Step 1 : Define Goals and Objectives
The definition of goals and objectives was the simplest part of our experiment. The majority of this step was already done for our group. The experiment was broken down into two stages, the planning and the execution. At the end of each stage we had completed goals such as creating a sketch of the design and meeting at the front of the room before time runs out. Our team also gave each member tasks which required individual goals. These goals helped to complete the final objective; saving an egg from a 10 foot fall. Our team did a great job defining our goals and objectives in order to increase our chances of success.
Step 2 : Evaluate your resources compared to objectives
In this step, our group excelled. We looked at all our materials and decided how they could best be implemented into our design. The straws were used as supports for our structure, but were also braided together in order to create padding. The tape was used to hold our straws together, but we also crumpled them into balls for more padding. Our group also identified individual skills which could be used in creating our structure. Braiding straws was essential in creating enough padding for our design, therefore, one of the members of our group used her skills to complete that specific task.
Step 3 : Develop premises and several alternative strategies
Our group essentially created one main idea and made changes in order to help strengthen our approach. In hindsight, it might have been a better idea to explore entirely different designs which provided more overall protection. Our design created the maximum amount of protection on one side of the egg, the side that we hoped would hit the floor. The problem was, if the egg rotated, a weaker part of our design would be exposed. Rather than changing our design, we tried to strengthen it, but ultimately failed.
Step 4 : Analyze alternatives and make a tactical plan
Once again, our team did a great job of coming together to plan the build of our structure. After making a decision on the strongest design, we assigned jobs so that everyone knew what to do, and how it should be done. For example, we had different people crumpling tape for padding, building the main structure, and braiding straws.
Step 5 : Implement the plan and evaluate results
The greatest obstacle with implementation of the plan, was the fact that we couldn’t test the designs before deciding on one. The design did not come together as we had originally thought, nor did it provide the proper protection we had intended. After discovering the need for more protection, we made slight changes in our design and added padding in specific areas. Although our group worked effectively, the design and implementation did not turn out the way we had expected.
Wow Jimmy.. you make us sound really good!!! I think Prof. Kurpis should give us a few points for being such a nice team!
ReplyDeleteBut I do agree we did gel well as a team and did quite a good job. I still think we had a nice idea and think if we got a few details different, our egg would have lived to see another day!
I think my group didn't understand the step 2. we were only focused on whats in front of us, we totally forgot about the "Human Resources." If we have known more about each individual members' skills, result of this assignment could have been different.
ReplyDeleteI think everyone had hard time trying to figure out if their design is going to work or not.
But overcoming that obstacle is definitely much easier than overcmoing the communiation problem- which you didn't have in your group!
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI think the majority of the groups were too focused on creating a barrier for the egg to realize that half a barrier wasn't enough. That was the mistake that our group made as well. We too had an idea of creating "padding" or cushions for the egg. I feel that our group shared a similar planning experience in that we worked well as a group and were agreeable with one another but failed to brainstorm alternative plans. :(
Hi James,
ReplyDeleteFrom what you wrote it seems that you aced the theoretical side of the project and planed everything very carefully. I agree that the testing of the created structure would add an assurance of a success, and my group was thinking about it as well. But overall i think this project was design to change the way we used to think about managing and planning. I really hope that we will have some challenges like this in classes to follow.