Rational Paper

A blog is often a mixture of what is happening in a person’s life and what is happening on the web, a kind of hybrid diary/guide site, although there are as many unique types of blogs as there are people (marketing). The content of blogs include: journals, pictures, video, clip art, advertisements, and more. Blogs are a form of personal websites and online journals created by people who want to voice their opinions on a large forum for a targeted audience.  The audience usually consists of people with similar interests and ideals. Blog sites are a form of social media; creators have followers who can post their comments, ideas, and inputs that further discussions. In this rational paper, I will discuss the components used in the creation and development of my blog, which includes: purpose, content, audience, and design.

Omaticcommunications.blogspot.com serves the purpose as my final project in my communications capstone course.  The purpose of my blog site, omaticcommunications is to illustrate and showcase my writing skills and abilities to an audience of my peers and prospective employers.  Global Communications is a compilation of written assignments and projects completed throughout my course studies.  I chose Global Communication as the title of my blog because communication can occur on a multitude of levels, whether it’s verbal or non-verbal, interpersonal communication, intercultural communication, technical communication, business communication, or global communication.  Global communication means world- wide; communication that can cross oceans and cultural barriers with a message that everyone can receive. My purpose is to present through this media blog site, content that may peak my audience’s interest of a various forms of communications.

The content of Omaticcommunications includes samples of media and technical writing, as well as other writings that are relevant to the course work in my communications studies.  One of the media assignments posted on my blog site is a brochure titled, How to Feed an Infant.  I selected this brochure because it targets women not only of American Culture, but of many different cultures. This message has the potential to reach women around the globe, because feeding an infant is human nature. The Media technology post on my site includes a brief description of social media technology, e-business, cell phones, and instant messaging. I chose these four types of media technology because they all aid in global communication.

My target audience includes my fellow class mates, future employers, men and women who are interested in what omaticcommunications have to say about communication, and how we can communicate on a global level. It is my goal to someday create a forum for a global audience where everyone will feel comfortable enough to converse and communicate with one another on subjects such as cultural differences, religion, and other topics which they may not have felt open to discuss on other platforms. My blog site is designed to attract audience members who share the desire to learn from and to communicate with others not only from their culture, but from other cultures as well.

The design of my blog is one that has balance, color, functionality, clarity and emphasis.  My design is not cluttered or unorganized. The layout is easy on the eyes and is visually pleasing. Omaticcommunications.blogspot.com is balanced and the color is vibrant; however you will not need your sunglasses to visit my site. My design is functional with clarity and emphasis, and I welcome visitors.

In conclusion, omaticcommunications.blogspot.com is my professional journal. Global Communications is a compilation of my writing to showcase my writing skills obtained in my communication studies. Follow me and tell me your thoughts on how we can improve global communications.

Reference:

www.marketingterms.com/dictionary/blog/

Brochure

How to Feed an Infant Brochure

Benefits of Breastfeeding

Providing infants with human milk gives them the most complete nutrition possible.  Human milk provides the optimal mix of nutrients and antibodies necessary for each baby to thrive (babyfriendly).

Steps to Breastfeeding

The first time you hold your newborn in the delivery room, put his lips to your breast.  Your mature milk hasn’t come in yet, but your breasts are producing a substance called colostrums that will help protect your baby from infection.

·         Put your entire nipple into the infant's mouth so the infant can latch on correctly, if feeding becomes painful, your infant is not properly latched on.

·         Encourage breast feeding on demand.

·         Give newborn infants no food or drink other than breast milk, unless medically indicated.

·         Give no pacifiers or artificial nipples to breast feeding infants.

·         Don’t hesitate to ask a nurse to show you what to do while you’re in the hospital

How often should you nurse?

·         Frequently. The more you nurse, the more quickly your mature milk will come in and the more milk you’ll produce.

·         Nursing for ten to fifteen minutes per breast eight to 12 times every 24 hours is pretty much on target.

Feeding Behavior

It is important to know and understand the development of a baby’s mouth patterns and hand and body control.  The ability of a newborn baby’s to only suck and swallow liquids is due to their limited level of development and the way their mouths are designed (usda).

Infant’s Readiness to be Fed

·         Rooting Reflex- When a baby’s mouth, lips, cheeks, or chin are touched by an object, the heads and mouth turn towards the object and the baby opens its mouth.  This reflex allows baby to seek out and grasp nipple (usda).

