Blog 8: Outline of Group Presentation

For the group project, I would like for us to present our brochure and give a brief introduction about our project. We can accomplish this by showing the brochure. There will be a little information about our website and class on this brochure. It can be used as a guide during the presentation. Also, I want us to show our website (http://beginning-real-life-in-hattiesburg.webs.com/). The website and brochure will compliment each other. A lot of the information on the website will be available on the brochure (not all though). Showing the website will be a way for the audience to visually see our ideas. The biggest part of our presentation will be the class section. I want us to be able to briefly show the six Power Points that correspond with the class. During this time, we can explain the different things that will occur in the class including the assignments. I don't think any additional visual aids or online videos will be necessary to enhance our presentation. Our brochure and website will be more than enough visual aid in explaining and defining our project. But, briefly showing the Power Points may take up too much time so we could also create a board giving details about the class. In order for us to know whether we will have enough time to show the Power Points or not, we have to do practice runs. Creating a board to display information about the class would be a great thing to do and it also allows us to show some of our creative skills; but, because this presentation will be presented via the Internet, the board may not get the recognition that it deserve. The toughest thing is being able to utilize the 10 to 15 minutes correctly. We can accomplish this by presenting relevant information and omitting irrelevant information. We would have to decide what details are the most important for receiving a good grade. Overall, we plan on delivering a great presentation with many details.

Blog 7: Online Degree Programs Should Be a Fad! Move On Already!

Fully online degree programs are literally a joke to me. I can not get my mind to register how a person can sit behind a computer for four years and obtain a degree that is equal to a traditional on-campus student's degree. Online degree programs are becoming more popular as the years pass for a number of reasons. For one, it is convenient and easily manageable. Secondly, it gives professionals the opportunity to go to school and work at the same time. And lastly, deadlines are more spread out (Example: An assignment being due at midnight.), therefore, giving students the ability to balance out their time more conveniently. In creating this editorial, I had one organization in mind, and that was the "University of Phoenix." They are a well known online school and has been a controversial subject for some time now. I encountered U of Phoenix officials a few years ago when I was deciding on whether I wanted to go to USM or do an online school. Because the responses and reviews about online degree schools were so horrible, I decided that I would just stick to tradition and go to USM. In that research, I also found out that a lot of employers do not even bother to consider graduates from fully online schools such as the U of Phoenix. A link to this site follows: www.phoenix.edu. Following you will find arguments that I have created that I believe outweigh the benefits of online degree programs.

Most teachers, especially those of online classes, use test that originate from a test database or tests that were used elsewhere; and they are more than likely available online as well. Students have the ability to Google test questions and find the answers that they need. Although they are actually cheating themselves of their own knowledge, they will still, more than likely, enter into our workforce as nurses, accountants, lawyers, etc. I do not think that all online degree programs should be omitted. Degrees in the medical field are the only ones that I believe should be omitted. We, as people, want the best and only the best to care for us and our loved ones. I'm not saying that people who obtain online degrees has it easier than traditional students. I argue that the online degree programs are only crippling society. Technology is already taking over and education is the one thing that should stay traditional.

THINK about it...

The only clear solution to this problem, in my opinion, is to keep tradition alive. Make traditional on-campus learning the top 95% education source; and to omit medical degrees from online degree programs. The greatest and most successful people before us, who had an advanced education, obtained it through traditional learning, NOT e-learning. To get myself heard, I would publish this in college newspapers and magazines all over the United States, as well as high school editorials. My target audience would be any and all current and prospective college students. I could imagine this editorial being published on CNN. It is not quite a specific source but it has the ability to obtain a huge audience all over the world.

Evolution is a great thing (most of the time). But, education should just stay traditional. So, please act on this and keep yourself away from online degree programs. After all, you want the best (traditional, on-campus learning) for your money!

