We did it!?

Our egg didn't break. YAY

Does it mean that we were really successful in planning??
I think just because the outcome turned out well, I cannot conclude that our planning was good.


here, I want to reflect on our process step by step.



Step 1. Define your goals and objectives

Our goal was not to break the egg by using limited resources and within limited time.
This was given by professor, and we did not seek to make it more specific.

Step 2. Determine your resources and current status vis-á-vis objectives

Each member knew we only had 8 straws and limited time.
But we did not really try to find out who's good at what so we can make the most of each member's talent.
Instead, we jumped into thinking about how we could use straws and tapes to protect egg from the shock of landing.
I think it was because we were all in a hurry. Everyone was concerned about time.

Step 3. Develop several alternative strategies


We had several alternatives.
I'm not sure if the evaluation process was good.
It was like, "no i think this is better." " what about this??"
So everyone said each opinion but did not really evaluate other person's idea.
I think this was because our discussion was not really organized.
We did not really have a leader in the discussion.


Step 4. Make a tactical plan
&
Step 5: Implement the plan and evaluate results

It was not really difficult for us to reach the consensus about which plan to use.
we all agreed to make a pyramid shape with straws and hang the egg in the center so it doesn't hit the ground directly.

We did not allocate the job.
Mainly 2 of the members completed the task and others basically watched.
I think this was because though we agreed on the basic idea, each of us did not really have a unanimous clear idea, so some just had to watch how others complete the job.
But in the case of this exercise, we did not have much time.
so I feel like it was acceptable that whoever was capable of doing it did it.

As the pyramid shape was formed, we came up with several different way of adjusting the plan, but because of the time limit we decided to stick to original plan.


Overall, though we could not follow all the detailed planing steps and there are many points that we can improve, I think we were on the right track of broad steps of planing.
we knew what our objective was, all got to say opinions, reached an agreement, and achieved our goal; not to break an egg.

As a member, it would have been great if I could have come up with great idea, or had knowledge of physics and scientifically evaluate.
However, unfortunately I am not that kind of person.
I think I could have asked the person who came up with the original idea what I could help in constructing the pyramid shape, and get involved in that process more.
Instead of only 2 people working on the task, each person could have completed the part and we may have been able to get task done more efficiently.

This exercise was really fun and gave me chance to think about planing steps as well.
now that I am more familiar with what step to follow in planing process, I think, in next occasion, I can play a better role.

Multi-task

I am an waitress.

I had never worked as an waitress before, and did not know how much things waitress has to handle at one time in a efficient way.

each task is really simple.

• bring the menu, explain them


• take a drink order


• take a food order


• bring out dishes


• change plates, refill water


• ask if customer wants more drink or food


• bring dessert menu


• clean up


• bring a check and take money

but when customers come in at one time.....it is not that easy.

I have to put so many things in my mind.

I've got to find a priority, then get everything done.

If it's ok to take time to do each thing, it would be much easier.

However, I have to turn the table.

I have to do many things quickly at one time while keeping the quality of service.

At first, I got panic.

Now I've improved a little bit by advises from my co-workers.
What I learned so far is to

• calm down


• try to look over everything and not to focus on just one thing


• know the priority


• communicate with other co-workers, the restaurant is run by everyone helping each other


• always double check everything, nothing you forget? no mistake?

Still, I am not a perfect.

everyday, there's something to learn.

I was simple-task oriented, but now I am trying to be multi-task oriented.

About me :)

Hello everyone ;)
I'm glad to have a class with you all.

so here is a little bit about myself.
I'm from Japan, and came to U.S. 2 years ago.
I'm a jounior majoring in Marketing.
My intereste is in advertising and entertainmant industry.

Just transfered from Alabama last semester.
Living in one of the biggest and exciting city has been a totally different experience.

I love traveling. There are soooooo many places I want to visit but unfortunately time & money are limited.
Also, I enjoy hiphop dancing, shopping, watching movies, and so many other things.
Hate bugs and scarry movies.

I guess that's about it.
hope this semester's gonna be fun for all of you.
see you in class ;)