Question

"A group consisting of engineers, maintenance workers, and mathematicians is brought together to solve a problem with a nuclear reactor. Once the reactor is repaired and operational, they will return to work in their respective departments. This group represents a:"

a) Task force

b) Temporary committee

c) Functional team

d) Permanent committee

Answer 1

A group of engineers, maintenance workers, and mathematicians formed to solve a nuclear reactor problem represents a task force, which is a temporary team created to address a specific issue.

Step-by-step explanation:

The group brought together to solve the nuclear reactor problem represents a task force. A task force is a temporary team of people with various skills and expertise, specifically formed to solve a particular issue or to complete a specific goal. Once the goal is accomplished, such as the repair and successful restart of the nuclear reactor, the group typically disbands and the members return to their respective departments.

This is in line with modern organizational structures that increasingly rely on teams to bring together diverse skills and expertise to quickly respond to complex problems. Whether consisting of engineers, maintenance workers, or mathematicians, such a team is formed for the short-term and for a specific purpose, characteristic of a task force rather than a permanent committee.

Answer 2

The group formed to address the nuclear reactor problem is a task force (option a), a temporary collection of professionals from various disciplines focused on solving a specific issue.

Step-by-step explanation:

The group of engineers, maintenance workers, and mathematicians brought together to solve a nuclear reactor problem and then return to their respective departments afterwards represents a task force. A task force is a temporary group of individuals with different expertise and skills, created for the sole purpose of addressing a specific issue or executing a particular task. Once the task is completed, the task force is usually disbanded. This is differentiated from a temporary committee, functional team, or permanent committee based on the distinct objective and temporary nature of the group's mandate and existence.

In assessing the types of engineers needed, it is clear that since engineered systems have become more complex, dealing with issues such as nuclear reactor problems requires a collaborative effort among professionals from various engineering disciplines. For nuclear reactors specifically, nuclear engineers, mechanical engineers, and electrical engineers might be part of the engineering teams. These teams function within societal structures and are formed to solve complex engineering problems that cannot be addressed by individuals working alone.