...Critical Thinking Application Leslie A. Gregoire 350 MGT December 20, 2010 Nancy Boston Critical Thinking Application Critical thinking is a style of thinking about any topic, subject matter, or obstacle where the scholar increases the value of his or her thinking by proficiently taking control of the composition natural in thinking and inflicting academic principles upon them. This process is vital and beneficial in everyday life. Everyone has to apply critical thinking skills on one level or another within the workplace in order to make the best decisions for the success of the organization. Describing critical thinking is challenging because the definition itself means something different to each person. Why is critical thinking necessary? “Everyone thinks; it is our nature to do so. But much of our thinking, left to itself, is biased, distorted, partial, uninformed or down-right prejudiced. Yet the quality of our life and that of what we produce, make, or build depends precisely on the quality of our thought. Shoddy thinking is costly, both in money and in quality of life. Excellence in thought, however, must be systematically cultivated” (The Critical Thinking Community, 2009). Leslie works for AT&T in the central office as a Facilities Technician. Her job duties include using a computer to retrieve orders, sweep floors, stock wire, connect equipment from the inside to the cables that run outside, talk to inter-company departments to ensure the orders...
Words: 887 - Pages: 4
...An Application of Critical Thinking Margaret F. Nitolo MGT/350 September 27, 2010 Leatrice Phares An Application of Critical Thinking Recently, I became involved in making the decision regarding the appropriate safeguards for the conveyor systems in our facility. This decision required the investigation of several types of machine guarding and the study of the areas in which to place the guards to maximize their effectiveness. Using critical thinking in making this decision was of benefit to the safety of our associates. In May 2010, we added several new conveyor systems to our building. These systems included areas of transition points where the energized conveyors meet non-energized conveyors such as those using gravity feed. These areas of transition are known to be dangerous for workers because there is a great possibility of being caught and injured when working at these points. As noted in the 5th edition of Environmental Health: Recognizing and Preventing Disease and Injury, “In the United States, workers who operate and maintain machinery suffer approximately 18,000 amputations, lacerations, crushing injuries, and abrasions every year. Eight hundred deaths occur annually, and many of the nonfatal injuries result in permanent disability. Unfortunately, machine guarding and related machinery violations continue to rank among the most frequent Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) citations” (Levy, Wegman, Baron, &...
Words: 812 - Pages: 4
...Individuals find the need to make decisions in every aspect of their lives. When individuals use critical thinking to make a decision, the result is usually a success. This essay will provide a better understanding of critical thinking. It will describe critical thinking and share how it relates to decision-making in a work-related application. I will share a personal experience of when I applied critical thinking to a work-related decision. The essay will further discuss the importance and benefits of critical thinking in the decision-making process. Critical Thinking and Decision Making in a Work-Related Application When making work-related decisions, critical thinking is an important aspect. Critical thinking is identifying and evaluation evidence to assist in decision making (“What Is Critical Thinking”, 2011). Decision making is the thought process used when making a logical decision using the options available (BusinessDictionary.com”, 2011). When reviewing the definitions of critical thinking and decision making, one will find that individuals who make decisions must use critical thinking to determine the best solution for their problem. For example, if an individual at work has to make a decision, he or she will use critical thinking to determine what is best for the organization. If not, he or she may make a decision that harms the organization. Without using critical thinking, an individual may miss a detail of a solution; therefore, he or she may overlook the possible...
Words: 848 - Pages: 4
...Running Head: Critical Thinking Application Critical Thinking Application Jennifer Romero University of Phoenix Critical Thinking Application Paper Critical thinking involves more than just thinking. Critical Thinking is used at work, school and even used in your personal life. Critical thinking is that mode of thinking—about any subject, content, or problem—in which the thinker improves the quality of his or her thinking by skillfully analyzing, assessing, and reconstructing it. (Paul and Elder, 2006). Critical Thinking Each day the company changes as the world changes and so does the need to critically think. Critical thinking is something that is done everyday wherever you are. One business place that I know that uses critical thinking is the place that I work at. Another use of critical thinking is using this process in school to answer questions as well as writing papers. Decision Making We constantly have to make decisions everyday in our life as well as others. The decision making process has three steps: framing the questions, making the decision, and evaluating the decision. With each of these processes there are other steps that total a 9 step process. When framing the question the problem needs to be identified, what is the purpose, and we need to evaluate what are the effects of the problem. Making the decision we need to identify the cause, frame the alternatives and need to evaluate the impact of the alternatives of the problem...
