Group Communication

Group Communication Socializing Agents Video 1: Group Communication Video Cases The group comprised of three different professionals; a school nurse, a psychiatrist, and a social worker. This diversity in group makeup affected their opinion on resolving the issue. The treatment approach favored by the three professionals varied with a particular approach being seen as more important and useful by each respective professional.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Group Communication specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The diversity of the group affected the group members’ communication style since they exhibited varying levels of assertiveness with the psychiatrist being the most assertive of the group. In this case, diversity was a hindrance to communication since group members were keen to defend their position. The psychiatrist supported medication while the social worker advocated for a more holistic approach. Evidently, the communic ation was not effective since each member was only interested in advancing their preferred approach without giving due consideration to the suggestions made by the others. Written communication method would have been more effective in this case. This is because each member would have been forced to go through the ideas proposed by the other members to completion before reacting to him or her (Adair, 2009). Use of presentations would also have helped since each member would have been allocated time to give their opinions without interruption from other members. Video 2: Planning a Playground In the planning a playground video, verbal and nonverbal interactions occur among the members. The nonverbal cues were communicating a lack of conviction in some of the proposals being advanced by the members. However, the speaker did not respond to these nonverbal communications. The verbal communications are very well put and all members were able to properly articulate their issues and offer s olutions. The non-verbal communications also demonstrated attention to what was being said by the speaker. Constant nodding and eye contact facilitated the communication process among the members. Use of hand signals such as raising one’s hand when one had a point helped in the organization of the group. Non-verbal communications were also used to show disagreement with what the speaker was saying. While this communication was not helpful, it was backed up by verbal communication which helped to achieve effective communication. Presentation aids would have helped to better quantify the issue being discussed and help the members to understand the rationale behind the proposals on the playground money made. Keeping of written records of the meeting would also have been helpful for future reference (Hargie, 2006).Advertising Looking for report on communication strategies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Video 3: Virtual Miscommunication Listening involves receiving the sound waves and understanding what is being communicated by the speaker. Good listening skills are necessary for effective communication to take place. It also prevents misunderstandings and frustrations when the speaker perceives that they are not being listened to. Listening techniques were not properly utilized in the virtual miscommunication scenario. The listeners did not make use of any verbal affirmations to confirm that they were fully engaged with the communication process. In addition to this, the listeners were not paying proper attention to what the speaker was saying due to distractions. Another poor listening habit demonstrated in this video was interrupting a speaker while he is making a point. Techniques which could have facilitated the group process include active listening which is characterized by giving verbal affirmations to demonstrate that you understand what is being said would have helped confirm that the listeners were attentive and encourage the speaker to move on. The group members would also have made use of paraphrasing which involves repeating what the speaker has said in your own words (Cleary, 2004). Such a technique would ensure that there were no misunderstandings and in case they occurred, the speaker would have a chance to correct them. Personal Reflection Individual Strengths and Problem-Solving Techniques Paper Individual Strengths and the Group Process I was recently a part of a group whose task was to prepare for a wedding party for my friend. The group consisted of eight members including myself. The members of the group were of varying age groups, came from different backgrounds and possessed varying professional skills. Most of the group members did now know each other or have a relationship with each other outside of the group. A strength that I brought to the group setting was my enthusiasm for the project. Because of this enthusiasm, I was committed to the group and attended all meetings without fail. I also ensured that the group efficiency was increased by proposing that we appoint a chairperson and each member be given a role. I also took it upon myself to ensure that the group did not deviate into topics that were not relevant to the task at hand. I fostered effective communication among the members by making sure that the appropriate channels were used at all times.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Group Communication specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Because of these, instances of miscommunication were not there and no the group productivity was increased. I also ensured that each task was delegated to the most skilled person in that area. This meant that the tasks at hand were effectively completed due to the skills of the person in charge. There were some drawbacks which came about because of my strengths and skills. My insistence on sticking to the agenda had a negative impact on group cohesion. As I have noted, the group members were not familiar with each other. When someone tried to hold general conversations that were aimed at building a relationship among the members, I focused the group back to the issue at hand. Huszczo (2004) asserts that a good relationship among group members yields good performance by the team. My focus on the agenda therefore prevented members from building a relationship that would have raised commitment to the group tasks and brought about great results. My focus on the most skilled persons in the group also led to some members failing to participate in the group due to lack of confidence. Webne-Behrman (2008) observes that when this happens, the group suffers since it is denied a chance to benefit from the viewpoint of the members who refused to speak out. One skill that I could work on in order to foster a more effective group environment is to involve all the members of the group. By making all members f eel like important members of the team, the group will benefit from the insights of all the members. I can foster this skill by avoiding the temptation to focus only on the vocal members of the group and seeking ways to involve the members who appear to lack confidence. The group process was also affected by the strengths and skills of other members. On a positive side, the commitment exuded by the members. This commitment led to a deep determination to accomplish the goals and objectives that the group had set out to achieve. On the negative side, some members dominated the meetings and ended up making their issues the center of the discussion. Dominance derails the group from dealing with all the issues that need to be addressed (Kolin, 2009). Problem Solving Techniques and Group Decision Making Problem solving is one of the