QUITOS, CHRISTIAN MICHAEL M.
CUERQUIS, JAY MICHAEL
GOMEZ, LIBERT
LIMBO, ALLAN JR.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC EFFECT OF LOW RATES OF PENSION HOUSES
IN ILIGAN CITY
II. Abstract
Pension Houses in Iligan City are small businesses that offer special prices for travelers staying more than a week. They are less expensive than a full service hotel since they are family run and have limited services beyond lodging and food. However, all products and services in similar establishments and classification ideally have similar cost. The rate of the Pension Houses in Iligan City is distinct to this marketing norm. The researchers are determined to compare the rates of the pension houses across the cities of ________________, _________________, ________________________ and its socio-economic effect to the city of Iligan. This research will used secondary data to compare the prevailing pension houses rates of the mentioned cities and at the same time conduct a survey that relatively measures the socio-economic variables in this study.
III. Project description
A. Purpose
The study generally aims to determine the socio-economic effect of Pension Houses in Iligan City. The view of this study examines the __________________, _____________________, _____________________, ___________________, _____________________, ____________________, _____________________, _____________________, and _______________ as possible outcome of the problem being examined.
The researchers are also interested in describing the profile of the Pension Houses in the cities of Iligan, _____________, __________________, ____________ in terms of Capital, Rates, Number of Employees, their facilities and services.
B. Significance
Earning is the end goal of almost every establishment. Beyond economic needs of the establishment is its responsibility to the public and the community. Thus, this study aims to present this paradigm.
===========How can this study be beneficial to students, teachers, smc, city government, etc.
C. History
These small businesses may offer special prices for travelers staying more than a week. In Switzerland this definition has a wider range beyond a cheap hostel. These family run guesthouses may be located in historic old buildings, have beautifully designed rooms with private bath and usually have a restaurant for breakfast and dinner. They are less expensive than a full service hotel since they are family run and have limited services beyond lodging and food.
The history of the low rates of Pension houses in Iligan City can be traced back to ______________________________________________________________
___________. Provide the data. No probabilities. You need to provide a good data or let an owner say something about lowering the rates. There should be no assumptions from your part if you are presenting the structure of your study.
You may ask the sociologist or economies re their concerned areas. Like, areas under social structure are governance, family, etc. Areas under economics are enterprise, etc. Not so sure because this is no longer my forte… Anyway, you better search in the internet and write those areas with the corresponding definitions.
The areas that you will have to search in books or internet will supply the missing words in the Purpose.
• The output you have submitted has no difference with the one you have submitted earlier. I am monitoring your progress. Incorporate the idea that I will be proposing.
• Where is your Definition of Terms? In a separate sheet, you provide the terms that you will be using in your study. Attach it together with your 3rd draft.
• Ok…you need to improve and sharpen your thoughts. I have written some points for you to consider.
• This is your assignment to be submitted on January 21, 2008. Paperless please. Submit it here with your names and Research problem only.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Approved 2nd Draft: Level of confidence in speaking English
Lera Kay P. Lluisma
Liezl D. Padua
Nodelyn E. Pabinguit
Level of confidence in speaking English
II. Abstract
In institution where the medium of instruction is English, conversational and written English are determinants in students’ performance in Higher Education. Although these two things should parallel each other, conversational English is considered the most important especially during job interviews, class participation, meetings, etc. This is the researchers’ basis in proposing this study. Researchers’ believe that the learners’ ability to speak in the target language is dependent on a number of factors which are not solely related to their knowledge of the language systems such as grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation. Personality factors such as timidity or self-confidence play an important part, as do attitudinal factors such as perception of importance of speaking or dislike of making mistakes. While these are not directly assessed in the speaking test, they can affect students’ progress and improvement in developing their speaking skills. The point is, exploring this topic may help teachers to be aware of these factors and possibly address them in the class. This is a descriptive study with emphasis on testing the confidence level and perception of the students in speaking English.
III. Project Description
Purpose
In many testimonies, students in St. Michael’s College bear much anxiety and pressure while studying English. English is one of the languages most people in the whole world practice to communicate amidst the cultural differences. Learning the language and translate this learning to practice enables the students to apply the theories taught in school. Researchers’ believe that the higher the level a student had in communications the greater opportunity they can achieve in terms of meeting people and most of all obtaining greater opportunity in getting a job.
Learning English is important. Focusing the factors that influence people in communication is just and proper for teachers to understand strategies that best work for their students. This research is interested in examining the interest, motivation and attitudes of students as contributors to the level of confidence in speaking English.
Significance
Many studies have been done to help the students gain their confidence but rare interventions have been proven to be effective. In St. Michael’s College, intensive promotion to speaking English has been done yet still a large numbers of the students are obviously have the difficulty. This study, aims to investigate the occurrence.
