The Statistician's Tea

Cherns (1976) described a sociotechnical approach as one that considers system design as an intertwining of perspectives and recognizes the importance of human-technology interactions. The following discussion first introduces the principles that support a sociotechnical plan for some necessary background information. Next, a specific case study is reviewed to highlight its sociotechnical approach to the education system. Finally, concluding remarks provide a critical evaluation of the proposed plan. Background According to Cherns (1976), there are nine key components of a sociotechnical system: (a) compatibility of the design process and the underlying objective; (b) critical specifications that are minimally defined; (c) the complete control over unanticipated events that might significantly affect the outcome; (d) the multifunctionality of system parts; (e) departmental boundaries that are defined by technological, time-based, or territorial considerations; (f) an information flow...

  Hancock and Bezold (2017) clarified that instead of studying the nonexistent future, futurists are concerned with studying ideas  about  the future and operate under the assumption that the future is a moldable thing that can be shaped by the decisive actions of today. The following discussion highlights a prediction within the medical community that eventually came to fruition. The original idea is introduced and the history of its subsequent origin and evolution is reviewed. Concluding remarks summarize the main discussion points. According to Northfield (2019), Robert Boyle’s scientific research conducted during the 1660s earned him the recognition of being hailed as the father of modern chemistry. Although he is most known for Boyle’s Law and its explanation of the behaviors of gas, Keller (2012) also emphasized his forward-thinking visions of a potential future. His futurist thoughts were penned in a private journal and itemized as a wish list of possibilities whic...

According to Coates (2000), the term scenario was originally coined to describe the setting of a feature film. Although the definition has since evolved to encompass a few additional dimensions, futurists are most concerned with its meaning as an imagined series of events that are typically infused with intricate details and possibilities. The following discussion introduces the concept of scenario planning and distinguishes it from traditional forecasting measures. Attention is given to the key components of each approach and both the advantages and disadvantages are highlighted. Concluding remarks focus on how scenario planning and forecasting can be considered not as competing techniques, but rather as complimentary methods. Varum and Melo (2010) explained that scenario planning finds its roots in the military strategies that surfaced in the days following World War II. The intellectual theorist Herman Kahn then applied these ideas to the context of public policy and, from there, th...

  Austin, Devin, and Sullivan (2012) emphasized that the innovation process is peppered with unpredictability. According to Deb (2020), this unpredictability typically surfaces in the form of failures or unexpected results and, as such, many serendipitous breakthroughs are the result of open-minded pursuits. The following discussion highlights two accidental discoveries that led to surprising outcomes. After detailing each of the chance events, the supporting forces are also highlighted. Concluding remarks summarize the main discussion points and articulate the lessons learned. The Color Mauve According to Amin (2011), the year was 1856. William Henry Perkin, an eighteen-year-old chemistry student enrolled at London’s Royal College of Chemistry, was challenged by his professor to develop an artificial version of quinine. The goal was to use it as a drug to treat malaria symptoms because of its painkilling, fever-reducing, and anti-inflammatory properties. At the time, the drug was ...

According to Jezierska (2020), there is no universally accepted definition of a think tank. Instead, a think tank is often described in terms of its characteristics which means that in order to understand what they are and how they operate, it is necessary to first understand their influencing factors. The following discussion focuses on different think tank constitutions to highlight their varying objectives. Then, different think tank methods are reviewed to illustrate how they accomplish these goals. Concluding remarks summarize the main discussion points.             Offering a basic description, Ruser (2018) articulated that think tanks are groups dedicated to performing research and designing widespread advocacy efforts. Medvetz (2008) enhanced this, generalizing that think tanks can be depicted as mechanisms for the gathering, organization, and assembly of authoritarian pieces of information put forth by political, business...

  The following discussion highlights two methods for group decision making: the Delphi Technique and the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). The details of each approach are highlighted, and recommendations are given to help determine the suitable scenarios where each can be applied. Goodman (1987) explained that the Delphi Technique was established in the 1950s when California’s Rand Corporation was inspired to develop a method for eliminating the negative influence of interpersonal interactions during expert meetings for group decision making. As such, its ultimate objective was to generate dialogue and present a medley of vantage points that could facilitate judgements and ensuing policies and/or recommendations. Named after the Greek god and Delphi oracle, Apollo Pythios, whose skills at predicting the future were highly regarded, the Delphi Technique was given ties to an idyllic extreme of unquestioned wisdom and infallible authority (Yousuf, 2007).   According to Row...

       Brown et al. (2020) explained that the decisions of today are based on estimates of what the future will be. As such, it is important to identify up-and-coming trends and technologies so that futuristic scenarios can better be envisioned. This discussion draws from the collection of essays contained in the 2020 EDUCAUSE Horizon Report to highlight both a technology and a trend associated with higher education. Impacting forces are reviewed and concluding remarks focus on summarizing the main discussion points. Key Trend: The Economics of Climate Change Figure 1 . Climate Change Impact      Brown et al. (2020) articulated a medley of developing trends with respect to education, noting that teaching strategies and learning practices are impacted by social, technological, economic, and political influences. Regarding the economic aspects, it was emphasized that institutions of higher education are expected to meticulously manage their operating r...