Page 297 - Effective group discussion theory and practice by Adams, Katherine H. Brilhart, John K. Galanes, Gloria J

280 Chapter 10

TABLE 10.12
(continued) ● What might be the harmful effects of each method?
º How will each method affect water, air, land, and the environment?
º What health hazards might each method create?
● What problems might we have getting voters to accept each method?
º What group or groups opposed each method?
º How well has this method been accepted elsewhere?
● How well has this method worked in other places?
º How dependable has it been?
º What personnel training is required?
º How long will this method serve Springfield?
(The task force engaged in extensive research efforts, including paying consultants,
hiring an engineering consulting firm, and making several trips to observe facilities
used by other cities.)
4. What are the two or three most reasonable answers to the subquestions?
● The Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) emerges as the best choice.
(The task force recommended the MRF with composting and limited landfill usage
to voters. After an extensive information campaign, voters approved the MRF.)

TABLE 10.13
Using the Ideal 1. Does everyone agree on the nature of the problem?
Solution Format ● Geologists have evidence that the water table is dropping.
for O’Fallon’s ● Construction of new deep wells is not feasible due to the dropping table.
problem about ● The problem will become a crisis in about 10 years.
water treatment 2. What would be the ideal solution from the point of view of all interested people
or groups involved?
● What do the geologists prefer? (protection of the water table)
● What do voters prefer? (low cost with high quality)
● What do elected officials prefer? (not raising taxes; long-term solution)
● What does the health department prefer? (safety)
● What do surrounding cities and counties prefer? (ability to sell water for profit)
● What do environmentalists prefer? (no degradation of the environment)
(Analysis of the preferences of interested parties revealed three main criteria that
emerged: The solution must provide high-quality water; it must be cost-effective
and efficient; it must give the city long-term control over costs.)
3. Which conditions within the situation could be changed to achieve the ideal
solution?
● The current system cannot be expanded safely or reliably.
● Voters could be educated about the long-term benefit of building a
membrane treatment plant and would likely support it when they see the
eventual cost savings.
4. Of all the solutions available, which one best approximates the ideal?
● The membrane treatment facility best meets all criteria.

gal37018_ch10_259_290.indd 280 3/30/18 11:14 AM