Pub Date : 2008-07-13DOI: 10.1109/IPCC.2008.4610223
T. Moran
A number of contemporary engineers who have authored books of poetry, award-winning short fiction, highly-acclaimed creative non-fiction, and best-selling novels are introduced. Their thoughts on engineering, engineering education, the engineering workplace and technical and creative writing are presented. Implications for engineering education and creativity are discussed.
{"title":"Strong words: The creative writing of engineers","authors":"T. Moran","doi":"10.1109/IPCC.2008.4610223","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1109/IPCC.2008.4610223","url":null,"abstract":"A number of contemporary engineers who have authored books of poetry, award-winning short fiction, highly-acclaimed creative non-fiction, and best-selling novels are introduced. Their thoughts on engineering, engineering education, the engineering workplace and technical and creative writing are presented. Implications for engineering education and creativity are discussed.","PeriodicalId":131068,"journal":{"name":"2008 IEEE International Professional Communication Conference","volume":"438 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2008-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"131954454","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2008-07-13DOI: 10.1109/IPCC.2008.4610202
Z. Fazal, A. Tenga, R. Hatcher-Gallop, J. Strother
This paper presents a case study of the establishment of the center for communication excellence (CCE) at Florida Institute of Technology. Founded in 2006 to help faculty improve the writing of their professional documents (such as grant proposals), the CCE has evolved from an institutionally funded center exclusively serving faculty authors into a fee-based center serving faculty, institutional clients, and graduate students. Our research suggests that the CCE is unique, and we believe that other institutions can benefit from the establishment of similar centers to support faculty writing. Research is the core of many academic institutions, and by helping faculty shape information more effectively, the CCE promotes and protects the universitypsilas intellectual capital, one of its most valuable resources in an information-based economy. Our paper traces the history of the CCE from its establishment through its first two years of existence. We discuss issues associated with establishing a center, such as obtaining funding, developing organizational processes, and meeting the challenge of heavy demand. We show how collaborating via the Internet proved to be the most beneficial arrangement for our staff and the majority of our clients. Finally, we offer recommendations for others who wish to establish similar centers.
{"title":"Supporting faculty research through asynchronous online collaboration at Florida Institute of Technology’s Center for Communication Excellence","authors":"Z. Fazal, A. Tenga, R. Hatcher-Gallop, J. Strother","doi":"10.1109/IPCC.2008.4610202","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1109/IPCC.2008.4610202","url":null,"abstract":"This paper presents a case study of the establishment of the center for communication excellence (CCE) at Florida Institute of Technology. Founded in 2006 to help faculty improve the writing of their professional documents (such as grant proposals), the CCE has evolved from an institutionally funded center exclusively serving faculty authors into a fee-based center serving faculty, institutional clients, and graduate students. Our research suggests that the CCE is unique, and we believe that other institutions can benefit from the establishment of similar centers to support faculty writing. Research is the core of many academic institutions, and by helping faculty shape information more effectively, the CCE promotes and protects the universitypsilas intellectual capital, one of its most valuable resources in an information-based economy. Our paper traces the history of the CCE from its establishment through its first two years of existence. We discuss issues associated with establishing a center, such as obtaining funding, developing organizational processes, and meeting the challenge of heavy demand. We show how collaborating via the Internet proved to be the most beneficial arrangement for our staff and the majority of our clients. Finally, we offer recommendations for others who wish to establish similar centers.","PeriodicalId":131068,"journal":{"name":"2008 IEEE International Professional Communication Conference","volume":"1 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2008-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"130334728","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2008-07-13DOI: 10.1109/IPCC.2008.4610232
D. Reddig, J. Karreman, T. van der Geest
As time moves on, a trend crystallizes that sets new requirements on content management systems. The circle of users shifts from a small technically experienced group to a large network of inexperienced editors. Literature stresses that a higher need for usability is present if personnel with a low grade of human computer interaction expertise is using a system. But how can system designers accomplish a high level of usability? This study suggests a preview as an important factor for strengthening the usability (effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction) of a content management system. The findings of this study support the hypothesis: the results showed that a preview enhances the userspsila satisfaction with the system. Moreover, the study shows that the userspsila confidence to be able to work with the system is an important factor; the results showed positive correlations between confidence and satisfaction and between confidence and effectiveness.
