“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.
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