History
According to the research studies (Parr et al., 1992), students with better language proficiency can adjust to the foreign environment more easily. In this case those students who have known better language are those students having the full confidence in their self. Some researchers found out that it is within the attitude of the students that makes them having the hard time to learning English as well as speaking English too. For example, there were two main reasons for the non-participation of the students in a public speech program: one was that some students had lost interest in learning English when they were in high school, and the other was others lost hope in learning English due to their poor rudimentary knowledge,(Whitehead, 1989).
Stephen Kemmis and Robin McTaggart have said: "The linking of the terms action and research highlights the essential feature of the method: trying out ideas in practice as a means of improvement and as a means of increasing knowledge.... this means that teacher's words and actions influence students very much. If the teacher were too strict and serious, the students would lose their confidence, and not participate voluntarily in class discussion. Teaching the students patiently and kind will make them love the subject and everything involves in it. Including the basic grammatical structures needed for various fundamental tasks such as narrating, describing, explaining, inquiring, expressing agreement or disagreement, giving directions, expressing belief or disbelief, and formulating conditionality. It all helps the students to understand and improve their knowledge that they can practice on their own.
• Very Good. Congratulations. I have edited some of the grammatical errors.
• Where is your Definition of Terms? Provide the important definition of the terms that you will be using in your study. Attach it together with your 3rd draft.
• You may now proceed to the plan of work, expected results, and a draft copy of your research tools (survey questionnaires, Interview questionnaires, etc). I already gave the reference materials for you to be guided.
• This is your assignment to be submitted on January 22, 2008. Paperless please. Submit it here with your names and Research problem only.
Liezl D. Padua
Nodelyn E. Pabinguit
Level of confidence in speaking English
II. Abstract
In institution where the medium of instruction is English, conversational and written English are determinants in students’ performance in Higher Education. Although these two things should parallel each other, conversational English is considered the most important especially during job interviews, class participation, meetings, etc. This is the researchers’ basis in proposing this study. Researchers’ believe that the learners’ ability to speak in the target language is dependent on a number of factors which are not solely related to their knowledge of the language systems such as grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation. Personality factors such as timidity or self-confidence play an important part, as do attitudinal factors such as perception of importance of speaking or dislike of making mistakes. While these are not directly assessed in the speaking test, they can affect students’ progress and improvement in developing their speaking skills. The point is, exploring this topic may help teachers to be aware of these factors and possibly address them in the class. This is a descriptive study with emphasis on testing the confidence level and perception of the students in speaking English.
III. Project Description
Purpose
In many testimonies, students in St. Michael’s College bear much anxiety and pressure while studying English. English is one of the languages most people in the whole world practice to communicate amidst the cultural differences. Learning the language and translate this learning to practice enables the students to apply the theories taught in school. Researchers’ believe that the higher the level a student had in communications the greater opportunity they can achieve in terms of meeting people and most of all obtaining greater opportunity in getting a job.
Learning English is important. Focusing the factors that influence people in communication is just and proper for teachers to understand strategies that best work for their students. This research is interested in examining the interest, motivation and attitudes of students as contributors to the level of confidence in speaking English.
Significance
Many studies have been done to help the students gain their confidence but rare interventions have been proven to be effective. In St. Michael’s College, intensive promotion to speaking English has been done yet still a large numbers of the students are obviously have the difficulty. This study, aims to investigate the occurrence.
History
According to the research studies (Parr et al., 1992), students with better language proficiency can adjust to the foreign environment more easily. In this case those students who have known better language are those students having the full confidence in their self. Some researchers found out that it is within the attitude of the students that makes them having the hard time to learning English as well as speaking English too. For example, there were two main reasons for the non-participation of the students in a public speech program: one was that some students had lost interest in learning English when they were in high school, and the other was others lost hope in learning English due to their poor rudimentary knowledge,(Whitehead, 1989).
Stephen Kemmis and Robin McTaggart have said: "The linking of the terms action and research highlights the essential feature of the method: trying out ideas in practice as a means of improvement and as a means of increasing knowledge.... this means that teacher's words and actions influence students very much. If the teacher were too strict and serious, the students would lose their confidence, and not participate voluntarily in class discussion. Teaching the students patiently and kind will make them love the subject and everything involves in it. Including the basic grammatical structures needed for various fundamental tasks such as narrating, describing, explaining, inquiring, expressing agreement or disagreement, giving directions, expressing belief or disbelief, and formulating conditionality. It all helps the students to understand and improve their knowledge that they can practice on their own.
• Very Good. Congratulations. I have edited some of the grammatical errors.
• Where is your Definition of Terms? Provide the important definition of the terms that you will be using in your study. Attach it together with your 3rd draft.
• You may now proceed to the plan of work, expected results, and a draft copy of your research tools (survey questionnaires, Interview questionnaires, etc). I already gave the reference materials for you to be guided.
• This is your assignment to be submitted on January 22, 2008. Paperless please. Submit it here with your names and Research problem only.