key activities carried out of the group and this solutions sometimes aid in the decision making process. Having good problem solving skills is therefore imper ative for the success of the group. There are a number of problem solving techniques that I frequently make use of. One technique that I make use of in problem solving is brainstorming in order to come up with a large number of ideas and then choose the best ones.Advertising Looking for report on communication strategies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Adair (2010) asserts that brainstorming is a very effective technique since it frees the participant from functional fixedness and gives a chance for new ideas to emerge. I also make use of abstraction to solve problem. This technique involves solving the problem at an abstractly in order to see how the solution will turn out. After that, I then apply the tested solution to the real problem. An advantage of abstraction is that it anticipates any adverse impacts of the solution proposed before they are implemented and changes can therefore be made. The last technique that I utilize is the trial and error means which involves applying each potential solution in sequence. This method is useful when a set of potential solutions have been decided but it is not yet clear which one works best. My techniques influence group decisions in a number of profound ways. Through brainstorming, the group is able to encompass numerous solutions and the best one is chosen for the given occasion. Throu gh brainstorming, the members of the group can be involved and this will lead to greater acceptability of the proposed solution. Abstraction also helps the group to simulate the impacts of the solution and therefore avoid the solutions that might lead to greater problems. Trial and error is very useful when the group members are fighting over which is the right approach to the problem. Straus (2002) elaborates that it is more productive to select one solution and see if it works. If it does not work, then another solution can be tried out until the right one is reached. There are other problem solving techniques that I could employ when making group decisions. I could also make of extensive research to solve problems. This method will look at similar problems and their solutions and then adapt this to the particular problem that our group is facing. By doing this, we will be able to build on what is already known to work and therefore get the best outcomes. I could also make use of the divide and conquer technique which involves breaking down a large problem into small solvable parts. This technique will help in solving problems which seem too complex to deal with. Splitting the problems into manageable chunks will ensure that the group is not overwhelmed as we try to solve the problem. Developing and improving my problem solving techniques will make me an even greater asset for my group. Straus (2002) stresses that problem solving skills can be learned through practice and exposure. I can increase my problem solving proficiency by reading case studies on problems and how to solve them. By doing this, I will be exposed to new and effective manners of solving problems and learn from experts. I will also be able to use the case study findings in my own problems. Playing puzzles and other mentally challenging games will also increase my analytical skills and therefore make me more proficient and solving problems. Keeping an open mind and being willing to try out other problem solving techniques proposed by other people will also help me to develop and further improve my skills. Group Motivation Inventory Paper Lessons learnt from the exercise Completing the Group Motivation Inventory exercise made me learn a number of things about myself. To begin with, I learnt that while I work very hard in my group, this dedication is mostly driven by the effort shown by the other group members. I also discovered that I do not spend too much time on group projects and mostly do only what we had agreed on with the other members. The exercise also revealed to me that I prefer working on my way since I would rather divide the tasks with the group members and then focus on my part individually. Even so, I observed that I appreciate the efforts made by other members of the group and easily commended them for their contributions to the group effort. Another lesson I learnt was that I prefer to avoid contentions and seek to preserve a cordial mood in the group setting. I therefore avoid issues that might result in strive with other members of the group. I also learnt that I am greatly concerned about the perception that other people have about my contributions. For example the appreciation I got from my group members inspired me to work even harder. It is likely that I would not have been as inspired had they not shown any appreciation for my efforts. Furthermore, I also noticed that I like taking initiative to ensure that the group objectives are met within the set deadlines. How the Knowledge affects my interaction with groups This knowledge affects the manner in which I interact in groups in significant ways. Groups are an invaluable tool for achieving significant results in many settings. The knowledge I gained made me realize that greater outcomes can be obtained from working together as a group. This is because each member of the group brings with him/her skills and expertise that can contribute to the generation of great ideas (Bro wn, 2000). I also need to develop intrinsic motivation and avoid letting my desire to work for the group be determined by the efforts shown by other members. The exercise also brought it to my attention that in many cases, I fall prey to groupthink and go along with the options forwarded by other members of the group even if I disagree. Groups achieve their purpose if they are able to come up with the best solution to handle a common problem. Guffey, Rogin Rhodes (2009) observe that groupthink damages the effectiveness of a group since it discourages open discussions and results in conformity which inhibits the best alternatives from being discovered and implemented. I will also be aware of any prejudice or bias I might have while interacting with group members. This awareness will keep me from derailing the communication process as a result of stereotypical views I might harbor (Greene Burleson, 2003). Different Approaches in Group Interaction From the results of the exercise, si gnificant weaknesses in my interaction in groups were highlighted. I therefore intend to act differently in some aspects. I will make use of good listening habits in order to facilitate communication efforts with others. Downs (2008) reveals that good listening skills can be acquired through lessons on effective listening. I therefore intend to overcome any poor listening habits I might have through training. For example, by acquiring active listening, I will be able to become an effective listener and also gain greater insights into the points being made by the speaker (Gottlieb, 2003). I will also work on looking interested in what the speaker has to say and adopting the proper non-verbal cues. This will encourage the members of my group to communicate more extensively and the group will gain invaluable information from each speaker. Actions to Increase my Motivation To be more motivated in the group efforts, I will engage in research on the subject matter before each meeting. By doing this, I will always have something to contribute during each meeting and I will not get bored as the other members get into detailed discussions about the matter at hand. I will make use of assertive communication to ensure that my