The success of your value-added business will be based on the decisions you make.  The quality of your decisions is a function of how you go about making decisions.  Are the decisions based on the proper weighing of facts and empirical evidence.  Or are they based on optimistic expectations, here-say evidence and emotional reactions.

Group decision making is important for the success of a value-added business that is started and operated by a group of individuals.  Examine various styles of group decision making in Group Decision Making in Value-added Business Projects.

For more information on this topic, see the links listed below of articles posted on related Web sites.

Improving Your Decision Making

• Decision Making – Kansas State University Extension -- Decision making is the process of selecting one course of action from several alternative actions. It involves using what you know, (or can learn) to get what you need.
• Group Decision Making – University of Florida Extension -- Some groups are composed of people with similar objectives and goals, while other groups are composed of a set of people who represent diverse organizations.
• Decision-Making Techniques for Community Groups – University of Missouri Extension -- Community groups often have a problem coming to a decision about projects to undertake.
• Nominal Group Technique – University of Nevada Extension – Focuses group discussion around one question.
• Are you a Good Decision Maker? - Small Business Administration - Decision-making is a skill that can be learned by anyone. Although some people may find this particular skill easier than others, everyone applies a similar process.

Company Decisions

• Carly Fiorina: Heed Your Internal Compass – HBS Working Knowledge -- While it is important to garner support for your business decisions, the most difficult decisions are ones you make on your own.
  
• Horse Sense: D. Wayne Lukas on Managing – HBS Working Knowledge -- Should managers be treated like high-performance racehorses? This top trainer has experience with both.
  
• Peter Drucker on Making Decisions – HBS Working Knowledge -- Forget the idea that effective executives need charisma above all. Peter Drucker explains how the best executives take responsibility for their own decisions.
• The Few, the Proud, the In Crowd - HBS Working Knowledge - It’s likely your org chart doesn’t tell you where the real power lies in your company. A small number of people make the big decisions. Are you in with the in crowd?
• What You Don't Know About Making Decisions – HBS Working Knowledge -- As you weigh the options for your company's next step, how do you decide which way to turn?
• Decision Making: Will you Start a New Enterprise? – Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Alberta, Canada -- The enterprise looks feasible, but how do you decide whether to proceed? This factsheet outlines a decision-making framework to help you focus on your decision.