·         Suck/Swallow reflex- After opening the mouth when the baby’s lips and mouth area are touched, suckling or sucking movements begin.  As liquid moves into the mouth, the tongue moves it to the back of the mouth for swallowing (usda).

REFERENCES:

1.      www.babyfriendlyusa.org/eng/10steps.html

2.      www.babycenter.com/o_breasting_gettingstarted-465bc

3.      www.fns.usda.gove/tn/resouces/feeding_infants.html

Proposal

Proposal for Electronic Fund Transfer for Financial Aid Disbursements

Introduction

Statement of the Problem

Information regarding financial aid disbursements is not available on the University’s Financial Aid web page.  Many students are without information regarding the financial aid award disbursement process and are advocating incorporating an Electronic Fund Transfer link on the University’s Financial Aid webpage

Objective

This proposal examines the problems regarding financial aid award disbursements from the view points of the students.  It then offers a plan to provide information and an alternative method to provide a fast and secure way to receive financial award disbursements.

Sources

My information comes from interviews with students, my own observation for two years as a student, and through research of several University’s Financial Aid Disbursement procedures.

Statement of Problem

Many students including myself find that the financial aid administration which is responsible for administering portions of the Federal and Institutional student loan programs were helpful and informative with procedures such as; billing, promissory notes, authorization of deferments, and cancellations.  However, found information of the financial aid disbursement process not readily available.  Furthermore, the methods in which students receive their financial aid award disbursements are time consuming and inconvenient.

Students frequently have to begin the semester without their books, unaware of when they will be receiving their award monies. Several students are behind in their payments for off campus housing and are unable to exceed academically because of financial stress.

Need

The University’s students need a webpage devoted to disbursements under the institution’s Financial Aid web page which includes a link for Electronic Funds Transfer, so the students may have direct deposit of their financial aid award disbursements into their banking accounts.

Body

Proposed Plan

The proposed plan include a website to inform student’s of the financial aid disbursement process which includes an option to receive disbursements via an Electronic Funds Transfer (ETF).

Methods

The Financial aid Disbursement process is automated. As a service to your students, provide students with the option of receiving their disbursement through the U.S Postal service, or through direct deposit which is a faster method.

ETF

The Electronic Funds Transfer (ETF) method is a fast and secure way to receive your financial aid proceeds.  It takes approximately one business day from the date of disbursement to secure students’ funds into their checking account.  The University would then send the student a receipt of the deposited disbursed award amount.

Feasibility

 The proposal for additional web links under the Universities’ Financial Aid web page which would include information regarding financial disbursements and an Electronic Funds Transfer option link is definitely feasible.  The goal is to improve student and customer satisfaction.  Universities are being recognized for improving their technology to better serve its students across the country. The University of Florida Financial Services office disburses financial aid awards three times a week.  By the End of the second week of classes, we have dispersed over eighty percent of the financial aid awards.  We are recognized for our fast and efficient service to our customers and we strive daily to improve our services (ufl.edu).  Financial services representatives “believe that it is the student’s choice to receive their refund through this method of disbursement.”

Benefits

Improvements to the University’s Financial Aid web page will improve communication between the institution’s students and its faculty.  Improving the University’s Financial Aid webpage by providing information regarding disbursements, and providing students with the option of receiving their disbursements via direct deposit, will demonstrate a serious commitment to improving student services.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I propose Ashford University to provide information regarding financial aid disbursements under its Financial Aid website.  Furthermore, also provide an Electronic Funds Transfer link as a service for the institution’s students and customers.

REFERENCE:

www.Fa.ufl.edu/ufs/disbursements/

News Release

Women Investing for Tomorrow

Sale of a lifetime! Ladies come get your Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton fashions for half the price of retail for a limited time only.  I know that many of you are looking for those signature pieces that will instantly improve your fashion resumes. Whatever the occasion calls for, ultra femme, boho chic, or grunge, the accessories have arrived.  Update your look for less.

