Tools and Techniques Paper

Tools and Techniques Paper

Donny Newman

University of Phoenix

CSS/330

Critical Thinking and Computer Logic

Mark A. Bateh

August 14, 2006

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to discuss a decision-making tool or technique as discussed in week three. The paper will contain a discussion of the tool or technique and an application example. It will also include an example of when and when not to use the tool or technique. The paper will conclude with a brief summation.

Tools and Techniques Paper

Individuals, organizations, and social groups are often faced with the challenge of solving difficult problems and making important, strategic decisions. For a group to be successful, it must find methods to creatively resolve problems and focus on reaching goals and achieving results. There are many individual and group techniques that can be used to identify and solve problems. These techniques are thinking strategies intended to bring out the creative vigor of individuals and generate ideas and approaches to resolving problems and making effective decisions. (Hughes, 2003)

An effective procedure known as the Charette Procedure is a group idea producing and prioritizing tool. Its strength is its capacity to address several issues at the same time in a highly interactive group environment. The Charette Procedure entails several small groups discussing parts of the issue(s) at the same time generating as many ideas as possible. Then their ideas are passed on to the next group for further development, enlargement, and in the long run prioritization. The Charette Procedure is especially useful when a group has decided on what they want to do, but is unsure of all the details involved in the process to accomplish the goal(s).

This tool is very effective in several ways. It can address several issues at the same time and encourages active participation on the part of the group members. It can share the management duty of the group(s) among a variety of members. This allows participants to take an active role in the guidance of the group(s). It can build upon ideas generated by others by keeping the dialogue positive and interesting. (Tague, 2004)

The process of the Charette Procedure is quite detailed, but very rewarding. First, the participants are divided into small groups, either by numbering off, or by some other method. Each group must select an individual recorder, and then they are given a discussion topic or question. If there are many small groups, then some groups may receive the same discussion topic or question. Otherwise, each group should receive a different topic for discussion. The small groups usually number five to eight individuals per group. An established time limit is set for the groups to generate ideas in response to the topic. The time limit is usually eight to ten minutes in duration. The recorder should write all responses on a pad or something. The group’s designated leader gives a two minute warning then calls time at the end of the time period. The recorder will take the group’s responses from their group and rotate to the next group. In other words, the topic goes with the recorder. After the recorder joins the new group, all groups are asked to review the information generated by the previous group and add any other ideas they may have. This is done quickly in the interest of time. The process is repeated until each group has had an opportunity to discuss every issue. In the last rotation, each group should prioritize the most important ideas generated for that particular topic. The entire group is reconvened for a presentation by each recorder. Each recorder then presents and summarizes the group’s discussion and priorities generated by the topic. It is at this point the entire group may want to discuss the individual group reports and review priorities to reach consensus. The overall process seems long and overwhelming, but can be very effective.

So how does the Charette Procedure work in the practical world? The following is an illustration of the procedure in a real