"Rhetorical Analysis"

In creating this editorial, I wanted to convince my audience that I know what I'm talking about. I wanted them to get comfortable with me and to also be open minded to this subject. I used an aggressive approach in an effort to make my audience identify this as a debatable topic. Because of my character (an individual who is highly open to hearing another person's opinion), I am pleasantly able to understand a person's reaction to this topic. I expect for different people to give different reactions (Example: Working professional; senior in high school; single mother). Another way I attempted to persuade my reader is by comparing today's education source to past education source. Most people aspire to be like some person in the past. If they obtained an advanced education, then it is clear that they received it through the traditional source. Imagine the influence high status people have on society. So, I attempted to attack the reader's emotions. Lastly, I attempted to persuade my audience by use of logic. I gave them many reasons why I believe that online degree programs should not exist (at least the ones in the medical field). Overall, I used ethos, pathos, and logos in an effort to get my audience comfortable with me, then I attacked a subject that means something to them, and lastly I gave them meaningful reasoning behind it all. So, at this point, my reader is giving great thought about the entire argument. Either they have decided to agree or disagree with me.

Blog 6: Progress Report

Our group project is going quite well. At the conclusion of it, we will present a brochure, website, and class. We already have our ideas in action at this point. In reference to my part of the project, I (along with Renata) am responsible for creating a class for seniors in which they will be able to learn more about the city of Hattiesburg and its great opportunities as well as other important things. Right now, I am creating PowerPoints for my sections of the class. As far as I know, everybody is at a great point in the project. We are working independently but also checking in with each other from time to time to report our progress. If we complete this class section successfully, as we plan to do, it will be a great thing. Hopefully, it will be such a great success that Ms. Burkett will try to help us to get it added to the general curriculum.

So far, I have created assignments in reference to my sections of the class and I am currently creating PowerPoints. The PowerPoints will take the longest because I have to find and gather valid, true, and legit information. In addition, because we chose NOT to include a textbook, the class will include some articles, guest speakers, etc. In fact, as new ideas pop into my head, they may will be added. My goal is for us to deliver a superb project that could actually be implemented. I have created my objectives for my section as well. I won't be able to complete a syllabus until Renata and I both completes our sections. I created the layout of the class in order to NOT be a burden on the students. This class will be a benefit rather than a liability or stress-factor. It also will be graded rather than pass/fail. The class will be a one-hour class that will last for only eight weeks. It will also be available summer, spring, fall, and online. I decided to have the students to write a very short paper in this class but it will be an opinion-based paper so it shouldn't be difficult or nerve wrecking. I must admit, I love writing but I hate writing so much or on demand. Therefore there won't be a lot of writing in this class (just a little). There won't be many assignments. There will be 3-4 major assignments (1-2 page paper, cover letter/resume, interview, one page job search analysis). We also decided to give a survey at the beginning and end of the semester in an effort to see if we have in any way changed the student's perception or decision about moving from Hattiesburg after graduation.

By Sunday (July 10), I should be done with at least two of my powerpoints (three total). Next week, I will be working on the third PowerPoint as well as looking for educational videos or I may even create a Podcast or two. For the most part, I am comfortable with my current progress thus far. I am able to balance out the other work in this class, as well as my other classes, along with completing my part of the group project. I must admit that it is a lot of work and sometimes can be stressful but I am keeping a positive mindset in an effort to deliver a great project at the end of this term.

Blog 5: Job Search

The Job Postings

In doing my job search, I found four positions that I am interested in. The first one is a Human Resource Associate (https://tbe.taleo.net/NA9/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=FRESHPOINT&cws=1&rid=447). This position is at Fresh Point in Dallas, TX. I chose this position because I've always wanted to live in Texas. The qualifications needed for this position (whether required or preferred) are:

• Bilingual in both English & Spanish (required)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software
• Two years experience in administrative assistant (required)
• Ability to be a multi-tasker
• Working knowledge of laws affecting employment (FMLA, OSHA, DOT, etc)
• Detail oriented
• Ability to work with all levels within the organization
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Experience with managing records, files, and sensitive data
• Excellent follow up and organizational skills

The next position I found is an opening for a Human Resource Assistant at SourceCorp in Forest Park, GA (http://hostedjobs.openhire.com/epostings/submit.cfm?fuseaction=app.dspjob&jobid=215633&company_id=16067&jobBoardId=1112). The qualifications needed for this position is:

• Associates Degree (preferred)
• No HR experience required  but two years are preferred. 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office software.
• Ability to use personal computer.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality.
• Demonstrated interpersonal/relationship skills.
• Detail-oriented.
• Good time management skills.

