Top Banner
Techn ical Commu nicat ions Portf olio Stephen Aguilar 21 April 2013 TWC 400 (21922)
33

Cover Memo · Web viewProject Plan Proposal6 ASSIGNMENT FOUR7 Team Informative Research Report7 ASSIGNMENT FIVE22 Final Presentation22 Field Blog24 Cover Memo Overall in the class,

Aug 07, 2020

Download

Documents

dariahiddleston
Welcome message from author
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
Page 1: Cover Memo · Web viewProject Plan Proposal6 ASSIGNMENT FOUR7 Team Informative Research Report7 ASSIGNMENT FIVE22 Final Presentation22 Field Blog24 Cover Memo Overall in the class,

Table of ContentsCover Memo.....................................................................................................3

Technical Communicatio

ns Portfolio

Stephen Aguilar

21 April 2013

TWC 400 (21922)

Page 2: Cover Memo · Web viewProject Plan Proposal6 ASSIGNMENT FOUR7 Team Informative Research Report7 ASSIGNMENT FIVE22 Final Presentation22 Field Blog24 Cover Memo Overall in the class,

ASSIGNMENT ONE............................................................................................3Job Application Letter.........................................................................................................3

Resume...................................................................................................................................4

ASSIGNMENT TWO...........................................................................................5Instructional Presentation................................................................................................5

ASSIGNMENT THREE........................................................................................6Project Plan Proposal..........................................................................................................6

ASSIGNMENT FOUR..........................................................................................7Team Informative Research Report..............................................................................7

ASSIGNMENT FIVE..........................................................................................22Final Presentation............................................................................................................. 22

Field Blog..............................................................................................................................24

Cover Memo

Overall in the class, I think I managed and did well. Although it was hard to keep up between this class and all my other online classes, I think I had a good grasp of what was expected of me and was able to get the job done. I’m very pleased with the outcome and my overall grade. This for me is comforting in the fact that I DID IT . Working with a team, felt equally as good. My team consisted of three and I think we worked very well together coming from very similar backgrounds. I do think we did a great job at establishing who was doing what and keeping our word to each other on it. The only thing I would changed regarding the group was meeting up sooner and keeping more of a check-in status with each other. Sometimes no news is good news, but when we sometimes didn’t get a response back from someone, it made the others question is the job getting done? The job did get done and I couldn’t have been happier with the final outcome. Lastly, my portfolio really relates to what I discussed in my final presentation because I structured it that way. I figured out what it had to include and then wrote the whole portfolio and copied and pasted as I went. I answered all the Final Presentation questions in the

Page 3: Cover Memo · Web viewProject Plan Proposal6 ASSIGNMENT FOUR7 Team Informative Research Report7 ASSIGNMENT FIVE22 Final Presentation22 Field Blog24 Cover Memo Overall in the class,

portfolio before doing the presentation visioning myself answering them on video. For me, it worked out perfect!

ASSIGNMENT ONEJob Application LetterJanuary 20, 2013

My personal info would be here.

Whom I’m writing personal info would be here.

Dear Ms. Mefford:

I was referred to Arizona Federal Credit Union by Ms. Jane Smith, who felt that my unique skills, personality, and work ethic would match well with your corporate culture.

As a Branch Lead for Desert Schools for the past year and all the other positions I’ve held with that company for the last 4 years, I can’t wait to bring my proven experience to benefit Arizona Federal Credit Union. While at Desert Schools, I advanced my career from a top teller to a top service manager. I also significantly held multiple Sales positions with Desert Schools where I was a top performer on many occasions.

Attached please find my resume. I am eager to talk to you about these and other contributions I have made to my previous employer, and look forward to becoming a part of Arizona Federal’s successes.

Thank you for your consideration.

Regards,

My signature & name would be here.

http://phoenix.jobing.com/ft-member-service-consultant-bell-road-branch/job/3611034

Resume My personal contact information would be here.

