OVERVIEW:

Write a 3-5 page academic paper in which you describe a business situation, apply a critical thinking framework to the situation, and recommend evidence-based solutions to the situation. Explain how the concepts of VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity) could affect both the situation and the solution.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Scenario: Your boss has asked you to research and write about ways that businesses can apply critical thinking skills to complex issues that are also affected by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA). You have decided to research Panera Bread Co. and how they solved their mosh pit problem, as this will allow you to flex some critical thinking muscles, as well.

Write an APA-formatted paper that is well organized and covers the following:

Provide an overview of the situation (2–3 paragraphs).

Apply the framework for critical thinking as outlined by Kallet.

Recommend at least one evidence-based solution to the situation.

You must find one additional article to support your recommendation.

Explain how VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity) could affect both the situation and your recommendation.

RESOURCES:

Jargon, J. (2017, June 2). How Panera solved its mosh pit problem. The Wall Street Journal.

George, B. (2017, February 17). VUCA 2.0: A strategy for steady leadership in an unsteady world. Forbes. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/hbsworkingknowledge/2…

Kallet, M. (2014). Think smarter: Critical thinking to improve problem-solving and decision-making skills. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley & Sons.

This e-book is an easy read on how to use critical thinking to problem solve. In particular, focus on section I, “Introduction and the Framework for Critical Thinking,” section V, “Decisions,” and the final section, “Critical Thinking: Summary and Suggestions.”

Conduct your own research to locate at least two additional resources to support your work.