Words: 929 - Pages: 4
...Critical Thinking Application MGT350 - Critical Thinking: Strategies in Decision Making January 9, 2011 Dave Ball Abstract Critical thinking is an important part of everyday life. Many decision models have been created to support critical thinking. Those models are based on three core elements, framing or identifying the problem, gathering and qualifying supporting information to support a decision, and evaluating the decision. By applying these critical thinking techniques the benefits of critical thinking can be realized. This paper will briefly discuss critical thinking, its importance and benefits, and present the reader with a real-world example of critical thinking. Critical Thinking Application Critical thinking is defined by Paul and Elder (2006) as “thinking explicitly aimed at well-founded judgment, utilizing appropriate evaluative standards in an attempt to determine the true worth, merit, or value of something” (Section Introduction, p. xxiv). Critical thinking assists a decision maker to make the right decision based on the information available. Decisions are an everyday part of life. Some believe that an average person could make as many as 40,000 decisions in an average day. Whereas not all of these decisions require critical thinking skills, many decisions that directly affect those around us should apply critical thinking techniques to ensure an informed decision is reached. The University of Phoenix decision model is a set of techniques...
Words: 1100 - Pages: 5
...Critical Thinking Application Shannon Dobbs MGT 350/Critical Thinking: Strategies in Decision Making May 24, 2010 Steven Kernan Critical Thinking Application "Critical thinking is that mode of thinking - about any subject, content, or problem - in which the thinker improves the quality of his or her thinking by skillfully taking charge of the structures inherent in thinking and imposing intellectual standards upon them" (Paul & Elder, 2006, p. xxiii). Every organization uses critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making in various capacity in their everyday business operations. These methodologies are used to solve simple to complex problems. This text will illustrate critical thinking, supply an illustration of personal understanding in applying critical thinking to work interrelated judgment as well as discuss the implication and benefits of critical thinking in the decision-making process. Critical thinking is a process of analyzing, evaluating certain information or requests and making a crucial decision. This involves the scrutinizing of all existing problems and reasoning. Critical thinking also can be said to involve how one processes information concerning a subject and take control in philosophy and imposing his or her believes. Critical thinking helps us ask relevant questions, ponder evidence offered in support of arguments, construe complex problems, and formulate wise decisions. This is particularly vital when people figure out that many...
Words: 1119 - Pages: 5
...Critical Thinking Applications MGT 350 – Critical Thinking; Strategies in Decision-Making University of Phoenix May 20, 2010 Critical Thinking Applications Making a decision is a tough process and to make a good sound decision, critical thinking must have a defining role. Critical thinking is developing the discipline to assess contradictions and known facts to make a decision. They cannot make a decision without believing in the facts of the argument. This is the impact of critical thinking in a decision-making environment. In the work environment, everything is determined by the ability to think and make decisions. However, at times, there can be a lack of awareness of how one should make decisions and unfortunately, the absence of clear thinking can lead to failure both in one’s professional and personal lives. Results from decision from not thinking clear will lead to frustration and in some cases, complete failure. To avoid failure and become a better thinker, critical thinking needs to be applied to every aspect of life. It can lead to performing more effectively both in personal and professional lives by empowering oneself. It can lead to avoiding huge mistakes, help to gain clarity and give one the opportunity to discover new opportunities. ...
Words: 706 - Pages: 3
...Critical Thinking Applications Michael E. Murphy University of Phoenix Online Critical Thinking: Strategies in Decisions Making MGT 350 Bridget Peaco July 12, 2010 Human beings tend toward selfish pursuits. People rarely act in a rational and an objective manner (Kurland, 2000). To set aside these traits, it takes an applied effort, which can lead to different options and intellectual improvement. Critical thinking can help people to take control of their own thinking. They learn to distinguish between what is opinion and factual reality. Simply put, the process of critical thinking helps a person to assess what others either write or speak, and ascertain the validity of his or her comments. Critical thinkers have certain attributes that permit them to observe conditions around themselves and then make educated choices that can solve either problems or dilemmas. Some of these attributes are: * asks pertinent questions * assesses statements and arguments * is able to admit a lack of understanding or information * has a sense of curiosity * is interested in finding new solutions * is able to clearly define a set of criteria for analyzing ideas * is willing to examine beliefs, assumptions, and opinions and weigh them against facts * listens carefully to others and is able to give feedback * sees that critical thinking is a lifelong process of self-assessment * suspends judgment until all facts have been gathered and considered ...
