Sunday, November 25, 2012

From Profit to Community

From Profit to Community

Unfortunately, the Government is the exact institution that has pulled back the support that so many charitable organizations have depended upon to survive. The fact is that charities often spend so much time focused on the support of their end mission that they completely forget how to survive as a business. Solution: Corporate America must step in and pay its dues to the community that supports their business.

The Corporate Community Model shows how all parties associated with a organization can create social wealth as well as financial wealth. By integrating these diverse resources into a synergistic whole can create a productive and legitimate role for the organization.




The two forces for this topic are social and capital.
Social responsibility is taken seriously within an organization. This ensures the publics acceptance.
Capital building is now becoming the responsibility of all associated with the organization.


Source

Halal, W. E. (2008). Technology's Promise. New York: Palgrave MacMillan.

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Gesture Based Computing

Gesture Based Computing

The New Media Consortium Horizon report recognizes the future innovations Gesture Based computing will have on users and their nuances. Gesture-based computing allows users to engage in virtual activities with motions and movements similar to what they would use in the real world, manipulating content intuitively. The idea that simple gestures and natural, comfortable motions can be used to control computers is opening the way to a host of input devices that look and feel very different from the keyboard and mouse. Now, new devices are appearing on the market that take advantage of motions that are easy and intuitive to make, allowing us an unprecedented level of control over the devices around us.

The Leap is a small aluminum and black plastic device. Plug the Leap into a USB port on the Mac, load special software (Leap Motion), and then wave your arm to calibrate the device. Now you have control of about 8 cubic feet of space, with each motion of your hands or fingers precisely tracked to within 1/100th of a millimeter.




Gesture based computing a chance for people with disabilities? The horizon report describes gesture-based computing as an enabling or assistive technology, which already having profound implications for special needs and disabled individuals. But, how affordable is that technology for people with disabilities and how widespread is the use already?
The Delphi method was used to determine the functionality of the new product idea. A board of experts in the field, with a wide range of backgrounds, nationalities and interest participated in a questionnaire process. The group also participated in open communication. In my opinion this method was highly effective because the group was able to share openly. The process was also able to garner a quantitative report.
The two forces I relate to this are virtual and visual. Virtual because of the natural physical gestures that can be used as a means of control. Visual because it allows the user to see how they can manipulate content with gestures.
Sources
Johnson, L., Adams, S., and Cummins, M. (2012).The NMC Horizon Report: 2012 Higher Education Edition. Austin, Texas: The New Media Consortium.


Wednesday, November 7, 2012

SDP Influence Tree




The Structured design Dialogue Process (SDDP or SDP) is composed of 31 component constructs, grouped into seven modules. Listed in one of the seven models is the, “Influence Tree Pattern” or “Tree of Meaning.”  The base of the tree as depicted in the figure below is the most influential in identifying planning and decision making processes. This level helps to develop and accomplish intentions higher on the tree. The SDP dialogue is the catalyst for the tree and helps with the growth of the Influence Tree.





The forces presented are social and organizational. The “Social Class” system is not a factor in the contribution of discussion during the SDP process. Everyone has a voice and contribute to the tree.  The organizational development of the tree helps participants to develop a working plan for change or improvement within the group.


Sources
New Agora: New Geometry of Languaging and New Technology of Democracy: The Structured Design Dialogue Process http://www.harnessingcollectivewisdom.com/new_agora.html

Monday, October 29, 2012

The NGT technique takes advantage of pooled judgment from a variety of people with varied talents, knowledge and skills to form an agreement. The Delphi method collects and extracts the anonymous judgments of experts using data collection and analysis. Additional differences include, the Delphi method participants are anonymous to one another, they are physically separated and never meet, and all communication is done by way of questionnaires and feedback. The NGT participants become acquainted with each other; they meet fact to face, and communication is between participants.

During the Delphi method, opinions are sought on a particular topic. After the opinions are collected they are summarized and returned to the expert for further opinions and judgment. Several rounds of this collaboration generate a synthesis of opinions.

The NGT allows for each individual group member to independently develop a list of ideas surrounding the issues being discussed. Group members report their ideas one at a time, followed by discussion. Afterwards the group members rank the ideas that were presented.

One force I would use is original because in both methods the ideas and suggestions can bring about innovative and creative forces. The second force would be equal. Both methods give participants the opportunity to have equal input and communication. If given the choice of one method to use, I find the NGT method more appealing. It reminds me of the process used during the dissertation defense.



Delbecq, A. L., Van de Ven, A. H. & Gustafson, D. H. (1975). Group Techniques for       Program Planning: A Guide to Nominal Group and Delphi Process. Glenview,     IL: Scott-Foresman.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Week 3 : Ted Talks
David Pizarro : The Strange Politics of Disgust

My Blog:http://zkittykitty.blogspot.com



The video I chose for this weeks assignment is very timely during this political season. The video is available at http://on.ted.com/Pizarro. Pizarro discusses the correlation between sensitivity to disgusting cues and politics. He explains how political candidates and their affiliations engage in disgust behavior and their associations.

For example research data showed a general pattern that political conservatives have high levels of disgust and liberals demonstrated low levels of disgust. So using targeted social groups and sexual practices show an affect on judgement.

The two points that come to mind when considering digust and political correlation is Gay/Homosexual and Abortion.


My first point looks at Social Groups. I ask the question, what is the “Gay Right” the candidate is in favor of? Is it a difference between conservatives and liberals? The chart above was found at http://2012.republican-candidates.org/Same-Sex.php.

My second point looks at what political groups consider sexual practices. Abortion in the mind of a conservative is the purging of a human fetus. The liberal politician sees it as a personal choice.

I have chosen to look at the moral and individual factors analysis of the two examples. Regarding homosexuality, can the claim be made that they have a moral right to have sex and marry a person of the same sex? In my opinion society and personal preferences determine morality. With regards to abortion, what happens to a woman’s individual right to chose? I raise this question because I believe that in the present climate and under the present threats, the woman as an individual has been forgotten.