank Methodologies and Techniques. Strike Cyberscoop. https://strikecyberscoop.wordpress.com/2016/01/27/think-tank-methodologies-and-techniques/