Words: 1702 - Pages: 7
...Critical Thinking Application Paper Critical Thinking Application Paper The purpose of this paper is to explain critical thinking and decision-making by different examples, such as models, method examples and show how it is used in everyday life. The three components of every decision are made, and they are 1. Criteria- the standards by which decision makers evaluate alternatives, 2. Alternatives- specific courses of action or options, and are considered “positions” 3. Cause and effect beliefs-cause and effects belief are cognitions linking specific alternatives to specific criteria. These are often referred to as models, theories, assumptions, beliefs, or alternative attributes. Platoon Hierarchy is needed to understand how certain decisions ca affect many areas and how critical thinking is needed and used by all involved in the military. An Army leader is any one who by virtue of assumed role or assigned responsibility inspires and influences people both inside and outside of the Chain of Command to pursue actions, focus thinking and shape decisions for the greater good of the organization. One can solve soldier complaints, concerns and questions, in a timely manner through perfecting critical thinking. This will help the leader make responses and answers tailored to the individual soldier, and it will make soldiers feel more satisfied and cared about by their chain of command. Possessing a strong ability to think critically is viewed by the company commanders...
Words: 726 - Pages: 3
...Critical Thinking Application James Jones MGT/350 July 19, 2013 Douglas Reed Critical Thinking Application Critical thinking although to some may not seem as important as the air we breathe is more of a component of what makes us human beings. There is still yet to be determined a definite definition of critical thinking however there are several objectives that many have agreed upon. “Critical thinking is the art of thinking about thinking while thinking in order to make thinking better. It involves three interwoven phases: it analyzes thinking, it evaluates thinking, it improves thinking” (Paul & Elder, 2006, p. xvii). It is much more than possessing thoughts its living by a higher standard of thought. I worked as a Verizon Wireless technical support rep for five years and experienced every day the consequences of poor thinking. I had people call in because their telephone was not working because they had failed to think to power on their phone. Long gone are the days when people read their manuals for anything so much so that most of everything one purchases does not include one in the box, instead it is only an option to download from their website. Technical support used to be a tool for information to provide customers with knowledge they did not poses. Today we have become their source of second-order thinking because although there are times when a person has exhausted their first-order thinking before they call it is mostly the exception and not the rule...
Words: 735 - Pages: 3
...Critical Thinking Application Guillermo Avila University Of Phoenix Jose Rodriguez August 29, 2011 Critical Thinking Application A question is always present from the beginning of modern age: How do I adapt? Mankind activities have been centered in technology, life improving, marketplace, environmental protection, business and global economy, international politics, and a variety of situations with a background impossible to define because of the constant changes in the everyday life. This instability brings difficulties to make decisions in a long run, affecting people as individuals and as part of the community. Making decisions based on emotions or intuitions seems the fastest and easiest way rather than gathering the information from different sources, making analysis, and reach the right conclusions. The right process, the main purpose of this paper intends to define: The critical thinking, including an example where critical thinking can be applied, and remarking the importance and the benefits of critical thinking in de decision-making process. By definition, critical thinking is a process of examination of one’s thinking taking control of thoughts and tracing a way to assess any situation and create objective decisions. Studying and practicing critical thinking develop the ability to think more effectively, more rational, and more objective, and through the proper analysis exercises reaching clarity, relevance, accuracy, depth, logicalness, and breadth (Paul...
