Specifics about Your Presentation on Aug 7

In preparing your talk for Aug. 7, I asked you to consider a business problem of some kind, analyze its communication aspects, and suggest ways in which the companies and/or individuals involved could have achieved a more positive outcome by the application of some of the communication techniques/principles we have discussed and/or ideas of your own creation.

You may use notes but should not read your speech. You will be evaluated on the "10 Do's" of Management Speaking contained in the Oral Presentations chapter of the Management Communication textbook. Five of your classmates (you can pick which) will also fill out feedback sheets for you. After I have had a chance to review the DVD, you will have access to it for your own review.

Please plan on speaking for about 6 minutes, with 2 additional minutes for handling Q & A from the audience. Although you are welcome to use visual aids, please don't make PowerPoint the star of your show (in other words, with you in the corner of a darkened room simply reading PowerPoint lines on the screen.) Many "A" speeches will no doubt make little or no use of visual aids. It's entirely up to you. I am most interested in observing and responding to your presentation skills.

In our coaching session, you will receive a summary of the 10 Do's as well as a summary of the additional tips for professional presenting we have discussed in class.

For the coaching session, you DO NOT have to have your speech completed by any means. Please do come with some kind of topic you can talk about for a few minutes so that we can practice actual presentation behaviors rather than just theorizing about them. (These topics can be simple for the purposes of our coaching session: a favorite restaurant, a favorite movie, a favorite vacation spot, your "ultimate" car/place to live/etc., or any other easy-to-talk-about topic.)

Dress for the Aug. 7 speech should be "corporate casual" rather than something lower on the scale. You may want to use this video clip as part of your portfolio for an eventual job application--hence the request to "look professional" without going to too much trouble.

Latest, Greatest Information about the Team Paper Due Aug. 7 in Class

Your team topic has already been given to you. If any team is confused about their topic, please contact me. In most cases, you can develop your topic in a problem-solution format (unless you have devised a better way): What is our topic? What are the core problems that arise out of our topic for business people and/or the public? What have others had to say about these problems (your research)? What do we think/feel about these problems (your original thinking)? What conclusions/recommendations can we offer on the basis of all that has been included in the paper? Usually these major points break into typical headings:

I. Introduction
II. The Nature of the Problem(s)
III. Research to Date
IV. Analysis of (or) New Perspectives on the Problem
V. Conclusion, with Recommendations for Best Practices

Obviously you can alter this basic five-part pattern in any way that best suits your topic. It's also a good idea to include within your topic some key words from your topic--for example, I. Introduction: the Common Experience of Workplace Romance.

The paper will be about 10 pages long, not counting any title page, footnotes (which may appear at the bottom of each page or as endnotes at the end of the paper), and bibliography (listing the sources you referenced as well as other books, articles, or websites that might be useful to the reader. You can see the back of the Management Communication book for guides on how to reference these items as well as how to reference anything you have found on the Internet. Please be excruciatingly careful not to plagiarize the ideas or actual words of other people. Always give credit where credit is due.

Although I don't want to grade these papers twice (that is, act as your text editor), i will certainly be glad to sit down with any team to discuss how they have developed their paper and to offer suggestions. This process needs to happen in person, with all team members present. You know my office location (MH 116) and simply need to let me know when you are available to meet. I am on vacation from July 21 through July 31 except for our class on July 24, so meetings might best be scheduled after July 31, i.e., during the week before you turn in the paper.

Most business reports, including yours, will be single-spaced, with double-space between paragraphs. Longer quotations can be indented 10 spaces. Shorter quotations can appear within the running text.

All group members should participate in all aspects of the report creation. In other words, don't let one person do the keyboarding while the other does the research and writing. After the report has been handed in, you will complete an anonymous "monkeysurvey" on-line feedback instrument to describe how your team writing process worked out. This will give you a chance to let me know how work was distributed and carried out by individual group members. I hope that google docs and/or wikis will be helpful in the writing process. You are not required to use either of these technologies. I simply wanted you to know what they were about for future use in your studies and career.

