Complacency-Not Asking Questions

question 1

Essay

Complacency-Not asking questions. See Table 3.3 for additional information. Also, students should provide an appropriate example for each conceptual block.
Mini-Case: The Minivan Story. In the May 30, 1994, edition of Fortune magazine, the story of the minivan was told. In the earlier years of the passenger vans, only hippies seemed to appreciate the attributes of the van. However, in the 1970s, all three U.S. automakers began to study ways to modernize and broaden the appeal of their vans. Listening to customers helped Chrysler avoid two crucial design errors: (1) it rejected the long, wedge-shaped nose design and (2) it rejected the design that placed the engine under a hump in the floor (blocking passage from front to back seats). Also, while Chrysler continued to push for front-wheel drive, both Ford and GM handed responsibility of the minivan to the truck divisions, which continued to focus on rear-wheel drive. GM's problems were compounded by the fact that in 1985 station wagons were a significant part of its sales. In the 1990s, both GM and Ford developed front-wheel drive minivans and neither were housed in the truck division. Learning from their mistakes, both GM and Ford devised a new-product development process.
-There are six things one can do to help create more conceptual flexibility. Briefly explain each one.

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Definitions:

Variable Ratio Schedule

A type of operant conditioning reinforcement schedule in which a response is reinforced after an unpredictable number of responses.

Reinforcement

In behavioral psychology, a consequence applied to an organism's environment that causes an increase in the likelihood of a repeat of the preceding behavior.

Rewards

Benefits, compensation, or other forms of acknowledgment provided to individuals or organizations as recognition of their accomplishments or desired behavior.

Schedule of Reinforcement

A schedule of reinforcement is the pattern and timing of rewards or punishments that influence the learning and behavior of individuals.