The purpose of this assignment is to help students assimilate information covered in the prescribed Bazerman and Moore text, and to reflect on their own beliefs, feelings, life experience and professional readiness in relation to decision-making. Further, these assignments are intended to help students develop their critical thinking, analytical and communication skills. With these assignments, students will be able to develop their ability to respond to some of the complex misconceptions, interpretations and attitudes towards topics covered throughout the term. Finally, students will have opportunities to articulate their reflection and analysis of the subject matter in the form of a structured narrative.
This assignment is designed in two parts. The first part allows you to articulate your thoughts on the readings you would have completed in Modules 1 and 2. The second part allows you to demonstrate understanding of the material by responding to questions directly related to issues and topics covered in the readings.
Part 1
As the foundation material for the rest of the course, it is important that you are able to articulate your own views on the issues covered in the readings and resources.
Therefore, after completing Modules 1 and 2, prepare a comprehensive summary of the material, using the following questions to guide your reflection.
1. What did you see as the most important insight or idea from the assigned readings?
2. What are your critical reactions to the readings?
3. How much did you know about this subject before you completed these readings?
4. What do you know now that you didn’t know before completing these readings? Clearly distinguish and briefly describe each point.
5. How has your thinking changed after completing these readings?
6. Copy a short passage from each assigned chapter of the Bazerman and Moore text that you found to be particularly memorable. Explain what made the passage stand out to you.
Part 2
Drawing on chapters 2 and 3 of the text, provide well-reasoned responses to the following questions:
How do Bazerman and Moore explain overconfidence bias? How might overconfidence be mitigated? Explain using at least two (2) mechanisms suggested by the authors of the text.
In many organizations, the most competent employees are usually poor in tutoring subordinates and new employees. Indicate the bias that is responsible for this phenomenon and explain how this phenomenon occurs.