Approved 2nd Draft: Social Attributes as Factor on the Quality of Housekeeping Services in the Hotels of Iligan City
Lomansoc, Krystle Mae
Serino, Karen Ross Mae
Palaca Ronielyn
Social Attributes as Factor on the Quality of Housekeeping Services in the Hotels of Iligan City
II.Abstract:
No empirical studies are carried out to explore social attributes as a factor on the quality of housekeeping services of hotels in Iligan City. This research focuses on the hotel’s performance consisted of the services such as their housekeeping attitude towards attendance and politeness, staff’s level of abilities, knowledge, skills and experiences in transitional examination associated with the social attributes perceived by the tourists and potential tourists. It has been observed that social structure of an area is often equated to the services it can offer. For instance, perceptions that the hotel’s performances in cities like Iligan and Ozamis is unsatisfactory compared to metro cities in Mindanao. In addition, hotels here in Iligan City have an impression of low quality services not because of incomplete and not-so-modern technology or facilities but in the mere fact that it is located in a province. Measuring the services and performance of the hotels in Iligan is challenging due it is an untapped potential for the socio-economic development of the city of Iligan. This research emphasizes those establishments that only met the establishment standards of hotels in order to operate. This is a descriptive study that needs to conduct survey to gather the responses of tourists in order to test whether social attributes associated to Iligan can explain the performances of hotel more specially their housekeeping services.
III. Project Description:
A.Purpose
This project will identify social characteristics associated to Iligan City that significantly affect the housekeeping services in different hotels. Furthermore, the research will explore the relationship between social attributes and the quality of housekeeping services in Iligan City.
B.Significance
This study focuses on investigating the social attributes that affect the performance of services of all the hotels in Iligan. The view is that by focusing on social attributes as factor to the housekeeping services in the hotels of Iligan City, it would help us improve and develop hotels through marketing the good social image of the city. The development stakeholders will be guided in marketing the hotels of Iligan through appropriate marketing strategies guided by the information provided by this study.
As a student, this project is related to the course which will serve as an unleashing tool of the knowledge and talents in the field of Tourism and hospitality industry.
To SMC, this inquiry will have an enormous contribution especially to the HRM students for the reason that they will have a supplementary learning on what housekeeping really is. Furthermore, we expect that the possible outcome will be used for the betterment of the performances.
• Ok. Congratulations. You have passed the 2nd test.
• Where is your Definition of Terms? You need to define your operational terms, otherwise some might be confused. You attach the definition of with your 3rd draft.
• You may now proceed to the plan of work, expected results, and a draft copy of your research tools (FGD, survey questionnaires, etc). I already gave the reference materials for you to be guided.
• This is your assignment to be submitted on January 22, 2008. Paperless please. Submit it here with your names and Research problem only.
Serino, Karen Ross Mae
Palaca Ronielyn
Social Attributes as Factor on the Quality of Housekeeping Services in the Hotels of Iligan City
II.Abstract:
No empirical studies are carried out to explore social attributes as a factor on the quality of housekeeping services of hotels in Iligan City. This research focuses on the hotel’s performance consisted of the services such as their housekeeping attitude towards attendance and politeness, staff’s level of abilities, knowledge, skills and experiences in transitional examination associated with the social attributes perceived by the tourists and potential tourists. It has been observed that social structure of an area is often equated to the services it can offer. For instance, perceptions that the hotel’s performances in cities like Iligan and Ozamis is unsatisfactory compared to metro cities in Mindanao. In addition, hotels here in Iligan City have an impression of low quality services not because of incomplete and not-so-modern technology or facilities but in the mere fact that it is located in a province. Measuring the services and performance of the hotels in Iligan is challenging due it is an untapped potential for the socio-economic development of the city of Iligan. This research emphasizes those establishments that only met the establishment standards of hotels in order to operate. This is a descriptive study that needs to conduct survey to gather the responses of tourists in order to test whether social attributes associated to Iligan can explain the performances of hotel more specially their housekeeping services.
III. Project Description:
A.Purpose
This project will identify social characteristics associated to Iligan City that significantly affect the housekeeping services in different hotels. Furthermore, the research will explore the relationship between social attributes and the quality of housekeeping services in Iligan City.
B.Significance
This study focuses on investigating the social attributes that affect the performance of services of all the hotels in Iligan. The view is that by focusing on social attributes as factor to the housekeeping services in the hotels of Iligan City, it would help us improve and develop hotels through marketing the good social image of the city. The development stakeholders will be guided in marketing the hotels of Iligan through appropriate marketing strategies guided by the information provided by this study.
As a student, this project is related to the course which will serve as an unleashing tool of the knowledge and talents in the field of Tourism and hospitality industry.
To SMC, this inquiry will have an enormous contribution especially to the HRM students for the reason that they will have a supplementary learning on what housekeeping really is. Furthermore, we expect that the possible outcome will be used for the betterment of the performances.
