Abstract This paper discusses the technology-mediatedforms of communication that de-center face-to-face communication, such as is seen in the text messaging and instant messaging modes of communication. The paper then shows how this de-centering of face-to-face communication impacts language use and language structure. The paper provides the writer's personal opinions on the effects that this mode of communication has.
From the Paper "In general, this finding mirrors my own experience of instant messaging in that it is a useful mode of rapid communication while multi-tasking but it is highly limited. For example, one can be writing a paper, researching articles in online databases, while chatting back and forth with friends on MSN or one of the other popular instant messaging networks. As one may gather from this use, primary concentration is focused upon other tasks, so quick notes or comments of one or two lines of instant messaging that can be rapidly understood and responded to represents the ideal mode of communication here. Longer and more complex messages necessarily demand more time and energy in interpretation and response; time and energy that is diverted from the primary task one is often involved with. Research tends to support this point of view, and suggests that even among young and experienced instant messengers there is a high degree of frustration with discussion threads that may be long and complicated (An and Frick 493)."
Abstract This paper describes the rapidly advancing and expanding technology of wireless communication and its impact on businesses. It provides background information on the technology, discusses the advances in wireless communications that have brought us to where we are today, explains its business applications and presents a thorough explanation of how wireless technology works. Additionally, the paper discusses the advantages and the disadvantages of this form of technology from a business point of view and market trends in wireless technology.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Background
Applications
How Wireless Technology Works
Advantages of Wireless Technology in Business
Disadvantages
E-commerce
E-mail
Market Trends
Conclusion
From the Paper "One of the most up and coming communication technologies is in the telecommunications field, in particular, the wireless mode of communication. Wireless networks, "are proliferating rapidly, going digital and harnessing 'intelligent network' technology to locate and identify roaming subscribers and to customize the services they receive." As the burgeoning popularity of the Internet has allowed for global connectivity at a never before seen level, wireless technology in its various applications has become an equally intricate factor in business communications."
Tags: world, groundbreaking, changes, efficient, clearer, computer, links, exchange, data
Abstract This paper discusses how technology has improved, communications have bound the world together more tightly than ever before, and the internet has opened up a multiplicity of opportunities that would have been (literally) impossible to imagine even a couple generations ago. This paper explores what the communications universe of the future will be like and argues specifically that tomorrow's communicationstechnology will be characterized by virtual reality and by the continued splintering of the information superstructure.
A look at three major technology platforms for communication: Wireless Access Protocol, General Packet Radio Service, and the third generation Universal Mobile Telecommunication System.
Abstract This paper examines these three main types of platforms for this technology and their suitability with the consumers. Each system is defined and advantages-disadvantages discussed. The writer looks at the compatibility of each system for different services required.
From the Paper "The acronym WAP stands for Wireless Access Protocol. This simply means that it is through WAP the wireless devices communicate. A lot of different types of data can be sent via a WAP. One of the main uses of WAP is in cellular phones and the exchange of data being voice or short messages. WAP is technically compatible with most of the GSM services and clients. There can be either a dedicated WAP server or a traditional web server to "power" the WAP. All these components must communicate with one another, as WAP itself is only a protocol."
Abstract The paper describes how Global Communications is in a hyper-competitive, primarily undifferentiated, globalized industry and to stay competitive, they must act aggressively. The paper illustrates how balancing the needs of their shareholders and their employees, while continuing to improve competitiveness and profitability, is difficult. However, the paper shows that by implementing strategies that involve outsourcing, employee morale support and new technology pursuits, Global Communications can improve their market positioning and profitability.
From the Paper "Global Communications is concerned about operating profits and the strain placed on the company as a result of increasing levels of competition. In response to the challenges facing Global Communication, senior management has developed an aggressive plan. The first part of this plan involves offering new services targeted toward small businesses and consumer accounts. The second part of Global Communications' new business plan is more controversial. It involves specific cost cutting measures intended to improve company profitability. Part of this cost cutting plan involves moving some of the company's technical call centers to India and Ireland where labor costs are significantly lower. Situation Background: Global Communication is in serious trouble. The company's stock was trading at $28 per share three years ago and is now trading at around $11 suggesting that investor confidence in the telecommunications industry is waning."
This informative paper details the advantages and disadvantages of the personal and informal method of communication, as opposed to the more structured forms which tend to be artificial by comparison.
Abstract This well-researched paper defines and details the differences between the various forms of communication currently being used in business. The writer of this paper maintains that informal communication, also known as face-to-face communication, is a more viable and practical method of disseminating and sharing information. The writer also explores the various media rich, advanced technologies available and goes on to explain why these forms of communications are incapable of delivering information in the manner intended.