{"title":"Watch out for the preview: The effects of a preview on the usability of a Content Management System and on the users’ confidence level","authors":"D. Reddig, J. Karreman, T. van der Geest","doi":"10.1109/IPCC.2008.4610232","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1109/IPCC.2008.4610232","url":null,"abstract":"As time moves on, a trend crystallizes that sets new requirements on content management systems. The circle of users shifts from a small technically experienced group to a large network of inexperienced editors. Literature stresses that a higher need for usability is present if personnel with a low grade of human computer interaction expertise is using a system. But how can system designers accomplish a high level of usability? This study suggests a preview as an important factor for strengthening the usability (effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction) of a content management system. The findings of this study support the hypothesis: the results showed that a preview enhances the userspsila satisfaction with the system. Moreover, the study shows that the userspsila confidence to be able to work with the system is an important factor; the results showed positive correlations between confidence and satisfaction and between confidence and effectiveness.","PeriodicalId":131068,"journal":{"name":"2008 IEEE International Professional Communication Conference","volume":"45 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2008-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"133720286","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2008-07-13DOI: 10.1109/IPCC.2008.4610210
S. Ishikawa
This project reports on a brief investigation of Japanese engineering student perspectives regarding emotional management in team communication. It also reports on Japanese engineering student experiences with education related to this topic. Project results suggest what might be helpful for Japanese engineering students to know in order to fill some of their gaps in knowledge and experience.
{"title":"Managing emotions: What Japanese engineering students know and what they need to know for effective team communication","authors":"S. Ishikawa","doi":"10.1109/IPCC.2008.4610210","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1109/IPCC.2008.4610210","url":null,"abstract":"This project reports on a brief investigation of Japanese engineering student perspectives regarding emotional management in team communication. It also reports on Japanese engineering student experiences with education related to this topic. Project results suggest what might be helpful for Japanese engineering students to know in order to fill some of their gaps in knowledge and experience.","PeriodicalId":131068,"journal":{"name":"2008 IEEE International Professional Communication Conference","volume":"135 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2008-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"122127636","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2008-07-13DOI: 10.1109/IPCC.2008.4610206
K. Bevis, K. Henke
To thoroughly test a new information delivery product, usability personnel should employ a variety of methods to gather user feedback. Learning how to gather accurate customer feedback from a variety of sources can dramatically impact the effectiveness of your information and the usability of your information delivery product. Effectively dealing with development teams when proposing changes to their product is essential. Gaining great rewards, not only when improving the usability of a product, but in the experience of getting to know our customers on a more personal level make the job enjoyable and effective.
{"title":"Evaluating usability in an information product","authors":"K. Bevis, K. Henke","doi":"10.1109/IPCC.2008.4610206","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1109/IPCC.2008.4610206","url":null,"abstract":"To thoroughly test a new information delivery product, usability personnel should employ a variety of methods to gather user feedback. Learning how to gather accurate customer feedback from a variety of sources can dramatically impact the effectiveness of your information and the usability of your information delivery product. Effectively dealing with development teams when proposing changes to their product is essential. Gaining great rewards, not only when improving the usability of a product, but in the experience of getting to know our customers on a more personal level make the job enjoyable and effective.","PeriodicalId":131068,"journal":{"name":"2008 IEEE International Professional Communication Conference","volume":"19 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2008-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"124057041","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2008-07-13DOI: 10.1109/IPCC.2008.4610238
Debopriyo Roy
In this article, we argue for the importance of using concept maps in an advanced technical reading class offered for computer science students. This article presents a strong argument that use of concept maps should be integrated effectively with traditional document conceptualization and production techniques. Assignments based on designing concept maps in a technical reading classroom should address the use of knowledge models like concept maps and should be integrated effectively with technical writing assignments. This study reports that readers think concept maps and the associated software are effective tools for comprehending technical details, and they prefer to use various strategies (when they are part of the class design) to dissect the technical text to be used in concept maps. Readerspsila self-reports also suggested that readers used concept maps for a variety of reasons.