opinions are heard by the members. Assertion will help me to maximize my satisfaction without violating the needs of the other group members and therefore promote positive interpersonal relationships in the group (Greene Burleson, 2003). By doing this, I will have a greater sense of ownership in the direction that the group is taking. This involvement will lead to greater motivation on my part. I will also set personal goals that I will seek to achieve for the group. Pynes (2008) asserts that the clear expectations which are characteristic of goal-setting theory result in high performance from individuals. Personal Incentives A number of personal incentives will help me to increase my commitment to the group. Having a sense of purpose will also ser ve as a great incentive in the group process. By having a clear objective and goal to achieve, I will be motivated to work hard in order to achieve the goals (Greene Burleson, 2003). My need to see any endeavor I take part in succeed will ensure that I have the proper motivation to work with the group. Greater participation in the group will invariably increase my influence in the group. The greater influence I will have on the decisions made by the group will also be a major incentive for me. Incentivizing Group Members The actions of each individual member will contribute positively or negatively to the success of the group. It is therefore important to foster a positive climate that encourages each member to make the necessary contribution to positively influence the outcomes of the group (Schneider, 2008).The motivations for group members’ may be deferent and this would call for different incentives to be employed. Encouraging intrinsic motivation in the group members wi ll be most beneficial. Sharbrough (2006) observes that internally motivated people yield the best results since they do not require any external factors such as promises of reward or threat of punishment to achieve the set goals. To drive the members, I will promote a culture where achievement is recognized and applauded. Jakobson (2007) reveals that by using simple methods such as acknowledging great performance from an individual member of the team during meetings, the member will be motivated to perform even better in future. Presentation Aids Presentation aids are tools that are used to enhance the group process by enhancing perception of the speaker and also helping the audience stay interested and remember what is being discussed. Computer generated slides such as Microsofts PowerPoint is the most favored presentation aids in group presentations. The speaker makes use of a computer program to create slides that may contain text, images, audio, and even video elements (Kolin, 2 009). In addition to this, the speaker may include notes to help him/her through the presentation. The slides are then presented through a projector to aid in the group presentation. Computer generated slides have a number of significant advantages. The end results look very professional, which increases the interest from the audience. It is also easy to make changes to the data and reproduce the slides if need be. The speaker can also maintain eye contact with the group members even as he/she presents. However, this presentation aid also has some demerits the most significant of which is that it can be distracting if funny images or too much color is used. Too much information on the slide will also reduce the efficiency of the presentation aid. In most cases, the room has to be darkened for the slides to be visible. This might cause some group members to lose concentration in the presentation. Another presentation aid used is handouts which are printed paper which contain the poin ts that the speaker is making. The handouts are offered to the group members and the can therefore help the audience to follow along with what is being discussed. A notable advantage of handouts is that they are very simple to make and use. Since they only require printing, they are cheap to implement. They also act as a lasting reference since members can go home with them (Schneider, 2008). The biggest disadvantage with handouts is that the audience may fail to concentrate on the speaker as they read ahead. These tools will therefore fail to enhance presentation by pulling attention away from the speaker. When the group is relatively large, handouts may be expensive since each member needs to have their own copy. Another presentation aid used in group presentations is the flip chart. This tool makes use of blank sheets of paper mounted on a board (Cleary, 2004). The speaker composes the desired visual aid by using markers or any other graphic material on the paper. The most obviou s advantage of the flip chart is that it is inexpensive and very easy to use as no special skills are required of the presenter. The aid is also easily portable to any location where the meeting is taking place. The speaker can add material to the charts in real time which makes it very good for interacting with the audience. There are some disadvantages associated with flip charts. To begin with, it is only useful for a small audience due to visibility. If the speaker uses illegible handwriting, the tool will not assist in the presentation efforts. Overhead Projectors are also popular presentation aids especially when a large group is being addressed. The overhead transparency projector machine is the only piece of equipment needed to utilize this aids (Guffey et al., 2009). The presenter can then project works, images, and illustrations to a screen. A significant advantage of overhead projectors is that they can be used in large auditorium without visibility being deteriorated. Th ey are also easy to use and do not require a lot of technical knowhow. On the downside, they are big and bulky and therefore not easy to transport. The presentations are also not very professional and may therefore not get the attention of the audience. References Adair, J. (2009). Effective Communication: The Most Important Management Skill of All. New York: Pan Macmillan. Adair, J. (2010). Decision Making and Problem Solving Strategies. NY: Kogan Page Publishers. Brown, R. (2000). Group processes: dynamics within and between groups. New Jersey: Wiley-Blackwell. Cleary, S. (2004). The Communication Handbook: A Student Guide to Effective Communication. New Delhi: Juta and Company Ltd. Downs, L. J. (2008). Listening Skills Training. NJ: American Society for Training and Development. Gottlieb, M. (2003). Managing group process. New York: Greenwood Publishing Group. Greene, J. Burleson, B. (2003). Handbook of Communication and Social Interaction Skills. New York: Routledge. Guffey, E. , Rogin, P. Rhodes, K. (2009). Business Communication: Process and Product. NJ: Cengage Learning. Hargie, O. (2006). The Handbook of Communication Skills. NJ: Taylor Francis. Huszczo, G. (2004). Tools for Team Leadership: Delivering the X-factor in Team Excellence. Texas: Davies-Black Publishing. Jakobson, L. (2007) Harrahs Teams Up. Incentive 181(2), 10-20. Kolin, P. (2009). Successful Writing at Work. NY: Cengage Learning. Pynes, J. (2008). Human Resources Management for Public and Nonprofit Organizations: A Strategic Approach. NY: John Wiley and Sons. Schneider, M. (2008). Groups: process and practice. NY: Cengage Learning. Sharbrough, W. (2006). Motivating Language in Industry. Journal of Business Communication, 43(4), 322-343. Straus, D. (2002). How to Make Collaboration Work: Powerful Ways to Build Consensus, Solve Problems, and Make Decisions. Detroit: Berrett-Koehler Publishers. Webne-Behrman, H. (2008).The Practice of Facilitation: Managing Group Process and Solving Probl ems. Boston: IAP.

