Group Work Reflection Example

Group Work Reflection Example In today’s work culture and dynamic environment educational institutions and organizations require students and employees to work together in groups at certain tolerant and coordinative levels, thus proving â€Å"experience of working in group or teams† (Blease, 2006 cited Kelly, and P.2007). The students are asked to work in groups as it allows students to learn interactively. Moreover the researchers report that, regardless of the subject matter; students working in small groups tend to learn more of what is taught and retain it longer than when the same content is presented in other instructional formats (Barbara Gross Davis, Tools for teaching). There are number of possible reasons why students are asked to work in small groups. Some of them are as follows: Generating a broad array of possible alternative points of view or solution to a problem Giving students a chance to work on a project that is too large or complex for an individual Allowing students with different background to bring their special knowledge, experience , or skills to a project , and to explain their orientation to others Giving students a chance to teach others Giving students a structured experience so they can practice kills applicable to professional situations There are numbers of benefits for students working in groups for short period of time or large projects such as: Students who have difficulty talking in class may speak in a small group. More students, overall, have a chance to participate in class. Talking in groups can help overcome the anonymity and passivity of a large class or a class meeting in a properly designed room. Students who expect to participate actively prepare for class. Students get prepared for their professional future. Our group was formed to complete an assignment on a case study â€Å"Merged School Business†. The assignment was to critically analyse the case study and to find out the problems in the merger and then provide recommendations on strategies and practices to management. The purpose of this report is to reflect my experience on our group assignment. In this report I will discuss my experience in relation to formation of our group, organization of work and how did we manage our group work. Group Formation This is the initial stage. This is the time when the group members and the tasks of the group will be decided. Students can form their own groups or either they can be assigned. Our case falls in first category teacher gave us some time to form our group so we selected our group members and formed a group of five. We were familiar to each other faces as we all were class mates; but at that time everyone introduce himself/herself to others. We decided to select a leader to make communication smooth and clear, than we took contact numbers from each other. We also discuss a bit about our group assignment that what needs to be done. Everyone shared their ideas on the project. Organization of Work The first challenge faced after group formation was how to organise the work to complete the task on time. At first stage we divided the task in to smaller pieces and assign these parts to each team member. Developing a time line is the best way to complete the task on time, so we decided for each task when it should be completed. Now all team members know who will do what, in what format and by when. We made our Gantt chart like this: *Denotes task for meeting Understanding and Managing Group Processes In order to perform effectively in a group it is important to understand and manage group processes properly. Some suggestions in this regard are as under: Group work best if everyone has a chance to make strong contributions to the group project and to the discussion at meetings. At the beginning of each meeting, decide what you except to have accomplished by the end of meeting. Select someone from group to write ideas to record all meetings and group’s decisions. Allocate responsibility for group process; in order to do that a group leader can be selected. Save some time towards the end of the first meeting and periodically as the group continues; to check in with each other on how the process is working. By following the mentioned group process we proceeded with our group assignment as follows: Including Everyone and Their Ideas: We gave a chance to everyone to contribute their ideas about assignment. Our goal was to produce as many ideas as possible. We listened all the ideas carefully and then we mentioned all the ideas sheet so we don’t forget them or they don’t get lost. By using this approach we improved our group work a lot and did some creative modifications as well. Group Leadership Group leadership helps to work group more effectively, so we chosen a group leader. The group leadership helped us in number of ways such as: Group leader was responsible to monitor that the work is organized to get it done. He was also responsible for understanding and