{"title":"Using concept maps for information conceptualization and schematization in technical reading and writing courses: A case study for computer science majors in Japan","authors":"Debopriyo Roy","doi":"10.1109/IPCC.2008.4610238","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1109/IPCC.2008.4610238","url":null,"abstract":"In this article, we argue for the importance of using concept maps in an advanced technical reading class offered for computer science students. This article presents a strong argument that use of concept maps should be integrated effectively with traditional document conceptualization and production techniques. Assignments based on designing concept maps in a technical reading classroom should address the use of knowledge models like concept maps and should be integrated effectively with technical writing assignments. This study reports that readers think concept maps and the associated software are effective tools for comprehending technical details, and they prefer to use various strategies (when they are part of the class design) to dissect the technical text to be used in concept maps. Readerspsila self-reports also suggested that readers used concept maps for a variety of reasons.","PeriodicalId":131068,"journal":{"name":"2008 IEEE International Professional Communication Conference","volume":"11 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2008-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"133400444","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2008-07-13DOI: 10.1109/IPCC.2008.4610191
K. S. Allen, R. Whitehorn, C. Carey, R. Dowell, A. L. Bartell
A group of Boeing technical communicators worked as a team to identify potential future skills required in an information-based economy. This paper explains the process they used, the tools they produced, their findings after sharing the tools with their work group, and their recommendations to other technical communication groups. This future skills teampsilas experience may be helpful to other professionals also faced with preparing for changes within the information economy.
{"title":"Identifying future skills for technical communicators: An action plan","authors":"K. S. Allen, R. Whitehorn, C. Carey, R. Dowell, A. L. Bartell","doi":"10.1109/IPCC.2008.4610191","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1109/IPCC.2008.4610191","url":null,"abstract":"A group of Boeing technical communicators worked as a team to identify potential future skills required in an information-based economy. This paper explains the process they used, the tools they produced, their findings after sharing the tools with their work group, and their recommendations to other technical communication groups. This future skills teampsilas experience may be helpful to other professionals also faced with preparing for changes within the information economy.","PeriodicalId":131068,"journal":{"name":"2008 IEEE International Professional Communication Conference","volume":"101 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2008-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"123589120","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2008-07-13DOI: 10.1109/IPCC.2008.4610225
K. Northcut
Assessment of technical visual representations poses challenges for professionals in both academic and non-academic settings. Recent research demonstrates the challenge faced by technical communicators who assume responsibility for visual communication with little or no formal training in design or related fields [1]. Because many people now responsible for oversight, editing, and production of visual communication are primarily verbal communicators, we tend to either ignore matters of design or superimpose linguistic evaluation strategies onto images. The alternative model suggested here pulls from the rich scholarship based on Gestalt, narrative, and semiotic theories to shape an assessment heuristic that encourages visual assessment based on some foundational tenets of visual literacy.
