The Business section of The Washington Post on Sunday, September 27, had four interesting articles about decision making.
Brian Fung discussed the new iPhone and the different ways to pay for it, including payment plans, leases, and traditional contracts (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2015/09/14/thinking-about-buying-a-new-iphone-read-this-first/). He identified the best plans for four different types of consumers: bargain hunters, early adopters, owners, and traditionalists.
Barry Ritzhold's column on investing (http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/get-there/never-buy-a-boat-and-other-rash-financial-advice/2015/09/25/b788db36-60a7-11e5-8e9e-dce8a2a2a679_story.html) covered financial advice (like "never buy a boat") and then discussed the importance of recognizing four key issues in any big decision: knowledge, costs, skill, and psychology. He proposed the following decision-making approach: (1) understand what you are getting into, (2) carefully consider all of the costs of ownership, (3) only buy what you can afford, and (4) make an intelligent decision about using your limited time and money.
Chico Harlan discussed the American Airlines-US Airways merger and how the combined firm is working hard to manage the risks associated with integrating their operations (http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/the-last-days-of-us-airways/2015/09/25/f5530686-60a6-11e5-8e9e-dce8a2a2a679_story.html). A key decision was retaining the larger reservations system used by American Airlines, which reduced the number of employees who had to learn a new system.
Finally, Michelle Singletary (http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/get-there/the-pope-has-left-dc-but-his-words-remain-we-must-help-the-poor/2015/09/25/c7b423c6-60a7-11e5-8e9e-dce8a2a2a679_story.html) wondered if the Americans who were inspired by Pope Francis will decide to contribute their time and talents to help the less fortunate and discussed the relevant priciples.
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