Feel free to use the pronoun "we" in this report. If you have any other questions, please bring them to class on July 24 or email me (bell@usfca.edu). You'll hear back from me quickly.

Management Speak

Hi All
Since we're studying communication in the workplace, I thought this BBC News article would be interesting. Jornalist Lucy Kellaway discusses her crusade to end the use of the the term 'going forward' and examines the problem of using "brainlessly upbeat" language in everyday business.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/7453584.stm

Also, here is a list the 50 most disliked office jargon phrases sent in from BBC readers:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/7457287.stm

Enjoy!

Shifting Career

I was just wondering, has any of you in class planned on shifting gear in your career after you all graduate? For example, in my case, I got my undergrad in finance&accounting majors and I had been working in finance industry as an analyst before entering MBA. Recently, I have just been thinking about where I want to end up in a year or so (thanks to Prof. Macpherson' short assignment in class), whether I want to keep pursuing career in finance or doing something else. The idea of starting my own business has intrigued me ever since we had all these great lectures and seminars /visits on thinking as an entrepreneur. The problem is, I have been so comfortable in working in finance so I don't know if giving up career in finance and shifting gear into entrepreneurship will be worth the risk. As you all know, being an entrepreneur involves taking a lot of risks. We've seen the stats and the tour guide at Plug and Play also mentioned about the high rate of failed start-ups. How could you raise enough money to keep the business running? How can you find stable customers who will be willing to purchase your products/services? Those are just scary thoughts for me.

So are any of you in a similar situation like I am? I'm wondering how many of you plan on sticking with your previous kind of job because that's the area you feel most comfortable with (i.e staying in your comfort zone) or wanting to change to something else you 've never been in like going from finance to entrepreneurship in my case ?

After hearing the speaker at the UPS seminar couple weeks ago by Jim Beach, the professor from Georgia State U, I was intrigued hearing his story where he took a bet with his class that he would do importing business from any of the country his class chose. He ended up going to Pakistan trying to find interesting products to sell and he finally found kilim chairs as his choice. He won the bet basically but the thing that caught me was how did it seem so easy for him to just get going and make business in a short period amount of time? I decided to google him and true enough found a simple good article about him. In the article, he gave valuable advices in my opinion that says

"The solid advice to the would-be entrepreneur was to start a low-risk business. It was not about creativity, it was about stealing a good idea and doing it better. Of course it is also important to do something you enjoy. You should build the business with money on hand. Start small and slow as long as you own your own company"

I think those are pretty important lessons that we should start small, low-risk business and found a way to do it better than the rest of the pack. I hope my sharing can be useful to all of us and I look forward to hearing thoughts, advices, sharing from you guys who are as inspired as I am to run a business or willing to change career track.

Thank you.

Our Generation

Hello Everyone,

Recently we have seen a lot of ways in which technology will impact communication and the business world in general. We saw PlugnPlay where ideas launch, we read books for Customer about Wikinomics and we have seen the newest from Google with online chatting, documents and wikis.

My question to you is where will technology be with when we are our parents age? Will we have Scotty beam us to the next office meeting across the globe like he did in Star Trek? Will we talk to people using holographic images like in Star Wars? Will we skate to work on hover-boards like in Back to Future?

I used to think this stuff was way off, but the more I think about it, I don't think these technologies are out of our league anymore. After all, consider what our parents have seen; a man on the moon, cell phones, and Nintendo to name a few.

What technologies will you be using to communicate when you are 45-50 years old....

T. J.

Kinetic Sculptures

Hi Everyone,

Our trip to the exploratotium reminded my of these kinetic sculptures. One guy, Theo Jensen, is famous for making them, but now many engineering schools hold kinetic sculpture competitions and races. Can you believe there isn't a single motor on any of these?

Animaris Rhinoceros 

How It Works

Something funny...

Hey guys,

My friend and I were just browsing and looking around youtube for funny commercials. I found this international commercial for dvd players from Thailand. Their known for their super funny commercials. Here is the link... Seriously you wont regret it... 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=0utqE0o7PTQ

Valuation of MBA

Hi Everyone,

Just had a short discussion with T.J. in the library and we thought this is a very interesting topic to share with everyone here. 

