| Step 1: Make a transcript of a problem-solving meeting.
Tape record a problem solving meeting you participated in. Ideally this meeting should include some of the same members that participated in the original meeting you analyzed earlier. Transcribe 75 statements from somewhere in the middle of your tape. Be sure that in the portion of the tape you transcribe people are involved in free discussion, when every member could or has reason to participate. Do not transcribe portions of the meeting where people are reporting, making a speech, reading instructions or introducing one another. |
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| Step 2: Measure the relative rates of participation.
http://www.fisherhouse.com/bsu/comm356/participation.htm |
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| Step 3: Measure requests for participation.
http://www.fisherhouse.com/bsu/comm356/requests.htm |
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| Step 4: Measure listening.
http://www.fisherhouse.com/bsu/comm356/interruptions.htm http://www.fisherhouse.com/bsu/comm356/crosstab.htm |
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| Step 5: Measure requests for clarification.
http://www.fisherhouse.com/bsu/comm356/clarification.htm |
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| Step 6: Interpret the data.
Write a two page analysis of your interpretation of the data in tables A, B, C, and D. Describe the behavior of each individual in regards to each table. Use quotations from the transcript where appropriate to support your analysis. Also, draw from your knowledge of the group and previous meetings to substantiate the statements you have made. |
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| Step 7: Describe the problem.
a. Write a brief description of the problem discussed at the meeting. b. List the objectives stated in the meeting that are not being met as a result of the problem. c. List any reasons stated in the meeting as to why the objectives are not being met. |
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| Step 8: List alternatives.
List all the alternatives for solving the problem that were brought up in the meeting. |
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| Step 9: List objectives.
List all the objectives that the solution should meet that were brought up in the meeting. |
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| Step 10: State the decision.
a. State the solutions to the problems that were decided upon at the meeting. b. Describe the process by which the decisions were made. Consider the process the group used in light of what you have learned in the course thus far. |
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| Step 11: Describe the implementation strategy.
How does the group plan to implement the decision that was made in the problem-solving meeting? |
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| Step 12: Evaluate the problem solving process.
Write an analysis of the problem-solving effectiveness of the group. Review the previous steps and describe any problems that the group needs to work on. Was the problem adequately defined and clarified? Were all possible alternatives and objectives mentioned? Was the decision making process appropriate for the situation? Did the group discuss an implementation strategy? Compare the group's problem solving with the 7-step problem solving model used in assignment 2. |
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| Step 13: Make recommendations for change.
Use the previous evaluation to highlight any problems that the group needs to work on to make it more effective in problem solving. Suggest ways the group could solve the problems they have in the problem solving process in meetings. |
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| Clear, concise, logical writing
a) Appropriate paragraphs, complete sentences b) Correct spelling, grammar, avoids wordiness, overused expressions c) Appropriate formatting, includes citations |
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| TOTAL | ___/30 |