Managing Business and Professional Communication - Assignment Example

MANAGEMENT COMMUNICATION Student’s name Code & Course Professor’s Name University City Date Management Communication Chapter 3 Question 1 Self-concept is controlled by our expectations, fear, doubts, and hopes. Primarily, it is shaped by our lives’ experiences and influences from opinions and perceptions of other people about us and what we do. This may influence our line of thoughts when it comes to writing depending on the positivity or negativity. However, with growth and increased experiences, we learn more and understand more of our life desires and abilities. Hence, it becomes possible to build one’s writing skills through frequent practice and training. Question 2 Science and Technology are the most marketable course and with more career opportunities than any other educational courses. With the technological structures of the world improving day in day out Lewis & Kelly (2014) point out that the current world is only ready for experts in Science and Technology to be part of this change. Communication skill is an essential asset in every career. All careers, in one way or another, will always require communication whether within or outside the organizational structures. Dodd (2012) posits that in today’s world communication is key to the successful performance of business or employment. In addition, effective communicators have more opportunities and advantages and attract more corporate trust than poor communicators (Robles 2012). It is more difficult to learn a new language for an older person compared to a younger person. A research conducted by the languages department of Idaho University in the US, revealed that children between ages (7-15) are masters in learning new languages in comparison to people above the age of 16 (Gass 2013) Question 3 The field of Psychology presents information on both positive and negative reinforcements as determiners of behavioral change. As such, psychologists argue that in building of good behaviour or bringing our admirable and desirable traits, behaviour inclined to such traits should be positively reinforced. The Self- Fulfilling prophecy, gives a similar view, that is, encouraging learners or people to bring out the best out of them. Question 4 Tessellation Art by M.C Escher involves the use of repeated patterns in designing artwork that may be used for decoration. In considering the aspect of repetition of pattern, my perception towards tessellation art is that it would be an easy thing, but looking at some of the final Tessellation Art products it seems very difficult to make. Question 5 Perception can control human views. It either limits or expands it. Our ideas about some things or issues structure our mindset and opinions about some them. As such, we have predetermined ideas or knowledge about them at the time seeking not to find out more (limiting) or desiring to know more (expanding). Question 6 It is strange to imagine that a male friend can be too friendly to another male, to the extent of presenting them with frequent gifts, always wanting to spend time with them and hugging them always. Such tendencies, I associate with homosexuality. Once, I had a friend who had such behaviour, and I instantly judged him, that is, as gay. I later discovered, he had never had a brother and never met his father and that was his way of treating any man who meant a lot to him. Question 7 Several times I have misinterpreted or misunderstood messages as a result of my psychological state of mind. Creative writing always proved a challenge to me. My teacher unfortunately, used to condemn and criticize my work. Once while she said that my work was exemplary, I actually though I had done poorly again. The reasons were because at that time, I never understood the meaning of exemplary and secondly, I was used to negative statements from her about my work. If my attitude were different about the teacher and believed I had chances to improve, I would probably have understood what the statement meant, that is, my perception would have been different. I only had to wait until she handed me my paper before I realized. Question 8 Gender: Being masculine, most of my priorities and perceptions are generally ‘masculine’. For example, you will mostly find me watching action packed and horror movies rather than watching ‘soap operas’. Occupational Status: As a student my priorities and perceptions are for a student. I would rather have my Friday nights locked up in my room doing my studies than spend it out partying and spending so much money. Age: In this case I can classify my age range as (18-25). This demographic factor controls my priorities and perceptions. For instance, I am more inclined to self-discovery and growth rather than considering starting a family. Question 9 Listening would be a strategic way of learning my audience. Through listening, I would be able to understand my audience’s thoughts and ideas in relation to my