Next is a Human Resource Generalist position at Peterbilt Motors Company in Denton, TX (http://www.paccar.com/jobs/my-jobs.asp?newms=jj&id=37232&newlang=9). Its details on qualifications are followed:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Human Resources, or related degree required
• Preferably two years closely related experience and two years with PACCAR
• Working knowledge of employment, labor and benefits and the respective laws that apply
• Must have experience with computers using Windows based programs
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills

The last opening is at West Corporation in Pensacola, FL (http://arbita.jobhost.org/viewjob.php?id=1319950). This position is for an employment specialist. Details for qualifications are followed:

• High school diploma or GED required
• Some post-secondary course work in business, human resources, or related field preferred
• Minimum one year general office or customer service experience required
• Minimum one year human resources experience preferred
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Experience with Affirmative Action Plan Preferred

All of the job openings have similar qualification requirements. The following qualifications are similar amongst all four job openings:

• They all want some experience in Microsoft or Windows based programs.
• They also all either prefer or require one to two years of experience in human resources or some customer service related experience. 
• All of their requirements (or preferences) relate to each other in some way or another. Three out of four the postings required some type of education. The last posting only required a high school diploma.

My Skills and Qualifications

I have many skills and qualifications that match those of the four job openings. I have a high school diploma as well as an associates degree in Marketing/Management. I am six classes away from having a BSBA in Management with an emphasis in Human Resource Management. I have advance knowledge of Microsoft Applications. In addition to that, I type extremely well. On average, I type about 55-60 WPM with 0-2 errors. Because I am a human resource management student, I have knowledge of a lot of laws regarding employment. I am very detailed oriented (can easily be seen from my blogs and any of my papers). I speak great and professionally, I write great, and I have excellent communication skills. In this class, we have been taught about how to set the correct one when addressing certain people. I also created a business plan (in junior college) that was graded by the president of a bank and received a B+ on it. I'm pretty sure I can create an A+ one today. I have a very professional presence and know a lot of things about business and management. I have also attended a Management Academy which was taught by the CEO of Finishline Shoes in Atlanta, GA when I was in junior college. I have competed in many professional competitions in organizations like Future Business Leaders of America and Delta Epsilon Chi in which I was able to compete in the National competitions in both.

Which Would I Choose?

If I was to choose any of these job postings, it would be the Employment Specialist position in Pensacola, FL. There are a few reasons why I would choose this position. The first reason is because my personal qualifications match that job's qualifications the most. The second reason is because it is closer to home. It is a good distance so I could be able to come home as often as I want. The last reason is because I have the skills they require plus more. I would greatly benefit this company with my expertise and skills. The only problem I can see that can derive from this is the employer thinking that I am overqualified. If they believe that, then I risk a chance of losing this opportunity.

In my resume, I will include the qualifications that I have that they require as well as others that I think are relevant to the position. I will be cautious tho to not make myself seem overqualified. In my cover letter, I will explain to the employer that the company as well as I can benefit from me being added to their company. By the employer seeing my education level, he will know that I know business like the back of my hand. I will explain to him how my skills and knowledge will be an asset to his company not a liability. In the end, the employer will realize that my skills and qualifications are just what his company needs.

Blog 4: Evaluation of a Website

In evaluating USM’s Professional Development and Educational Outreach page (http://www.usm.edu/profdev_edoutreach/), I found many problems on it. First, the most disturbing thing to find on an informative website is a broken link or a link that does not work.  The amount of broken and non-working links on this page is rather surprising to me. Although there are lots of weaknesses on this page, there are also a couple strengths as well. One of the strengths is the information that the site provides. But, what good is the information when it is difficult to get to. This department’s purpose is to persuade and inform individuals, specifically working professionals, about courses available at USM that could help improve their skills in their career. In order to successfully do this, information must be readily and accurately accessible. 

The text is visible to the eye and rather easy to read but the alignment is off a bit. Some headers are right-aligned, others are left-aligned. The main menu bar headers at the top of the page are extremely too long. One header is around 50 characters long. To make the headers more pleasant to the eye, it would be a great idea to put “Programs” there and have drop down menus or links to each individual program. Most of the headers’ links work. But, when one is clicked (ex. Click Education), there are more titles added (Mailing List Subscription and Request Info are added). But where does “Faculty/Staff Noncredit Programs Assessment Reporting” go? I have no clue. In addition to those two links being added, it is even more aggravating to find out that they do not work.  I also found an irrelevant link. When I clicked on the “Science and Technology” link, nothing pulled up. There was no information available. Wouldn’t it be appropriate to just get rid of this link altogether?

