A500.8.3RB_Good Presentation Design

             MLSD 500: Leadership Found in Research

     A500.8.3RB – Good Presentation Design

Submitted to ERAU Worldwide

in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements of the Degree of MBAA

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Worldwide

Online Campus

September 30, 2015

         

HOW TO ROCK YOUR PRESENTATION!

The backlash to the traditional PowerPoint has started. There are ways in which we can improve our effectiveness and allow our content to connect in more powerful ways. One key concept is simplicity. Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, that is creativity (Reynolds, 2015).

One key factor for consideration is how the audience will actually process the presentation. A design must take advantage of how people process information. People process information is three ways: dual-channels, which is having separate information that separates visual and verbal material; limited capacity, where people can pay attention to only a few pieces of information in each channel at a time; and active processing, understanding the presented material when the audience pays attention to the relevant material.  That means it is organized in a coherent mental structure and integrated within their prior knowledge (Reynolds, 2015). 

Multimedia combines the use of several media or medium of expression or communication, such as sound/narration and images.  The results are more impactful and memorable than single mediums. Modality principle focuses on audio narration over on-screen text, particularly for complex presentations, as in these cases, the concept is that people learn better when words are presented as narration rather than text. The redundancy principle states that people learn more readily with narration and graphics/animation and that text is not necessary. And, the coherence principle asserts that people learn better when extraneous visual material is excluded (Reynolds, 2015).

When creating a PowerPoint presentation, one should limit the use of slide information, as that it overloads people's cognitive systems. Successful PowerPoint presentations use verbal and visual methods, limiting them to three seconds for effective comprehension. Following these recommendations, the presenter will be assured of targeted learning capability. A good presentation guideline will include the following elements:  a targeted end as an initial step; creation in analog mode; and, cultivation of a sense of community. It is best to avoid reading from slides, and instead to include pamphlets for distribution after the presentation.  It is always best to keep it simple (Reynolds, 2015).

People respond well to PowerPoint presentations that use high-quality graphics, photography, slide transitions, and video and audio (Reynolds, 2015).

When delivering the presentation, one should pretend that everyone in the audience is naked, connect with the audience by making eye contact and smile (my late grandmother was a very famous politician and these were her words of wisdom and advice)!

Contrast is what we notice, that is, how things differ, and it is what gives a design its energy. Contrast is one of the most powerful design concepts of all, because any design element can be contrasted with another. It can be achieved through manipulation of space, colored choices, text selection, and the position of elements. Contrast allows the viewer to understand the point of the design quickly. Every good design has a strong and clear focal point and having a clear contrast among elements helps. Designs that have strong contrast attract interest and help the viewer make sense of the visual (Reynolds, 2015). 

Repetition means that the same elements are reused throughout the presentation. It brings a sense of unity, consistency, and cohesiveness. Repetition is viewed as being part of a larger whole. However, too much repetition may overload viewers and creative a negative reaction (Reynolds, 2015). 

Alignment refers to organization within a presentation, where everything is lined up via an invisible line. Alignment is about obtaining unity among elements of a single slide, but with a visual connection. Without alignment, presentations look less sophisticated and less professional (Reynolds, 2015).

Proximity has to do with movement of things closer or farther apart to achieve a more organized look. Information, images and content should be grouped together so they are processed as a group or idea, as opposed to conflicting ideas. It is important not confuse so that the information is clearly presented. A rule of thumb is to group like-minded things together so that it catches one’s eye (Reynolds, 2015). It is all about location, location, location! 

Bottom-line:

• Design matters, yet design is not about decoration or ornamentation.         

  Design is about making communication as easy and clear for the viewer as possible.

• The principle of signal-versus-noise should be kept in mind so all nonessential elements are eliminated.  Visual clutter should be removed and 3-D effects avoided.

• People remember visuals better than bullet points. Always consider how the use of strong visual—including quantitative displays to enhance narrative.

• Empty space can be a powerful tool. Learn to see and manipulate empty space to give slide designs greater organization, clarity, and interest.

• The principle of contrast can create strong dynamic differences among elements that are different. If it is different, make it very different.

• The principle of repetition can be used to repeat selected elements throughout the slides. This can help give the slides unity and organization.

• The principle of alignment can be used to connect elements visually (through invisible lines) on a slide. Grids are very useful for achieving good alignment. This will give the slide a clean, well-organized look.

