The Project Paradox

The Project Paradox

Many a time a student is oft faced with a complex situation where he/she is supposed to do a project as a part of a group. Now the problem is that the all the other group members refuse to work and time is fleeting and the submission date is around the corner.

What does the student do?  Does he or she sit and do the whole project alone or does he or she just do their part of the project. If he or she does the whole project alone then it is done with the realisation that the project is being prepared whilst all the other group members are 'busy' having fun. On the other hand if he or she decided to only do his or her part then it is at the risk of obtaining less marks in the end because the project as a whole below par.

So what would you do?
Who you toil hard alone, knowing this time could be better spent or would just do your part and reconciling to getting poor marks.

Now a scientific explanation to solve this problem would be that doing the project alone would help you in the long run. You will learn the topic (/software/concept) much better because you are doing it alone and also putting in much more effort.

Looking at the problem from a different perspective you might feel ten years down the line who will care about how many marks you got for this project. You might still remember the amazing party you attended instead of doing your work.

Unfortunately on this hot April night, with no exciting parties in town, I'd rather finish this scientific proposal presentation. I don't exactly like the idea of making an arse of myself on stage on Monday.

I just do hope that someone does return the favour 'in the near future'.