In my opinion, I think our group did a moderate job in the planning process even though we failed at creating a successful egg protector. First off, we missed step 1 which is defining the goal and objectives. I think we felt that we’ve already processed the goal in our heads and so we went straight to brain-storming due to lack of time. Our group didn’t have a specific leader because it seemed like it wasn’t one of our priorities. Our main priority was to have an idea of how to build our protector.
We didn’t really touch on step 2 either which was identifying the resources because the resources were already discussed earlier. Also, we already knew that each of us needed an idea of how this protector should look like so all of us just kept throwing ideas, either going against it or agreeing to it.
Discussing several alternative strategies and any mishaps that may occur were definitely mentioned (step 3). One mishap that was discussed and that actually happened was the egg rotating when it was dropped straight. The idea of the egg rotating was scratched out because we felt that if the egg were to drop straight down, the yolk would be at the bottom of the egg and light part of the egg will be on top, creating a straight down fall. False. That theory didn’t work. It’s interesting and funny looking back at it.
The tactical plan approach, which was stage 4, was definitely followed. Each of us knew our role as to who will handle the specific job in this process. We also implemented the plan and evaluated the results, which was stage 5. While we had the actual necessities to build the protector, our group still kept throwing out ideas and finding ways to modify the plan.
A reason why we failed in creating a successful protector was that we didn’t really focus on if there’s a loophole to this activity or we didn’t really “think outside the box.” We focused on a more obvious idea and finding ways for that obvious idea to work. Other reasons were not determining the leader of the group and time-pressure.
I give my team an A for effort and 10 extra points each for the test because even though our egg protector didn’t work, we worked well as a team. But too bad that's not my decision to make.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
A Successfully Cracked Egg
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I feel like step 1 was what Professor Kurpis essentially did for us. Like we knew what the goal of this project was so there really wasn't much to discuss about that when we actually got in our groups and started planning. That was an interesting theory you guys had. Sounds like you guys had a lot of alternatives which is good even if the one you picked didn't work out.
ReplyDeleteI really like the title of your post, "A Succesfully Cracked Egg" I think it summarizes the point of the whole activity. Realistically, one could argue that it was probable that the teams would not succeed in protecting the egg, but they would succeed in planning efficiently. The point of the activity was to execute the steps of planning and then recaping on what was missed and how to improve for next time. Therefore, although the egg cracked for most teams, they were successful in learning the planning process.
ReplyDeletehmm very interesting. i really like how you pointed out the fact that your group didn't think outside the box or anything like that. THe thing is, most groups didn't do that either. I think everybody missed that point and were just tooo focused on following the rules and getting it done. however, they forget to just step back and loook at the big picture. but good eye on realizing it!
ReplyDeleteYour description of the failed step three attempt resonates perfectly with our group; we were counting on the same egg-yolk physics that seemed logical. This specious theory ultimately resulted in our undoing as the egg, contrary to our expert opinion, simply turned over. Now we will know in the future to take ALL possibilities into account before making a decision.
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