• The principle of proximity may be used to ensure that related items are grouped together. People will tend to interpret items together or near to each other as if they belong to the same group.

References:
Reynolds, Garr. (2015). Presentation Zen: How to deliver presentations like a pro. Sociable Media, Inc. Retrieved from http://www.garrreynolds.com/Presentation/pdf/presentation_tips.pdf
Reynolds, Garr. (2015). Presentation Zen: How to deliver presentations like a pro. Sociable Media, Inc. Retrieved from http://www.presentationzen.com/chapter6_spread.pdf  

A500.7.3.RB_Quantitative Research Reflection

             MLSD 500: Leadership Found in Research

     A500.7.3RB – Qualitative Research Reflection

Submitted to ERAU Worldwide

in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements of the Degree of MBAA

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Worldwide

Online Campus

September 24, 2015

         

Social researchers believe that patterns and regularities occur in society and that these are not simply random events. Patterns necessitate interest in the formulation of explanations. These explanations are presented in theories that allow us to come to a sense of reality. On the basis of theory, we can develop hypotheses about relationships that ought to exist, if the theory is valid (Mamia, 2015).

Empirical research is the study of an aspect of reality. Research data is obtained by asystematic method of empirical observation. Theoretical research studies problems related to theories of a discipline. Research data consists of previous research. Scientific research is a dialogue between theory and empirical. Most research involves both theoretical and empirical element (Mamia, 2015).

Qualitative research aims at understanding. It answers primarily to “how” questions, i.e. How does this work? Meanwhile, an explanation is the goal of quantitative research, which primarily addresses “why” questions, i.e. Why does this work? Both qualitative and quantitative research can aim for a description of social reality (Mamia, 2015).

The quantitative method is based on the idea that social phenomena can be quantified, measured and expressed numerically. The information about a social phenomenon is expressed in numeric terms that can be analyzed by statistical methods. The observations can be directly numeric information, or they can be classified into numeric variables. Observations are transformed into a data matrix in which each observation unit occupies one row and each variable one column. The data matrix is the starting point for the analysis. The quantitative method enables the research and description of social structures and processes that are not directly observable (Mamia, 2015).

I have enjoyed collecting data, analyzing the results and trending the figures. I now understand how easy it is to be misled by incomplete or manipulated data and the value of random sampling to minimize risk. In a random sample, the risk of sampling error can be statistically estimated. With random sample, there is a definite level of confidence (Mamia, 2015).  Prior to this understanding, I had, no doubt, come to conclusions based on information that had not been properly vetted for balanced, unbiased input. My new understanding of the research process for data collection has brought clarity to the importance of unbiased data in quantifying conclusions, particularly as it relates to business decisions.

Reference:

Mamia, Tero. (2015). Quantitative Research Methods. General Studies/ISS. Retrieved from Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation. 

A5004.3RB_AdorableBalletSlippers

             MLSD 500: Leadership Found in Research

     A500.4.3RB – Adorable Ballet Slippers 

Submitted to ERAU Worldwide

in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements of the Degree of MBAA

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Worldwide

Online Campus

September 6, 2015

         

Adorable Ballet Slippers

      The lesson is about choice. Choice is the power of picking the best part, person or thing (Merriam-Webster, 2015). All humans share a basic need and desire for choice, we don't all see choice in the same places or to the same extent. Studies have shown that when you give people ten or more options when they're making a choice, they make poorer decisions, whether it be health care, investment, or other critical areas. Yet still, many of us believe that we should make all our own choices and seek out even more of them (Iyengar, 2010).

      Human behavior is shaped by the environment, by deliberate and non-deliberate conditioning, training and education. If this were the case, then choice is really conditioning, training and education of what is available and selecting deliberately or non-deliberately (Pecorino & O’Sullivan, 2002).

      If choice is reliant upon the environment that one is exposed to, than the selection is influenced by social class, education and upbringing (Pecorino & O’Sullivan, 2002).

      The fundamental difference culturally in our ideas is about choice. Here in America, when a paying customer makes a reasonable request based on their preferences, they have the right to have that request met. Opposed to Japan, where it is the people’s duty to protect those who don't know any better. Americans tend to think that their choices best fulfills an innate and universal desire for choice in all humans. These are assumptions that don't always hold true in many cultures (Iyengar, 2010).