perceptions. As such, can change my perceptions and not work or communicate with assumptions. Secondly, observing would also help in learning my audience. Being a keen observer, I’ll be able to note socio-cultural or demographic factors relating or affecting my audience. As such, my perceptions would be guided by these factors. Question 10 Question 11 To minimize psychological noises, I employ the following strategies:- Take a break wherever psychological noises occur, such that it does not interfere with my reading and understanding. Concentrating on the text and subject since most of the time psychological noises are as a result of deviated/divided attentions. Question 12 As a listener, I would have particular biases. For example: I would be hesitant to listen to a person with a lower educational knowledge or background as compared to mine. I would hardly pay attention to a person not properly or decently dressed, basically as a result of public opinion. I would hardly engage in a discussion or listen to a person speaking about a subject that is disrespectful to my gender or political opinion. Chapter 4 Question 14 Element of Communication Oral Application Written Application Source Jay sends a voice mail to Heather on Tuesday 7.00 am. Jay sends a text message to Heather at 7.00 am on Tuesday. Receiver Heather listens to the voice mail on Wednesday 7.00 am. Heather, unfortunately, forgot her phone at home that day and only reads the message on Wednesday 7.00 am. Message Jay asks Heather to meet him at Jokester restaurant at 12.30p.m that day to discuss their business plan. Jay’s text asks Heather to meet him at Jokester restaurant at 12.30p.m that day to discuss their business plan. Channel The channel is voice mail. The channel is a text message. Feedback Heather calls Jay back to agree to the appointment but doesn’t find Jay on phone, so she leaves a voice mail too. Jay replies to the text message on Wednesday 7.00 am to confirm the appointment. Jay doesn’t see the text until 4.00 pm that day. Environment Heather is taking breakfast while listening to the voice mail from Jay. Heather is in her home library studying when she reads the text. Context Heather expects Jay to call later to confirm the appointment; Jay doesn’t. Jay expects Heather to respond to the voicemail as soon as she gets it. Heather expects Jay to call regarding the meeting; he doesn’t. Jay expects Heather to reply to the text message as soon as she gets it. Interference Jay waits for Heather on Tuesday 12.30 pm at the restaurant, but Heather doesn’t show up. Heather goes to the restaurant on Wednesday 12.30 pm, but Jay doesn’t turn up. Reason: Heather received the message a day later, hence delayed reaction. Jay waits for Heather on Tuesday 12.30 pm at the restaurant, but Heather doesn’t show up. Heather goes to the restaurant on Wednesday 12.30 pm, but Jay doesn’t turn up. Reason: Heather read the text message a day later, hence delayed reaction. Referring to Table 4.1, if the call was to be a success, the element of context had to be addressed. Evidently, there was communication breakdown due to failure to meet expectations of the Source and Receiver. If these expectations were met, the call would have been a success. Heather expected an email, which Jay sent but because of the call, she probably did not check the mail for the call details. On the Written application, Heather expected a call, but Jay sent an email expecting Heather to read it. As a result, there was ‘a disconnect’ in the communication. Question 15 The email or text message is rather casual and non-formal for the communication it conveys. Some aspects of the message could be considered ‘rude’ considering the level of the sender (student) and the targeted recipient (lecturer). The choice of words for the message is inappropriate. The normative expectations of student-professor communication is that the communication should be formal for both cases, that is, appropriate and respectful. In cases, where the issue being addressed is related to academics, formality is tantamount. However, casual communication may be allowed on a different level of interaction if, for example, the professor is a friend or relative and perhaps you are communicating about non-formal or non-academic issues. These aspects of communication are derived from societal expectations regarding senior vs. minor interactions. Question 16 Communication to a Friend Communication to an Authority Figure Chilling for you in class I’ll drop my work over I might late today, apologies. Waiting for you in class I’ll hand over my work Consider my apology, I may get late today. Question 17 A casual tone could be used in casual writing for example when writing text messages or emails to friends. They are also used when the topic or subject being addressed is rather not serious (informal or casual). On the other hand, formal writing is used for formal communication regarding serious subject matters and addressed to senior personalities. Question 