Other problems with this website are located on the left menu. There are six non-working headers on that menu (Business and Industry Customized Training, Career Resources, Financial Assistance, Frequently Asked Questions, Certificates, and Employment Opportunities). These are problems that must be addressed on this website. There are a lot of people who would much rather view the website rather than to call or come to the office to find out more info about these programs. 

The problems with the site are at a minimum. They are not major problems. But it is hectic to viewers who are trying to find information about these programs and courses. If I could revise this site, I would decrease the amount of menu buttons. I would also include drop down menus. This could eliminate a lot of the space used in the menus. I would also pick another design. Simple is always “just enough” but adding a little flavor to it could be a great thing. The most important revision I would do is to fix all of the broken links. It would also be a great idea to include a link to specific sections from their related college or department; for example, putting a link on the College of Business website for the Human Resource Management certificate. This could help with locating this site because it is rather difficult to find. These problems can easily be fixed but because it is so difficult to find this site, no one has probably said anything about it. 

As I mentioned earlier, the information that is available on the site is good information but other information that could be needed is lost inside broken links. When creating anything, it is important to keep the viewer/reader interested both visually and mentally; being able to successfully complete both of those things leads to a great website created by an even greater webmaster.

Blog 3: USM's College of Business vs USC's School of Business

“USM’s College of Business vs. USC’s School of Business”

In creating this blog, I chose to look at two different universities' departments. I chose our own, University of Southern MS's College of Business (http://www.usm.edu/business/) and the University of Southern California's School of Business (http://www.marshall.usc.edu/students). Neither of the websites was horrible but USC's was far more interesting and effective. I love the way that USC grouped their different programs in the school of business which made it easier to navigate. Whether you were an undergrad, grad, or doctoral student, all of the information was right there and accessible for you.  Some strengths of USC's School of Business site are listed below:

• ·        Easy access (one-click access from main page)
• ·         Smooth navigability
• ·         Ability to identify its readers
• ·         Pleasant and consistent design
• ·         Easy to read font
• ·         Perfect amount of contrast
• ·         Alignment created accurate connections
• ·         Acceptable amount of graphics (clear and crisp images)

As usual, improvement is never a bad thing. But, in my opinion, there are no weaknesses on their site.  It is simple but interesting at the same time. It keeps my attention without overwhelming me. The navigation is clear and fail-proof. 

On the other hand, I chose USM’s College of Business because its website is quite overwhelming. There is so much clicking involved until it sometimes becomes a hassle. Also, it’s clear that they are targeting their page at prospective students because of the curriculums that are present on their page. In order for me to view my curriculum, I would have to go to SOAR or look at the bulletin.  Although I went to Quick Links>Current Students>College of Business>Undergraduate Programs>Management (Human Resource Management)—BSBA>Degree Plan, I was still navigated to the most current bulletin’s curriculum. In fact, I clicked quick links in an effort to make it to my destination quicker but instead I navigated through six pages in order to get to the page I desired. It is important for webmasters of college websites to know that most students do not like to read and do a lot of looking. They must create their websites in a way to catch the students’ attention almost instantly. We all know that the attention span of younger individuals and/or students is relatively short. But there are a few strengths on USM’s website. They are listed below:

• ·         Consistent design
• ·         Easy to read font
• ·         Accurate alignment
• ·         Visible contrast

“Defining My Own Objectives”

In creating my own website, I know that I must first define my objectives. In order to do this, I must figure out my purpose, determine who my readers are, understand my situational analysis, become familiar with the reader’s tasks and attitudes, determine who my stakeholders are, and be aware of any constraints.

“Overall Purpose”

I am creating a website in an effort to persuade readers to consider becoming a major in Human Resource Management. The reasons I chose to create this website are because 1) it is a required assignment 2) to inform and persuade current and prospective students about the greatness of becoming a human resources major. In creating this site, I hope to bring more students into the human resources field. At the same time, my readers are looking to get valid information that could make them interested in the human resources field.

“Reader Profile”

My main reader would be my teacher. This is also her relationship to me. She is a doctorate student and she has a background in education. I’m not sure if she knows anything about human resources but once she views my site, she will know plenty. I will use formal and professional communication with her. After all, this website will consist of factual information. I’m not sure if other people will be able to see this site. I would think so since we will publish it. But, in the event that it does become available to the entire world, my readers would be everybody. I am looking to pull any type of person into my field.