• Ok. Congratulations. You have passed the 2nd test.
• Where is your Definition of Terms? You need to define your operational terms, otherwise some might be confused. You attach the definition of with your 3rd draft.
• You may now proceed to the plan of work, expected results, and a draft copy of your research tools (FGD, survey questionnaires, etc). I already gave the reference materials for you to be guided.
• This is your assignment to be submitted on January 22, 2008. Paperless please. Submit it here with your names and Research problem only.
Approved 2nd Draft: RESTORING THE TRADITIONAL ILIGANON CUISINES
RESTORING THE TRADITIONAL ILIGANON CUISINES
ABSTRACT
The history and evolution of Iliganon cuisine was said to have been shaped by economic, political, climatic, geographic, cultural, historic, religion and ethnic influences. With the growing population dominated by settlers with varying socio-economic profile, the influences that shaped Iliganon cuisine is affected. This however, is the researchers’ motivation to explore the traditional main dishes, desserts and specialties of Iliganon, and examine possible strategies to preserve and introduce this cuisine along with the global ones. This study will have to employ both qualitative and quantitative approach in research. A focus Group Discussion with Key Informants will have to be conducted to determine the cuisines to be subjected in this study. Moreover, a survey measuring the validity of some variables need to be conducted.
III. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
A. Purpose
This study aims to restore the Traditional Iliganon Cuisine. In the course of the study, the researchers seek to answer the following questions:
1. What are the cuisines…… will be classified according to type of dishes such as main dish, desserts and specialties.
2. How do these Iliganon cuisines differ from other cuisines?
3. What is the perceived link of the Iliganon Cuisines to the development of the City?
4. What is the descriptive profile of Iliganon in terms of religion, age, and food preferences?
5. ….you list other research questions that are interesting.
B. Significance
As a researcher who has participated in a number of researcher related to food and cuisines (really? How many?), this is a good study to enhance a better understanding, knowledge, skills and passion in different kinds of food, dishes and culinary procedures in the localized setting.
Cultural understanding among the fellow Iliganon will be aimed in the proposed study. This can motivate the teachers and students in restoring Iliganon Cuisines because they are directly in contact to tourism and hospitality industries. The basic premise of this study is the ability of the tourism and hospitality professionals to influence Iliganon food preferences and patronage through adoption and promotion.
There has been no conclusive study that explores the possibilities in promoting entrepreneurship, stimulating infrastructure investment, generating jobs and increasing our country’s foreign exchange through traditional Iliganon Cuisines. These are significant contributions to sustain the development of Iligan City and the Philippines as whole.
C. The Study and its Related Literature
The last century has produced enormous improvements in food production, preservation, storage and shipping. Today almost every locale in the world has access to not only its traditional cuisine, but also too many other world cuisines as well. New cuisines are constantly evolving, as certain aesthetic rise and fall in popularity among professional place and cities. (www.google.com)
“Food and Cuisine” are, after all part of a country’s history and cultures and we cannot detract from their social dimension. When it comes to food, people can be categorized into: 1) Those open to new ways and ideas and 2) Those who will always judge food based on what they grew up with their minds closed to any other versions. (Article in Code Red Magazine, 2007). (Culinary Institute of America)
===============link this statement to your research questions. You need to analyze the consequences both socio and economic factors. The categories of people you have mentioned is very interesting. At this point, my understanding is the traditional iliganon cuisines existence is determined in the management of these two categories. As such, those open to new ways and ideas will have to be strengthened by regularly bringing back the times of serving the traditional while still introducing the cuisines that are not Iliganons. Those closed to any changes and would not like to try Iliganon cuisines will now become the challenge of the HRM students and teachers to stimulate their interest to such.
In addition to food, Iliganon Cuisine may vary from different dishes like main dishes, desserts and specialties. Two famous specialties are the “Pinakurat” as tapa or kilawin and Chedings Peanut. In desserts, “binaki”, “suman ibus”, “suman balanghoy” are some known desserts in Iligan City. Furthermore, Iliganon Cuisine is said to have been remained its ethnicity, native ingredients and peculiar cooking methods. (www.yahoo.com) =============where is your main dishes?
This proposed study gauges from the results mentioned above. Profiling the Traditional Iliganon Cuisines deemed to show uniqueness and honorability of proposing this subject.
======The output you have submitted has no difference with the one you have submitted earlier. I am monitoring your progress. Incorporate the idea that I will be proposing.
======Where is your Definition of Terms? In a separate sheet, you provide the terms that you will be using in your study. Attach it together with your 3rd draft.
======Ok…you need to improve and sharpen your thoughts. I have written some points for you to consider. You may now proceed to the plan of work, expected results, and a draft copy of your research tools (FGD and survey questionnaires). I already gave the reference materials for you to be guided.