managing group interactions to keep the positive atmosphere. The leader also encouraged every one’s contributions with an eye to accomplish the work. In order to do this, he observed our group work process to check is the group moving quickly, leaving some people behind? Is it time to shift focus to another aspects of the task? He also encouraged group interactions and maintained a positive atmosphere. He also anticipated what information, material or other resources the group needs as it works. He was also responsible for beginning and ending on time. So he planed work accordingly. Focusing on Direction After we gathered a large numbers of ideas we categorize and examine them. Then we choose some ideas among all of them. Then we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each of them. We also ask group members to vote for ideas that helped us to eliminate some of them. Moreover based on this voting we rank the ideas in priority order and then finalized them. Making a Decision After everyone’s views are heard and all the points of agreement and disagreement are identified, the group tried to arrive at an agreement that makes sense to everyone. Decisions are an important for group. So we were quiet careful in deciding. Our group made all the decisions based on all members’s input. Problems Here are some problems which we encountered during our group project: Floundering: While we were figuring out the work and were trying to decide everyone’s role in the group, the group work got a bit delayed and some work got postponed. Dominating or Reluctant Participants: Some of the group members were taking more share of the discussion by talking too often by telling lengthy stories and by not letting others finish. While others were speaking rarely as they were having difficulty to get in the conversation. Digressions and Tangents: As some group members were telling many interesting side stories it was acting as an obstacle in group progress and we were lagging behind out timeline. Getting Stuck: After giving the case background and highlighting some issues we got stuck at solutions or possible strategic solutions. This problem was moving our group progress down than expected. Recommendations/Solutions In order to improve the group project and get better results we can give some recommendations to mentioned problems such as: To avoid delays in work at initial level some sentences can really help such as: Here’s my understanding of what we are trying to accomplish. Do you all agree? What would help us move forward: data? Resource? Let’s take a few minutes to hear everyone’s suggestions about how this process might work better and what we should do next. In order to discourage dominating people humour can be used. For the people who do not speak non verbal actions such as looking at them can be used to include them in discussion. Moreover asking quiet participant about their thoughts outside the group may lead their participation within group. In order to stick with main theme of discussion, try to summarize where discussion was before digression. When a group feels that it is not making a progress they should look on the things which are preventing them from progression. Conclusion At the end of the project, what matters the most is what we have learned from our group work experiences. During the tenure of working together, situations cropped up and tested us on the scales of making the decisions and handling the pressures and exceptions. As per Belbin (1993), Team performance is influenced by the kinds of people making up a group, and testing indicates that certain combinations of personality-types perform more successfully than others but the key to its implementation is how the team analyzes its performance and then adapts the situation so as the result can be achieved. Team work was definitely one of the most important aspects of our project. We would have been unable to accomplish anything if we had not worked together. Even though the design process was broken up into individual pieces, we often consulted with one another when we ran into difficulties with our work. Team work was definitely one of the most important aspects of this project. We would have been unable to accomplish anything if we had not worked together. Even though the design process was broken up into individual pieces, we often consulted with one another when we ran into difficulties with our work. As a result we managed to achieve a strong out come thus enhancing our knowledge, competencies and empowering group as a whole. References Ellen Sarkisian, Derek Bok Center., 2007. â€Å"Working in Groups† Derek Bok Center for teaching and Learning,Harvard University J. Sketchley, A. Mejia, I. Aitken et al., Work Improvement in Health Services. Geneva: World Health Organization, 1986 Moon J.(2004), A Handbook of Reflective and Experiential Learning, London, Routledge Falmer Experience of working in groups or teams, Human Resource management,UkEssay.com