“Situational Analysis”

I know that my goal in creating this website is to be able to persuade a person into wanting to enter in the human resources field. In order to do this, I must deliver outstanding information that will not only catch the reader’s attention but also keep them interested. I will not focus on any type of information that cannot be proved or that is not factual. My own opinion should not be a part of this site because a person’s opinion does not make their information right.

“Reader’s Task”

In reading and viewing my site, the reader will probably ask questions like:

• ·         How can this field interest me?
• ·         What kind of career path is available in this field?
• ·         What type of money do people in this field make?
• ·         Are Human Resource Managers scarce?
• ·         How can this field make me love my job?

The reader would more than likely, but not limited to, be interested in things such as those. The answers to questions such as these will be available throughout my website. When my reader finds the answers to their questions, they will compare and contrast them to their current major or career. They will be able to figure out whether changing to human resources will benefit them or cost them.

“Reader’s Attitudes”

I am hoping that when the reader comes to my site, he/she will have a clear and open mind. I would also hope that they would have a positive attitude towards me. If my reader is in a bad mood, their perception about my website will more than likely be negative. Or they may not even thoroughly read and interpret it.

“Stakeholders”

The stakeholders in my communication are other human resource majors as well as people who are already working in the human resources field. 

“Constraints”

The main constraint that I have is that this is a school project. It must be created in accordance to that. Although I am writing about the human resources field, I am also representing my school. So it is important to create a website that is respectful of it.

Blog 2: Rhetorical Analysis

                One item that I was required to read in my major was an article on unions. I cannot remember where I acquired this article from or even the author’s name, but I do remember the article’s contents. This article was about how republicans believe that union members are being paid ridiculous salaries and over-the-top pension plans. The author also believed that the union is, in some part, the reason for the recession. Although it was heavily an opinion-based article, it did include some factual information. It also brought some important things into consideration. Labor unions are a huge debate in America right now because the money they make and receive from the government affects everyone. When this author chose to publish this article, he knew of the political debates it could arise. The union’s response to this article was that the republicans are always trying to be a bully to the union.  The following link is an article (not the article talked about in this analysis) about how the union believes that the republicans are trying to take them down:  http://thehill.com/business-a-lobbying/145605-labor-unions-prepare-for-battle-they-are-trying-to-take-us-down.  The picture below depicts a cartoon photo of how the union believes that the republicans are attacking them.

                Although I do not remember where I got the article from, I do know that the writer was either a republican or disliked unions, maybe even both.  His audience was the U.S. general population. He did not target a certain group because he wanted everyone to see the issues that he believed occurred from unions. His call to write was obvious. The tone of his article was rather aggressive which drove me to believe that he was an active advocate against unions (especially since he had the guts to publish it on the web) and he wanted to be heard. One thing that he stressed heavily in the article was, according to him, “the ridiculous six figure salaries that some union stewards made when sometimes they go for two or three years without doing any significant work.” He had a strong belief that the unions were responsible for the U.S.’s deficits and recession. So, his call to write was to get his voice heard on this issue which is both social and economic. According to Ken’s lecture, this could be described as a passion for a situation or interest. It was clear to me that his purpose was to ultimately get rid of some, if not all, government funding to unions, especially the members’ pension plans.

                Next, I will analyze the goal of the author and his reasons for writing and publishing this article. His goal, as I indirectly mentioned earlier, was to diminish government funding to unions.  His tone of writing tells me that he is trying to persuade America to believe in these issues. He attempted to persuade as well as inform in a slightly aggressive manner. He also, in my opinion, possibly assumed that his readers will take heed to his article and make an attempt to change or bring light to these issues.

                In my opinion, the writer somewhat achieves his purpose in a small fractional portion. One reason why I say this is because recently we all saw in the news how the Wisconsin teachers were on a strike because they were asked to pay a portion of their pension. There are also a lot of other issues going on that are putting union executives on their toes. But, in my opinion, the government will continue to fund the union and it will never become obsolete.

(Also, I apologize for not being able to locate this article, but hopefully the link I posted and my analysis will help you to understand this more. After all, I only had to prepare a verbal analysis for this article in my Labor Relations class, but I do remember it because the class is very controversial and so is the topic of “unions”.)

Thank you!!!