Alternative to Brainstorming

The NGT is a technique that was developed by Delbecq and VandeVen. It is used for group brainstorming with the intent to get everyone involved by contributing their feedback. It is structured to help gain different viewpoints from several people for a particular topic or issue. The NGT was designed with the purpose of causing all members of the group to be involved in the discussion with one person having single dominance. It allows those individuals who are perhaps more soft spoken an opportunity to have a vocal voice in the discussion. It is also helpful to use when there are new team members who perhaps have yet gained the comfortability for sharing within the group. The NGT should help to keep the discussion flow balanced for all the topics or ideas. It should also help guide the discussion in such a way that limits the possibility of argumentive outbreaks. The NGT should produce a good mixture of quality ideas and help everyone to feel the involvement of working together as a group. The article, Nominal Group Technique: An Alternative to Brainstorming, lists some basic steps to follow when using this technique. The steps are (1) Individuals should be groups by five or six people.

Generational differences Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Generational differences - Essay Example There needs to be respect, acceptance and harmony among the different generations in order for smooth progress to occur. Various characteristics of my generation have enabled me to develop into the kind of individual that I am. Technological advancements have made things much easier such as travelling and getting information. I therefore believe that I am more knowledgeable on a variety of things based on the ease of access of information through the internet. The social life of Generation Y has also expanded through social networks and it is easier to have international friends. This means that communication is fast and effective through text messages emails and social networks and has aided in international marketing through these venues. The generation Y prefers management that caring rather than competent which is another unique factor. Unfortunately, the other generations may view the ease with which my generation does things in a negative way. They feel that we are after instant gratification and do not care about work yet have high expectations in life. According to them, our generation uses cryptic messages and move from one job to another and therefore when assigned to a multi-generational work group the cooperation may not be well enhanced. However, I disagree with this view and believe that they have misunderstood the Y generation. This is because we not only focus on having work, but also working in a comfortable environment that respects and appreciates our opinions. The messages we send are simply short forms to save on time. They mistake our focus to get things done fast and effectively for instant gratifications. The differences in opinions and judging on different generations, this may lead t conflict at work. The older generation may undermine the opinions of the generation Y because they believe that we are after instant gratification and are not focusing on maintaining one

Advanced manufacturing techniques and the advent of nanotechnology Assignment

Advanced manufacturing techniques and the advent of nanotechnology - Assignment Example Nanostructural elements are explained, with possible applications not only in the production process of physical goods, but at other phases of manufacturing, including assistance with environmental requirements due to efficiency. Nanotech has the potential for faster, cleaner industry with more effective options for waste removal and prevention of toxic emissions. Three tasks are discussed, with implications of nanostructures as they benefit circuit manufacture, factory waste-emissions, and miniaturization for ionic conductance components. The benefits as well as disadvantages are explained, with recommendations for further implementation and research. INTRODUCTION The principles of advanced manufacturing, as it pertains to manufacturing flexibility are widely recognized as critical. Retaining and maintaining flexibility in manufacturing and operational procedures boosts the organization's capability to respond effectively to ongoing customer issues and requirements, the goal being t o respond without the sacrifice of excessive time and money. A comprehension of the interaction between advanced manufacturing technology and flexibility in the manufacturing process are vital areas of investigation for any productive operation. Advanced manufacturing technology, hereafter referred to as AMT, is essential not simply in the production of more advanced consumer goods, but a more refined technical capability can also permit organizational agility, flexibility during functional operations. Modern research has produced statistical results that indicate a correlation between an organization's sourcing practices and manufacturing flexibility, essential for adaptation to both a changing marketplace, and shifting product demand at any given time. (Oberoi, et al. 2008) AMT allows control over sourcing practices. This methodology permits the achievement of desirable benchmarks in manufacturing flexibility, towards the objective of high agility organizational competitiveness. A n excellent modern example would be the growing prevalence of Nanomanufacturing. Nanotechnology and the manufacturing it entails constitute a series of chemical and mechanical techniques that allow the assembly of particles far smaller than any which could be assembled by purely hand-based tools. This paper will demonstrate a wide range of advantages afforded with nanotech and nanoscale manufacturing technology, and how this pertains to the goal of advanced manufacturing technology. Nanotechnology has the potential to act as a new methodology for reducing the energy costs and waste-production of manufacturing processes to benefit a variety of production interests. Potential uses include chemical, refining, automotive, and other heavy industries. There are projections which indicate nanotechnology yields the potential to save up to 1.1 quadrillion British thermal units (Btu) and prevent over 60 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year. (U.S. Department