Ramrod Case Questions and Answers Essay

1.What kinds of products and technologies does Benson Metals use? How have these been changing recently? Benson Metals, a medium-sized maker of specialty steel products, has traditionally used a craftsliketechnology to produce a variety of metals. In terms of Perrow’s model of technology, task variety andtask analyzability are low, as there is still guesswork, skill, and even some â€Å"black magic† inmanufacturing products. Benson also produces metals in very small quantities—pounds not tons—so thatin terms of Woodward’s model it is small batch, and the skills and knowledge of production people aremore important than machines in getting the job done—task complexity is low. Recently, the company has moved into making sophisticated and technically difficult steels for theaerospace industry. Not only are they difficult to produce, these steels require more research skills,metallurgical analysis, and delicate handling in all stages of production. They are produced to verystringent specifications. In terms of Perrow’s model, task variety has increased and task analyzability hasfallen—production is more nonroutine and research oriented and depends more on the skills, experience,knowledge, and judgment of production personnel. Companies cannot imitate these skills, so they form acompetitive advantage. The environment surrounding the company has changed to more uncertainty because a new range of products is manufactured. Both technology and environment have changed,affecting the contingencies facing the company, and increasing potential risks and returns. 2.What problems is Benson Metals encountering as it changes products and technologies? An increased level of conflict between sales and production poses a problem. Production is responding tothe new pressures facing the organization, yet it is continually fighting with sales. Sales wants a rapidresponse to unexpected customer requests or tries to discover production’s plans or when the finished product will be ready.Morale is falling as the effects of these conflicts spread. Managers in different functions are taking sides,usually siding with sales against Ramrod and production. Communication and decision-making haveslowed as a result of uncooperative attitudes. Integration between functions is falling. This is dangerousfor nonroutine  technology that requires a high level of differentiation and integration to be effective. 3.What is causing these problems in Benson Metals? The sources of the conflict can be isolated. Keep the discussion focused on the people, principallyRamrod, and examine what he is doing wrong; this approach makes the later analysis of power moredramatic.The attitudes and behavior of Ramrod Stockwell cause the problem. Although he is competent, he causesconflict within his own function and other functions. In his own function he fails to delegate authorityand keeps the reins of power in his own hands. He has a centralized management style and does not shareinformation, which makes it impossible for subordinates to provide salespeople with the information theyneed. He does not follow the chain of command; he goes to people only when he needs them. Violatinglines of authority reduces the authority of his managers and also leaves them uninformed.His attitudes affect relationships with other functions, especially sales, because he also does not allowsubordinates to share any but routine information. Because of the centralization of autho rity in production, subordinates do not possess information. Only Rob Bronson, the vice president of sales, canget information from Ramrod, and he is too busy to do so (and too proud since he would have to admit 232 dependency on Ramrod). Stockwell says something can be done but fails to provide an accurate timeframe, making planning difficult for sales and other departments—making them dependent on Ramrod.Ramrod is a â€Å"rough diamond† and has little social contact with other top managers at Benson Metals,which further isolates him. Managers have suggested sensitivity training to help him better communicateand delegate.The conclusion is that Ramrod is the problem—his attitudes and values. What is the solution? FireRamrod? After the pros and cons have been considered (the firm would lose his valuable skills andexpertise), the instructor can turn the discussion to the issue of the company power structure; studentsrarely raise this issue. 4.In the past, which function has had the most power in Benson Metals? How has the power relationship between production and sales been changing recently? Traditionally, sales has enjoyed most of the power: †¢Ã‚  President Tom Hollis worked with Fred Benson and was the sales director. †¢Ã‚  Most of the â€Å"assistant to† managers groomed for promotion come from sales. †¢Ã‚  Sales gets the credit for good work while production is blamed in the bad years. †¢Ã‚  Sales can slip orders into the production process, although, as in the Continental Can case,this causes significant problems that will increase as the sophistication of the metalsincreases. †¢Ã‚  Production managers play second fiddle to salespeople: They have inferior facilities andlimited access to resources and to top managers.The traditional power of sales reflects the fact that in the past, the main contingency facing Benson wasto sell its products in a competitive market against four or five other companies who compete for thesame customers. In this environment, developing customer relationships and servicing customers is veryimportant. Recently the environment has changed and production has become more important—only production can produce the kinds of steels customers want. In the new competitive environment: †¢Ã‚  Production controls the main contingencies. †¢Ã‚  Production has become central and nonsubstitutable. †¢Ã‚  Production reduces the uncertainty facing sales, not vice versa. Even though the power of production is increasing, Benson’s internal power structure does not reflectthis change. Rob Bronson, the sales manager realizes the change but deliberately avoids a change in thestatus of sales, and the result is conflict.The message is that maybe Ramrod is not the problem; it is Benson’s unchanged internal power structurein a changed environment. Ramrod’s attitudes and behaviors seem logical once it is understood that hewants to increase his function’s power and status in the organization: †¢Ã‚  He doesn’t delegate authority and share information to increase his power over sales. †¢Ã‚  Information is a power resource, and by hoarding information he can increase the uncertaintyof other departments and their dependence on him. †¢Ã‚  He agrees to all requests but gives no feedback. This increases his power and makes himnonsubstitutable.Ramrod, consciously or unconsciously, is withholding information to increase the dependence of otherson him and to change the balance of power in his favor. A strong CEO would understand this and might 233 publicly recognize the importance of production and correct the imbalance. The chairman and his son areweak and the president is from sales, so nothing is being done. The level of conflict is escalating as salesfights back. 5.Suggest some ways to try to solve the problems the company is experiencing. What would be a good strategy for change? There are several ways of increasing the power of production vis-à  -vis sales. †¢Ã‚  Like Continental Can, Benson should create a production control department to buffer salesand production and reduce or eliminate sales’ ability to slip new customer orders into the production process. All requests should flow through production control, which transmitsthem to production. This reduces sales’ traditional power over production and helps promotea power balance. †¢Ã‚  The support of top management is vital for a change in attitudes, and top management needsto recognize the increased status of production publicly. †¢Ã‚  To increase the status of production, top management can improve manufacturing facilitiesand give Ramrod a bigger office and staff, a more central location, and greater access to topmanagement. †¢Ã‚  Create a task force to examine how environmental changes affect working relationships andto increase perceptions of the importance and status of production. †¢Ã‚  Send Stockwell to a management training course to improve his skills at delegation.