Words: 1042 - Pages: 5
...Week One Critical Thinking Application University Of Phoenix Critical Thinking MGT/350 March 16, 2011 Week One Critical Thinking Application Socrates’ famous quote, “the unexamined life is not worth living” (Kemerling, 2002, p. 9) I find to be one of the most provocative in terms of critical thinking philosophies. Through the vast and seemingly endless sea of possibilities, critical thinking offers those who pursue deeper meaning and understanding useful methods to accomplish that end. Drawing upon the wisdom of such philosophers and thinkers as Socrates, Aristotle, and Descartes, I describe in this report, a brief overview of what critical thinking is and its usefulness. I offer an example of how I applied some of the principles of critical thinking to the making a specific work-related decision. I conclude my report with an explanation of the importance and benefits those principles were to me through my decision-making process. Critical Thinking Defined Critical thinking is aptly described as “thinking explicitly aimed at well-founded judgment, utilizing appropriate evaluative standards in an attempt to determine the true worth, merit, or value of something” (Paul & Elder, 2006, p. 26). To distill the definition of critical thinking down to an overly simplistic expression is nearly impossible; however, it is possible to describe its essence. The art of critical thinking broadly encompasses three criteria: analyzing, evaluating, and improving. The best...
Words: 912 - Pages: 4
...Critically thinking employees are an asset to any organization in today’s business environment. The ability to think through a problem to determine the best solution is necessary to avoid repeat problems that can cost an organization time and revenue. In addition to organizational problems, critical thinking can be applied to an individual’s daily decisions. Regardless if critical thinking is used for individual problems or organizational problems, critical thinking benefits anyone who needs to make a decision. “Critical thinking is that mode of thinking—about any subject, content, or problem—in which the thinker improves the quality of his or her thinking by skillfully analyzing, assessing, and reconstructing it” (Paul & Elder, 2006, pg. xxiii). Critical thinking is something each person does throughout a day. Regardless if one is thinking about personal business or a problem faced by an organization, critical thinking is used. Critical thinking is the examination of one’s thoughts; identify strengths, identifying weaknesses, and building on one’s strengths while reducing or eliminating weaknesses (Paul & Elder, 2006). Someone who thinks critically uses unbiased information and supporting evidence to determine solutions for problems. An example of critical thinking is customers receiving invoices two weeks after the invoices are printed. This is considered a delay in receiving invoices and reduces the time allowed for the customer to pay the invoice based on the customer’s...
Words: 832 - Pages: 4
...Critical Thinking Application Paper Augie Ruyle MGT/350 Critical Thinking: Strategies in Decision Making Matthew Swanson University of Phoenix June 6, 2011 This Critical Thinking Application Paper that you are about to read will include a few descriptions of critical thinking, along with a few of the importance and benefits of critical thinking in the decision-making processes, and examples of a personal experience in applying critical thinking to a work related decision. Thank you and enjoy the reading. From the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal, is a well known psychological test of critical thinking ability. The authors of this test define critical thinking as: …a composite of attitudes, knowledge, and skills. This composite includes: (1). attitudes of inquiry that involves an ability to recognize the existence of problems and an acceptance of the general need for evidence in support of what is asserted to be true; (2). Knowledge of the nature of valid inferences, abstractions, and generalizations in which the weight or accuracy of different kinds of evidence are logically determined; and (3). Skills in employing and applying the above attitudes and knowledge. Critical thinking is the ability to think clearly and rationally. It includes the ability to engage in reflective and independent thinking. Someone with critical thinking skills will be able to: understand the logical connection between ideas, identify, construct and evaluate arguments, detect...
Words: 1294 - Pages: 6
...Critical Thinking Application Paper Laura Jones Mgt 350 January 10, 2010 Bill Shell Critical Thinking Application Paper A person uses critical thinking daily without realizing what he or she is doing. Critical thinking helps people make decisions, small or large. A person will use critical thinking on a personal level, such as buying a house or a car or even down to whether he or she should buy a shirt. In the business world, people will use critical thinking skills to make decisions that impact the company. As this paper progresses, I will be discussing what critical thinking is, the steps that are taken when using the critical thinking process, an example of how I used critical thinking in the workplace, and the benefits and importance of using critical thinking when making a decision. What is Critical Thinking? According to Dictionary.com critical thinking is defined as “the mental process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information to reach an answer or conclusion” (2010). Critical thinking in the ideal form is based on broad intelligent values that surpass situational division. By this I am meaning to make use of good critical thinking, one must use accuracy, precision, consistency, relevance to the situation, good reasoning, facts, and clarifying the situation (National Council for Excellence in Critical Thinking, 2009). University of Phoenix has nine...
Words: 905 - Pages: 4