{"title":"Assessment of visual artifacts in the information economy","authors":"K. Northcut","doi":"10.1109/IPCC.2008.4610225","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1109/IPCC.2008.4610225","url":null,"abstract":"Assessment of technical visual representations poses challenges for professionals in both academic and non-academic settings. Recent research demonstrates the challenge faced by technical communicators who assume responsibility for visual communication with little or no formal training in design or related fields [1]. Because many people now responsible for oversight, editing, and production of visual communication are primarily verbal communicators, we tend to either ignore matters of design or superimpose linguistic evaluation strategies onto images. The alternative model suggested here pulls from the rich scholarship based on Gestalt, narrative, and semiotic theories to shape an assessment heuristic that encourages visual assessment based on some foundational tenets of visual literacy.","PeriodicalId":131068,"journal":{"name":"2008 IEEE International Professional Communication Conference","volume":"196 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2008-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"116365122","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2008-07-13DOI: 10.1109/IPCC.2008.4610247
A. Yamazaki
The author conducted a survey on English communication among 86 Japanese and 15 English-speaking engineers working at manufacturing sites in English-speaking countries. The subjects were asked to evaluate their own performance for different communication functions using different tools or methods in various situations. They were also asked to answer a questionnaire to rate the frequency, importance and performance of their communication activities at work. Results of the survey showed that the Japanese subjects had less tendency than the native English-speaking subjects to use the functions of ldquopraisingrdquo, ldquocomplainingrdquo, and ldquodisagreeingrdquo but both groups considered technical instruction and informal meetings, as well as interviews, to be very important tasks. Analysis of the results indicates that the Japanese subjects were less satisfied with communication activities that require indirect or elaborate expressions compared to tasks directly related to their technical duties. This suggests that more and better training in English communication, based on real communication situations, is needed for Japanese engineers to perform their jobs more efficiently and effectively at manufacturing sites abroad.
{"title":"Analysis of communication functions of Japanese engineers working at manufacturing sites in English-speaking countries","authors":"A. Yamazaki","doi":"10.1109/IPCC.2008.4610247","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1109/IPCC.2008.4610247","url":null,"abstract":"The author conducted a survey on English communication among 86 Japanese and 15 English-speaking engineers working at manufacturing sites in English-speaking countries. The subjects were asked to evaluate their own performance for different communication functions using different tools or methods in various situations. They were also asked to answer a questionnaire to rate the frequency, importance and performance of their communication activities at work. Results of the survey showed that the Japanese subjects had less tendency than the native English-speaking subjects to use the functions of ldquopraisingrdquo, ldquocomplainingrdquo, and ldquodisagreeingrdquo but both groups considered technical instruction and informal meetings, as well as interviews, to be very important tasks. Analysis of the results indicates that the Japanese subjects were less satisfied with communication activities that require indirect or elaborate expressions compared to tasks directly related to their technical duties. This suggests that more and better training in English communication, based on real communication situations, is needed for Japanese engineers to perform their jobs more efficiently and effectively at manufacturing sites abroad.","PeriodicalId":131068,"journal":{"name":"2008 IEEE International Professional Communication Conference","volume":"15 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2008-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"124525554","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2008-07-13DOI: 10.1109/IPCC.2008.4610205
D. Guevara
Currently there are two types of workers in the organizations. The first is the traditional worker defined as Manufacturer, and in this profile, the person works with tangible materials to complete goals and objectives, and also this person asks for a salary compensation. The second type is the newly called Mindfacturer, and in this case, the person works with knowledge and information coming from the organization. The person gets as much knowledge as possible, and also contributes to the organization and co-workers with more knowledge. This report is based on a practical case of an organization that changed the mindset of some workers to have them share critical knowledge and start measuring the impact of this intangible asset in a Value System of the organization. In other words, to find the value proposition of a knowledge-based organization strategy.
{"title":"Capitalizing knowledge workers, a practical case","authors":"D. Guevara","doi":"10.1109/IPCC.2008.4610205","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1109/IPCC.2008.4610205","url":null,"abstract":"Currently there are two types of workers in the organizations. The first is the traditional worker defined as Manufacturer, and in this profile, the person works with tangible materials to complete goals and objectives, and also this person asks for a salary compensation. The second type is the newly called Mindfacturer, and in this case, the person works with knowledge and information coming from the organization. The person gets as much knowledge as possible, and also contributes to the organization and co-workers with more knowledge. This report is based on a practical case of an organization that changed the mindset of some workers to have them share critical knowledge and start measuring the impact of this intangible asset in a Value System of the organization. In other words, to find the value proposition of a knowledge-based organization strategy.","PeriodicalId":131068,"journal":{"name":"2008 IEEE International Professional Communication Conference","volume":"119 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2008-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"121505086","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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