12/3-12/9 Post 3: Constraints

"Constraints are inevitable element of any decision-making process and may be of two types: external or internal. External constraints are those imposed on the decision-making process, such as the time, money, energy, knowledge base, or other resources that the group needs for the decision-making process and to implement the solution. Internal constraints are those integral to the problem. They may have caused the initial problem, or they may have to do with limitations on the implementation, such as government regulations, the physical location, technical or design difficulties, or other constraining factors and circumstances." (146)

To refresh your memories, I took this excerpt straight from the book. It defines constraints perfectly as well as internal and external constraints. I chose this concept as my favorite one that we covered in this course because I can really relate to it outside the "classroom" (so to speak). For instance I am having real trouble with external constraints on Christmas shopping. Time and money are tight this year. I think that constraints are one of the most common challenges that people face everyday, especially in group settings. Like this concept and many others, this class provided useful knowledge that can be used everyday at any given time or place. Constraints are basic obstacles that everyone must overcome or find a solution to everyday. That is why I chose and like constraints.