How to start a new business in engineering field Essay

How to start a new business in engineering field - Essay Example Proper cost effective and suitable policies should be applied by any organization to expand it and make it profitable and successful. Success of any business is dependent on the management policies applied by the organization that is operating that specific business. If the policies are only person oriented or productions oriented, then the objectives can not be achieved successfully but if both of the entities are taken into consideration while making policies, then the objectives are achieved efficiently and the business becomes profitable. A business is said to be profitable and successful when it provides profit and benefits in return of the investment done by the owner of that specific business. When the tasks or objectives set by the management personals of the business are not achieved efficiently or effectively, it is said that the business is not profitable or cost-effective. These factors should be kept in mind and should be analyzed properly before starting any sort of new business because they have a major and crucial impact on the success and expansion of any specific business. Without a correct and appropriate analysis and in depth study of these factors, success of a new business can not be achieved rather it will result in loss on the investment. These were the services which our company will provide to its customers. Now, let’s get to know those key points which should be taken in proper consideration while starting any new business in the field of engineering. Now the question is of market value of our firm which means whether the area, where we are going to start our firm, is suitable or not. We should have information of all other companies or construction firms working already in that area where we are going to start our firm. In this case we will be able to analyze our competitors who are already in that specific engineering business. We should analyze the strengths and weaknesses of our competing construction firms

Application to Use Human Research Subjects Essay

Application to Use Human Research Subjects - Essay Example   Name and Title Dept. Phone, E-mail address 3. Non-key personnel:   Name and Title Dept. Phone, E-mail address 7. Consultants:   Name and Title Dept. Phone, E-mail address 8. The principal investigator agrees to carry out the proposed project as stated in the application and to promptly report to the Human Subjects Committee any proposed changes and/or unanticipated problems involving risks to subjects or others participating in approved project in accordance with the Liberty Way and the Confidentiality Statement. The principal investigator has access to copies of 45 CFR 46 and the Belmont Report. The principal investigator agrees to inform the Human Subjects Committee and complete all necessary reports should the principal investigator terminate association with the University. Additionally s/he agrees to maintain records and keep informed consent documents for three years after completion of the project even if the principal investigator terminates association with the University. ___________________________________ _________________________________________ Principal Investigator Signature Date ___________________________________ _________________________________________ Faculty Sponsor (If applicable) Date Submit the original request to: Liberty University Institutional Review Board, CN Suite 1582, 1971 University Blvd., Lynchburg, VA 24502. Submit also via email to irb@liberty.edu APPLICATION TO USE HUMAN RESEARCH SUBJECTS 10. This project will be conducted at the following location(s): (please indicate city & state)  Liberty University Campus X Other (Specify): Charlottesville High School: Charlottesville, Virginia 11. This project will involve the following subject types: (check-mark types to be studied) X Normal Volunteers (Age 18-65)  Subjects Incapable Of Giving Consent  In Patients  Prisoners Or Institutionalized Individuals  Out Patients X Minors (Under Age 18)  Patient Controls  Over Age 65  Fetuses  University Students (PSYC De pt. subject pool __)  Cognitively Disabled  Other Potentially Elevated Risk Populations______  Physically Disabled __________________________________________  Pregnant Women Subjects Incapable of Giving Consent. 12. Do you intend to use LU students, staff or faculty as participants in your study? If you do not intend to use LU participants in your study, please check â€Å"no† and proceed directly to item 13. YES  NO X If â€Å"Yes†, please list the department and/or classes you hope to enlist and the number of participants you would like to enroll.  In order to process your request to use LU subjects, we must ensure that you have contacted the appropriate department and gained permission to collect data from them. Signature of Department Chair: ___________________________________ ____________________________ Department Chair Signature(s) Date 13. Estimated number of subjects to be enrolled in this protocol: ___15-25____________ 14. Does this project call for: ( check-mark all that apply to this study) X Use of Voice, Video, Digital, or Image Recordings?  Subject Compensation? Patients $ Volunteers $ Participant Payment Disclosure Form  Advertising For Subjects?  More Than Minimal Risk?  More Than Minimal Psychological Stress?  Alcohol Consumption? X Confidential Material (questionnaires, photos, etc.)?  Waiver of Informed Consent?  Extra Costs To The Subjects (tests, hospitalization, etc.)?  VO2 Max Exercise?

