Apply Critical Thinking
In this project, you will address a case study that intentionally does not give you enough detail for you to quickly resolve the issue. This is meant to enable you to use the processes of critical thinking to reach conclusions.
Given the gaps in information provided to you, you will identify what you know, what you don’t know, and what questions you need to ask as you start your investigation of the facts of the case. The process is designed to encourage clear thinking and to help you to identify potential cognitive traps that could derail well-reasoned conclusions.
There are six steps that will lead you through this project. Most steps of this project should take no more than two hours to complete. Begin by watching the video above, which introduces the fictional scenario that forms the framework for this project. Then continue with Step 1: Prepare to Think Critically.
Step 1: Prepare to Think Critically
In this first step, you will prepare to respond to your boss’s request for an analysis of a problem in your organization. You realize that this will require careful thinking. So, you need to take time to review the process of critical thinking and problem analysis, as well as key habits of master thinkers and ethical decision making.
Step 2: Identify the Problem
Now that you have reviewed the process, apply that to the problem by reviewing the case, Trouble in the Truss Construction Shop. (see below)
Your first task is to figure out how circumstances resulted in the problem. Remember the direction from your boss is to “apply your critical thinking and analytical skills to figure out what happened, what we know and don’t know, and how the organization might remedy this situation.”
So, what is the problem that resulted from the incident, and why might there be different interpretations of the facts?
Outline the points that you want to make in the first two sections of your paper (introduction and explanation), and draft those sections.
In the next step, you will analyze the information.
CASE STUDY
Trouble in the Truss Construction Shop
Two weeks ago, during a quality assurance load test, the truss being tested fragmented along its horizontal axis and splintered, causing a large piece of the truss to break apart and fall on a crane operator who was helping to conduct the test. The crane operator sustained head injuries and is in critical but stable condition at a local hospital. This accident sent shock waves through the Truss Construction Enterprise division because the company has heavily invested in a new engineering and manufacturing process to produce a cost-effective truss for new homes. This process and its trusses have been touted to be on the cutting edge of construction technology, especially for low-cost housing in overseas markets.
The company safety officer, QA manager, and engineer have signed statements that the test being conducted pushed the load testing slightly beyond the high threshold of acceptable load bearing, though the extra load was not expected to cause the truss to fail. In fact, the trusses were advertised to meet “high commercial load” requirements.
Employees in the engineering shop have been asking if the manufacturing or engineering process is flawed and if the trusses that they are building could fail at even lower loads.
Company memos have focused on production and on continuing the testing at lower thresholds. Production managers are directing employees to continue the current production schedule to meet orders for the trusses.
The sales department is keeping an eye on the situation. They are concerned that if there is any delay in shipping, customers will pull their orders, which would be disastrous for revenues.
Obinna Faruch, a production line worker, leaked the details of the accident and test thresholds to the press. Two weeks later, she was terminated for documented poor performance, according to managers.
The company public relations department has issued a general statement that the company has taken all action to ensure that this type of workplace accident would not happen again. They are planning a campaign to communicate the facts of the accident and what the company is doing to ensure a safe working environment.
Sales is asking PR to monitor social media for negative comments and to prepare a similar statement about the quality and safety of the truss product line in case it is needed.
Step 3: Analyze the Information
Now that you have some understanding of the nature of the problem and the parties involved, it’s time to gather and analyze information. The problem analysis (see below) resources will aid your analysis and development of the third section of the paper.
Outline the points that you want to make in Section 3: Analysis of the Information, then draft that section.
In the following step, you will consider other viewpoints, conclusions, and solutions.
Problem Analysis
Problem analysis involves framing the issue by defining its boundaries, establishing criteria with which to select from alternatives, and developing conclusions based on available information. Analyzing a problem may not result in a decision, although the results are an important ingredient in all decision making.
Another way to consider problem analysis is a process that includes identifying and defining the problem, gathering information about the problem, and deciding if one or a group will begin work to solve the problem. A decision to solve the problem leads to analysis of the problem, in this model, asking the what, why, how, and other basic questions. From this point, the group can re-visit the decision to solve and refine any issues (risk, cost, feasibility, for example.)
References
Defining decision making. (n.d.). Boundless Management. Retrieved from https://www.boundless.com/management/textbooks/boundless-management-textbook/decision-making-10/decision-making-in-management-75/defining-decision-making-366-3930/
Nagy, J. (n.d.). Defining and analyzing the problem. Community Toolbox. Retrieved from http://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/analyze/analyze-community-problems-and-solutions/define-analyze-problem/main
Step 4: Consider and Analyze Other Viewpoints, Conclusions, and Solutions
Once you have completed your analysis of the incident, the next step is to consider other viewpoints, conclusions, and solutions. To do this, you will need to apply ethical decision making skills. If you missed it earlier, we also recommend that you read Randolph Pherson’s “The Five Habits of the Master Thinker,” a paper written for intelligence analysts, but applicable to all analytical thinking and reasoning.
Outline the points that you want to make in Section 4: Analysis of Alternative Viewpoints, Conclusions, and Solutions, and draft that section of your paper.
(The hyperlinks are attached in a separate document)
Step 5: Develop Well-Reasoned Conclusions
Now that you’ve considered various viewpoints, you’re ready to develop your own personal conclusions and suggest solutions that your boss can bring to leadership in briefing them about the situation.
Remember, you may need to consult outside references, but this is not a research paper. It should be investigative in nature about the facts of the case. Cite any outside sources carefully.
Now, outline your argument and draft Section 5: Conclusions and Recommendations, the final section. Your boss is expecting to receive a concise, focused paper to prepare for further meetings. Stay focused on the main points, although you may have many facts that could be used to answer any questions. You will submit your paper in the final step.
Step 6: Submit Critical Thinking Paper
The final paper should be no more than five double-spaced pages, excluding the cover page and references page(s). Organize the paper in accordance with your preparatory steps, using these subheadings:
Title of Paper (centered and bold) There is no heading named “Introduction”
Explanation of the Issue (centered and bold)
Analysis of the Information (centered and bold)
Consideration of Alternative Viewpoints, Conclusions, and Solutions (centered and bold)
Conclusions and Recommendations (centered and bold)
If you have used any outside sources, you will include a References page in proper APA 7 format.
Here are some tips for success:
Consider outside sources if they inform your case. However, stay on task.
Use APA style for in-text and reference citations. At this point, your citations should be error-free.
Consider these best practices for a paper:
An effective introduction grabs the reader’s attention and sets the tone and direction for the rest of the paper.
Supporting paragraphs move the reader from the general introduction to the more specific aspects of your analysis.
Body paragraphs provide support for your argument.
A conclusion leads to a natural closing for what you have presented.
