Courtney, a sales manager, and her team of six have been assigned the task of developing a marketing strategy for a new software product developed by her company. A couple of team members propose a business plan centered on a good price that would make the product affordable. Some members proposed a marketing plan around the value added by the product, and others felt that the focus should be on the brand. After considerable debate, the team cannot reach a consensus on the strategy. Determine the decision-making strategies Courtney can adopt to complete the task successfully

I would explore the "value added" idea. As it's stated in the assignment, it means absolutely nothing because whatever "value" is being added is not clear. You have to know what that "value" is before you can determine how it falls with the other two in making some determination.

Courtney can adopt the following decision-making strategies to complete the task successfully:

1. Facilitate a brainstorming session: Courtney can encourage her team members to openly share their ideas and perspectives. By creating a safe and open space for discussion, she can help the team explore all the different strategies without judgment or bias.

2. Conduct a SWOT analysis: Courtney can guide her team in conducting a comprehensive analysis of the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) associated with each proposed strategy. This analysis will provide a well-rounded understanding of the potential merits and drawbacks of each approach.

3. Seek expert opinions: Courtney can reach out to experts within her organization or industry who can provide insights and guidance on the different strategies. These experts might have valuable knowledge and experience that can help the team make an informed decision.

4. Gather market research: Courtney can assign team members to conduct market research and gather data on customer preferences, industry trends, and competitor strategies. This information will provide a clearer understanding of the target market and help the team align their strategy accordingly.

5. Use decision-making tools: Courtney can introduce decision-making tools such as a decision matrix or decision tree to objectively evaluate each strategy against pre-defined criteria. These tools can help quantify the potential benefits and risks associated with each strategy, making it easier to compare and make an informed decision.

6. Consider a hybrid approach: If the team cannot reach a consensus on a single strategy, Courtney can explore the possibility of combining elements from each proposed strategy. By integrating different perspectives and ideas, the team might be able to develop a unique and comprehensive marketing strategy that addresses multiple aspects.

7. Take a vote or use consensus-building techniques: If all else fails, Courtney can consider taking a democratic approach by allowing the team members to vote for their preferred strategy. Alternatively, she can use consensus-building techniques to work collectively towards finding common ground and reaching a shared decision.

Ultimately, Courtney should aim to create an inclusive and collaborative environment where all team members feel heard and supported in order to make the best strategic decision for the company's new software product.