International Students in America Essay Example for Free

International Students in America Essay Did you know that there were over six hundred and twenty thousand international students in the United States of America’s universities and colleges for the academic year 2007/08? This according to the Open Doors report by the Institute of International Education was a seven percent increase. According to the Mr. Goli Ameri, the Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs, the increase in enrolment was an indication that USA is still the premier destination for foreign students. â€Å"U.S. higher education is unparalleled in its vitality, quality, and diversity. The U.S. government joins the U.S. higher education community in a commitment to welcome international students to the United States† (Gardner and Witherell, par. 1) He stated that he had graduated in the United States as an international student and thus was in a better position to testify that â€Å"America’s universities not only accept and welcome international students warmly, but transform their lives (Gardner and Witherell par. 1). The United States department of state has expanded support to advice on US education by setting up centers around the world in order to help students gain access to American education. The number of the international students in the United States is double that of the United Kingdom (the second host). It was reported in the year 2007 that the international students in USA contributed about thirteen billion US dollars to the its economy through their living expenses and tuition charges (Ford p. 1) This research paper seeks to show the reasons why the United States of America is the most preferred destination for the international students. Statistics of the international students in USA According to the Open Doors 2008 report, India is the leading country that sends students to the United States with the figure increasing to ninety four thousand, five hundred and sixty three. The second sender was listed as China with eighty one thousand, one hundred and twenty one students in US. Those from South Korea took the third spot with sixty nine thousand, one hundred and twenty four students (which was an eleven percent increase). Though it showed a four percent slight drop, Japan was fought with thirty three thousand, nine hundred and seventy four students in US. Canada took the fifth spot with twenty nine thousand and fifty one students. Other countries with students in the United States are as follows: Taiwan 29,001 and Mexico, 14,837 (this was a seven percent increase). Saudi Arabian students in the United Stated increased to nine thousand eight hundred and seventy three, this being attributed to the scholarships that are being offered by their government in a program that was launched in 2005. The greatest increase (45%) was by students from Vietnamese students with eight thousand seven hundred and sixty nine students. Other international students in the United States universities and colleges came from Indonesia, 7692; Nigeria, 6,222 and Kenya with 5,838 students (which was an eight percent drop) (Gardner and Witherell par. 1-10). From the statistics above, it is clear that Asia accounted for the sixty one percent of all international students. Philippines recorded a twelve percent increase; Singapore, seven percent; Mongolia, thirteen percent; Hong Kong, seven percent. However the following Asian nations recorded a decline in the number of students they sent to US: Pakistan, one percent and Bangladesh, four percent. Others with the same trends include Israel, Palestinian Authority, Yemen and Lebanon (Gardner and Witherell par. 1-10). According to the same report, US Universities that had the highest number of international students, University of Southern California lead the pack with seven thousand one hundred and eighty nine of students. Other leading Universities included : New York University, 6404; Columbia University, 6297; University of Illinois, 5933; Purdue University (main campus), 5772; University of Michigan, 5748; University of Texas, 5550; Harvard University, 4948 and Boston University with 4789 international students in US (Gardner and Witherell). Reasons why USA is a preferred destination for International Students One may be keen to ask the question of why the nation has led other nations of the world such as Britain, Germany and France in enrolling international students. The United States has been reported to have a great wealth of initiatives and policies meant to lure international students into its educational system such as policies that include specific visa and work requirements. This is despite the drop in enrolment that was caused by the September 11 terrorist bombings of the United States. This is in contrast to the small number of students that the nation sends to the other nations. According to the statistics, only about forty five thousand American students study abroad, majority of them being in the United Kingdom and Canada (Cremonini et al, par.1). To maintain the lead in maintaining the number of foreign students who study in USA, the government and the higher education office has intensified its promotional efforts. They have done this by opening several centers in different countries that serve different regions of the world and reducing the Visa regulatory rules for the students (Cremonini ET all, par. Cremonini refers to the United States as the academic powerhouse meaning that it is academically attractive. He states that the attraction can be associated with civilization attraction which is a social contract pattern or a flow of people; a situation that explains why researchers and students tend to travel to countries and centers that are recognized and attractive. A zone civilization attraction is sometimes referred to as a zone of prestige. Academic attraction is also related to other concepts used to study higher education mobility. The concepts posit that many of the educational possibilities are in specific places of the world and that become the most popular destinations for international students (Cremonini ET all, par. 6).   Ann White, the director of China-Hong for the Institute of International Education stated that the United States is the preferred destination for the Hong Kong students because they associate US degrees with quality and prestige. She added that students from Hong Kong are drawn to lifelong rewards and values of study in the United States of America (Institute of International Education p.2). The other reason why for those students to prefer the US Universities and colleges is because they are in a better position to access information about higher education that is accurate and comprehensive as compared to other countries. There is an EducationUSA office in Hong Kong providing the needed information in addition to the increased level of activities by Universities and colleges from the USA to attract these students. The IIE often organize the annual US Higher Education Fair in Hong Kong and it was reported that in the year 2008, it attracted twenty five percent more attendees when compared with the previous year (Institute of International Education p. 2). The government has established a website with extensive databases of grants, scholarships and fellowships that are organized by Institute of International Education. The president and Chief Executive officer of IIE stated that the increased number of the international students in the US is as a result of the actions that are taken by the US government plus the Colleges and Universities to make sure that those students understand that they are welcome and that that their contribution to cultural and the environment is highly appreciated (Institute of International Education p. 2). The USA Department of State online newsletter has in it the reasons as to why US education is preferred. One is that U.S. colleges and universities are known to have resources, faculty and facilities of high quality. To maintain the standards on these institutions, accreditation systems are used. Secondly, the education system in US features several types of academic and social environments, institutions, degree programs, entry requirements, and subjects from where students can specialize. Thirdly, degrees in US have a wide range of tuition fees and living costs, in addition to the financial help that some colleges offer, this resulting into affordable education for many students. Finally, the Universities and colleges in the United States are flexible in offering courses that one can even study in one college for two years and then move to another for the next two years (Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs). Several Universities in US have come up with academic and social programs for the international students. The support program may be based on identifying the students at risk, analyzing their languages and cross- cultural needs, research their academic performance, assist in finding accommodation, monitoring their income and providing the exit support so that the students can be prepared to enter global labour markets. This is helpful as USA continues to compete for international students with other nations (Clendenin, par. 2-5). Conclusion From the research, it is clear that the United States of America is the largest destination for the international Students. However, this has not been achieved easily but through policies and activities by the government to attract many students to the nation. However, it is also clear that the nation is facing stiff competition from other nations such as Britain and Germany. With such programs that have been initiated to maintain the number of students, US will continue leading in this area.

