The document outlines the ideal decision-making process as defined by Baker et al in 2001, which involves 8 steps: 1) defining the problem, 2) determining requirements, 3) establishing goals, 4) identifying alternatives, 5) developing valuation criteria, 6) selecting a decision-making tool, 7) applying the tool to select a preferred alternative, and 8) checking the answer. However, the reality is that decision-makers often fail to fully follow this process, overlooking steps like developing criteria and checking the solution, or treating problems as symptoms rather than true underlying issues. Time pressures can also encourage shortcuts over thorough decision-making.