We are thinking about the investment in a MBA program in terms of money and time, comparing to investing in something else. For example, the real estate market. Given the opportunity cost of not going to school, what was the major factor in your decision to go for your MBA?

For example, with $80,000 investment in the Real estate market now, we may have a even more than 50% of return in future years. Or with some professional certificates, we may have even higher leverage for our future career path.

SO what do you think about your Opportunity Cost for this MBA program?

Networking

Hi guys,

I just received an invitation from my undergrad school, Santa Clara, for their networking gathering. Like Mitchell said we need to develop our networking, so why not share it with you guys if you are interested.

July 12, 2008
Networking, Professional Development, and Fun!
offer learning and networking opportunities for you
provide informal BBQ lunch with Barry Posner and other faculty
For more details, visit the >>" href="http://www.scu.edu/business/alumni/reunion.cfm" target=_blank>Business School Alumni Reunion 2008 page >>>
REGISTRATION IS LIMITED so act now (RSVP here):
Early registration is just $40 (until June 20)
Regular registration ($50) runs June 21 - July 7
Invite your family and friends to the BBQ ($25 adults; $10 children under 12)
Free San Jose Earthquake tickets ($40 value; reserved in the Business School Alumni section) for the first 75 registrants
Make history and be a part of the first-ever, all-Business School alumni reunion! >>" href="http://www.register123.com/event/profile/form/index.cfm?PKformID=0x587386cd24" target=_blank>Visit the secure RSVP page here>>>
Schedule for July 12 Reunion
9:00 - 9:30 AM
Check-in and new Business School tour
9:30 - 10:45 AM
Welcome
9:45 - 10:45 AM
Speaker Presentations (choose one) * The New Entrepreneur with Graham Barnes * The New Boomer Marketplace with Mary Furlong
10:45 - 11:00 AM
Break
11:00 - 12:00 PM
Speaker Presentations (choose one) * New Age of Philanthropy with John Hopkins * Facilitated Networking
12:00 - 1:30 PM
BBQ Luncheon with Barry Posner and general networking
1:00 - 3:30 PM
San Jose Earthquakes Soccer Game -- reserved seating for Business School alumni

For those who want to improve their business vocabulary

Probably the best general list for mid-level management and executive vocabulary improvement is the one compiled for the GMAT exam. Here's a great site where you can see words and definitions in a handy format:

Click here for vocabulary builders from the GMAT list

Criteria for Grading Assignment A

Monday, June 2 Hope you had a nice weekend--although I suspect MBAI has changed your weekend habits somewhat? Let me create a comfort zone regarding your first assignment:

1. Writing a first paper for a professor is always difficult. You don't have a good feel for what I'm looking for. In the following points, I'll try to clear up any apprehensions.

2. Your last handout contains eight writing points that we haven't yet discussed in class. Please look over these relatively straight-forward points and make an effort to abide by them in your paper--but I certainly will not make these guiding principles the basis of my grade on your paper, since we haven't yet gone over them in class.

3. You've read a couple chapters on the nature of good business writing. Try to incorporate these insights into your writing.

4. If you find that my prompt (on your last handout) doesn't give you enough to write about, feel free to extend as necessary to related topics.

5. Above all, write a document that could "pass" in actual business practice. Non-native speakers in class, as I have suggested to them privately, may want to make arrangements with a native speaker to take 10 minutes for a quick review (not an edit or re-write). This review should consist of simply pointing out writing errors (or non-English expressions, which aren't really errors) and perhaps giving the non-native speaker some suggestions on how the thought at hand might be stated in standard English. You can be sure throughout the class that I will not apply "crazy" criteria to the evaluation of papers--for example, "one typo gets a F" and such nonsense. But you also realize that allowing gross errors to slip by does you no favor as you prepare for an even more successful business future. Therefore, proofread carefully and perhaps get a friend in class to proofread your paper as well. This partnership isn't cheating. In fact, it's a practice that will often be useful to you in real business practice.