The Darkened Tunnel :: Personal Narrative Writing

The Darkened Tunnel En route of my journey from home to my destination I came across something that caught my attention. A hole intruding into the side of a hill beckoned me to investigate. Curiosity drew me to the mouth of the tunnel where I was overcome by a dank odor. It wasn’t the most inviting of places, concrete walkway leading into the dark unknown and a large gutter extruding rainwater from somewhere within it. I stepped to the threshold to see what lay within. An old shopping cart sat in the gutter on its side shrouded by an old tarp. The scrawling on the wall revealed to me that I was not the first one here. Looking into the tunnel I could see it extend into darkness. Like looking into infinity, there was no end in sight. Who is to say what could be inside: maybe a friend, maybe an enemy, maybe knowledge, maybe love, maybe death, maybe nothing. The only light shown from the world outside, the world I knew. There I stood, on the threshold between light and dark, one world and the next, the familiar and the unknown. My curiosity was almost unbearable†¦ Confronted by the decision of whether or not to explore this tunnel, I couldn’t help but to ponder the importance of choice itself. What difference does this choice make? Life is choice, a long series of decisions made exclusively by the individual. We all have the power to determine the course of our own lives through the choices we make, every instant of every waking day. Think about the people you know, the clothes you wear or the food you eat, it’s all a matter of your individual choice. Every decision we make is linked to another moment in the course of life, be it significant or not, we may never know how important our individual choices really are. Examples of these life changing decisions can be seen everywhere, in any choice we make. The choice that my parents made to attend the same formal, in Middle America, where they met that one night in 1968, allowed for my existence today. So if it weren’t for that choice I wouldn’t even be cho osing my words. The Darkened Tunnel :: Personal Narrative Writing The Darkened Tunnel En route of my journey from home to my destination I came across something that caught my attention. A hole intruding into the side of a hill beckoned me to investigate. Curiosity drew me to the mouth of the tunnel where I was overcome by a dank odor. It wasn’t the most inviting of places, concrete walkway leading into the dark unknown and a large gutter extruding rainwater from somewhere within it. I stepped to the threshold to see what lay within. An old shopping cart sat in the gutter on its side shrouded by an old tarp. The scrawling on the wall revealed to me that I was not the first one here. Looking into the tunnel I could see it extend into darkness. Like looking into infinity, there was no end in sight. Who is to say what could be inside: maybe a friend, maybe an enemy, maybe knowledge, maybe love, maybe death, maybe nothing. The only light shown from the world outside, the world I knew. There I stood, on the threshold between light and dark, one world and the next, the familiar and the unknown. My curiosity was almost unbearable†¦ Confronted by the decision of whether or not to explore this tunnel, I couldn’t help but to ponder the importance of choice itself. What difference does this choice make? Life is choice, a long series of decisions made exclusively by the individual. We all have the power to determine the course of our own lives through the choices we make, every instant of every waking day. Think about the people you know, the clothes you wear or the food you eat, it’s all a matter of your individual choice. Every decision we make is linked to another moment in the course of life, be it significant or not, we may never know how important our individual choices really are. Examples of these life changing decisions can be seen everywhere, in any choice we make. The choice that my parents made to attend the same formal, in Middle America, where they met that one night in 1968, allowed for my existence today. So if it weren’t for that choice I wouldn’t even be cho osing my words.

I am Sam [2001] directed by JessieNelson and The Curious Incident of the Dog the Night Time [2003] writtenby Mark Haddon

Narratives whatever the medium can reflect the cultural context that produced them. They can underline our dominant representations and perpetuate contemporary values which validate society's collective view of the world. Text's both non print and print are commercially driven, designed for public consumption. To attain mass appeal, texts act to confirm habitual ways of thinking and acting in the world. As a product of its contextual community, narratives amplify ideologies within society at the time the text was produced. With similar producer/audience social framework reader/viewers may actively engage ith the narrative to cross examine society's collective view of the world. The two contemporary texts I am Sam [2001] directed by Jessie Nelson and The Curious Incident of the Dog the Night Time [2003] written by Mark Haddon illustrate cultural narratives which reflect and assess the social frame work of their writer/producer. The two texts connect with contemporary culture to highlight the notion of happiness which underpins western society's dominant ideologies and cultural assumptions of success, mental/social intelligence, materialism and wealth. I am Sam directed by Jessie Nelson is an unforgettable story of life, ove and laughter. The touching tale glorifies two of the most ambiguous and controversial contemporary ideas on child rearing. The feature film maps a mentally challenged adult Sam Dawon [Sean Penn] who singularly raises his daughter Lucy up to her seventh birthday. As it soon becomes apparent that Lucy is intellectually surpassing her father, she begins to intentionally stunt her own growth. Which forces Lucy to walk the line between daughter and parent as her innocence and happiness are jeopardised when a series of misunderstandings leaves Sam fighting to retain custody of his seven year old daughter. This legal battle see's Sam seek the aid of self absorbed, successful lawyer Rita Harrison [Michelle Pfeiffer] who's ambition and sense of social failure pushes her into taking on Sam's case free of charge. Together they must find a way to communicate to each other, to their children and the legal system that a parent is a parent and no matter what the nature of a parent's intelligence or financial status, love is what every child needs. Mark Haddon's The curious incident of the dog in the night time is an original, clever and genuinely moving novel. The text amplifies many rofound issues of human relationships and accepting differences. This murder mystery novel maps fifteen year old Christopher John Francis Boone who knows all the countries of the world, their capitals and every prime number up to 7 057. He takes everything that he sees or is told at face value, and is unable to sort out the strange behaviour of his elders and peers. Although gifted with a superbly logical brain, Christopher is autistic. Routine, order and predictability protect