Importance of Teams and Cooperation - Assignment Example

Problem Solving Cycle Student’s Name Course Professor Date Task 1 - Referencing a. writing a Team Code of Conduct Quotation one by Messikomer & Cirka (2010, p. 57): Most professional organizations depend on a team or teams that must be guided by a written Team Code of Conduct. The code of conduct/ethics is document that highlights what really matters and how the outlined ethics and compliance give the organization distinct advantage in its operations. The document should clearly and concisely state the expectations, acceptable behaviors, viable options for voicing concerns and asking questions in the organization. The contents in the code of conduct should be written in a manner that is easily understood by an average team member. Additionally, the contents should be equally applicable to everyone in the team. Quotation two by Leipziger (2010, p. 48): In writing a code of conduct, there basics that a team can follow though there is no standard wording in writing it. Each team need to develop a code suitable for its needs and personnel but more specifically define the expected behaviors, address possible risks and challenges in regulatory environment or industry as well as customs in the jurisdiction where the team operates. Consequently, the following basic points facilitate creation or modification of a code: The language used should be simple, concise and easily understandable by all members Develop a user friendly code with all members in mind It should state the expected behavior without the use of legalistic language like “thou shall not”. It should be global in scope and apply to all members Quotation three by Sethi, Veral, Shapiro & Emelianova (2011, p. 483): Teams find it necessary to have a code of ethics to promote effective compliance and develop good culture. However, for a code of conduct to effective, multidisciplinary team should be involved to write, review and edit the document. In turn, the team delivers reasonably consistent document whose policies addresses relevant risks areas and meet buy-in across in a team. For larger organization, representatives from areas of Human Resources, Risk Management, Communication, Internal Audit, Security and other relevant business units should be included. b. Referencing According to Hellqvist (2010), while writing projects, term papers and research at University level, use of reference material and acknowledging such use important in the following ways: Acknowledges that part of the work is based on material and work of others Failure to acknowledge information and opinions from others can be regarded as plagiarism References show the reader the nature, range of source material and quality of work It also enables the reader of the work to access the articles and books used for a piece of work Types of information that must be referenced: Statistical data such as dates, percentages and numbers Legislations, Acts and Statutes Phrases, statements, sentences and claims that are in quotation marks As Jones (2011, p. 141) points out, plagiarism is a deceptive act that involves stealing and passing other people’s ideas as one’s own, presenting ideas from existing sources as new or original, literary theft or failure to credit the source of such idea when used. To avoid it, one need to: Keep track of sources used in correct context Plan ahead, file and label sources Careful paraphrasing and acknowledging sources explicitly in paraphrasing c. Application of problem solving cycle In both question 1 and 2 above, I have brainstormed the ideas I know and developed precise ideas that I have searched through different search engines like scholar Google and Google books. After going through different articles, I have used a matrix to note the strengths and weaknesses in each paper for the task requirements. For instance, some materials were discussing how to substitute the code of ethics through leadership solutions. Others discussed how to reference a paper. In turn, I had to refine the search terms. Consequently, I had to analyze or paraphrase the information and finally test it by referring back to the questions to see whether it has answered optimally. Task 2 - Personal Learning Goals As I start my undergraduate in general and this course in particular, changing my approach to classes will be one great thing that will impact on my study outcomes. I focus to build momentum by planning learning activities in time, setting the best ways to accomplish them and reexamining my goals against the course objectives. 1. I plan to be more efficient on time spent studying for each class. 2. I plan to find classmates with differing characteristics to partner with and help me improve my understanding of course contents. 3. I want to start with a high GPA this semester and maintain a balance between academics and extracurricular activities. 4. I want to refine my basic computer competencies, identify important search engines for engineering course, referencing methods and develop best writing skills. 