Decision Making

Personally, I feel that my behavior most resembled the Accommodation perspective. Initially, the class agreed on a curve, as well as extra credit. These two changes were enough of a boost to my grade to leave me satisfied. As far as changes to the next test, I wasn't sure exactly what I wanted. Since my first priority was to improve the grade on my first test, the second test's composition seemed less important. For the next test, I simply planned on studying more, but others in the class thought the format needed to be changed, so I let them decide. Furthermore, there was no way of knowing if a change in test format would have helped me in the future, again making it a less important decision.

Collaboration was the most predominant form of decision-making in our class discussion. For example, many class members either gave their ideas, or their opinions on others' ideas. Although Collaboration was most common, Compromise was also necessary to mediate between classmates. To begin with, one student came to the front of the classroom and took a leadership role in the discussion. She acted as a mediator between others' ideas and opinions so that each one could be properly heard. Towards the end of the discussion, it was easy to see that many students displayed Avoidance. This may have been because it was difficult to reach a unanimous decision. Based on how students performed within different sections, they had different ideas about the specific format of the test. For insance, it seemed futile to continue discussion about inclusion of the essay portion since large portions of the class were in disagreement. Again, causing Avoidance in some students.

In hindsight, I would have broken the class down into small groups that could collaborate more effectively. From each group, a representative would be chosen to compromise with other group representatives. This approach would eliminate problems spawning from too many people speeking concurrently. It would also help to allow more reserved individuals to share their opinions in a more inviting atmosphere. Group representatives would speak for and vote in favor of their groups ideas and opinions. This approach would allow the majority of the class to be heard, and wouldn't allow a single classmate to be greedy and overlook the classes best interests.

Egg-cellent!!

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.

Culture Shock

One similarity which all city dwellers have in common, is the fact that walking is one of their main sources of transportation. Having never traveled outside the United States, I can only compare the differences in walking and driving culture between New York City and San Francisco. The phrase "pedestrians have the right of way" has two entirely different definitions in each city.

In New York City, pedestrians are expected to protect themselves from distracted drivers. Whereas, in San Francisco, drivers make an increased effort to lookout for pedestrians, and furthermore, give them the right of way. Although I wouldn't endorse this, in San Francisco, a pedestrian could walk blindly through a 4 way stop intersection with little fear of physical harm. On the other hand, if you tried this in NYC, you would probably be dead on your first attempt.

Being born and raised around NYC, I was accustom to allowing cars pass through intersections ahead of me while walking. After visiting San Francisco, I was surprised how nearly every car would wave me through the crosswalk.

Some of these differences can be attributed to New Yorkers' eternal rush to get somewhere. Alternatively, San Franciscans are known to have much more laid back personalities. Whatever the case is, watch your back New Yorkers, or you'll get run down!

Info About Me

Hello, My name is James Chambers. I am currently a Junior is college, pursuing a major in Finance and Investments at Baruch College. This is My second Semester at Baruch, but my first semester taking classes in the Zicklin School of Business. Below, is a list of the courses I am taking this semester. Contact me if you need information on a class, or have any questions in general.

ACC 2203
ECO 3250
FIN 3000
MGT 3120