Aaj ka mailbag 12-oct-2010

Well, I got this email:

Dear Prof Sudhir,

We had bid for section C of MKTR course. We had already formed the group as per the course guidelines with people across sections. But in today’s class you mentioned that groups need to be formed strictly within the section.

At this point in time, we are not comfortable forming the group with people who we have not worked with in the past. Group project makes a large part of the course and hence we need to be really careful in choosing the right group. We would like to know if there is still scope for forming a group across sections, as this would help us in deciding whether to continue with the course.

My response:

Hi,

The group formation is retricted to within-section only.

Sudhir

Well, it is a tricky situation, admittedly. The reason I'd like to have all-within section groups this year is that in lecture 10, space has been made for a few groups to at random, face a live audience cross-questioning of their PPT presentations. Ideally the entire group would need to be present for this.

Now, its entirely possible that things may happen such that there's no time left by lecture 10 to do what I have planned.

A few observations:

1. I understand that one would rather work with people one knows a priori and all. However, in life and all too often in the marketplace, you may end up in a team you did not choose. Would you walk away then also? IMHO, it makes sense to take a chance with a bunch of well-meaning strangers and tough it out. But that's just my opinion, you don't have to agree.

2. I understand there's the danger that some in a group may game the system and choose to free-ride rather than contribute positively. Happens all too often, sadly. Hence, the plan is to have a peer-evaluation setup within the project teams. That way, folk deliberately seeking to free-ride will be in for a surprise.

3. The project last year was somewhat of a messy process. It was the first time I was managing something like that and there were stumbles galore. This time, thanks to the learning curve and all, I expect the process will be much smoother. The project deadline got extended and all last time. This time, we'll finish in week 5.

Shall add more thoughts as they occur. Thanks for your patience.

P.S.
Have sent the lecture 1 slides to be put up on blackboard. My answers to the quickfires are in bold font (again, feel free to disagree with my answers). A dataset which will be put in use in lecture 2 has also been put up.