18 Choice of words used in a document should be within the interpretation or understanding levels of the intended audience. For example, a less educated audience would demand simpler language use. TOPIC: ENERGY PRODUCTION Well Educated Audience Less Educated Audience For sustainable energy production, renewable energy sources are tantamount. Sources of energy such as solar and wind are important for producing energy sufficiently. Question 19 University Students General Public Analysis: Similarities and Differences Education Assignment Hostels Education Work Residence Education applies to both audiences. Both audiences may have an interest in education at various levels. The assignment applies to university students but for the general public it their tasks are referred to as work. Hostels would apply to students’ residences while for the general public the term residence refers to their dwellings. Question 20 KRYPTO FAST FOODS WASHINGTON DC 26TH JUNE, 2015 SUBJECT: FAST FOOD SERVICES This brings to your attentions new Fast Food Services situated along various streets in Washington DC. Krypto Fast Foods pride in the quality and tasty delicacies. We, therefore, invite you to step into our outlets and get the best. Our service is instant and quick. We look forward to serving you. Sincerely THE MANAGER KRYPTO FAST FOODS www.kryprofastfoods.com Different to my rural residential setting, Washington DC is a busy city running on 24-hour economy (Evans-Cowley 2013). Everyone is busy, always up and down working. Considering this perception, my message intends to communicate to this busy society on a quicker meal solution offered at Krypto Fast Foods. Question 21 Kindly assist me understand why they are not due until 11/10 as the Calendar read. Would I get marks for them or what alternative do you suggest? Kindly let me know, please. In addition, when do we expect our grading results? Chapter 9 Question 22 APOCALYPSE SUBSIDIARY MELBOURNE - AUSTRALIA 26TH JUNE, 2015 TO THE AUSTRALIAN POLICE DEPARTMENT SUBJECT: APOCALYPSE HC Apocalypse Subsidiary has for 50 years prided in bringing to the market new quality car models. In line with our mantra ‘Speed Quality,’ Apocalypse presents a new generation police car, Apocalypse HC. The car is a perfect police suit with excellent features, hybrid propelling, great speed and control mechanism and effective safety precautions. It is a model any police department will dream to have. Sincerely THE MANAGER OF OPERATIONS APOCALYPSE SUBSIDIARY www.apocalypsecars.au.com Question 23 Product: BizTec Property Management Systems is a new PMS installed with the following features used to rate PMSes: Mobile Access Multi-Property Functionality Real Time Functionality Yield Management Integration Online Management Integration Building Management Integration Self- Check-in Kiosk Integration Companies: Benihana of Tokyo Restaurants (US), Tour Safaris (Kenya) and Queens Wharf Casino (Australia). Company Needs in relation to Product: All the companies are Service Companies. Essentially for Tokyo and Tour Safaris, their PMS are outdated and limited in functionalities. Queens Wharf Casino is a project underway and will eventually require a PMS. BizTec PMS is a suitable PMS with multiple functionalities that an effective and efficient PMS would have, hence guaranteeing this company property management solutions. A PMS that meets the classification criteria of a good PMS is key in company’s operations (Galliers & Leidner 2014). Question 24 Businesses are currently moving in the direction of incorporating Information Technology structures in Business Operations (Nyheim & Connoly 2011). Most business entities are abandoning the traditional paperwork methodologies of book and record keeping into using computerized functions in the management of records, data and business information (Lewis & Kelly 2014). These trends have simplified operations and enhanced business operational efficiency. Question 25 Longer resumes are justified in cases where an individual has extensive professional details. According to Rose et al. (2013), each detail professional matters for the sake of justifying work experience. Question 26 CLIFFORD WEARS At Clifford Wears, we offer the smartest, fashionable and high-quality clothes and body accessories with a different unique design for different purposes, events, and functions. In addition, we cater for all genders and age groups. Out outlets are located in Gregory, Clive, Olivia and Briston Streets: New York City. Visit us. We have everything you need to be smart. www.cliffordwears.com Chapter 10 Question 27 CAREER FIELD: EDUCATION JARGON IN EDUCATION PROFESSION STANDARD ENGLISH(ALTERNATIVES) Pedagogy Positive reinforcement Negative reinforcement Plenary Teaching Encouragement Discouragement Conclusion Question 28 To prepare speaking to a diverse audience, the speaker: Ought to research about the demographics of the audience in order to address each of each demographic group appropriately and equally (Chilisa 2011). For example; understanding the social position or distinctions of the audience could influence attention distribution of details across all social classes. The speaker should select a topic that is multi-dimensional and is easily applicable across all distinct groups in the audience (Engleberg & Wynn 2014). For example a topic on social responsibility cuts across all cultures, ages, gender, social classes and professions among other distinctions. Chapter 12 Question 29 It is important to consider the rhetoric situation. This helps one's speech or presentation to focus their attention on the ‘other’ (the audience), who is the central player in any successful presentation (Pickard 2012). In addition, the rhetoric situation helps the presenter organize and shape his presentation in relation to time, space and audience type. Question 30 TOPIC: TATTOOS AUDIENCE 1: Middle School Children AUDIENCE 2: College Students Would Inform the tattoos are and why people opt to have tattoos. Ideally, at this age, most of them have only but a rough idea or no idea at all about them. Afterward, I consider discouraging them from having them. Since they already know what tattoos are and the reasons why people have them, I would rather go straight to addressing the impacts or effects of tattooing. Most of them may be ignorant or not aware at all. Question 31 Part 1 Aristotle’s forms of Rhetoric Proof Cognate Strategies Focus My Speech will address each element and strategy (Verbally and Visually) Pathos Tone Emphasis Engagement Expression Relevance Relationship I will dress appropriately (decently), be confident and use the correct gestures and body movements. I would use visual aids on tattoos that place emphasis on the effects of tattooing. I will select appropriate photos for emphasis and not ones that can distract the audience. I would maintain eye contact with the audience and to engage them in the presentation. I would also use questions for example: Why do you think people put tattoos? Logos Clarity Conciseness Arrangement Clear understanding Key points Order/Hierarchy/Placement I would work on my eloquence in a presentation to achieve clarity and avoid misleading information. I would organize my key points to stay objective to the topic. For example, deal why people use tattoos and effects of tattooing. I would choose an appropriate organization structure. This enhances an effective flow of ideas and points to avoid complications and confusion. Ethos Credibility Expectation Reference Character/Trust Norms and Anticipated Outcomes Sources and frames of reference I would employ the use of humour while at the same time use well-founded research arguments for credibility purposes. I would study the rhetoric situation, particularly involving the timing of the speech, the mood of the student and their expected reaction to the subject, in determining how to deliver and what to deliver. I would use known and relevant references to address the topic of discussion. Part 2 Once in a student function, a speaker was talking about ‘Opportunities in the Film Industry’. However, the speech lacked some elements of pathos, logos, and ethos. For instance, the speaker failed to engage effectively the audience thus poor speaker-audience relationship. In addition, his arrangement of the presentation was rather haphazard causing lots of confusion and being hard for the students to follow sequentially. Finally, he lacked references that would have rather supported his lines of thought or presentation. In this case, I would recommend that the speaker should have engaged the audience more through questions or regular eye contact and use of icebreakers and humour. In addition, he should organize his speech in an orderly manner to facilitate clear linkage of ideas and finally, the speaker should at least find some references to support his presentations. Part 3 Organizing a presentation certainly involves ethics. Speakers need to ensure that they are, for example, dressed decently; which is an ethical demand. Speakers are also required to employ levels of professionalism in speech and presentation, for instance, using euphemism and appropriate gestures. As such, Engleberg & Wynn (2014) argue that ethics plays a pivotal role in preparation of speech presentations. Question 32 SPEECH: I HAVE A DREAM BY MARTIN LUTHER KING JR STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS PRESENCE AND USE IN SPEECH Attention Statement The speech has a powerful attention statement. Martin Luther King Junior can attract the attention of the audience by declaring the gathering as a historical and the greatest demonstration for freedom. Introduction The attention statement is part of the introduction. Further, the speech extends the introduction to a brief history of the negroes as from the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This brought hope to the blacks regarding their freedom. The rest of the speech will thus rotate around their curtailed freedom. Body