Blog Assignment 3

Blog Assignment 3

                One of the many frustrations of a group project is the ongoing struggle of accommodating every member’s schedule and finding that one time slot where everyone can meet together. With the use of collaboration technology such as Google Drive, the level of frustration is greatly reduced. The implementation of this technology will allow for better communication of ideas, an easier way to send and receive information, and will not require a physical meeting.
                Have you ever had an idea outside of a group meeting and you either forgot what it was, or cannot find that little piece of paper you wrote it down on. With collaboration technology, your ideas can be shared with your group from your home computer, on your laptop, and even on your smartphone.   With the advancements in this technology, group members are able to collaborate wherever they may be.

                Sending emails with endless attachments is no longer necessary. Group members are now able to create a document, spreadsheet, or power point where they can all edit and add their input for all group members to see. A group member first creates the file and shares it with the group, the creator of the file then is able to select the level of action of each member. This ranges from the ability to view, to comment on, and even allows for each member to edit the file.

                Finding a time for all group members to meet up is always a struggle, with various school schedules, work, and family life, this makes meeting as a group very difficult. However, with collaboration technology, group members can video chat online and collaborate from home, or wherever they may be. The software is even free and is easy to use.

                The implementation of this technology will allow for better communication of ideas, an easier way to send and receive information, and will not require a physical meeting. This technology will save members time and ensure that they are able to be as efficient as possible with their resources.

Blog Assignment 2

What does a handshake mean to you?

A handshake is commonly shared upon greeting, in congratulating, expressing gratitude, and when ways are parted. In sports, it is a way to show good sportsmanship. In business, a handshake is an expression that both parties have come to an agreement. In many cases, it is as action used to covey trust.

Although we often extend our hand without giving much thought, what does it say about you or your recent business transactions?  It is commonly said that your handshake is your word, your bond. Jon M. Huntsman shares in his recent book Winners Never Cheat, a story that illustrates what a handshake means to him.

In 1986, Huntsman decided to sell 40% of a chemical company he owned in order to invest in another company. Negotiations were made with Emerson Kampen, CEO of Great Lakes Chemical Company. Both parties came to an agreement and shook hands over the price of $54Million. Although the negotiations were complete, contracts needed to be written up and paperwork needed to be signed in order to make it official. From the time of the initial meeting until the time when the contract was ready, the value of the stock rose from $54 Million to $250 Million in a matter of days. Upon receiving this information, Emerson asked if they could renegotiate and come to a mutual agreement over a new price. Huntsman simply replied that the price would remain the same and that his Integrity meant more to him than the $200 Million.

We may not be shaking hands over multimillion dollar transactions, However we can learn from this example that our word should mean more to us than any amount of money.  

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