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Chapter 10: Communication Theory in Practice

Communication Process Problems Identified

The primary issue was the medium used: email. Email inherently lacks context and rich information, leading to difficulties in encoding and decoding the message effectively.

Written Communication: Pros and Cons Analysis

It depends on the specific context. While written messages can reduce misunderstanding when well-crafted, several disadvantages were evident:

• Misinterpretation Risk: Receivers may still misinterpret the message, especially if the sender's writing skills are poor.
• Lack of Flexibility: Written messages cannot be immediately clarified or adjusted. This problem was intensified because Kevin Cole couldn’t reach his boss for immediate clarification.

Nonverbal

Academic Vocabulary

• Course Request

  A form used to register for a class.

  Example: A student's academic advisor usually signs a course request form.

• Cram

  To study at the last minute.

  Example: Nancy always crams for the quizzes in her math class.

• Curve

  A grading system that relies on the normal curve of distribution.

  Example: Grading on the curve encourages competition.

• Dean's List

  The honor roll at a college or university.

  Example: You must maintain a 3.5 grade point average to be on the Dean's List.

• Declare

  To make an official decision about a major field of study.

  Example: Most students declare their major in the third year at the university.

• Degree

  An academic title awarded to a student who completes a course of study.

  Example: The three most common degrees

Macrostructure of Text

• Theme
• Rheme
• Thesis Sentence
• Subtopics

Microstructure of Text

Subordination

Subordinating conjunctions connect clauses, indicating various relationships:

• Cause: as, because, since
• Purpose: so, so that
• Contrastive: although, though
• Temporal: after, before, until, while, etc.
• Conditional/Indirect Question: if, unless, as long as, provided, whenever, whatever
• Noun Clause Introducer: that

Correlating Coordinators

These pairs of conjunctions connect grammatically equal elements:

• both... and
• not only... but also
• either... or
• whether... or not
• neither... nor (negative correlator)

Transition Linkers

Words and phrases that connect ideas and show relationships between sentences or paragraphs:

• Cause and Effect (Subordination): because, so, accordingly,

Relationship: After-Sales Service and Quality

After-sales service is essential in achieving the quality of a product. We are going to see the relation of the after-sales service with the other processes aimed at achieving quality products and services. The after-sales service is a tool to achieve the best possible business goals.

A. Inputs from the Business Environment

Data or information a company gets from outside the company to improve existing products or to create new ones.

• Needs and expectations of customers: through market research and the results of the after-sales services.
• Competitors: provide a better service than the competitors.

B. Inputs from Within the Company

(Data or information from other departments that influence the performance... Continue reading "After-Sales Service and Product Quality" »

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Core and Distinctive Competencies

• Resources: An organization’s assets, and thus the basic building blocks of the organization. They can be tangible or intangible.
• Capabilities: Refer to a corporation’s ability to exploit its resources. They consist of business processes and routines that manage the interaction among resources to turn inputs into outputs.
• Core Competency: A collection of competencies that cross divisional boundaries, is widespread throughout the corporation, and is something the corporation does exceedingly well.
• Distinctive Competency: Core competencies that are superior to those of the competition.

Using Resources to Gain Competitive Advantage

1. Identify and classify resources in terms of strengths and weaknesses.
2. Combine the firm’s

Administrative Models

Total Quality Management (TQM)

Total Quality Management (TQM) is a managerial innovation that emphasizes an organization's total commitment to the customer and to continuous improvement of every process through the use of data-driven, problem-solving approaches based on the empowerment of employee groups and teams.

The core of TQM is the customer-supplier interface, both externally and internally, and at each interface lie a number of processes.

This core must be surrounded by a commitment to quality, communication of the quality message, and recognition of the need to change the culture of the organization to create total quality.

These are the foundations of TQM, and they are supported by the key management functions of people,... Continue reading "Administrative Models: TQM and Just In Time Strategies" »

Introduction

What is a Project?

A project is a single, complex, unique task that is limited in costs and time and has predefined goals and assigned resources. It starts from an idea that needs to be prepared and planned, then performed to achieve a goal within a fixed cost/time/quality arrangement. A project is a temporary enterprise, characterized by a high intensity of human and material resources, unique aims, unique participants, and unique tools.

Project Participants

Direct Participants:

• Client
• Designer (Architect, Structural Engineer, Civil Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Electrical Engineer)
• Contractor (General Contractor, Subcontractors)

Indirect Participants:

• Authorities (Public Services)
• Financing Organizations
• Insurance Companies

External Participants:

Basics of Project Management

What is Project Management?

Project management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project activities to meet or exceed stakeholder needs and expectations.

Project Constraints

Scope/Cost/Time/Quality

Systems and Standards for Project Management

1. PMBOK Guide by PMI (Project Management Institute)
2. Books of the FIDIC (Fédération Internationale des Ingénieurs-Conseils = International Federation of Consulting Engineers)
3. ISO standards

Project Life-Cycle

(Phases, Sequence, Processes - Use diagrams!)

1. Project Management Processes
   • Initiating processes
   • Planning processes
   • Executing processes
   • Controlling processes
   • Closing processes
2. Product-Oriented Processes

Nine Knowledge Areas of Project Management (According

What is Work-Life Balance?

One of the most popular topics of debate in the world today is the necessity to ensure a proper work-life balance. As the word suggests, it is basically about the right amount of balance between family and work. A person should be able to provide equal attention to both their professional as well as their personal lives.

Why Work-Life Balance Matters

With a well-maintained work-life balance, both the employee and the employer benefit. Conflict in either the professional or the personal life of a person would affect both their work as well as their family lives. It induces more stress in a person and hence also affects their productivity in a company. A poor work-life balance even results in an increase in the number... Continue reading "Achieving Work-Life Balance" »