      Americans believe that choice personally affects you and your preferences. Americans believe that by making their own choices, their own interests will be accounted for, which is essential for success and being true to oneself. Americans are exposed to more options each passing day and it is perceived that the choice one makes in America is a direct correlation to who they are, what they choose, and why they choose it (Iyengar, 2010).

I believe in transparent and authentic data based information so I can empower myself to make rational decisions. As leaders, we need to encourage and empower people to learn as much as possible, to vet data for its authenticity and simplicity, so that they may be informed and equipped to make good choices. 

According to Sheena Iyengar (2010), we become overwhelmed by choice, sometimes even afraid of it. If we were to educate the majority of the population and foster an empowerment environment, then this might not be a result. Dr. Iyengar states that choice no longer offers opportunities, but imposes constraints. It's not a marker of liberation, but of suffocation by meaningless minutiae (2010).

I agree with Dr Iyengar’s position that we are suffocating from the minutiae – overwhelmed by the details of biased presentations that leave us easy prey for manipulation, invalidating the concept of choice. That does not release us, however, from our own responsibilities as leaders to continually search for authentically vetted data in order to make sound, rational decisions. We must remove the clutter in the search for truth. If we do not implement this as leaders, we will make ourselves vulnerable to those who know how to market to our weaknesses for their own advantage and possibly make decisions that are not in our best interests.  Choice is essential for a free society, a society that fosters innovation and growth, and opportunities for all.

In the end, if you combined two different shades of pinks, through individuality, choice and innovation, you will get the best pink and product available, adorable ballet slippers. 

References:

Iyengar, Sheena. (2010). TED video transcript: The Art of Choosing. Retrieved from http://www.ted.com/talks/sheena_iyengar_on_the_art_of_choosing/transcript?language=en

Merriam-Webster. (2015). Full Definition of Choice. Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/choice

Nosich, G. M. (2012). Learning to think things through: Critical thinking across the curriculum. Columbus, OH: Prentice Hall. (ISBN: 9780137085149)

Pecorino, P & O’Sullivan, S. (2002). Ethics: Deontological Theories on Natural Law, Problems. Retrieved from http://www.qcc.cuny.edu/SocialSciences/ppecorino/ETHICS_TEXT/Chapter_7_Deontological_Theories_Natural_Law/Problems_with_Natural_Law.htm

A500.2.3.RB_Standards

             MLSD 500: Leadership Found in Research

     A500.2.3RB – Standards

Submitted to ERAU Worldwide

in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements of the Degree of MBAA

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Worldwide

Online Campus

August 18, 2015

           A standard is a level of quality, like a bar that is set. A document that outlines standards provides requirements, specifications, guidelines, or characteristics that can be used consistently to ensure that materials, products, processes and services are fit for their purpose (ISO, 2015).  I actually refer to a standard every day at my job.

           A standard of life is similar to a standard of living, evidenced by a set level of resources that may include such things as wealth and material goods and necessities.

Critical-thinking standards in a particular discipline are: reason, logic, rational, consistent, falsifiable, testable, well-organized, reliable, and being effective (Nosich, 2012). 

The non-critical-thinking standards tend to focus more on emotional feelings and attributes like: fun, exciting, feels good, attention-getting, popular, chic, spontaneous, advantageous, and beneficial to me, in fashion (Nosich, 2012).

My personal standards focus on safety and comfort, standards that are crucial to me for a sound foundation. The style and model of my car, for instance, represent the importance of reliable transportation, which I believe is a necessity. It also addresses my standards for comfort efficiency, so the car has a fast engine, calibrated for speed, yet it is designed well enough to mitigate risky malfunction. My job is just like my engine: fast-paced, in sync, challenging, yet conservative.

          My personal standards are identical to my professional standards. I have always been in search of a fast-paced, challenging - both intellectually and physically - standard of excellence. I have always found value in efficiencies; I organized myself so that I could be as productive and efficient as possible, as it was easier for me to accomplish my goals. When I decided to explore efficiences in business, particularly manufacturing, I found that the Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification confirmed and formalized my natural inclinations. 

References:

ISO - International Organization for Standardization. (2015). What is a standard? Retrieved from http://www.iso.org/iso/home/standards.htm

Nosich, G. M. (2012). Learning to think things through: Critical thinking across the curriculum. Columbus, OH: Prentice Hall. (ISBN: 9780137085149)