Discuss the Claim Made by Some Sociologists That in Modern Societies Religion Is Losing Its Social Significance Essay

Secularisation is the process of the decline of religious beliefs. Secularization can be measured in two ways. Firstly, there is the institutional approach that deals with church attendance and the societal approach which deals with the decline of people’s beliefs. Of course which method one chooses depends on how you define religion. Some sociologists such as Comte, Durkheim and Weber as well as others all believe that religion is indeed losing its social significance in modern societies. They believe that with industrialization, people would turn to rationalization. However, there are others that don’t agree that religion is losing its significance. Firstly Comte believes that society would go through three (3) stages. The first stage is the metaphysical stage where everything is controlled by abstract forces, the second stage is known as the theological stage in which philosophy would explain society and the final stage, the positive stage is where science dominates the society. As such, he didn’t see the existence of religion at all in society. In addition, Durkheim believes that with industrialization and the introduction of science and technology, religion would lose its social significance. People would be more concerned with the material aspects of the world such as ‘partying’ and going to ‘fetes’. In addition, with the demands of a hectic life, people would not see the need to. On the other hand, Weber believed that with industrialization, people would turn to rationalization. That is, they would turn to science and as such religious beliefs and practices would decline. An example of this is where people opt to go to the doctor rather than have a ‘bush bath’. Shiner also believed that there would be a decline in religious thought and action in the society. Also people would start to question the scriptures and religious techniques. In addition, Wilson used statistics to prove that religion is indeed losing its social significance. Finally, Marx foresaw the decline of religion when the economic structure of the society had changed. On the other hand, there are sociologists that believe that religion will not lose its significance. Martin criticized Wilson’s view on religion by using statistics. He believed that this was not an appropriate way to measure secularization since it says nothing about people’s beliefs. In addition, Marti n believed that secularization is a myth and does not exist. Glasner also believed it is a myth and that it cannot be measured. Jose Casanova, although he believed in the concept of secularization does not fully believe that religion will lose its social significance in society but that people would turn to rationalization. Steve Bruce also noted that secularization is an illusion and it cannot be measured accurately. However, in today’s society religion does play a significant role in the lives of the people. Many persons try to go to church and take part in their religion. However, there are others who do not go to church. May people are caught up with their hectic life and do not have time to go to church. There has also been a decline in religious thought and action due to science. Despite this, a number of measures could be put in place to help people see how important religion is. Parents, community leaders as well as the religious leaders must play their part and set better examples. In addition, youths should be given more respo nsibilities in the church and as such they won’t feel alienated. Hence we must do whatever we could to ensure that religion continues to play a vital role in our society.

Analysis Of A Midsummer Night s Dream - 1887 Words

Gabriel Yeung Mr. Ross ENG1DE-A January 17th 2014 Humor. Humor is a quality of an action that causes amusement and entertainment. A Midsummer Night’s Dream, written by William Shakespeare is a play best known in the Shakespearian world for being a comedy play. This play has entertained countless audiences over a span of many centuries. A Midsummer Night’s Dream is about two pairs of lovers that escape to the forest in order to make love for one another. While doing so, fairies in the forest create chaos which causes the lover to be confused in who they truly love. The misinterpretation on their identity relates to the major theme of the play which is love versus lust and reality versus illusions. The language the Shakespeare chose to use in the play to create an interesting plotline creates humor as well as entertaining the audience. Among the language use, the literary devices that are most prominent to make the play humorous are dramatic irony, enjambment, and imagery. These devices not only entertain and create humo r for the audience but also help develop a plotline in which many are interested in. Dramatic irony is one of the most evident devices used in the play. The term ‘dramatic irony’ is defined as an idea/ plot that the reader or audience knows off in a story or play but the character in the play do not. In A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the existence of fairies is a major dramatic irony. The fairies are the mystical creatures that inhibit and lurk around in theShow MoreRelatedAnalysis of A Midsummer Night ´s Dream1001 Words   |  5 PagesWilliam Shakespeare starts with a seemingly unresolvable conflict in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The main characters are lovers who are either unrequited in their love or hassled by the love of another. These lovers are inevitably paired. How does Shakespeare make this happen? He creates many subplots that, before long, are all snarled up into a chaotic knot. 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