Wow! Week 11

Hi,

The class tonight was on data analysis and how data can be manipulated to give a different story.  In groups we  looked at different types of graphs out determined what information we got out of them.  Ken had already given us a rundown on what to look out for such as headings, the Y axis information and the X axis information.

Then we went over assignment 3.  I plan to print out the power point Ken showed us as it will be a big help when doing the assignment.  My main concern is getting all the referencing correct.

I also dished out the printed copies of group assignment 2.  Everyone in the group looked pleased with the result, this was the first time that any of them had seen it in print form.  I also mentioned to Ken that although there were page numbers missing on the print out the electronic one the pages numbers were there.  I know that this was an error at the printers not our due to the fact the numbers were on the electronic version.  Fingers crossed Ken will take this into account.

 

Cheers

Christine

Ethnics

In this Wednesday’s night class we covered ethnics. I really enjoyed the debate, I have always found it a very interesting topic.

I am an Internal Auditor so I interact with many people in our organisation in many different areas. In my work I am constantly assessing my own and other peoples ethnics with some interesting results.  Often the people you expect to have ‘high value & ethnics’ don’t always and their position in the organisation is not a guarantee of it.  Sometimes people in the lower levels I have found to have more courage and ethnics then some Management.

Cheers

Christine

More preparation for the assignment

Hi,

Ken took us through the required formatting of our report.  This was very helpful and with us all taking notes, hopefully we will get it right.    After Ken had finished we (Delta group) gathered together to discuss our assignment.  Fiona and I are the only New Zealanders in the group but are lucky in that the other members English is reasonable and they are very nice to boot!

We want the same outcome which is to get a great result. This is a great way to learn to work in a  team for all.

Cheers

Chris

The Treaty Talk

Treaty

Hi,

Tonight we discussed the values and concepts of Maori in business, this all relevant for our group assignment. I have done some work in the very distant past on the Treaty when I was first employed by the Auckland District Health Board.  This was part of the orientation process at the time.  I had known through  the workshop that Maori had long been traders and astute business people. Ken  confirmed this is still the case, not only through showing us the many successful businesses owned by Maori trusts, but also the whole Treaty settlement negotiations must have been taken quite a lot of skill and foresight to be successful.  I feel compelled to look in more detail at the history that is part of our country and I plan to look up some of Michael Kings books.

Cheers

Christine 

Week 5 – Week of the Powhiri

Hi,

It was a good session tonight.  The librarian come to our class and took us through how to search the library website for books and articles via the business database and Newztext Plus.  The quiz followed which was on  information gathering, it was pretty straight forward.

The discussion then went on to holding meetings which included  watching a funny video starring John Cleese.  I plan to go back to view the 5 essentials for holding a meeting.

]Ken talked about the Powhiri and I was sorry I missed it.  Ken showed us a video of a Powhiri that was amazing.  The warriors lay down a challenge for the visitors to pick up.  Then we saw an action dance that was pretty impressive.

Our group (Delta) picked the Maori business ‘Footprints Waipou’.  This is a small business but sounds interesting, the founder Koro Carmen is an old Unitec student and our lecturer knew him.  We all picked a question to gather information on and organised to meet at my house on the 9th to correlate our information.

I am looking forward to working with this group they include 2 Kiwis, 1 from Turkey and 2 from China, it should be fun.

Cheers

Chris

Assignment 2 on the Horizon

The first part of the evening class was on assignment 1 and as I had already handed mine in I was able to relax. Second half of Wednesday night’s class we discussed assignment 2,  formed groups and watched a  video of the protocols for the marae visit next week.  A few years back I did an assignment on the Treaty of Waitangi for work.  Working in the health sector you have to know the protocols for maori healthcare.  I  enjoyed the presenters sense of humour, he was putting you at ease but making sure you get the message.  I am looking forward to the visit and learning more about our indigenous people although I am also a bit nervous about getting it wrong and offending someone.

 

Cheers

 

Hi,

It wasn’t a brilliant class tonight, only because was tired and hungry.  Ken took us through  referencing and formatting of assignment 1.  It was good as I realised I had missed a few things and too many words.  Time to do a cull!

We were also organised into our groups for the second assignment. We have quite a mix, this could be interesting.  I will keep you posted.

Christine

 

 

Reflection – The Dreaded NAT!

Whew! We did the National Assessment Tool tonight, it is over and done with.  I have to admit that I wasn’t looking forward to it as my confidence wasn’t high.  I had expected the assessment to be a series of maths and spelling tests.  I was surprised to find that it involved critical thinking and comprehension.   I was pleased that my score wasn’t too bad and I am looking forward to testing myself down the track to see if I have made any improvement.

The library talk I found difficult to follow due to distracting thoughts with my focus on the fact there weren’t enough computers and we couldn’t log on.  I have used the library a number of times and found the staff very helpful.  I will read the handouts Ken gave us to try to get up to speed.

Cheers Christine

Class 7056- Reflection on week 2

I’m tired, my eyes are sore and I have just finished a frantic day at work but Ken’s easy way and pleasant manner helps me unwind to absorb the subject of the night.   Concepts, theories and frameworks swirl around with Ken bringing home the main points.

The discussion on leaders of different disciplines was interesting and I learnt from my fellow students.  I like the open discussions, it seems a good way to learn about my class members personalities a little bit more.

As Ken discusses the assignment I am already trying to formulate the essay in my mind.  A hook! But what to use!

I have to go, time to start one of the self assessments……

Nanotechnology in Health

The inserted video  concept is almost surreal.  The development of nanotechnology will be an incredible leap forward for health care, with use in research, diagnosis and cure.

Scientists and IT specialists have already developed nanobots that could be injected into your blood stream  targeting cancer  cells and  leaving  good cells intact. Precision diagnosis and cure will be available eliminating errors and allowing for custom made care.

I’m sure that I have seen a science fiction movie about this technology?? Ok, there may not be molecular sized people and spaceships manoeuvring around your organs but………nanobots may be, in the not distant future, incorporated in our way of life.  Who knows maybe computers will be the future ‘doctors’ of our society.

Christine