PS 3003: Project Design Summary

Background/Introduction
In order to discuss the primary focus of the project, the background of the report focuses
on the issue of stress in the work place and its associated consequences. Also described is a
difference of viewpoints in addressing stress. The section concludes with introducing the
growing trend of stress management programs in the work place. Throughout the introduction
portion, the issue is applied to a specific project site. For this project report the site was Arkansas
Oklahoma Gas Corporation in Fort Smith, AR. This section informs the audience of the
characteristics of the organization as well as the individual employees. It is determined that the
environment provides potential for stressors while lacking an approach to mitigating stress for
employees.
Purpose of Project
The purpose of project section introduces the audience to the importance of being able to
identify stressors and develop a method to mitigate those stressors. This portion also places
emphasis on the specific industry of natural gas pipeline safety and Arkansas Oklahoma Gas
Corporation as an individual organization facing stress. The audience then learns the importance
of stress perception. Following this information, there is statistically significant information
provided to support stress management programs being a potential benefit for employees of
Arkansas Oklahoma Gas Corporation.
Problem Identified
This section outlines the primary problem of Arkansas Oklahoma Gas Corporation
lacking a directive in mitigating stress. Also, if left unchecked, these stressors can be a great

detriment to organizational success. The final piece of this section outlines the hypothesis to be
tested by the research team. Essentially the hypothesis states that implementing stress
management programs can improve the quality of work life for Arkansas Oklahoma Gas
Corporation personnel.
Research Methods
In order to test the hypothesis and collect data from Arkansas Oklahoma Gas Corporation
the research team developed a 15-question survey. The target sample size for a sample
representative of the organization was 63 participants. Only 28 participants completed the
surveys that could be used in the analysis process. In addition to the surveys, a number of
interviews and informal meetings were carried out with personnel to gain information.
Analysis & Findings
The research revealed that Arkansas Oklahoma Gas Corporation employees were not
aware of programs offered to mitigate stress, but they did perceive their jobs as stressful. They
felt as though stress impacted their productivity. They overwhelmingly supported the idea of
implementing stress management programs. This stands to support the hypothesis that stress
management programs can improve the quality of work life or at least that perception.
Recommended Action Plan
Based primarily on feedback and survey responses by participants in the project, the
research teams recommended action plan centered on an on-site fitness center as a method of
stress mitigation. The proposed action plan provided two possible ROI scenarios and a one-year
schedule for implementation.