Well Established Goals are Needed

Blog #7

9-21-14

Maria Kozdroy

 

*Disclaimer: This blog post is to be used for class discussion and a response to reading.

 

Well Established Goals are Needed

            I agree with Woodhouse in Chapter 6, that a realistic, flexible plan accounting for the possible risks of innovation must first be established.  Intelligent trial and error combines these factors into one simple plan, with the goal of achieving satisfaction.  I would like exemplify the feasibleness of intelligent trial and error (ITE).  In this blog, I will argue that if ITE is present and followed accordingly, despite cost, then the life of an innovation will be a success for as long as the ITE guidelines are followed.

            First of all, in the field of science, technology, and society, understanding the importance of how representation from all people in society is necessary.  The realness of the product or new technology should be determined.  The recurring question of who deserves what is a major part in determining whether or not the technology will be successful amongst the majority of society.  However, to realize the possible answers to this questions, representation is needed.  Involvement of all people is needed, to understand whether innovation will cause more harm than good.  Perhaps if representation is kept reserved to low and middle class citizens, ITE cannot successfully prevail.  For example, let’s say a survey is mailed out to 90,000 people of a particular area.  If only 1/3 of the surveys are mailed back within a week, and of that 1/4 agrees with how the ideas presented in the survey will benefit them, then that is a sign that innovation shall not continue.  Realization of how a low percentage of people returned their surveys in a timely rapid manner and provided positive feedback, shows that some change must be taken before starting up with an innovation.

            On the other hand, let’s say the survey is a success, and the innovator decides to continue on with the project.  The plan must stay flexible and willing to change.  In a way, a backup plan is needed in addition to the ITE plan.  If society seems to hold a higher dislike of the innovation upon implementation, then an effective change must be put into effect as soon as possible.  In addition, the risks must be considered at all times.  The government poses that any risks must be determined before implementing.  A question to pose here, is if the innovation has low risks, and high potential costs to design, implement, and maintain, and half positive and negative results from the survey, should the innovation be carried out and without any further changes?  Despite the actual plan of innovation, many options must be laid out and clear cut decisions shall be drawn based upon the factors; in other words, would innovation continue if the potential product is risky, involves low costs, and is highly favorable? 

            In conclusion, when carrying out with an innovation, many plans and routes to success should first be stated, and determined whether which cases will lead to continuation of ITE and which ways will lead to a halt.  Intelligent trial and error beholds much success, if only the right approach is taken.