him from the messy, wider world that is until he comes across his neighbour's poodle Wellington impaled on a garden pitch fork. Christopher seizes upon this mystery as a puzzle like a maths problem in hopes of understanding something that makes no sense to him; he sets out to solve the mystery of who killed Wellington. But the investigation leads him down some unexpected paths, as Christopher's write up of his discoveries for the creation of his murder mystery novel evolves into the story of his life. As Christopher is positioned face to face with the dissolution of his parent's marriage. As he tries to deal with the crisis within his own family, we are drawn to the workings of Christopher's mind. This highlights to readers an incredibly vivid xperience of what it is like to be some one who thinks and reacts so differently to what we consider the norm. The archetypical cultural assumptions which frame the notion of success and happiness in the western world classify those that do not conform as â€Å"others†; misunderstood individuals. Non print text I am Sam conveys those marginalised by the dominant western representations, of what constitutes success and happiness through the prototagonist construction of Sam Dawson [Sean Penn]. The technical codes of camera angles, framing, distance and movement are utilised by the text to present the truggle taking place in Sam's head. Viewers are positioned to see the world through Sam's eyes with whirling handheld cameras, whop pans and staccato jump cuts mimicking Sam's bewildered point of view. This si evident in the feature films opening scene. The introductory montage frames Sam's hands colour coordinating sugar packets; the distance and position of the shots positions viewers in Sam's point of view. This intimate frame connected to John Powell's music of an polyphonic upbeat, fugue foregrounds the abstract ambience of Sam Dawson's consciousness. Encouraging viewer's curiosity to wonder why the world is different for him. Though audience perception of Sam is incomplete without the audio and symbolic codes which help fabricate Sean's Penn's character. Penn's mannerisms and vocal distortions evidently present Sam as ‘different'. as Sam Sean Penn speaks in tight toneless clumps, punctuated by bursts of childlike glee. As evident in the opening scene. Sam: â€Å"decafe double tall non fat for Bruce† Customer [Bruce] :†you've got it buddy† hands connect in high five slap Sam: â€Å"that's a wonderful choice Bruce† Customer [Bruce] :†thankyou Sam† Sam: â€Å"yeah it certainly is†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ † Customer [Bruce] :†thankyou†¦ † Sam's manner of walking and holding his hands contributes to convey the struggle taking place in his head. As presented in this initial scene. Sam claps his hands and pounds every surface drumming out a beat to a song only he can hear. This quick paced opening constructs Sam to exist as the western society ‘mist understood' individual. With the social status, emotional and intellectual state of the character being perpetuated endorsing the values and cultural assumptions that frame the notion of success and happiness. The grown man earning $8 dollars an hour exists in a parallel universe to the world of dominant western members. The conventions and techniques of construction employed by the text to formulate the underlying expectations which constitute success and happiness with Sam an explicit representation of those individuals who subvert the naturalised ideology. Contemporary western society ideologies of success and happiness have mapped archetypal cultural assumptions which individuals must conform to represent one who upholds the respecting values. Feature film I am Sam erpetuates the notion of success and happiness via Rita Harrison [Michelle Pfeiffer] who acts to affirm dominant representations. Beverly Hills Lawyer, Rita Harrison conveys a lifestyle which much of western society uphold or aspire to; too busy for anything, caught up in games and rat races, that we believe will bring money, status, power and thus entitle individuals to success and happiness. Symbolic codes are employed by the text to construct Rita to represent society's archetypal assumptions of success and happiness. Binary opposition of the archetypal cultural assumptions which oreground the notion of success and happiness in the modern western world reflect yet shape the social frame work of the texts writing/reading/viewing. Feature films allow us to enter worlds outside our own lives and challenge us to see things in different ways. Contemporary text I am Sam amplifies the naturalised ideologies within society at the time the narrative was produced, highlighting the notion of success and happiness in the modern western world. The text offers a confirmation of society's existing archetypal cultural assum ptions which frame the notion of success and happiness. Though I am Sam offers another perspective of those most often marginalised by the dominant western representation. Binary opposition of how we interact and perceive the world reflects yet challenges the archetypal cultural assumptions which frame the notion of happiness and success. Operating to shape the social frame work of the texts writing/reading. The Curious Incident of the Dog the Night Time, offers readers to see the world though fresh eyes, in a different way. Not only does the novel position readers to see how a child with Asperger's syndrome might approach the world around him, it opens ndividual readers eye's purely by his different approach. Haddon's strength is his ability to present to the reader common situations as looked at from Christopher's new and some what disconcerting perspective. â€Å"Most people are lazy. They never look at everything. They do what is glancing which is the same word for bumping off something and carrying on in almost the same direction, eg when a snooker ball glances off another snooker ball. And the information in their head is really simple. For example, if they are in the country side, it might be 1. I am standing in a field that is full of grass. . There are some cows in the fields 3. It is sunny with a few clouds 4. There are some flowers in the grass. 