The Importance Of Effective Communication Information Technology Essay

The Importance Of Effective Communication Information Technology Essay Effective communication is crucial to successful performance of teams and for project completion in the construction industry. Various organisations are involved in contributing the delivery of technically complex and schedule driven projects. Why should be there research in this area This dissertation will derive from knowledge obtained from understanding the theories and practices of communication in construction projects, along with knowledge of developments in communication methods implemented during construction phases. The effectiveness of communication methods used between the principal contractor and the design team will be analysed and key issues in communication identified. This in turn will help to understand the reason behind ineffective communication that causes numerous problems in project processes. How are you going to do it? Key findings Introduction Construction is a project oriented industry, and many of the projects are of great magnitude, involving various organisations and teams working to meet projects objectives. No one in the construction industry today would deny that effective communication is crucial for the successful performance of teams and projects. Emmitt and Gorse (2003). This dissertation will be investigating the relationship between a medium sized contractor and a design team working on traditional contract project. The idea for this dissertation derived from comments received on rising issues in communication that continue to cause inconsistencies during projects activities as a result of ineffective communication. Construction projects are complex and risky endeavours, containing a variety of elements that cause projects to run overtime, over budget and produce poor quality results. During the design and construction stages of the project there are numerous communication channels created between the design team and the main contractor, in order to allow information related to projects activities to be disseminated among the participants. For this information to be sent and received accurately and clearly amid designer and a contractor, it is imperative that the relationship between these key parties include competent communicators and effective communication tools in order to interact successfully. During design and construction stages of the project it is of high importance that the accuracy of information that is being transferred between these parties is effectively communicated, as this, in turn will greatly affect the teamwork and positively influence the progress of the project throughou t its duration. (reference) Effective communications is essential to a successful construction project. If participants are unable to communicate information, ideas and issues simply and clearly to others then the project is unlikely to succeed. (Reference). Dainty et al. (2006, p. 5) argue that communication in construction is multifaceted and inherently complex, encompassing several dimensions on individual, group and organizational levels: not only does it involve the transfer of information, but also it bridges distances, is the basis of interaction between people, and conveys feelings, values and beliefs. The problem occurs when communication is handled inadequately during numerous activities. The information that is disseminated between involved, or project related parties can be inaccurate, unclear or misunderstood. This information is distributed using variety of methods and tools, and its the skill of the sender and the circumstances as well as competence of the receiver that may affect this information to be communicated effectively. Whether the specification designed by the architect is clear, whether the participants of the projects understand the information, and if not how effectively can they inform the issue, or if its been noticed at all. Effective Communication methods during all these phases of the project are key aspects to successful construction. This dissertation will be presenting a relationship between a medium sized contractor and the design teams. Aims and Objectives Structure of Dissertation Literature Review Emmitt and Gorse (2003) state that communication is implicit in everything we do. In other words that anything we do with other people must involve some sort of communication, Harley (1999) backs up this argument. Thomas, Tucker and Kelly (1998), explain in simple terms that communication is the sending and the receiving between the team members. This is similar to Cherry (1978) who states that communication is the process of interaction between individuals in which meaning is created and shared. One must understand that when relating this process to construction, communication is one of the most utilised activities. This is because as Betts (1991) states; construction is a complex and managerial activity, involving many different individuals and organisations interacting within a project environment. It is important to understand why effective communication is crucial in project oriented organisations; this is because there is a direct relationship between communications effectivene ss and projects success. Thomas, Tucker and Kelly (1998), Emmitt and Gorse (2003) emphasise that good communication within an organisation and between organisations contributing to the construction project can improve motivation levels and improve production process. Ballad and Howell (2003) included the importance of successful communication in the lean project management, claiming that if communication is effectively utilised in the project then this greatly improves the chances of projects success in terms of on time delivery and reduction in costs. Consequently, inadequate communication can result in a de-motivated workforce and lead to problems in production. Emmitt and Gorse (2003) follow this up by saying that poor co-ordination and communication of design information leads to design problems that cause design errors. These acknowledgements of significance to effective communication have lead me to believe that if in construction project communication is ineffective then this issue can play a vital element in why a construction project fails to deliver or achieve objectives. This is backed up by Thomas, Tucker