Reflecting on our class planning exercise in light of the five commonly known steps: 1) Define goals, 2)Determine resources and current status, 3)Develop several alternative strategies, 4) Make a tactical plan, 5) Implement plan and evaluate results, has confirmed to me that every circumstance requires some modified version of this structured approach to planning.
Since we were instructed to achieve an end result with certain standards (more than 50% of egg visible, prevent it from breaking etc..) step one was not really necessary—this was already defined. Step two required our group to find those members who could make special contributions in certain areas. Lucky for our group we had someone who could draw which helped everybody share their ideas more effectively. As for the “raw materials” resources, they were “fixed” so that was one less thing to figure out. Step 3 was probably the most involved step for the egg activity. Each proposed design required special consideration. Factors for each design included our materials budget, our visibility regulations (50%), and—most importantly—our construction time restrictions. The challenge of exploring a potentially infinite amount of design considerations (and their related outcomes) was exemplified by the diversity of finished products from all the groups in class. Step 4 was highly relevant also. Once we actually arrived at a design that we thought we could construct in just 10 minutes (less when considering that we had to be at the front of the room with the specs & finished product in hand) specific tasks were assigned. This increased the efficiency of our group effort. Step five was an afterthought. There was no time for revision or corrective actions. Though step 5 is definitely important in the planning process, sometimes time simply won’t allow for it. The break-neck pace of the construction or our egg container might be same tempo of work that a natural disaster relief team has to manage.
In all, I thought our team (“hardboiled”) did the best it could have given our circumstances. No member on our team ever designed—let alone constructed in 10 minutes—a supportive structure for and egg. Because our egg did NOT survive the drop, I can’t honestly say we achieved success. However, our unsuccessful egg drop was NOT the result of poor planning or management. The only suggestion to improve planning that I can give to myself, or anyone, is to always have an internet connection at your fingertips; the answer to many of life’s questions/problems are out there on the internet!
