A634.9.6.RB_FogartyShawn

            As I reflect on the course and the top three key lessons you take away from the course is the various aspects of how ethics is incorporated into society. The text for the course painted a picture about ethics in a different shade of grey as outlined simply through the understanding of the Golden Rule in week two to the abstract thoughts about world hunger. I think the biggest conclusion is that ethics is not meant to have a silver lining but application throughout each day. I gained insight and abstract ideas of how affirmative action works for and against the system. I perhaps was slightly ignorant to the third order effects but now realize the impacts and although support equality, would not support it through this program. Lastly, I think I have a different understanding of the truth and how it can be applied, omitted, and bent which all presents separate ethical implications.

            Overall my perceived value of this course is large in that ethics in general, as pointed out in the course, is but a scratch on the surface in most universities. I’d like to think that had more ethics been incorporated the Enron, Housing Market and other scandals would likely have been prevented.  The positive aspects of this course were that it provided me a greater level of insight and slightly different understanding of ethics. I have a better understanding of what is ethics personally, but also how society can often ignorantly overlook ethics. A negative aspect of this course is that I slated it against a relatively busy schedule and some areas wish I could have gone more in-depth but under severe time constraints. I think to improve your learning experience it would have been to slate this course aside from being deployed and taking MSLD 500 as well.

            I think the course was well rounded; the focus was not too myopic per subject. I actually like that am incorporating various ethical topics which were very relevant to current events. An example of relevance is the concern over gun control and the recent Florida Case involving George Zimmerman. I think if I could alter this course in any way it would be to reduce the weeks that had two discussion questions down to one so the comments and focus would be more concentrated. Having multiple discussion questions per week tends to water down the comments slightly. Overall, the course was great and provides various views of ethics on several topics which have a significant impact in general.

A500.9.3.RB_FogartyShawn

            As we now near the completion and I have the opportunity to reflect on the value of this course I can see why this is the introductory course to the Embry Riddle Master of Science in Leadership program. There is a lot that is gained from learning the outline of the various program elements such as discussion questions to blogging to The Brain and overall general assignments tailored to the APA style.

            The positive aspects of this course were that it reviewed in conjunction with new techniques on critical thinking the basic elements of the APA writing style. I found it helpful with the various links, references, and examples to mold my writing style to accommodate. Some of the negative aspects of the course are that it was rather dated. Many of the readings were dated and some of the subject areas were difficult to search, especially within the week timeframe. The paper was interesting as it built upon itself but that wasn’t very clear until around week seven.

            I found this course provided me with new techniques on critical thinking with applications within reading and writing as well. I think had this course been longer I could improve my learning experience by focusing more with how I can incorporate these new skills into my profession. Other courses intertwined teaching topics into your profession so it lobbied its application immediately.

            The University could provide additional support for your learning through updating the course with current articles and refocus some topics to more easily searchable topics. The hunt library is a great application but some topics were difficult to research. Spending hours on the hunt library limits available time to learn the at hand application vice needless online searching. The instructor was great; I wouldn’t have any areas needing improvement.  

            The topics covered in this course were all very relevant however as mentioned above, some assignments felt more like busy work rather than reinforcing a particular application. The course could use a face lift and that would enhance the learning outcomes. I’d also like to see the applications tied into present interactions, reflection of how the MSLD 500 learning objectives translates into one’s profession.

A500.8.3.RB_FogartyShawn

            Good presentations and briefings captivate, motivate, and infuse the audience with the subject matter being presented. They overall theme of the brief will set the tone but the audience is generally there for the taking; so it’s up to the presentation and presenter to win their favor. The most difficult element for any presenter is to know their audience just as much has their material. The audience can make or break the selling point of the presentation, further, the demographics are necessary so you tailor the presentation to your audience.

            Essential to any good presentation is a simple, easy to follow content which has illustrations embedded into its content. Illustrations are great, but the presenter should strive to further leave an impression on the audience. Feelings are remembers as fact and figures would likely be forgotten in a day’s pass. The content itself would drive the format but overall less is more. Too often, as a failure during development, is the creator’s inability to weed out the less important items, which are trivial and forgotten about anyways. I can’t over emphasize that less it more.

            Further defining the format is the appropriate choice of font, colors, styles, background colors and themes. You also have to know the location and lighting as I’ve seen some lighting bleach out the slide such the audience could barely follow along. Also, the outline has to flow, similar to writing a paper there must be an introduction, main points, and a conclusion. Each presentation is different, but generally that format will help to leave an impression on the audience members. You want to avoid people leaving saying that was a waste of time or what was that brief about?