Outline
The Rising Importance of Information Technology (IT)
Organization Information Processing
Impact of IT on Information Processing
Informal Communication Process
Early Rational Theories
Media Richness Theory
Alternative Media Choice Theories
Critical Mass Theory
Organization Culture: Social Norms
Background Conditions
The Media Choice
Informal Communication Process in Organization
Bibliography
From the Paper "In the 1990s the business environment is highly turbulent and complex, where competitive pressure is increasing with globalization. Topping this off is the dramatic, pervasive and quickly felt implications of the information revolution. In this climate new paradigms are created and with it new opportunities. To capitalize on these opportunities and to handle the complex environment, an organization requires timely and relevant information more than even before. Information has always been the life blood of the organization; it enables an organization to make sense of the world, to resolve ambiguity and to facilitate decision making and coordination. Information is an important source of competitive advantage."
Tags: media, communication, it, technology, information, applied, practice, business
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that the issue of domestic violence has been debated for decades throughout the criminal justice system, government and society. The writer points out that because there has been a steady increase in the number of domestic violence cases over time, it has been suggested that mediation may be the solution to resolving issues, saving families and stopping the continued violence through communication. The writer discusses that mediation, however, by its very nature suggests that there are two parties that are equal and that there is a desire for there to be a solution that is equitable to both individuals. Therefore, the writer maintains that while there are many segments of society that believes that mediation is appropriate in domestic violence cases, it is evident that if equality does not exist between the parties, mediation is not a solution to the issue.
From the Paper "Although this is becoming the standard of practice in the court system, it is also not always achieved effectively because of the lack of skill in domestic violence cases that exists in the court system. Therefore, wives that have experienced domestic violence may be directed to enter mediation, even though the situation calls for other actions to be taken that would prevent further violence.
"The State of Georgia has determined that mediation can be effective in domestic violence cases if proper screenings occur prior to the onset of the mediation process. The state has placed into affect procedures in which mediation can be considered in domestic violence situations, where there is no threat to the individuals being abused and in which the mediators are specifically trained to work with domestic violence cases."
Abstract This paper provides a comparison of two mediation models. Stages of the mediation process as described by Folberg and Taylor and the Fisher and Urys model of the principled negotiation process is also discussed. The paper also looks at the importance of the mediator's ability to determine communication styles and emotional states of the participants.
From the Paper "Comparison of Mediation Models Jay Folberg and Alison Taylor describe a mediation process that includes the following stages Introduction creating trust and structure Fact finding and isolation of issues Creation of options and alternatives."
Abstract This paper is a two-part discussion involving the interpersonal form of the communication experience. The first part of the paper deals with a theoretical and critical discussion involving the following statement by K. Miller: "Long-term relationships are often marked by tension, development, conflict and growth: processes mediated by communicative interaction within ongoing relationships". The second part of the paper concentrates on the statement by W. Fisher regarding storytelling as a basic human activity.
Outline:
Introduction
The Palo Alto Group
Important Concepts
Feedback
Equifinality
Logical Types
Rules
Dialectics
Push-Me-Pull-You Dialectics
Important Dialectical Concepts
Three Dialectics of Relationships
Connection Autonomy Dialectic
Certainty-Uncertainty Dialectic
Openness-Closeness Dialectic
Storytelling
Narrative Theory
Narrative Worldview
Narrative Rationality
South African Stories
Conclusion
From the Paper "According to Miller (2005), positive feedback is behaviour that allows for change to take place in the relative system, while negative feedback is behaviour that allows for consistency and therefore a lack of change in the system. This consistency of the status quo regarding the system was named 'homeostasis' by Jackson (1957). Neither positive nor negative feedback can be characterised as consistently good as the merit of the feedback depends on the individual case of the behaviour. This means that if the status quo of a family relationship were that of an abusive or violent nature, positive feedback to change the situation would be ideal. However, in another case, the status quo of a similar relationship in another family may be loving and nurturing, and therefore would benefit from negative, as opposed to positive feedback so as to preserve the status quo of that relationship."
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that in today's world, the mass media has an impact in almost all we do as people. The writer notes that media affects everything from what clothes we wear to what television programs we watch. The writer discusses that James Lull, in his book 'Media, Communication, Culture' explains how media interacts and affects the communication among people and how culture changes with advances in media and technology. The writer concludes that 'Media, Communication, and Culture' informs an audience of how the mass media and modern forms of communication have affected the development of culture and the ways of society. Further, the writer maintains that James Lull uses a distinctive style and a logical structure in order to properly educate his audience about the influence mass media has on today's world.
