The Consequence of Communication Failure
uereTimothy Sherrell
Professor Bunting
ENC 1102 Sec. 176
14 July 2012
The Consequence of Communication Failure
A Review of Two Historical Events
The Consequence of Communication Failure
Introduction
In the history and evolution of professional communication practices, there are several instances that have greatly impacted our understanding of the necessity for clear and effective technical communication. Few, however, have had such eye-opening impact that they continue to be discussed decades after their occurrence. Two such incidents to have reached this height are concerning the Three Mile Island nuclear plant and the Challenger shuttle launch.
(Martha Cooper. Three Mile Island. 1979. The Washington Post. Web. 13 July 2012)
(Martha Cooper. Three Mile Island. 1979. The Washington Post. Web. 13 July 2012)
In March of 1979, the Three Mile Island (TMI) nuclear power plant of Middleton, PA faced near meltdown. People feared an unseen enemy: radiation. B.M. Dunn had some vital information to the possibility of this incident prior to its occurring. Dunn relayed this information to D.F. Hallman. Hallman’s memo and the involvement of those who did or did not receive it have been under a microscope since this historical event.
On January 28, 1986, another incident of failed communication occurred. The Challenger space shuttle was set to launch and indeed it did, but it did not make it to the intended destination as it exploded in mid-air. Prior to the launch, Roger Boisjoly had made efforts to address an issue of a possible equipment malfunction that had been pointed out by. Unfortunately, nothing was done to ensure the avoidance of this malfunction.
In both instances, catastrophe could have been prevented. There were attempts made to address serious concern on both parts. There remains no question that something more could have been done. However, a question of great weight and of ongoing discussion is whether that missing link lies in the
Professor Bunting
ENC 1102 Sec. 176
14 July 2012
The Consequence of Communication Failure
A Review of Two Historical Events
The Consequence of Communication Failure
Introduction
In the history and evolution of professional communication practices, there are several instances that have greatly impacted our understanding of the necessity for clear and effective technical communication. Few, however, have had such eye-opening impact that they continue to be discussed decades after their occurrence. Two such incidents to have reached this height are concerning the Three Mile Island nuclear plant and the Challenger shuttle launch.
(Martha Cooper. Three Mile Island. 1979. The Washington Post. Web. 13 July 2012)
(Martha Cooper. Three Mile Island. 1979. The Washington Post. Web. 13 July 2012)
In March of 1979, the Three Mile Island (TMI) nuclear power plant of Middleton, PA faced near meltdown. People feared an unseen enemy: radiation. B.M. Dunn had some vital information to the possibility of this incident prior to its occurring. Dunn relayed this information to D.F. Hallman. Hallman’s memo and the involvement of those who did or did not receive it have been under a microscope since this historical event.
On January 28, 1986, another incident of failed communication occurred. The Challenger space shuttle was set to launch and indeed it did, but it did not make it to the intended destination as it exploded in mid-air. Prior to the launch, Roger Boisjoly had made efforts to address an issue of a possible equipment malfunction that had been pointed out by. Unfortunately, nothing was done to ensure the avoidance of this malfunction.
In both instances, catastrophe could have been prevented. There were attempts made to address serious concern on both parts. There remains no question that something more could have been done. However, a question of great weight and of ongoing discussion is whether that missing link lies in the
Cited: Boisjoly, Roger. Memo to R.K. Lund; Morton Thiokol, Inc; 31 July 1985. Hallman, D.F. Memo to B.A. Karrasch, Babcock & Wilcox Company, 3 August 1978. Mathes, J.C. "Three Mile Island: The Managment Communication Role." Engineering Management International (1986): 261-268. Document. 13 July 2012. -------------------------------------------- [ 1 ]. (Assocaited Press. Three Mile Island Nuclear Power Plant. KXAN. Web. 13 July 2012); (Associated Press. Photgraph of Challnger Shuttle launch. 1986. Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Web. 13 July 2012)