and Kelly (1998), who explain that project performance can be enhanced through the implementation of effective project communications and conversely, projects can fail if hindered with poor communications. To achieve effective communication in construction projects, it seems that there are numerous factors that require investigating and understanding, before effective communication can be introduced and implemented. (REFERENCE) The question is then; how does a project oriented organisation achieve effective communication? And what could be the causes of ineffective communication that result in inconsistencies during the construction phases? Emmitt and Gorse (2003) state that; effective communication lies at the heart of a business, inherent in leadership and management. Thomas, Tucker Kelly (1998) also say that projects characteristics such as structure, size and location influence the effectiveness of communication. During my studies I have gathered common views that are related to issues during construction phase and post construction that were caused by ineffective communication between the main contractor and the design team. Through further research I wish to understand how effective communication can be achieved in these cases, and possibly unravel these issues in construction projects. Communication Process Communication is the activity or process of expressing ideas and feelings or of giving people information. (Oxford Dictionary 2009) Betts (1991) states that information in construction projects is diverse in terms of its form, its subject and its source. The information that is available also differs with regard to its currency, accuracy, adequacy and relevance. Emmitt and Gorse (2003) add to this, stating that communication and information management is a prime activity in construction. The entire construction process relies on vast quantities of information being generated, transmitted and interpreted to enable a project to be built, maintained and reused. This is backed up by Winch (2009) who states that information flows are the heart of business process in all organisations. Based on this, communication can be a complex process especially in project oriented organisations. This is why it is essential that before effective communication can be explored, one must understand the process of communication. Thomas, Tucker Kelly (1998), say that there is a common set of elements essential to an understanding of communication. Emmitt and Gorse (2003) state that the process method sees communication as the transmission of messages, through which one person or parties seek to influence the behaviour or state of mind of the other. They also add that for communication to be effective the message must first be received and then understood by the receiver. Thomas, Tucker Kelly (1998) also explain that the communication process consists of a Sender and the Receiver. The sender acts as the originator of the communication and knows best the intended idea; therefore the sender must encode the idea into the message that is to be sent. Comprehension of the message by the receiver depends on a number of factors including how much the individual knows about the topic, the relationship and trust that exists between the sender and the receiver. And the receivers understanding and perception of the information being conveyed. Emmitt and Gorse (2003) have also recognised that there often more than one receiver of the message. Thomas, Tucker Kelly (1998) complete this by adding that the message is the encoded idea being transmitted and can be verbal or non verbal. Emmitt and Gorse (2003) explain effective communication is complete when this process is carried out successfully where the sender and receiver achieve a common understanding. Clampitt (2005) discussed the arrow approach where communication is rather like shooting an arrow at a target and is seen as a one-way activity based primarily on the skills of the sender. Harley (1999) also discusses this understanding of communication process and adds his theory supporting Calmpitt in his 1st addition, with a fundamental belief is that Effective Expression = Effective Communication. Winch (2009) states that all organisations are in essence information processing systems. Communication methods implemented in a project oriented organisations all transfer information from one face to another. Winch (2009) explains that the problems in construction projects arise when ineffective communication causes a poor information flow which results in inconsistencies in the project. Emmitt and Gorse (2003) also state that the people build and these people must communicate with one another effectively in order to achieve their common objective. Communication inconsistencies Emmitt and Gorse (2003) believe that communication barriers are evident whenever people meet. They state that trust and the relationship between two communicating parties is very important in ensuring effective communication. Bowen and Edwards (1996) recognise that one of the major barriers to effective communication is in the way of a gatekeeper. A gatekeeper is used to describe the behaviour of an individual who withholds or alters information as it passes him or her. Emmitt and Gorse (2003). Bowen and Edwards (1996) expand on this idea by stating that message distortion is likely to occur where there is an absence of direct communication. Emmitt and Gorse (2003) explain that new IT technologies are welcome, as they provide a convenient tool through which organisations use to transmit, store and access vast quantities of information very rapidly. However, they explain that industry now focus too much on the power and speed of the systems and not enough on the message being transmitted, or the requirements of the users. Winch (2002) has compared and explained that when the interfaces between systems were paper backed systems, it does not matter that different formats were used to create the message. However, when computers started to communicate directly with one another this has become a problem. As it is often seen that the receiver is unable to read the information because the sender has sent it in a different format. This has now become a new problem. Alternatives in Communications Different methods of communications Verbal and non verbal communication- effectiveness of both, different circumstances.