Every woman needs a little retail therapy.  Your boyfriend breaks up with you, an easy fix.  Those red pumps you saw at the mall are now fifteen percent off.  The weather sucks because it’s been raining all day and your feeling blue? That cashmere sweater seems worth the splurge. I don’t know why we women solve the majority of our problem by swiping our credit cards or spending money that we should be saving.  I know that buying that hot new purse or stocking your wardrobe with the latest fashions makes the sun shine a little bit brighter.  Problems and worries are a thing of the past when we’re departing our favorite stores with bags in hand.  Have you had your dose of retail therapy lately?

Ladies, of course investing can be intimidating, but it’s vital to begin investing as soon as you can.  Women need to save twenty percent of their income which is twice as much than men to ensure a stable financial future.  “Women, especially, must invest early because they tend to live longer and therefore require more money to maintain their standard of living after retirement (McRae et al 2010).” MacRae et al also says that married woman literally cannot afford to rely solely on her husband’s earning power or retirement plan to sustain her through her retirement.  In the Indian Express, the article Get a Plan for Yourself presented some glaring statistics: On average, women live five to ten years longer, earn 25percent lesser and work 11 years lesser compared to men. 

According to an article where a CEO urges women to shift the notion that men need to be the “bread winner”, Women of today need to be wise in their financial planning and money management as the standard notion that men are the sole breadwinners has changed.  With the cost of living increasing and lifestyles getting more advanced women should no longer rely entirely on men for financial security. Financial advisor, Carol Yip says that, “we women need to play our part in earning money as well, because at the end of the day, money is the tool for you to achieve your life’s goal (CEO 2010).” 

Women, whether married or single, working or non-working, should handle their finances independently (Indian Express, 2010).  Many women remain clueless when it comes to money management while they take the back seat and allow their husbands to bring in the money and pay all the bills.  The benefit of learning money management is more valuable than just monetary gains.

There are countless resources available to help you learn the fundamentals of investing (McRae et al 2010). With the help of financial planners and investing experts, Black Enterprise came up with a list of the top five investing rules for women: 

The first rule is to develop an action plan.  Contribute to your company’s retirement plan as soon you are eligible.  Start small, invest what you can, and remain committed to investing for your future.

Some of the things to keep in mind while preparing financial plan are the ability to meet daily expenses and lead a quality life, a contingency fund to take care of emergencies and unplanned expenses, and also savings for retirement (Indian Express, 2010).

The second rule is to educate yourself; develop your own financial curriculum by reading financial literature, attending seminars, and workshops. Open a simulated trading account to develop and test your knowledge at Investopedia or other sites. 

The third rule is to get over your fear by determining your risk tolerance.  Figure out how comfortable you are with high-, moderate-, or low-risk collection of investments. Set short and long term financial goals. Join or start an investment club.

The fourth rule is do not go at it alone. The action plan is to get your feet wet, attend investment workshops and seminars. Consider joining or starting an investment club. If you don’t understand something, ask.

The fifth rule is to invest for your retirement. Figure out how much money you need for retirement. A single retirement or Social Security account may not be good enough to fully support you during your nonworking years, so work with an advisor to determine how much money you’ll need and by when. Contribute set amounts to retirement accounts to achieve your goals.  Consider supplementing your retirement income with a rental property or a small business.

Ladies, it’s okay to treat yourself with a new pair of shoes or that hot new designer hand bag when the urge arises.  But self medicating with retail therapy will only harm you in the long run, especially if you are not saving money to invest in your future. Take the first step in those shiny red pumps to develop an action plan to securing your future.  My motto for the ladies is to work, save, and then shop.

REFERENCE:

1.      McRae, et al (2010) Investing Rules for Women: These tips will make your money grow. Black Enterprise, 70-78

2.      Proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?index=2&did=2107157851&SrchMode CEO Urges Women to Need Shift From Breadwinner Aug 5, 2010

3.      Proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?Index=6&did2067619041&SrchMode Get A Plan For Yourself June27,2010

Media Technologies

Media technologies have evolved in the past ten years. This day in age is called the digital age for a reason; technology has touched and changed the lives of young people, and the elderly.  In the report, How Technology Has Changed the Media, Rupert Murdoch said, “Everyday new technology is tearing down old ways of doing business, in the process it is driving us away from a mass media where news and entertainment was centrally controlled.”   Technology is forever changing, therefore if you want to stay current, it’s imperative that you adapt to the technological changes.  The technological evolution has impacted business practices, work practices, and work locations (Roebuck, 2006 p5). The information explosion and the paradigm shift it has created impacted where and how business is transacted and where and how individuals within organizations work, meet, and communicate to manage their job responsibilities (Roebuck, 2006 p5).