Remember that I am available to you pretty much throughout each day if you need specific writing help. Although I don't want to grade papers twice, I will certainly read over what you have and help you locate problem spots.

In short, I will look for clear expression, logical organization of ideas, natural language, and careful editing in coming up with a letter grade for this first assignment. I am deeply interested in what you have to say, not just how you say it.

Art (422-6170, bell@usfca.edu, MH 116)

Critical Mass - Watch out!

Do you know what day it is? The last friday of the month. If you have never heard of critical mass, it is an assemblage (over a 1000 at times) of bikers that get together to celebrate the spirit of biking. Here in San Francisco the bikers gather at 6 p.m. at Justin Herman Plaza to start the journey. Keep your eyes and ears out for the musical bikes! Here is a video I took from a recent ride. There are many other better quality and informative videos that appear on You Tube. Check some of those out, they are interesting (search Critical Mass, SF). Here is also a url for a wikipedia description.

www.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical_Mass

www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical_Mass

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Fall Electives 2008

The time for fall registration will be here before we know it.  Many of us today were discussing the list of electives for the coming Fall Semester, so I thought that posting the elective list would stimulate some added excitement about the coming semester.  It will be interesting to see who we might have as classmates after our cohort session is over.  Here is a list of the courses being offered.

1. Financial Institutions & Management (all classes 3 credits)
2. Investment Management
3. Financial Stmnt. Reporting & Analysis
4. Marketing Research
5. Sales & Marketing Channel Mgmt.
6. International Marketing
7. Managing the Multinational Firm
8. Advanced Leadership Seminar
9. Trends in Global Communication
10. Entrepreneurial Management
11. Global Product Development
12. Creativity & Innovation
13. Spec. Topics: Sustainable Business
14. Spec. Topics: Negotiations (2 credits)

From what I understand, we are required to have 32 additional credits after the summer program for graduation. As many of us are planning to participate in the Study Tour, which is four credits, that would mean an additional 28 credits will be needed between the Fall and Spring Semesters.  Hard to believe that we are already preparing for the fall semester when we have only been here for two weeks!

Here is a poll we can all take to get an idea of how many of us will be taking which classes. 

Suggested Readings

Hey Everyone,

I was cleaning out my bookcase looking for the Lance Armstrong book and found a few more books that might be useful in relation to our current classes. If anyone is interested I have these for lending:

- Creating the Accountable Organization: A Practical Guide to Improve Performance Execution; Mark Samuel
- Managing UP: 59 Ways to Build a Career-Advancing Relationship With Your Boss; Michael & Deborah Singer Dobson
- What Got You Here Won't Get You There: How Successful People Become Even More Successful; Marshall Goldsmith
- Leading Change; John P. Kotter

My Inspiration

Hi guys, Kyle here.

I tried to post this video last week and discovered exactly how much I can learn about blog mechanics, so here's another go of it. The video is of a project the students of RISD just completed. The design challange was to create a new human powered vehicle. They developed this collapsable bike. I know what you are thinking - that collapsable bikes have been done before. And you are right. However this is the only one that uses a telescopic carbon fiber frame instead of a hinge, and a tension rod to automatically collapse the seat.

The video does not do the complexity of the bike justice. The carbon fiber frame was custom molded, and the bike also features over 30 custom designed and machined parts. The wheels are attached to the frame on only one side, creating a 'clean' side of the folded bike to protect the clothing of the rider. Also notice how light the bike is, as the rider can easily carry it in only one hand. The cherry on the top? The carrying case itself collapses into a backpack.

The students produced the finished product from scratch over a 12 week period. This included all concepting, design, and machination. Pretty impressive work for a group of design students without an engineer among them.

My brother is one of the students in this class. We spend a lot of time in out classes talking about changed thinking leading to changed results. Since my brother, Nate, has been in design school he has approached the world with a different mentality. Everywhere he goes he sees products and services with an eye towards improving them, and has literally dozens of new product ideas floating around his head at all times. He is part of my inspiration for being here, but can serve as testament to the result of changed thinking!