Psychological Disorders Essay

1. Does Katherine’s description meet the clinical criteria for a panic attack? Substantiate your  answer. A panic attack is described as an unexpected period wherein the person suffers intense fear that occurs without warning or any reason.   It is characterized by shortness of breath, palpitations, chest discomfort, trembling, choking feeling, intense sweating, nausea, dizziness, feelings of being detached from oneself, fear of going crazy, dying fears, numbness, and cold or hot flashes.   For an episode to be considered a panic attack, the person has to meet four of the symptoms.   In Katherine’s case, she described four of the symptoms to having a panic attack.   She said that she felt dizzy, had difficulty breathing, was feeling nauseous, and felt like she was detached from herself.   From this, I believe Katherine had a panic attack. 2. Does Katherine meet the criteria for a dissociative disorder? Explain. Dissociative disorders are related to anxiety disorders in the sense that they are also reactions to stress and anxiety factors.   A dissociative person often exhibits changes or losses in consciousness, memory, identity or environmental perception.   In this case, the anxiety factor is clearly the visit to the parents’ house.   For some unknown reason, the visit awakened buried memories.   Although Katherine did not exhibit memory loss or shift, she experienced a change of perception in her environment. Based on how Katherine described her symptoms, I believe she’s suffering from a dissociative disorder.   Although Katherine does not display the usual memory loss and split  personality symptoms typical of dissociative disorders, she has, however, described that she felt  separated from her physical self, like she was outside looking in.   She said that even if she was aware of driving the car, Katherine also felt like a different being who was just looking at another being driving the car.   This seems to be a case of Depersonalization disorder. 3. What other disorders does Katherine appear to have? Analyze. It’s not clear whether Katherine was abused at a young age.   But based from the way Katherine pictured her father coming up from behind her to assault her, it would seem that a similar event had occurred to her in the past.   Either her father did the same to her as a child, or a man who resembles her father or has qualities similar to her father had done the same to her.   As a result Katherine developed an acute stress disorder long after the traumatic event occurred. She went into panic on her way to her parents’ house.   Apparently, the drive to her parents triggered unpleasant feelings.   Perhaps the assault on her person happened in her parents’ house or in the nearby vicinity.   Her avoidance of her parents, her admission of feeling estranged from them, and not letting them know about her plans support this assumption.   Katherine uses avoidance to keep the panic attack at bay.   Her avoidance is typical of others who are suffering from acute stress disorder.   Katherine’s troubled sleep, irritability, and nightmares are the result of a traumatic event that she probably has buried in her consciousness.

15 Quirky Questions (and Answers) About the English Language

Do you consider yourself an expert in the  English language? Wondering how much you still need to learn? Take a few minutes to test your knowledge of English with these 15 questions. The answer key is below. Quiz 1. Roughly what proportion of the worlds population is fluent or competent in English?(a) one person in 1,000(b) one in a 100(c) one in 10(d) one in four 2. Which country contains the largest English-speaking population in the world?(a) England(b) United States(c) China(d) India(e) Australia 3. In approximately how many countries does the English language have official or special status?(a) 10(b) 15(c) 35(d) 50(e) 75 4. Which of the following is probably the most widely used English word throughout the world?(a) dollar(b) okay(c) Internet(d) sex(e) movie 5. According to rhetorician I.A. Richards, a proponent of the simplified language known as Basic English, Even with so small a word list and so simple a structure it is possible to say in Basic English anything needed for the general purpose of everyday existence. How many words are in the lexicon of Basic English?(a) 450(b) 850(c) 1,450(d) 2,450(e) 4,550 6. The English language is conventionally divided into three historical periods. In which of these periods did William Shakespeare write his plays?(a) Old English(b) Middle English(c) Modern English 7. Which of the following is the longest word that appears in a play by William Shakespeare?