5. There is a village ion the distance 6. There is a fence at the edge of the field and it has a gate in. And then they would stop noticing because they would be thinking something else like, ‘Oh, it is very beautiful here,' or, ‘I'm worried that I might have left the gas cooker on,' or, ‘I wonder if Julie has given birth yet. ‘ But if I'm standing in a field in the countryside I notice everything. ‘ This disorienting and reorienting of the reader manages to bring readers eep inside Christopher's mind and situate them comfortably within his limited, severely logical point of view. To the extent that readers begin to question the common sense and erratic emotionalism of the normal western citizens who surround, the protagonist, as well as contemporary western institutions and habits of perception. Positioning readers to consider how their individual mind works and how that may differ from others. Guiding readers to critique aspects of western life by means of the naturalised ideologies and cultural assumptions majority of western citizens uphold as their understandings and view of the world re transformed. The misunderstood individual is one which subverts the confimity of domiant cultural frame works. Archetypal cultural assumptions which formulate the notion of happiness in the contempory western world are perpetuated and reinforced through print text The Curious Incident of the Dog the Night Time. As Haddon's explict misanthropy represenation of protagonist Christopher vaildates the underlying expectations which constitues the notion of happiness and success. As readers examinate a condition that is barely comprehended by society, demonstrating how society responds to those it views as abberrant. Haddon presentsthe story in Chrisopher's words as the style of writing contributes to reflect the protagonist perpective. With fragmented chapters of breathless paragraphs and short staccato burts which are framed by unconventional prime numbers to subhead chapters in plcae of cardinal numbers accounts the novel like a stream of logic rather than a stream of cosciousness. The narration allernates with mathematical material, riddles, maps and drawings which demonstrates how Christopher's life is intensely visual; with words and language as secondary forms of communication. Utimately the novel regards the predicatable laws of science far easier to grasp than the passions of people, and hence less frightening. But at the same time, this book affrims for us the importance of such emotions and even if our narrator does not in the end appricate this, the reader does. As the misanthrope perpective where logic is that of paramount importance, perpetuates archetypal cultural assumptions as readers learn to appreicate their social skills which enable them to cope with the myriads of daily hurdles. A fansinating moment in the narrative which maps the cultural aleination of Christopher comes when the young boy realtes his faviour dream. † † A world in which all normal people die of a virus that the autistic are immuine to. The autistic are then free to lead their lives in silence and without the need to look others in the eye or to interpret idiomatic speech. This misanthrope thought constructs protagonist Christopher as an individual whom does not conform to the underlying expectations which constitute teh notion of happiness in the western world. The techniques of construction that present Christopher's perpective postion readers to percieve his austic view point as aberrant. Reinforcing the cultural assumptions as means of conforms of the notion as Christopher explictly subverts them. Print texts provide an ideal avenue to reflect society's values and alter reader's personal perspectives by improving their understandings of the world and social frame work which surround them. Contemporary text The Curious Incident of the Dog the Night Time amplifies the naturalised ideologies within society at the time the narrative was roduced, highlighting the notion of happiness and the cultural assumptions which it advocates. Haddon's novel presents a confirmation of western society's existing ways of thinking and behaving. In doing so The Curious Incident of the Dog the Night Time is an potential site to reassess naturalised idealogies. As readers are guided by the narrative to cross examine their own individual social frame work. As Haddon takes a life that seems horribly constrained and invites readers to view this life with succient imagination demonstrating it to be infinite. But the text does more than that. It sights how little seperates us from those we turn away from in the street. It's about how badly we communicate with one another. It's about accepting that every life is narrow and that our only escape from this is not to run away [to another country, another relationship, a slimmer, more confident self] but to learn to love the people we are and the world in which we find ourselfs. Haddons use of cognitive astrayment through Christophers severly logical point of view popstions readers to question the common sense and cultural assumptions of their own western instiutions, and habits of perception. For example; I found myself questioning whether it is any less logical for 3 red cars to mean that a happy day is ahead, than it is for the frequently western practised symbol of ‘sunshine' meanign a good rewarding day is in advance. As Christopher says â€Å"People go on hoildays to see new things†¦. but i think that there are so many things just in one house that it would take years to think about all of them properly† This vivid portrait of an unique often marginlised perception of life coping rituals highlights the small things in life that most of us forget to look at. The ‘life lessons' situate readers to acknowledge the commonly framed ‘invaild' can excel the minds of those individuals who conform to cultural assumptions. As readers learn although Christopher's path is different from most, he is still in search for the happiness we all seek†¦ As readers appreciate teh strange unique beauty of Chrisophers grasp of life. Which demonstrates the profound functions of the human mind and encourages individuality as the text proves idealogies are apparent without cultural frameworks.

Should You Listen to the Customer Essay - 655 Words

Luyao Zhang Case study 1: Should You Listen to The Customer 22th Sep. 2012 1. Delacroix is an avant-garde dance troupe based in New York and its mission is to bring modern dance to as many people as possible. Natalia Georgio is the executive director in Delacroix. She plans to go internationally as well as television and film engagements. To achieve the plans, recently she hires a new marketing manager, Elizabeth Gardos, who has much experience before. Henry, a company’s founder, believes that company’s development is originally from employees and dancers, not from customers. Right now, Natalia faces a situation that she needs to decide whether to bring Elizabeth’s customer research plan to the board or follow Henry’s lead. â€Å"Should†¦show more content†¦This type of company perform their works based on inspiration, if they do a customer approach, they might lose their best customers. Then, Henry mentioned that they do not sell â€Å"clothes†. Let’s take Apple for example. The mission sta tement of Apple is working on the users’ experience. If they had surveyed before inventing products, the Iphone might not be created. Since most of consumers at that time never experienced touch screen experience. How would they respond to touch screen in Apple survey. But for long term purpose, marketing research is important. We can have secondary data whether the audience satisfied with music, price and so on. Generally, market research should not be used for Entertainment Company, market research only need to be used for purposes of price, environment and so on. 4) This is a very interesting case study. I definitely learnt a lot from it. For fashion business, I have different opinions about fashion designers’ companies and fashion retail companies. For fashion designer’s company (like Chanel), they do not need have much marketing research. 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