Critical Thinking

Introduction The head of your organization pulled you aside and asked you to review a workplace dispute (which is attached below). She said, “Apply your best critical thinking to figure out what happened and a what decision is called for to remedy this situation.” She wants your analysis in a week. Steps Step 1: Review the TGS Critical Thinking Rubric (attached). This rubric is intended to serve as a framework for critical thinking. Use it to structure your thinking for this assignment and for others in your studies at UMUC. The framework (rubric) is based on FOUR key steps, each of which has several sub-steps, as shown in the attached. Identify and clearly explain the main issue or problem under critical consideration. Gather and analyze information to explore/investigate the issue or problem. Consider and analyze other possible viewpoints, conclusions or decision/solutions to the issue or problem Develop well-reasoned ideas, conclusions and/or decisions/solutions, checking them against relevant criteria and benchmarks Step 2: Read the attached case. Employ the TGS Critical Thinking Rubric as framework for analyzing the case. Begin with an Introduction that states the purpose of your analysis. Use the FOUR key steps in the rubric as the format framework of a short position paper (details below). Employ the sub-steps within each of the four key steps to further direct your analysis and writing. Format short paper (no more than 5 pages/1,250 words, excluding the cover page and references) that critically analyses the ideas or position presented in the case reading. The major headings of your paper should include the following: Introduction Explanation of the Issue or Problem Analysis of the Information Analysis of Alternative Viewpoints, Conclusions or Solutions Personal or Summarized Conclusions and Proposed Decisions Conclusion Follow these guidelines: Use the TGS Critical Thinking Rubric to guide your analysis. Use the TGS Written Communications Rubric to guide your writing. Draw in references from at least one reputable outside resource related to the topic to support your conclusions or proposed decisions. Employ APA Style 6ed for format and citation guidance. CASE: Case 1: Responsibility for Accident On June 7, John Schmidt, one of the company’s employees, seriously injured his hand while pushing a large piece of wood through a table saw in the production shop. There is now a dispute over who is to blame for the accident, the company or the employee. The injured employee claims that he followed all the company’s safety procedures and that the company is at fault because it did not guarantee that the machine was as safe as possible for use. The company shop manager, David Donald, asserts that the machine was in safe condition, because if it hadn’t been, the shop foreman, Harry Hiller, would have informed him. The foreman, Harry Hiller, insists that the machine was maintained satisfactorily; he has produced the written maintenance records. The foreman also claims that prior to the accident he saw the employee “joking, laughing and goofing around” with his co-workers. A co-worker supports the claim of the injured employee, insisting that despite regular maintenance on the table saw, it was not safe because the safety guard was poorly designed and didn’t function well. The co-worker claims that shop workers informed the foreman about the issues with the safety guard. A health and safety report determined and reported that the safety guard was poorly designed to protect operators in a number of circumstances.