======This is your assignment to be submitted on January 22, 2008. Paperless please. Submit it here with your names and Research problem only.
ABSTRACT
The history and evolution of Iliganon cuisine was said to have been shaped by economic, political, climatic, geographic, cultural, historic, religion and ethnic influences. With the growing population dominated by settlers with varying socio-economic profile, the influences that shaped Iliganon cuisine is affected. This however, is the researchers’ motivation to explore the traditional main dishes, desserts and specialties of Iliganon, and examine possible strategies to preserve and introduce this cuisine along with the global ones. This study will have to employ both qualitative and quantitative approach in research. A focus Group Discussion with Key Informants will have to be conducted to determine the cuisines to be subjected in this study. Moreover, a survey measuring the validity of some variables need to be conducted.
III. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
A. Purpose
This study aims to restore the Traditional Iliganon Cuisine. In the course of the study, the researchers seek to answer the following questions:
1. What are the cuisines…… will be classified according to type of dishes such as main dish, desserts and specialties.
2. How do these Iliganon cuisines differ from other cuisines?
3. What is the perceived link of the Iliganon Cuisines to the development of the City?
4. What is the descriptive profile of Iliganon in terms of religion, age, and food preferences?
5. ….you list other research questions that are interesting.
B. Significance
As a researcher who has participated in a number of researcher related to food and cuisines (really? How many?), this is a good study to enhance a better understanding, knowledge, skills and passion in different kinds of food, dishes and culinary procedures in the localized setting.
Cultural understanding among the fellow Iliganon will be aimed in the proposed study. This can motivate the teachers and students in restoring Iliganon Cuisines because they are directly in contact to tourism and hospitality industries. The basic premise of this study is the ability of the tourism and hospitality professionals to influence Iliganon food preferences and patronage through adoption and promotion.
There has been no conclusive study that explores the possibilities in promoting entrepreneurship, stimulating infrastructure investment, generating jobs and increasing our country’s foreign exchange through traditional Iliganon Cuisines. These are significant contributions to sustain the development of Iligan City and the Philippines as whole.
C. The Study and its Related Literature
The last century has produced enormous improvements in food production, preservation, storage and shipping. Today almost every locale in the world has access to not only its traditional cuisine, but also too many other world cuisines as well. New cuisines are constantly evolving, as certain aesthetic rise and fall in popularity among professional place and cities. (www.google.com)
“Food and Cuisine” are, after all part of a country’s history and cultures and we cannot detract from their social dimension. When it comes to food, people can be categorized into: 1) Those open to new ways and ideas and 2) Those who will always judge food based on what they grew up with their minds closed to any other versions. (Article in Code Red Magazine, 2007). (Culinary Institute of America)
===============link this statement to your research questions. You need to analyze the consequences both socio and economic factors. The categories of people you have mentioned is very interesting. At this point, my understanding is the traditional iliganon cuisines existence is determined in the management of these two categories. As such, those open to new ways and ideas will have to be strengthened by regularly bringing back the times of serving the traditional while still introducing the cuisines that are not Iliganons. Those closed to any changes and would not like to try Iliganon cuisines will now become the challenge of the HRM students and teachers to stimulate their interest to such.
In addition to food, Iliganon Cuisine may vary from different dishes like main dishes, desserts and specialties. Two famous specialties are the “Pinakurat” as tapa or kilawin and Chedings Peanut. In desserts, “binaki”, “suman ibus”, “suman balanghoy” are some known desserts in Iligan City. Furthermore, Iliganon Cuisine is said to have been remained its ethnicity, native ingredients and peculiar cooking methods. (www.yahoo.com) =============where is your main dishes?
This proposed study gauges from the results mentioned above. Profiling the Traditional Iliganon Cuisines deemed to show uniqueness and honorability of proposing this subject.
======The output you have submitted has no difference with the one you have submitted earlier. I am monitoring your progress. Incorporate the idea that I will be proposing.
======Where is your Definition of Terms? In a separate sheet, you provide the terms that you will be using in your study. Attach it together with your 3rd draft.
======Ok…you need to improve and sharpen your thoughts. I have written some points for you to consider. You may now proceed to the plan of work, expected results, and a draft copy of your research tools (FGD and survey questionnaires). I already gave the reference materials for you to be guided.
======This is your assignment to be submitted on January 22, 2008. Paperless please. Submit it here with your names and Research problem only.
SMC: Pre-final Instructions
I would like to congratulate the students who have passed the Midterm Examination I gave a week ago. So you see, its easy. If you really use your brain, you can make a difference. I dont believe that you guys and gals are brainless. You just dont know how to use it to the fullest of your ability. I already told you, one cannot pass my class if you will not use your head.