5. I want to neatly keep materials with important information that I can use throughout the study period and retrieve useful information for my career practice and development. Steps and Resources Goal 1 Focus on course objectives to note what I need to understand for exam preparation and learn things that are pertinent with the course. Summarize lecture and research notes on power point presentations Set aside three hours in a week to review class work and assignment. Goal 2 Identify four classmates with characteristics like interpersonal skills, discipline-based, high levels of motivation and diverse perspectives. I will simply identify them based on timely class attendance, level of participation in class and involvement with other activities in the University (Hillyard, Gillespie & Littig 2010). Devote at least two hours/week to group discussions. The group will help me to be less stressed when learning alone. Collectively look for best learning material, instead of just discussing class notes, identify the recommended texts for the course and network with senior students in our faculty to access past papers and personal notes. Goal 3 Attend class regularly, study consistently and for long periods. I will be organized to make sure that I know the time of tests and exactly what I have to study. I desire to be proud of my commitment to my studies. However, I will not neglect the fact that I can become depressed if I do not go out with friends, keep up with my favorite hobbies and sometimes sleep. I purpose to stay sane and having friends, calling family members remains a priority. Goal 4 I will use library facilities, seek assistance from senior students in the University and visit writing centre where necessary. I will set one hour daily and in two weeks I will have taken a total of 10 hours to thoroughly familiarize myself with these skills. Goal 5 Use learning log, on my computer and in simple notebook to note ideas discussed in class and those I read at library. Personal Learning Goals Steps and Resources Needed Evaluation strategy To be more efficient on time spent studying for each class. Focus on course objectives, note contents for exam preparation and learn pertinent information for the course. Summarize lecture and research notes on power point presentations Set aside three hours in a week to review class work and assignment. Review my progress fortnightly. In total I will have reviewed for 10 times for this course. Find classmates with differing characteristics to partner with and improve my understanding of course contents. Identify four classmates with characteristics: interpersonal skills, discipline-based, high levels of motivation and diverse perspectives (Hillyard, Gillespie & Littig 2010). Devote at least two hours/week to group discussions. Collectively look for best learning material, identify the recommended texts and network with senior students in our faculty. Benchmark what to cover throughout the semester and review the progress after every 3 weeks. In total, we should do reviews for four times. Start with a high GPA this semester and maintain a balance between academics and extracurricular activities. Attend class regularly, study consistently. Be organized, mark time for tests and exactly what to study. Be proud of my commitment to my studies; go out with friends, favorite hobbies and sleep. Maximize my weekends for social activities and hobbies. Refine my basic computer competencies, search engines, referencing methods and best writing skills. Use library facilities Assistance from senior students visit writing centre Set an hour daily for the same In the next two weeks I will have taken a total of 10 hours to thoroughly familiarize myself with these skills. Neatly keep materials with important information for my career development and practice Use learning log, My computer and Simple notebook Review progress in the middle and after the end of the semester. PSC I had to come up with learning goals for the course. I quickly had multiple answers as to what I would want to achieve but I had to group similar ideas. I have searched on key terms such as choosing learning group and applied the important details in extending my learning goals. I have reviewed my goals to ensure the time is valid, that they are representation of my learning needs and that they are measurable. Task 3 – Teamwork & Leadership i) Functional and effective team I understand the phrase ‘transforming a group’ into effective team as a way of igniting or energizing previous dormant or maximizing the potential of individuals. Complexity perspective identifies phases that lead to effectiveness in a team that are specifically applicable in this context. The phases start with adaptive tension. For instance, in a group where some members are free riders, as a leader I would suggest a challenging activity such as, each group member get a different topic, study, analyse information and present it in a group. The requirement is challenging and for any member to fit in the group they do not have a choice but adapts to demands. Secondly, self-organization arises where each member will seek to measure in capabilities, inputs and output. Thirdly, inter-dependency effect will arise as individuals will consult, compare notes and try to deliver according to the expected standards. Finally members will reach to multilevel co-evolution phase where they use knowledge gained to extend their research, note-taking and presentation skills (Lingard, et al 2012. ii) Personal characteristics for the team I am a motivator and in many cases when working with groups I tend to be prescriptive. By prescriptive, my utmost aim is to create an environment for people to identify their strengths, identify significant