From the Paper "Within each chapter, he inserts an article on a real life example of events where mass media, human communication, and culture were involved and had an effect. Such events as the Chinese student rebellion at Tiananmen Square in 1989 and the Bill Clinton/Monica Lewinsky scandal in the mid-1990's are included along with explanations of how media, communication, and culture had an effect on these historical events. Along with modern events, Lull includes historical changes in media and communication to emphasize his argument that mass media and technological advances have had major effects on societies across the world. His structure also allows for any member of his audience to follow and understand what he puts forth. Lull avoids implication and instead tells the audience what he wants them to know to avoid letting them infer it on their own. An informed audience will also understand an author's purpose more readily than an audience which inferred the author's intentions. Lull also tends to end discussions by putting more emphasis on his own ideas and support of others that follows what he believes about media, communication, and culture."
Abstract This paper examines one of the most powerful ways in which groups have harnessed the promise of technology, the redefinition and creation of new ?cyber communities.? It uses as an example Staying Connected, a network that provides single, teenage mothers with public exchange messages, private e-mail, and chat rooms. It then looks at the main barrier to reaping the benefits of this rapidly changing technology and how, in the United States alone, for example, many people from disadvantaged communities do not have access to computers and information technology. The last part suggests steps that could be taken to avert this inequity, including federal funding in schools and corporate sponsorship.
From the Paper "Like traditional communities, computer mediated communities are often comprised of individuals with shared interests. In their 6-month study of 42 single teenage mothers with young infants, Philip J. Dunham et al (1998) found that participants who had access to Staying Connected, a network that provided members with public exchange messages, private e-mail and chatrooms, reported feeling less isolation and parenting stress. Additionally, the study concluded that the teen mothers were able to develop ?close personal relationships and a sense of community "in this novel social environment" (Dunham et al)."
Abstract The paper examines the modern trend in policing which has meant a change in the perception and role of the police in society. Interaction and communication are important today to create trust and cooperation and in solving crimes. According to the paper, in order to provide a more effective and wide-ranging community oriented form of law enforcement, the police and law enforcement authorities should communicate and connect with the public. The paper discusses the idea of marketing through communication relating to the more interactive approach to the function and role of the police in society. The paper concludes that conventional views of communication in a logistical and technological sense is essential for the success of law enforcement procedures and operations. Thus the importance of information and information gathering has assumed an increasing importance in modern times.
From the Paper "Communication in the modern age is an essential part of law enforcement and the control and containment of crime. On the one hand good communication systems and up - to - date communication technology is essential in dealing with modern sophisticated crime. However on another level, what has become possibly more important today is the idea that the police and law enforcement authorities should communicate and connect with the public in order to provide a more effective and wide -ranging community oriented form of law enforcement. This paper will focus on the latter idea of what is meant by the changing role of the police and law enforcement in communication."
Abstract This paper examines how the increased use of technology in today's workplace has had a largely negative effect on workplace stress and reviews two articles on the topic. The applicability of each of the articles in relation to a type of organization similar to the law/claims group of a public utility is also analyzed, giving recommendations. The two articles are Michael C. Dennis's "Technology and Stress in the Workplace", which focuses closely on the newly emerging impact of technology-mediated stress in the credit industry, and the State of Utah's article,"Workplace Stress".
From the Paper "The State of Utah's article can be applied to a public utilities law/claims group type of organization. Employees in such an organization are likely to share the feeling that workplace stress is an ingrained feature of office life. Further, these employees likely share the impression that there is little that can be done to combat technology-fueled workplace stress. Importantly, the characteristics of those who deal well with workplace stress can also be applied to employees in the field of public utilities."
Abstract This paper explains the process of mediation and the different types of mediation, as well as how it differs from traditional methods of conflict resolution, which tend to be antagonistic and create a win-lose atmosphere between parties. The paper also describes the many advantages of pursuing a mediated agreement in comparison to pursuing the adversarial approach in litigation.
From the Paper "ADR methods may be used either as a result of a legal mandate (sometimes referred to as "imposed" ADR) or voluntarily as a result of an agreement between the parties ("contractual" ADR). Since the right to trial by jury in most cases is constitutionally protected, legally imposed ADR is rarely binding on the parties. Typically, mediation and binding arbitration are the result of a voluntary contractual agreement between the parties. Courts and legislatures generally recognize that individuals may elect to resolve their disputes by some method other than litigation and may, in the case of arbitration, waive their right to a jury trial. As a general rule, courts will enforce agreements to use ADR techniques as long as the agreement is properly and fairly made."
Abstract This paper reviews Asynchronous Transfer Mode Technology (AMT); defines ATM, how it works and how it can accommodate different forms of data. It also compares ATM technology to other communicationstechnologies such as frame relay and ISDN.