Anyway, the idea here is not to ridicule the class but to present two important points that I think necessary for the class. First, from time to time, I'll be posting poll of questions located at the upper right of this site. Those questions are relevant to our class for two reasons: (1) this is a good venue for knowing your interest and my interest and (2) an evaluation on my part and your part. If you see a poll posted in the site, answer the question as honest as you can. There were 48 students enrolled in this class, and so I expect 48 votes to complete the poll. This will be formed part of your grade because I will be considering this as your Interactive Activities. Meaning, a total votes divided by 48 times 100% will automatically the class Interactive Activity Grade. I hope I made this instruction very clear.
Second point is, most of you had submitted and somewhat completed the first and second part of the Thesis proposal. Now, we only have 6 weeks to complete the course requirement and thus will determine your final grade. And so, I will not wait the other groups to complete their first and second part of the proposal. Those groups who have my approval to start the next round will have to proceed with the plan of work, expected results, and the formulation of their tools. This will be submitted on January 22, 2008. Research tools will have to be submitted in paper, not here. For those who were late, you better catch the deadline.
One more thing, all corrected output will be posted in this site three (3) working days from the time you submitted your work. And so you must regularly visit this blogsite to check whether your work has been returned or not. YOUR 3RD DRAFT, EXCEPT RESEARCH TOOLS, MUST BE POSTED AS COMMENT TO THIS BLOG.
Goodluck and more power.
Anyway, the idea here is not to ridicule the class but to present two important points that I think necessary for the class. First, from time to time, I'll be posting poll of questions located at the upper right of this site. Those questions are relevant to our class for two reasons: (1) this is a good venue for knowing your interest and my interest and (2) an evaluation on my part and your part. If you see a poll posted in the site, answer the question as honest as you can. There were 48 students enrolled in this class, and so I expect 48 votes to complete the poll. This will be formed part of your grade because I will be considering this as your Interactive Activities. Meaning, a total votes divided by 48 times 100% will automatically the class Interactive Activity Grade. I hope I made this instruction very clear.
Second point is, most of you had submitted and somewhat completed the first and second part of the Thesis proposal. Now, we only have 6 weeks to complete the course requirement and thus will determine your final grade. And so, I will not wait the other groups to complete their first and second part of the proposal. Those groups who have my approval to start the next round will have to proceed with the plan of work, expected results, and the formulation of their tools. This will be submitted on January 22, 2008. Research tools will have to be submitted in paper, not here. For those who were late, you better catch the deadline.
One more thing, all corrected output will be posted in this site three (3) working days from the time you submitted your work. And so you must regularly visit this blogsite to check whether your work has been returned or not. YOUR 3RD DRAFT, EXCEPT RESEARCH TOOLS, MUST BE POSTED AS COMMENT TO THIS BLOG.
Goodluck and more power.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Writing your report for readers
As observed, many of you had the difficulty submitting your 1st draft research proposal due to your inability to present and write a logical research questions. As I've mentioned, research is logic. And to be good in logic, you need to be a critical thinker to be good in research.
Anyway, I've presented two important issues for you to think. First, your inability to construct a logical research statements which I doubt if you can learn that in one minute. Development is a process and if you intend to learn logic, you better start it now. Second, you inability to write you thoughts and this is I think critical because your output is your written report.
I will have to cling and discuss more of writing your report technically for technical and non-technical readers. Often, you are misguided with the difference between feature and technical writing. What I asked you to write is the technical report and not a feature report. Most of you submitted the latter.
Good technical reports don't just happen. They are "designed". Their design may be learned and that knowledge can be applied in your everyday work in the same way as you apply your other technical skills. We cannot all be William Shakespeare or Ernest Hemingway, but it is possible to acquire enough writing skill to write simple, declarative sentences and readable reports. Subjects you know about, you can also learn to write about. That is the reason why you have to take major subjects prior to writing your thesis.
The first step that you need to take to be an effective technical writer is to know your audience. In our case, some of your would-be panelists are not directly related to HRM which means that they are not technically knowledgeable in your reseach topic. And so, you must artistically translate the technical terms and statements in simple and declarative sentences.
One of your tasks, as technical writer, is to provide whatever information may be missing so that your readers will understand your message. You have to do some guessing in this because you may not know all of the people who will read your report. If in doubt, it is best to include a little more information rather than a little less. This must be done carefully so that you don't insult your readers by implying that they are more ignorant than they are. In general though, the wider the range of knowledge among your audiences, the more basic information you will need to include.
Each of your readers will use your report in a somewhat different way. For example, the Finance Director needs budget figures so that he knows how your proposal may affect the rest of the organization. A City Councilor will look for the political effects of the plan you propose. A Regulatory Agency reviewer may be expected to look for compliance with existing rules.
For each main audience group, ask yourself how they may use your report. If the subject of the report is at all controversial, then you must also anticipate that some audience members who oppose your plan may attempt to use your report against you. Knowing that in advance is a great advantage and allows you to anticipate that criticism and include answers to those objections in the report.