others who complement them and show openness to help when necessary. In turn, that can lead to team members noting strategies and putting them into action and in the long-run get sustainable and effective team. iii) List advantages and disadvantages of teamwork Through teamwork, it is possible to make or reach objective decisions. It impacts on personal effort by sharing tasks, sharing experiences and developing strong personal attributes like confidence and self awareness. To maximize the advantages of teamwork, I would encourage collective participation of all members by controlling tendency of a leader or some members to dominate in discussions or activities. On the other hand, teamwork has some cons like when it encourages free riders, delay in reaching important decision, criticism and conflicts due to differences in personalities. The issues require strong leadership to moderate individuals’ expressions and group activities (Song, Spradlin & Plucker 2009). iv) Importance of leadership to effective teamwork and application Leadership can lead to effective teamwork and particular by ensuring timely communication, planning of team’s activities and facilitating constructive criticism. A leader focuses on team tasks and relationship among team members. In turn, a leader contributes to cohesion of individuals with varying personalities and brings collective effort to purposeful output (DeChurch & Mesmer-Magnus 2010). I will try to understand each member to identify their strengths and weakness in both personality and performance and manage these differences across members by assigning the right activities and moderating during group discussions. Task 4 – Design Area Choice ICT is one design area I would want to concentrate with my team in a project in Cameroon. As much as most areas are of immediate importance to Cameroonians, ICT can influence how the young people in the area will connect with significant others in the global arena. This would be a great milestone to forge long-term influence to technologically marginalized areas. I would personally want to get a group of young people; either in college or those who are through with their high school education, get them through computer programs and create long-lasting contacts to keep in touch even during my career lifetime. I believe that, by promoting a number of students in remote areas in using ICTs, it will better prepare them for workplaces and in their community where ICTs; computers, related technologies and Internet have become more ubiquitous. The use of ICTs effectively and efficiently or technological literacy will give them a competitive edge in job market. Use of ICTs will require necessary development like electricity connection and such students will be invigorated to look for sustainable power options like solar and wind energy. Use of ICTs will also help them connect with other people in different parts of the world and that will promote virtual interactions and possibly open to face to face interactions in future (Bertot, Jaeger & Grimes 2010). Apart from the fact that ICTs depends of other infrastructural development like electricity and Internet connectivity, there are other technical considerations that I and my group would keep in mind and review ways to approach it when the time comes. Students will require to demonstrate special skill and practical knowledge to operate computers effectively and time for learning might be a limiting factor. However, we expect that there are local technical adviser and expertise that can help them when technicalities arise. ICT require specialized equipment like computers, modems and care due to higher cost when buying in some markets like in Cameroon. References Hellqvist, B 2010, ‘Referencing in the humanities and its implications for citation analysis’, Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology, 61(2), pp. 310-318. Bertot, JC, Jaeger, PT & Grimes, JM 2010, ‘Using ICTs to create a culture of transparency: E-government and social media as openness and anti-corruption tools for societies’, Government information quarterly, 27(3), 264-271. DeChurch, LA & Mesmer-Magnus, JR 2010, ‘The cognitive underpinnings of effective teamwork: a meta-analysis’, Journal of Applied Psychology, 95(1), 32. Hillyard, C, Gillespie, D & Littig, P 2010, ‘University students’ attitudes about learning in small groups after frequent participation’, Active Learning in Higher Education, 11(1), 9-20. Jones, DL 2011, Academic Dishonesty: Are More Students Cheating?’, Business Communication Quarterly, 74(2), p.141. Leipziger, D 2010 ‘The corporate responsibility code book’, Greenleaf Publishing. Lingard, L, et al 2012, ‘Representing complexity well: a story about teamwork, with implications for how we teach collaboration’, Medical education, 46(9), 869-877. Messikomer, CM & Cirka CC 2010, ‘Constructing a code of ethics: An experiential case of a national professional organization’, Journal of Business Ethics, 95(1), pp. 55-71. Sethi, SP, Veral, EA, Shapiro, HJ & Emelianova, O 2011, ‘Mattel, Inc.: Global Manufacturing Principles (GMP)–A Life-Cycle Analysis of a Company-Based Code of Conduct in the Toy Industry’,  Journal of business ethics, 99(4), pp. 483-517. Song, R, Spradlin, T & Plucker, A 2009, ‘The advantages and disadvantages of multiage classrooms in the era of NCLB accountability’, Education Policy Brief, 7(1), 1-8. Read More