            Lastly, the brief has to be brief, nobody like sitting through an episode of death by PowerPoint, if the presentation is like to run past and hour break it up. Have an intermission to allow the audience a mental break and being able to recap and revitalize your main point. Another alternative is to have multiple briefings and break down the main points into digestible amounts of information in a colorful, vibrant brief that can captivate the audience.

A634.8.3.RB_FogartyShawn

      In Chapter 12, LaFollette (2007) discusses gun control with the traditional views that you’ve probably seen n the news surrounding the latest shootings or school violence. There is a fundamental question he outlines as do citizens have a moral right to bear arms, not necessarily a constitutional one? I would answer that question as yes; citizens have the right to defend themselves with the use of lethal force if necessary, however, everything comes in moderation.

      When you peel back the layers you’ll find the Constitutional controversy, most notably surrounding the city of Chicago. Which needed to make a change, but did they go overboard? I think so. Agresti and Smith (2010) indicate through comprehensive research that “in 1982, the city of Chicago instituted a ban on handguns. This ban barred civilians from possessing handguns except for those registered with the city government.” This Chicago law also specified that such handguns required to be re-registered every two years or owners would forfeit their right to possess them. In 1994, the law was amended to require annual re-registration. Agresti and Smith (2010) findings indicate that on June 28, 2010, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled (5-4) that this ban is unconstitutional.  
      On the other side of the fence you’ll find authors such as Morris (2013) who outlined 10 significant reasons in support of gun control. They order is from the low to high as they range in importance and impact to society. Varied statistics show that “More Guns Equal More Homicides” and next the “More Guns Also Equal More Suicides.” This is a sheer number game not supported with direct facts. Morris (2013) also highlights that “The Public Supports (some) Gun Control” and that “Most Massacres Utilize Legal Weapons.” Additional points highlight “Banning Them Saves Lives” and that the “although most people focus on the “bear arms” part, the real key word is “militia.” The thing is, in 1791, no-one really knew if this whole “Union” thing was going to work out and wanted a “militia” to fall back on.” The last four points are that “Assault Weapons Aren’t Sport, We Have Too Many Already, Arming Everyone Won’t Help” and that Assault Weapons Won’t Save You. This last point is true as there is going to be bad people, that do bad things and an assault weapon will likely not save you.
       I fully support the use and sale of firearms and handguns; however I would compromise on mild to moderate gun control laws. I think we should have procedures in place to ensure only those who prove responsible are authorized to have them in their procession. Further, I agree in that guns don’t kill people, people kill people, and they use whatever tool, i.e. a firearm or handgun. The firearm or handgun does not talk them into killing, the person is responsible for that aspect, and the weapon is only the tool. We don’t blame hammers if the carpenters screw up the project. 

Agresti J. D., Smith, R. K. (2010). Gun Control Facts. By Just Facts, September 13, 2010. Revised 2/11/13. http://justfacts.com/guncontrol.asp

LaFollette, H. (2007). Chapter 12 Gun Control. In The practice of ethics (pp. 179 - 196). Malden, Mass: Blackwell Pub.

Morris, M. (2013). 10 Arguments for Gun Control - Listverse. Retrieved from http://listverse.com/2013/04/21/10-arguments-for-gun-control/

A634.7.4.RB_FogartyShawn

              After watching the two videos presented by The Ethics Guy (2012) and Chuck Gallagher (2013) it was very easy to identify the grey are between black and white is troublesome for many in the workplace. Simple audience polls indicated that everyone had or known about an ethics violation in their professional careers. So then why does it happen so often?
             I can only assume everyone operates under the provision of knowing right from wrong, however, sometimes it can be ambiguous. If organizational policies are not clear or if leaders do not demonstrate the ethical behaviors the organization demands then it is easy to catch yourself on the wrong side of the fence. Further, leaders who exhibit the mindset of “do as I say, not as I do” establish an environment prone to unethical practices.
             This leads me to the examples in my professional career whereas leaders do not lead by shining example. I’ve seen on more than one occasion colleagues having been reprimanded for tardiness or failing to show up in the proper attire for a particular duty. The punishment may not have been torturous in nature however often that very same leader who has chastised those individuals would him/herself arrive late to work or in the improper uniform; without consequence. Leaders who mistakenly believe that their subordinates eyes are not closely fixate on them are either ignorant or arrogant. Leaders must embody the rules, policies, procedures, or requirements they impose on their subordinates.
             A positive example, one where you may say he “fell on his own sword” is where a senior individual openly admitted to an unauthorized access of certain classified information. The mistake was genuine and as such caused no harm as it was identified and corrected. The individual having committed the violation self-reported the incident. One might think leaders would praise the honesty and utilize the event as a learning point. However, instead the individual received a significant amount of reprimands and suffered. The fact remains no harm was done. The individuals acted ethically by self-reporting the violation, possibly in the wake of reprimands. However, these leaders separately set the precedent and as such no future self-reported violations have been reported. I wonder why?