Here, the speech deals with the main subject; racial discrimination. The speaker has well-founded facts and opinions about racism and is clearly agitating for freedom from racism. There seems to be a mixture of organizational principles, but the message is sent out precisely. Conclusion In conclusion, Martin Luther King Jr, after explaining about racism and how the Americans should rise from racial discrimination, he concludes by explaining the effects of a free nations: He starts by saying, “And when this happens…” Residual Message The speech had a repetition of ‘I have a dream’ that at the conclusion Martin Luther King Jr, sums it up as a dream for freedom. The listeners would, therefore, recall the speech for this ‘I have a dream’ aspect and the call for freedom from racism. The speech is found on http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkihaveadream.htm Question 33 The following speech< http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2009/09/08/Obamas-speech-on-importance-of-education/21501252429738/ > is a wonderful speech about Education and Responsibility by US President Barack Obama. Despite its effectiveness in the delivery of the intended message, I would suggest two improvements. The speech had a wonderful and effective introduction that included some icebreakers. However, the introduction appeared rather too long before going to the main subject issue. This introduction would be more effective if reduced. In addition recommendation for improvement would be an inclusion of a residual message. Apart from a powerful message communicated effectively, the students are not left with much of a significant statement to strongly remember the speech with. There are very many random statements that seem pretty good to be captured in memory but since they are many, it may be quite difficult unless an individual pinpoints one specific detail. The speech would be more memorable if it included at least one residual message factor. Question 34 Whichever technique of organization one chooses to employ in the speech presentation; organization is important (Griffin & McClish 2011). The organization helps the audience closely follow and understand relationships within the topic. At the same time, it helps the speaker maintain objectivity in addressing the subject while having an effective linkage between related and unrelated issues. Organization can sway the audience. It determines and influences how closely they connect with the topic (Dodd 2012). Proper organization, as guided by the topical subject, would attract closer attention while the poor organization may distort or divert the audience’s attention. Question 35 Topic MOBILE LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES Organization Principles CONTRAST PROBLEM AND SOLUTION Speech Outlines Contrasting Mobile Learning Technologies e.g., Podcasts and Vodcasts with Current Learning Management Systems. These Comparisons would be based on learning behavior, current learning trends, learners’ preferences and advantages presented by technologies in learning. Identifying problems in learning and explaining the implications of the problems on learning and learning objectives over time. Explain about Mobile Learning Technologies using different examples and the solutions they offer to these learning problems and achieving learning objectives. Reference List Chilisa, B. (2011). Indigenous research methodologies. Sage Publications. Dodd, C. H. (2012). Managing business and professional communication. Pearson Higher Ed. Engleberg, I. N., & Wynn, D. R. (2014). Think communication. Pearson Higher Ed. Evans-Cowley, J. (2013). A Review of “America's Economy: Mobile Application” United States Census Bureau.(2012). Washington, DC: US Census Bureau. Free (mobile application). Journal of the American Planning Association, 79(2), 172-173. Galliers, R. D., & Leidner, D. E. (Eds.). (2014). Strategic information management: challenges and strategies in managing information systems. Routledge. Gass, S. M. (2013). Second language acquisition: An introductory course. Routledge. Goyal, B., & Jain, P. (2012). Reminiscing Cloud Computing Technology. International Journal of Research in Engineering& Technology (IJRET), 1(2), 364-367. Griffin, E. A., & McClish, G. A. (2011). A first look at communication theory. Boston: McGraw- Hill. Lewis, J. L., & Kelly, P. J. (Eds.). (2014). Science and technology education and future human needs. Elsevier. Nyheim, P., & Connolly, D. (2011). Technology strategies for the hospitality industry. Prentice Hall Press. Pickard, A. (2012). Research methods in information. Facet publishing. Robles, M. M. (2012). Executive perceptions of the top 10 soft skills needed in today’s workplace. Business Communication Quarterly, 75(4), 453-465. Rose, M., Decter, M., Robinson, S., Jack, S., & Lockett, N. (2013). Opportunities, contradictions and attitudes: The evolution of university–business engagement since 1960. Business History, 55(2), 259-279. Read More