Most of us have prejudices of some kind or another. If you've worked with your current boss for a long time you probably know some things he/she likes and some things he/she doesn't like. For example, you might know that the boss doesn't like complicated solutions but prefers simpler ideas. Knowing that tells you clearly how you must fashion your report to gain approval. If you have a choice, a simpler solution to the problem is more likely to win favor. If you don't have a choice; i.e., if you can't find a simple solution, then you will want to point that out in the report and explain why you can't present a simple answer to the technical question.
Apart from their personal preferences, each of your readers will have concerns that relate to their jobs. Some are obvious such as, Production Managers, Finance Directors, Regulatory Specialists, etc. Your report must address their concerns if those audience members are in the decision making loop. Ignoring any legitimate concern of this kind will ensure that your report will either not be approved or worse yet, if approved, will not be supported and implemented by some important members of the team.
Finally, it is human nature for each of us to look at any proposal from our own selfish point of view. Many people view change as threatening. Suggestions to change the way things have been done for a long time will almost always meet resistance, especially from those who may have a career interest in keeping things the way they are. Be alert to these feelings as you write your report. Be certain that when you do recommend change that it is really necessary or desirable. If you are convinced that it is, then ask yourself, who will resist it? Then be prepared to offer those who might be opposed some reasons to support the change so that it will be less threatening to them.
No matter how widely varied your audiences' interests are there are two things everyone of them may be expected to understand. These are time and money. Your report must answer these two basic questions for every reader. They should know what your idea will cost and how long will take to accomplish.
So you must analyze your reader. The idea above is simple if you start it now. The next blog I will be discussing is framing a good technical problem. You read it and compare the statements you have submitted.
Anyway, I've presented two important issues for you to think. First, your inability to construct a logical research statements which I doubt if you can learn that in one minute. Development is a process and if you intend to learn logic, you better start it now. Second, you inability to write you thoughts and this is I think critical because your output is your written report.
I will have to cling and discuss more of writing your report technically for technical and non-technical readers. Often, you are misguided with the difference between feature and technical writing. What I asked you to write is the technical report and not a feature report. Most of you submitted the latter.
Good technical reports don't just happen. They are "designed". Their design may be learned and that knowledge can be applied in your everyday work in the same way as you apply your other technical skills. We cannot all be William Shakespeare or Ernest Hemingway, but it is possible to acquire enough writing skill to write simple, declarative sentences and readable reports. Subjects you know about, you can also learn to write about. That is the reason why you have to take major subjects prior to writing your thesis.
The first step that you need to take to be an effective technical writer is to know your audience. In our case, some of your would-be panelists are not directly related to HRM which means that they are not technically knowledgeable in your reseach topic. And so, you must artistically translate the technical terms and statements in simple and declarative sentences.
One of your tasks, as technical writer, is to provide whatever information may be missing so that your readers will understand your message. You have to do some guessing in this because you may not know all of the people who will read your report. If in doubt, it is best to include a little more information rather than a little less. This must be done carefully so that you don't insult your readers by implying that they are more ignorant than they are. In general though, the wider the range of knowledge among your audiences, the more basic information you will need to include.
Each of your readers will use your report in a somewhat different way. For example, the Finance Director needs budget figures so that he knows how your proposal may affect the rest of the organization. A City Councilor will look for the political effects of the plan you propose. A Regulatory Agency reviewer may be expected to look for compliance with existing rules.
For each main audience group, ask yourself how they may use your report. If the subject of the report is at all controversial, then you must also anticipate that some audience members who oppose your plan may attempt to use your report against you. Knowing that in advance is a great advantage and allows you to anticipate that criticism and include answers to those objections in the report.
Most of us have prejudices of some kind or another. If you've worked with your current boss for a long time you probably know some things he/she likes and some things he/she doesn't like. For example, you might know that the boss doesn't like complicated solutions but prefers simpler ideas. Knowing that tells you clearly how you must fashion your report to gain approval. If you have a choice, a simpler solution to the problem is more likely to win favor. If you don't have a choice; i.e., if you can't find a simple solution, then you will want to point that out in the report and explain why you can't present a simple answer to the technical question.
Apart from their personal preferences, each of your readers will have concerns that relate to their jobs. Some are obvious such as, Production Managers, Finance Directors, Regulatory Specialists, etc. Your report must address their concerns if those audience members are in the decision making loop. Ignoring any legitimate concern of this kind will ensure that your report will either not be approved or worse yet, if approved, will not be supported and implemented by some important members of the team.
Finally, it is human nature for each of us to look at any proposal from our own selfish point of view. Many people view change as threatening. Suggestions to change the way things have been done for a long time will almost always meet resistance, especially from those who may have a career interest in keeping things the way they are. Be alert to these feelings as you write your report. Be certain that when you do recommend change that it is really necessary or desirable. If you are convinced that it is, then ask yourself, who will resist it? Then be prepared to offer those who might be opposed some reasons to support the change so that it will be less threatening to them.