The Ethics Guy. (2012) You Tube Broadcast. Keynote Speech Excerpts from The Ethics Guy. Retrieved 16 July 2013 from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLxbHBpilJQ

Gallagher, C. (2013). You Tube Broadcast. Business Ethics Keynote Speaker - Chuck Gallagher - shares Straight Talk about Ethics!. Retrieved 16 July 2013 from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUJ00vNGCPE

A500.7.3.RB_FogartyShawn

      Previously our class had discussed qualitative research, that being research done primarily through observations and interviews, but having minimal absolutes, empirical data, specific measurement. This week we’ll focus on quantitative research which is described by Mamia (n.d.) as research “based on the idea that social phenomena can be quantified, measured and expressed numerically.” Further Mamia (n.d.) stipulates that “the information about a social phenomenon is expressed in numeric terms that can be analyzed by statistical methods.”
      The process for understanding qualitative research methods is b mean of observations. Mamia (n.d.) presented that “observations can be direct numeric information or can be classified into numeric variables.” This is important to understand as the basis of quantitative research and further quantitative analysis is being able to compare apples to apples by means of numeric.
      There are several strengths and weaknesses surrounding quantitative research and quantitative analysis. As with any research project the situation and variables involved will determine whether the research should be utilized. It is incumbent on the researcher to understand that field and identify the left and right limits. Mamia (n.d.) stated some of the strengths for quantitative research include “enables the research and description of social structures and processes that are not directly observable. Well-suited for quantitative description, comparisons between groups, areas etc. Description of change. Analysis and explanation of (causal) dependencies between social phenomena.”
      There are also several weaknesses to quantitative research and further quantitative analysis. Researchers should attempt, if able, to mitigate by means of control measure to obtain the most accurate data. Mamia states that weaknesses within quantitative research include “simplifies and ‘compresses’ the complex reality: an abstract and constrained perspective. Presumes relatively extensive knowledge on the subject matter in order to be able to ask ‘correct’ questions. Difficult to study processes or ‘dynamic’ phenomena. Description of actors’ perspectives, intentions and meanings difficult.”
      There are several methods for obtaining data. The following is a simple list provided from the presentation by Mamia (n.d.) but researchers may find more constructive ways as well. Survey research, postal questionnaire survey, e-mail questionnaire survey, Internet polls, face-to-face interviews, telephone interviews, systematic observation, text analysis, and statistical data, register data.
      Lastly, Mamia (n.d.) stipulates that researchers must remain strict and follow the simplest of ethical principles in obtaining data. First, no harm may be done to the participants. Second, participants have an “informed consent.” Third, participants should remain “anonymous.” And lastly, researchers need to demonstrate “confidence” in their findings once complete.

Mamia, T. (n.d.). Quantitative Research Methods. General Studies / ISSS Presentation.

A500.6.3.RB_FogartyShawn

            Quantitative research with its deterministic properties has been the primary conduct for information over the years. However, qualitative research, defined by Strauss and Corbin (as cited by Hoepfl, 1997, para. 4) means "any kind of research that produces findings not arrived at by means of statistical procedures or other means of quantification." Qualitative research has been increasingly more popular especially in recent times to help explain what deterministic properties cannot.  Qualitative methods are appropriate in situations where one needs to first identify the variables that might later be tested quantitatively, or where the researcher has determined that quantitative measures cannot adequately describe or interpret a situation (Hoepfl, 1997, para. 8). Qualitative analysis further supports a “different type of knowledge” as quantitative researchers seek causal determination, prediction, and generalization of findings; qualitative researchers seek instead illumination, understanding, and extrapolation to similar situations (Hoepfl, 1997, para. 6).
            Qualitative research presents some difficulties. As outlined by Lincoln and Guba (as cited in Hoepfl (1997) a researcher must do three things prior to conducting a qualitative study.

The first is to adopt the stance suggested by the characteristics of the naturalist paradigm. Second, the researcher must develop the level of skill appropriate for a human instrument, or the vehicle through which data will be collected and interpreted. Finally, the researcher must prepare a research design that utilizes accepted strategies for naturalistic inquiry.