Enjoy,

Kyle

Winter Study Tour

Hi everyone,

This is a really early question regarding what y’all think about the Winter break Study Tour. Walking past the MBA Electives bulletin board today, I noticed the posting about the China Study Tour. I think that one reason why the program has decided to revisit Beijing and Shanghai is because the MBA program has previously experienced educational and networking successes in China. I forgot what companies the class will be visiting, but I think one is usually Google. And also from what I have seen on the website, our program has experienced India, Japan, Korea, and South America. Additionally on April 2^nd at the MBA program meet and greet, I was chatting with our classmate Ken Christopher and he stated a desire to inquire about a Study Tour to South Africa.

My main question is what is everyone’s perspective on traveling and learning abroad (for leisure and for business)?

Since each person has their own uniquely positive perspective, what Study Tour country would you want to travel to?

Also, is one of your desired MBA Study Tours going to occur within the upcoming year (Winter and/or next Summer)? If not, how feasible would it be to initiate your new Study Tour plan?

I am wondering these questions because during today’s break some of us started to lightly discuss this topic. I am also personally interested in everyone’s adventures, views, and ideas regarding travel because I love experiencing new foreign countries, cultures, and inspiration. I probably will participate during winter break, but it’s a matter of scrounging around and finding some funds.

Anyway, here are a few pieces of information that I can recall:
Dates of 12/12/2008 – 12/23/2008, 1 class and 4 units.

Thanks for reading my thoughts concerning this future class. It has been a great first 2 weeks thus far, and I believe our cohort will develop some great personal and team growth when our summer intensive courses come to close. I shall talk to everyone later.

Cory

An eco-friendly browser!

Well, maybe this browser isn't any more energy-efficient than other browsers (unlike Blackle, the energy-saving alternative to Google) or constructed from recycled html code, but it does bring you up to the minute green news from all over the world.

Flock Eco gathers all the good stuff right on your home page, providing you with a wealth of feeds, sites, and media focused on what's happening to the planet you live on. As an added benefit, Flock donates 10% of all search proceeds to environmental charities (which are chosen by the Flock users)

Although it is eco-focused, Flock Eco is not just for tree huggers. This is a fully-functioning browser that allows you to "access, create and share videos, photos, blogs, feeds and comments across social communities, media providers, and popular websites."

Give it a try - it's free!

The "Vic" Reading Assignment

Click here for Vic reading

Drunken Business Question

Alright Ladies and Gentlemen,

Here's a drunken business school question for all of you! A couple of us were having a brew the other night celebrating the close of our first week of MBAI, and yes we all agree, it is indeed I -- for Intense. I guess I should clarify; the question is not drunk, and neither were we actually, but it made for a catchy title.

My question is: If I decide to focus in Entrepreneurship during my MBAI, am I obligated to start my own business?

We were discussing the potential overlap in my Business Management undergraduate degree. If I decide NOT to start my own business, am I sacrificing knowledge that I could have gained in a different area, ex. International Business?

Are any of you feeling the same way as I am with this, maybe with a different field?

You're an Author!

Our goal is to make this blog a rich site for communication-related insights, information, and interaction. Here's how to contribute:

1. Sign in using your school email address. You will be asked to make up a password.

2. Click on "Dashboard" or "Customize" in the upper right corner of the screen.

3. Then click on the "Layout" tab.

4. Then click on "Add a New Page Element."

5. You will see displayed all the different kinds of contributions you can make to this blog--everything from a YouTube section to streaming news feeds to surveys to HTML features (such as calendars, sudoku, etc.). GO FOR IT--you won't break the blog. Try to add some new feature(s) that will amaze your classmates and keep them coming back to the blog. I will also be adding features from time to time.

6. Do we have to add a grade incentive for your participation? Let's just say that frequent, creative contributors will be favorably remembered when it comes time to put a letter grade next to your name at the end of the summer.

What Would You Like Your Classmates to Know About You?

Please share with us whatever you wish--your background, your goals for the future, your avocations, your opinions, your personality, your pets--"whatever."