Social media technology has changed the way we communicate not only on a social level, but also globally.  Social media networks also allow people to communicate with colleagues, friends, and loved ones not only in the United States, but also in other countries.  Social media technologies include: facebook, myspace, twitter, bebo, and a host of other social networking sites.

E- Business, also known as e-commerce, involves doing business over the internet, and allows smaller, entrepreneurial businesses to compete with larger companies (Roebuck, 2006 p5).  Conducting business via E-Business enables companies to compete on a global level. Doing business online allows organizations to expand into new markets, operate around the clock, and boost their profits without making major investments or incurring extra overhead (Roebuck, 2006 p5).

Cell phones are one of the most frequently used media technologies.  Cell phone users not only use their phones to talk, but also to send and receive e-mails, pictures, text messages, browse the web, and perform a number of other functions. Cell phone technologies are being updated daily.

Instant messaging- Another communication mechanism that enables you to stay in touch in “real time” is instant messengers (IM) (Roebuck, 2006 p3).  Instant message is becoming a critical technology for corporations wanting to increase collaborative efforts and improve productivity (Roebuck, 2006 p3). Not only is instant messenger being used for business purposes, but it is also being used to communicate in social settings. 

References:

Roebuck, D. (2006) Improving Business Communication Skills: 4^th ed. Pearson Education, Upper Saddle, New Jersey

Delivering Bad News Tactfully and Effectively

“You are a department manager in a mid-sized company that provides technology support services.  You have ten employees who are required to maintain a high level of technical expertise and deliver excellent customer service.  One of your employees, who have been with the company for two years, is performing at a substandard level and you have received numerous complaints from customers and co-workers.  In addition, this employee has displayed confrontational behavior which has created a hostile environment.  You must now meet with this employee and deliver an ultimatum regarding the need for immediate improvement or dismissal.”

I would use a direct approach when dealing with employee conflict; because this approach would allow me to quickly understand the purpose of the conflict.  My goal is to establish a positive tone and environment for both parties.  I would not begin the meeting by judging or criticizing the employee, but instead present my stance with a more indirect approach.  I would like my employee to feel open to my ideas and willing to process the resolution presented.  According to Roebuck in Improving Business Communication Skills, this approach softens your audience’s resistance, arouses their interest, and increases their tendency to see you as fair minded (2006).  I would adapt the assertive management style of behavior when dealing with employee conflict.

The employee’s confrontational behavior which has created a hostile environment, leads me to believe that this employee’s response style is one of an attacker. According to www.fao.org, attackers: cannot keep their feelings to themselves, they are angry for one or another reason, even though it may not be anyone’s fault, they express their feelings by attacking whatever they can, even though that may not be the cause of their distress, and attackers can be up-front or behind-the-back.  My consensus is that this particular employee is a behind-the-back attacker. “Behind-the-back attackers are difficult to handle because the target person is not sure of the source of any criticism, nor even always sure that there is criticism.”

The S-TLC approach to managing conflict would be the best conflict technique for this situation.  S symbolizes Stop, T symbolizes think, L symbolizes listening, and C symbolizes communicate.  The first process is to stop.   This is an important concept because when dealing with conflict, it is important to have awareness of the situation; awareness is achieved by first stopping.  The next step is to listen.  Personnel in management must have excellent listening skills.  Listening is the key to problem solving because it aids in the realization of the manifestation of the conflict itself.  Thinking is necessary in the S-TLC approach to managing conflict because thinking helps us analyze the problem and discern the underlying causes of the conflict. The final step in the S-TLC approach is to communicate.  As department manager, it is my duty to meet with this employee to deliver an ultimatum regarding his need for improvement or dismissal.  If the employee improves his attitude and behavior, it will be a win-win situation.

References:

Roebuck, D.B (2006). Improving Business Communication Skills (4^th ed.) Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall

http://www.fao.org/docrep/w7504e07.html

Under New Construction

Hello,

Thank you for visiting Omatic Communications.  Unfortunately we are currently under new construction, and would like to apologize for our appearance. Please feel free to visit us within the next couple of weeks.  We appreciate your love and support.