            Next, qualitative research boasts two main data collection techniques. The first is conducting an interview which allows the research to gain firsthand knowledge for data collection purposes. Qualitative interviewing utilizes open-ended questions that allow for individual variations (Hoepfl, 1997, para. 19). The second technique is research conducted by means of observations. This form of collection is used for the purpose of description-of settings, activities, people, and the meanings of what is observed from the perspective of the participants. In conjunction with data collection is deciding when to stop. The decision to stop sampling must take into account the research goals, the need to achieve depth through triangulation of data sources, and the possibility of greater breadth through examination of a variety of sampling sites (Hoepfl, 1997, para. 27).
            There is also an increased responsibility intertwined with qualitative research, such that they must maintain objective views as outline by Hoepfl (1997) in the follow excerpt.

Qualitative researchers have a special responsibility to their subjects and their readers. Since there are no statistical tests for significance in qualitative studies, the researcher bears the burden of discovering and interpreting the importance of what is observed, and of establishing a plausible connection between what is observed and the conclusions drawn in the research report.

            To conclude, qualitative research allows researches to gain insight on theories that are not clearly defined which does not enable deterministic results. However, the research is comprised primarily of interviews and observations which must be objectively analyzed from a neutral position.


References




Hoepfl , M. (1997). Choosing Qualitative Research: A Primer for Technology Education Researchers. Journal of Technology Education, 9(1). Retrieved from http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/ejournals/JTE/v9n1/hoepfl.html




Lincoln, Y. S., & Guba, E. G. (1985). Naturalistic inquiry. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage Publications, Inc.




Strauss, A., & Corbin, J. (1990). Basics of qualitative research: Grounded theory procedures and techniques. Newbury Park, CA: Sage Publications, Inc.

A634.6.3.RB_FogartyShawn

            Benjamin Franklin's self-improvement program included thirteen virtues that were important guides for a person of good character. Throughout his life, Franklin tried to live by these virtues though not always successfully. Aristotle presented that virtuous person would seek to achieve “eudemonia,” a Greek word for happiness which s further defined to a having a good life, living well and doing good deeds (LaFollette, 2007, 212).  My belief of acting virtuous is a blend between the thirteen elements presented by Benjamin Franklin and the challenge presented by Aristotle.

            After having taken the quiz against Benjamin Franklin's thirteen virtues I measured up quite well. The test concluded that I “made some very virtuous choices. I chose the answers that closely reflected Ben's own self-improvement plan. Although Franklin gave up on his formal effort to be more virtuous, he devoted much of his life to self-improvement. You've made a good start on that yourself” (Franklin, n.d.).

            The website further presented that I would most likely benefit to include more “Temperance.” I gauge this stemmed from the questions regarding partying and enjoying one’s self. The website offered that “As a young man, Ben tried not to drink too much. Maybe you should consider being the designated driver next time you go out partying” (Franklin, n.d.). I do not necessarily concur with this assessment.

            I selected the following three of Franklin's virtues to reflect upon and will outline how they could be incorporated into my daily life? The first being “Order” outlined as to “let all your things have their places. Let each part of your business have its time” (Franklin, n.d.). I think that I apply this one slightly but sometimes choose to let go the ropes and be too carefree. I am very detail oriented in my job, so sometimes away from work I tend to dissolve my mind from being orderly. Second, I selected “Resolution” which was outlined as to “resolve to perform what you ought. Perform without fail what you resolve” (Franklin, n.d.). This means to me that I speaking to set priorities and goals and to further achieve them. I do this already but I think I could relook and realign my goals with recent changes to my position. Lastly, I selected the virtue of “Sincerity” which was highlighted as “use no hurtful deceit. Think innocently and justly; and if you speak, speak accordingly” (Franklin, n.d.). This is similar to the “Golden Rule” and I think I do a far job of this already; however there is always room to improve. Overall, I feel I live a virtuous life, I put other before myself in my profession and personally. I seek to take good care of my obligations and my family and continue to always improve myself whenever possible. 

Franklin, B. (n.d.). Benjamin Franklin . Ben's 13 Virtues | PBS. Retrieved July 5, 2013, from http://www.pbs.org/benfranklin/pop_virtues_list.html

LaFollette, H. (2007). The practice of ethics. Malden, Mass: Blackwell Pub. (p. 212).

A500.5.3.RB_FogartyShawn

            After taking some time to reflect on the current state of my critical thinking competencies I think I’ve discovered a few new tools and incorporated them into my “toolbox.” When I started the course my critical thinking processes I believed to be satisfactory. However, the course has allowed me to focus on the root aspects of critical thinking and learn more about the origins through the various elements of reasoning, standards of critical thinking, and being able to piece everything together in thought, writing, and reason.