(a) honorificabilitudinitatibus(b) sesquipedalian(c) antidisestablishmentarianism(d) disproportionableness(e) incomprehensibleness 8. An acronym is a word formed from the initial letters of a name. An eponym is a word derived from the proper name of a person or place. What term is used for a word thats derived from the same root as another word?(a) retronym(b) oronym(c) paronym(d) exonym 9. Which one of the following words is an example of an isogram?(a) destruction(b) racecar(c) sesquipedalian(d) buffet(e) palindrome 10. Which one of the following observations applies to the word typewriter?(a) Its the longest word that is typed with only the left hand.(b) Its a palindrome.(c) It appeared in Samuel Johnsons Dictionary of the English Language—several decades before the invention of the first typing machine.(d) Its the only word in English that doesnt rhyme with any other word.(e) It can be typed using only the top row of keys on a standard keyboard. 11. Which of the following is generally regarded as the first genuine dictionary in English?(a) The Elementarie by Richard Mulcaster(b) A Table Alphabeticall by Robert Cawdrey(c) Glossographia by Thomas Blount(d) Dictionary of the English Language by Samuel Johnson(e) An American Dictionary of the English Language by Noah Webster 12. Which of the following was Noah Websters best-selling book or pamphlet?(a) A Grammatical Institute of the English Language (popularly known as the Blue-Backed Speller)(b) Compendious Dictionary of the English Language(c) a booklet on global warming titled Are Our Winters Getting Warmer?(d) An American Dictionary of the English Language(e) a revision of the King James Bible 13. The sentence Natasha is a friend of Joans and a client of Marlowes contains two examples of which grammatical structure?(a) double comparative(b) double entendre(c) double genitive(d) double negativee) double superlative 14. What was novelist David Foster Wallaces name for a really extreme usage fanatic—someone who knows what dysphemism means and doesnt mind letting you know it?(a) grammaticaster(b) purist(c) SNOOT(d) language maven(e) prescriptivist 15. Which of the following terms refers to the substitution of a more offensive word or phrase for one considered less offensive?(a) dysphemism(b) euphemism(c) dramatism(d) orthophemism(e) neologism Answers 1. (d) According to David Crystal in  English as a Global Language  (2003), [A]bout a quarter of the worlds population is already fluent or competent in English, and this figure is steadily growing—in the early 2000s that  means  around 1.5 billion people. 2. (d) English is spoken by upwards of 350 million people in urban areas of India. 3. (e) The director of editorial projects for the  Oxford English Dictionary, Penny Silva, says that English has official or special status in at least 75 countries (with a combined population of two billion people). 4. (b) According to linguist Tom McArthur in  The Oxford Guide to World English, The form  OK  or  okay  is probably the most intensively and widely used (and borrowed) word in the history of the language. 5. (b) The list of 850 core words introduced in C.K. Ogdens 1930 book,  Basic English: A General Introduction With Rules and Grammar, is still used today by some teachers of English as a second language. 6. (c) The period of Modern English extends from the 1500s to the present day. Shakespeare wrote his plays between 1590 and 1613. 7. (a)  Honorificabilitudinitatibus  (27 letters) shows up in a speech by Costard in Shakespeares comedy,  Loves Labours Lost. O, they have  livd  long on the  almsbasket  of words. I marvel thy master hath not eaten thee for a word, for thou art not so long by the head as honorificabilitudinitatibus. Thou art easier swallowed than a flap-dragon. 8. (c) A word derived from the same root as another word is a  paronym  (similar to the rhetorical figure of  polyptoton). 9. (e) The word  palindrome  (which refers to a word, phrase, or sentence that reads the same backward or forward) is an  isogram—that is, a word in which no letters are repeated. 10. (e) It can be typed using only the top row of keys on a standard keyboard. 11. (b) Published in 1604, Robert Cawdreys  A Table Alphabeticall contained roughly 2,500 words, each matched with a synonym or brief definition. 12. (a) Originally published in 1783, Websters Blue-Backed Speller went on to sell nearly 100 million copies over the next century. 13. (c) Both a friend of Joans and a client of Marlowes are double genitives. 14. (c) In his review article Authority and American Usage, Wallace wrote, There are lots of  epithets  for people like this—Grammar Nazis, Usage Nerds, Syntax Snobs, the Grammar Battalion, the Language Police. The term I was raised with is SNOOT. 15. (a) See:  How to Flatter an Audience With Euphemisms, Dysphemisms, and  Distinction.

