Hierarchy

Hierarchy

Hierarchy is defined as, any system of persons or things in a graded order, or a series if successive terms of different rank. [1] Then how has hierarchy contributed to the collaboration project? And is it necessary for the hierarchy of persons or things?

At the beginning of the course we were given the task to split into groups of 5. My group only consisted of Simon, Marko, and Me. Once most groups formed their 5 person team, we were still left with 3 in our group. So Jezza decided to join us. Before we could continue we needed to elect a group supervisor. This process wasn’t too difficult as Simon who we all consider a natural leader would be a great candidate to hold us together to complete the tasks. Once we got organised each group had a tutor allocated, this tutor was to help us with general inquires to collaboration and to guide us with any problems we would encounter. Matt Day was appointed to our group and in a hierarchical sense he was group leader.

As follows is a hierarchical table that will illustrate the levels or grade within our group.


Hierarchy of things within our tasks are evident if you consider the Maslow approach to hierarchy. Maslow created a hierarchy of needs for the individual. He placed the needs in a hierarchy such that only after the needs of a layer are satisfied would an individual care about the needs in the next layer. [2] Taking Maslow’s approach to hierarchy and putting it in context to the model of our building in UT3 we have to address certain layer needed to be done first before the next layer. We have chosen to build the main building in 3ds Max, this is our starting point and our first layer. Then we can continue to add the other layers like the material required the textures that go with the material, sound elements internally and externally, this list goes on, with layers added and the levels of hierarchy change as well develop our skills and hone in on the required processes to accomplish the end model for our final presentation.

The large amounts of work needed to complete this project will need the efforts of each member of the group. To have a harmonious and professional project plan we would need to acknowledge the hierarchical values in collaboration. If this is lost our main focus on achieving our goals would be lost too. Having a level system between peers will allow smooth cooperation throughout the project. Assessing the hierarchical needs of each layer will benefit us learning, and recording the right information that will be valid to the tasks. Hierarchy is the stepping stone to planning a successful collaboration project.

Reference:

[1] The Macquarie Dictionary

[2] A Need Hierarchy for Teams, Anita Sarma and André van der Hoek, Oct, 2004

http://darmano.typepad.com/logic_emotion/2006/07/human_hierarchy.html

http://www.isss.org/hierarchy.htm

Maslow, A.H., Motivation and Personality. 3rd edition ed. 1987: HarperCollins Publishers. 293.