            My thought and reason has changed slightly from the beginning of the course as now I take a longer pause to evaluate the facts and assumptions after having read a piece of work. In my other course I utilize the skills to evaluate each piece which provide great meaning and a deeper sense of understanding. Previously, I would assume a task, read the article, but only scratch the surface of the cognitive understanding and true meaning. I would not rush through the assignment as I always put forth appropriate efforts in my work, but I can see where I may have rushed through the critical thinking aspect which would open the door for deeper understanding.

            I have you been able to internalize some of the techniques and concepts learned throughout this course. Although, my least favorite technique is the SEE-I model. It has a solid framework however I simply do not prefer it. I feel that its framework is too solid and I prefer more fluid concepts.  I like to apply more reflective though which focuses on the elements of the article or assignment. Identify the purpose; outline the information, facts, and assumptions. Draw connections between the knowns and unknown and how they relate to implications and consequences. Overall, simple dedicate more time to reflective through or even engage a knowledgeable person about the topic and receive additional input or thoughts.

            Although I feel well off in the critical thought department I’m aware there is always room to improve. I think it will take more practice and conservative dedication to make a lasting, positive change in the way I think to further enhance my critical thinking skills. As they say, practice makes perfect. The more I apply the skills sets in combination the better my critical thinking will become. Tools are only useful if you use them, it does no good to learn these skill sets if I never apply them. A poor tendency for some is to learn a skill, use it as only required then throw it away. I believe skills and tools need to be either embedded in your work or hung up in the garage; out of sight but still available to be recalled when required.

A634.5.4.RB_FogartyShawn

            Marketing conducted by organizations has an inherent strategic object, to make the organization successful; more specifically make money. Organizations marketing advertisements are to taken with a grain of salt. Statistics can always be bent, facts omitted to focus only on the positive and misleading or misrepresentation of the truth. Sayed and Ghazaly (n.d.) outline the negative aspects of marketing in their article, Ethics-Based Marketing, by attempting to answer the following questions: Does the end justify the means? Is marketing really an angel? Is it even about satisfying the customer, or does it also involve totally materialistic objectives? To what extent do situational and organizational variables influence marketing practitioners in interacting with consuming publics? As we reflect on their article and evaluate the marketing trends as viewed in the United States it’s hard to trust the vary organizations that seek consumer interests in their marketing.

            I feel ethical guidelines make a difference to marketers and consumers. Sayed and Ghazaly (n.d.) present findings by Laczniak and Murphy (1985) which recommends “organizational and strategic mechanisms for improving marketing ethics, including codes of marketing ethics, marketing ethics committees, and ethics education modules for marketing managers.” Further, that organizations that focus on “communicating the beliefs and behavior of top management, the ethical frame of reference could be improved especially since respondents identify their ethical beliefs as closer to top management's than to their peers” (Sayed, Ghazaly, n.d.).

            Companies do not always balance the need to win with being ethical. The capitalistic society in the United States has been seen, on many occasions, to allow organizations to “bend” the rules when it comes to ethics. Organizations can stray to being overly customer focused which opens the door to ethical decision making. This stems from good intentions as organizations aim to maintain “customer focused in marketing, is the essence that brings an organization to success, it's the underlying culture that enables a company to grow, simply because marketing is the glue that sticks the consumer to the company or the product it sells (Sayed, Ghazaly, n.d.). However, good intentions can pave the road unethical decisions.

.           I think that it is ethical to track buying habits or web visits to target you for marketing purposes so long as organizations acknowledge this act and make it known to the consumer. Many websites offer similar products or even list, “Customers who viewed this item also viewed these items.” Although, you’ll find that many people, as mentioned by Sayed and Ghazaly (n.d.) in Ethics-Based Marketing, “believe that they (Organizations) make decisions in an organizational environment that is less ethical than their own values and beliefs.” This certainly surrounds the ability to track buying habit and market to the consumer based on targeted marketing practices.

           Lastly, as a leader, I would manage the ethical aspects of marketing efforts by nesting organizational values with my own and promote those values throughout the organization. Also, I would publish a mission statement to the consumers which is backed by the workforce as to promote ethical practices. Ultimately, I would draw a red line on the wall where we do not cross for capital gain. 

Sayed , H., & Ghazaly , I. (n.d.). Ethics-Based Marketing: Ethical Articles. Retrieved July 2, 2013, from http://www.ethicsbasedmarketing.net/2.html

Laczniak, G.R. and RE. Murphy (1985). “Incorporating Marketing Ethics into the Organization”. In Marketing Ethics: Guidelines for Managers , edited by G.R. Laczniak and P.E. Murphy (97-105). Lexington , MA : Lexington Books.