Labor Relations Anti-Nepotism Free Essay Example, 750 words

ï » ¿Nepotism is a complex issue. Organizations create anti-nepotism policies to promote equity in the workplace. This case study analyzes the issue of anti-nepotism policy in a Company. The issue of nepotism is discussed. The union and management’s position on the issue is evaluated. The paper relates these positions to the contractual language. Ideas about remedy are provided. Keywords: anti-nepotism, management, union, remedy. Nepotism is a popular topic of research. Organizations want to promote equity in the workplace. This is why they develop and implement anti-nepotism policies. Nepotism can be defined as â€Å"the bestowal of patronage by reason of relationship regardless of merit† (Jones et al, 2008, p. 18). In simple words, nepotism means hiring and promoting friends, relatives, or family members, when these practices lead to unfairness and discrimination against other job applicants and workers. The issue with Keith W. Walton is clear: he was fired once the company was reported that his uncle was working for the same company. Walton was fired for violating the company’s anti-nepotism policy. The main issue is whether at all Walton violated the policy of nepotism in the workplace and whether the grievant has the right to work in the company. The union is confident that the Company’s policy of anti-nepotism is misbalanced and ill defined. We will write a custom essay sample on Labor Relations: Anti-Nepotism or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now Although the company has the right to create such policies, Company employees have little knowledge of nepotism, its meaning, and its potential effects on the organization. The Union claims that the Company never tried to clarify the meaning of the â€Å"Employee of Relatives† section of the handbook for its employees. Moreover, the grievant might have been unaware of the fact that his Uncle worked for the same company when he applied for a job. Finally, given that nepotism is the same as favoritism, it is not clear how at all the fact of working for the same company with his Uncle benefited the grievant. The Company holds to a different position. First, the Union defends the grievant simply because it wants put a ban on the Company’s anti-nepotism policy – the attempt that failed a few years ago. Second, the Company handbook has an â€Å"Employment of Relatives† section, which forbids hiring applicants that are relative of current employees. Third, the rule of anti-nepotism is long-standing and should be consistently enforced. The Company has the full right to hire and fire employees, in order to control their performance and monitor discipline in the workplace. The company is correct: Article I Management in the Company gives the company the right to hire, lay off, and discipline employees. Moreover, this right is exclusive. The company can determine how many employees it will hire and will always have full control over employees. Also, the Union also has the right to argue the cases, when employees are disciplined or fired in violation of this Agreement. If it is determined that the employee was fired in violation of the Agreement, the Company must award the employee for the time he (she) lost and reinstate this employee in his (her) previous position. The case of the grievant is extremely controversial. What happened to Walton is clearly a violation of his rights. It should be noted, that anti-nepotism policies often lead to employment discrimination (Employee Issues, n.d. ). It is a case of wrongful termination, which needs professional attention. Here, the best remedy will be to file an official letter of agreement to the company, signed by Union representatives and lawyers, and stating the Union’s position on the issue. The letter will be the first step to finding the best agreement between the company and the grievant. If the company ignores the letter, the Union and the grievant will have the right to file a lawsuit against the Company. Writing such a letter may help the company to understand why firing the grievant was against the company agreement with Walton. First, the Company must realize that an anti-nepotism policy is a policy against hiring members of one and the same family (Cortland State University, 2010). Nepotism by itself is about favoritism (Bellow, 2003). However, it is not clear how the fact of being a relative of another worker benefited the grievant. Their relationship did not give the grievant any advantages, nor did it cause any conflicts of interest. No anti-nepotism policy is relevant, if being relatives does not affect employee performance. Second, it is possible that, when hired, the grievant did know his Uncle was working for the same company. It is not clear, whether the grievant Walton was hired before or after his Uncle had become part of the company. Yet, regardless of the details, neither of them benefited of their relative status, because they never met in the workplace and their job interests was completely different. Simultaneously, that the Union did not support the Company’s anti-nepotism policy does not mean that such policy unreasonable. As an arbitrator, I will have to consider both positions and the contractual language of the agreement. I will need to review the concept of nepotism in the Company policies and agreements. I will need to prove that firing grievant Walton was a case of employment discrimination. The Company will need to re-consider its anti-nepotism policy and educate its employees about its meaning. References Bellow, A. (2003). In praise of nepotism. New York: Doubleday. Cortland State University. (2010). Affirmative Action/ Fair employment practices. Cortland State University. Retrieved from http: //www2.cortland. edu/dotAsset/113386.pdf Employee Issues. (n. d.). Nepotism. Employee Issues. Retrieved from http: //employeeissues. com/nepotism. htm Jones, R.G. , Stout, T., Harder, B., Levine, J. & Sanchez, J.I. (2008). Personnel psychology and nepotism: Should we support anti-nepotism policies? The Industrial-Organizational Psychologist, 45(3), 17-20.