No matter how widely varied your audiences' interests are there are two things everyone of them may be expected to understand. These are time and money. Your report must answer these two basic questions for every reader. They should know what your idea will cost and how long will take to accomplish.
So you must analyze your reader. The idea above is simple if you start it now. The next blog I will be discussing is framing a good technical problem. You read it and compare the statements you have submitted.
The problem and the writer
Though you are still students, we cannot escape the fact that you will be graduating and will most likely engage in managerial positions that require you to make technical reports. As mentioned, in any research work you need to begin in the formulation of your research problem.
In this case, your first task will usually be to define the problem to be solved. It has been said that a clear, unambiguous problem statement is three quarters of the solution. Early in the report you must let your reader know what those problems are. Is the report intended merely to describe some factual situation or, as is more likely, is it intended to influence someone to do something?
Often the simplest way to begin is with the lowly list. On a piece of paper begin listing the problems to be solved as you understand them. Don't be too critical at this stage of the process. Don't be overwhelmed with hatred (if you have it) or any intense feeling. Stick on with objectivity rather than subjectivity. Your aim here is to simply get these ideas down on paper so you can refine them later. List all the problems you think might need to be addressed in your report but don't worry about how, or even if, you can solve them.
Once you're out of ideas and satisfied that you've identified most of the problems, begin editing them. See if you can eliminate some first. Are some of the things you've listed unimportant? Are some beyond what you were originally asked to do? Are some so difficult that you can't hope to solve them within the budget and time constraints of this project? If so, eliminate those and see what you're left with.
Now prioritize the remaining problems putting the most important first and secondary or minor problems last. The last, and most difficult step comes now. Try to state each problem as precisely, but as generally as you can. It is important that you state the problem in the broadest possible terms at this early stage in the process so that you don't cut yourself off from possible solutions or fail to investigate promising, though unlikely, alternatives.
You, as technical writer, have a second equally, important job in defining the rhetorical purpose of your report, and each of its parts.
Ask your self first, Why Write This Report? The reasons will usually fall into the following general categories:
· To Persuade or Cause Change
· To Inform or Report Results
· To Support a Decision to be Reached
· To Obtain Funding or Support for Future Work or Research
From these, select the one that best describes the most important reason you are writing. That will be the basis of your rhetorical problem statement which should appear early in your report and in any cover document you use to transmit it. Remember that your reader wants to know first, Why Should I take My Valuable Time to Read this Report? Unless you give him/her an acceptable answer your report will not be read, period.
Unless, and until, you have defined both the technical problems to be solved and the rhetorical reason you are writing the report you can't answer such questions as; what am I doing, why am I doing this, how am I going to do this, and how will I convince others that what I have done is worthwhile ?
In this case, your first task will usually be to define the problem to be solved. It has been said that a clear, unambiguous problem statement is three quarters of the solution. Early in the report you must let your reader know what those problems are. Is the report intended merely to describe some factual situation or, as is more likely, is it intended to influence someone to do something?
Often the simplest way to begin is with the lowly list. On a piece of paper begin listing the problems to be solved as you understand them. Don't be too critical at this stage of the process. Don't be overwhelmed with hatred (if you have it) or any intense feeling. Stick on with objectivity rather than subjectivity. Your aim here is to simply get these ideas down on paper so you can refine them later. List all the problems you think might need to be addressed in your report but don't worry about how, or even if, you can solve them.
Once you're out of ideas and satisfied that you've identified most of the problems, begin editing them. See if you can eliminate some first. Are some of the things you've listed unimportant? Are some beyond what you were originally asked to do? Are some so difficult that you can't hope to solve them within the budget and time constraints of this project? If so, eliminate those and see what you're left with.
Now prioritize the remaining problems putting the most important first and secondary or minor problems last. The last, and most difficult step comes now. Try to state each problem as precisely, but as generally as you can. It is important that you state the problem in the broadest possible terms at this early stage in the process so that you don't cut yourself off from possible solutions or fail to investigate promising, though unlikely, alternatives.
You, as technical writer, have a second equally, important job in defining the rhetorical purpose of your report, and each of its parts.
Ask your self first, Why Write This Report? The reasons will usually fall into the following general categories:
· To Persuade or Cause Change
· To Inform or Report Results
· To Support a Decision to be Reached
· To Obtain Funding or Support for Future Work or Research
From these, select the one that best describes the most important reason you are writing. That will be the basis of your rhetorical problem statement which should appear early in your report and in any cover document you use to transmit it. Remember that your reader wants to know first, Why Should I take My Valuable Time to Read this Report? Unless you give him/her an acceptable answer your report will not be read, period.
Unless, and until, you have defined both the technical problems to be solved and the rhetorical reason you are writing the report you can't answer such questions as; what am I doing, why am I doing this, how am I going to do this, and how will I convince others that what I have done is worthwhile ?
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