Work Experience:

Branch Lead DSFCU 04/2009 – Present

Mentor, Motivate and coach staff to achieve sales goals and production standards Managerial day to day operations of running a branch location and ensuring compliance Manage and lead staff to in working efficiently and effectively while producing high

resultsIn-Store Service Consultant AZFCU 06/2008 – 04/2009

Page 4: Cover Memo · Web viewProject Plan Proposal6 ASSIGNMENT FOUR7 Team Informative Research Report7 ASSIGNMENT FIVE22 Final Presentation22 Field Blog24 Cover Memo Overall in the class,

Provide essential financial advisement Open and close accounts and loans Accurately process transactions

Education:

Student ASU 08/2011-Present

BAS in Emergency Management Student MCC 08/2007 – 05/2011

AAS in Emergency Response and Operations Emergency Management Certification EMT

Firefighting Student EVIT 08/2006 – 05/2008

EMS Technical Rescue

Student Skyline High School 08/2004 – 05/2008

Spanish I Services Technology College Prep Writing

Community Service:

ICAN Children’s Miracle Network St. Vincent de Paul Packages from Home for the Troops Feed My Starving Children 2008 EVIT Tech. Fest. 2008 Relay for Life Walkathon

Awards of Recognition:

DSFCU & AZFCU Employee of the Month DSFCU & AZFCU 100% Secret Shop DSFCU 2010 Top Seller/MSR DSFCU Stellar Service DSFCU Top Service Manager (Multiple occasions)

Certification:

Notary CPR Firefighting Engineer (EVIT) Technical Rescue (EVIT) Structure, Vehicle, Propane, and Aircraft Rescue Firefighting (EVIT)

References:

Page 5: Cover Memo · Web viewProject Plan Proposal6 ASSIGNMENT FOUR7 Team Informative Research Report7 ASSIGNMENT FIVE22 Final Presentation22 Field Blog24 Cover Memo Overall in the class,

Available upon request

ASSIGNMENT TWOInstructional PresentationBe sure to double click.

ASSIGNMENT THREEProject Plan Proposal

Memo

To: Danielle Roach, ASU

From: Stephen Aguilar, Myles Stover & Ahmed Al-Mosalmani

Date: 03/11/2013

Re: Project Plan Proposal on Hazardous Materials Emergency Plan

Purpose

CONFIDENTIAL

Page 6: Cover Memo · Web viewProject Plan Proposal6 ASSIGNMENT FOUR7 Team Informative Research Report7 ASSIGNMENT FIVE22 Final Presentation22 Field Blog24 Cover Memo Overall in the class,

The purpose of this proposal is the Implantation of an emergency plan for basic operational controls for the mitigation of moderately sized industrial facilities and any surroundings, which generates hazardous chemicals through its manufacturing process.

Introduction Industrial facilities dealing with hazardous chemicals must have contingency plans in order to protect lives of workers and residents around the industrial area; also through mitigation and preparedness plans placed to minimize cost of repair and loss of material. This plan also aims to provide the industry with sufficient “defense” from threats of fines from the government that can reach millions of dollars. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) process guide for constructing an emergency response plan will be used as a template for creating said emergency response plan.

AudienceFor this proposal, our main audience will be above mentioned facilities that have hazardous materials stored and used on their property. We will also include those organizations/residences in close proximity of those facilities as contaminants and hazardous substances may not be restricted to the affected property. Our main audience will, or should, have a general understanding of the Emergency Support Function (ESF) #10 – Oil and Hazardous Materials Response from the National Response Framework created by FEMA.

Proposed ProgramThis emergency response plan provides basic operational controls for mitigation and preparedness to the accidental release of hazardous chemicals that may endanger human lives and cost the industry a substantial amount of money. FEMA regulation process will be used in creating the plan.

Qualifications & Division of LaborMyles and Stephen are Emergency Management majors. Ahmed is an Environmental Management major. Myles has professional experience as an Emergency Response Trainer with MCDPH. I have volunteer experience with the Fire Science and Emergency Management program at EVIT, MCC and ASU. Ahmed has educational experience in the Environmental Management field that Myles and I may not have. With our qualifications we will be able to successfully write a plan. This plan will outline the mitigation of hazardous chemical materials with a Risk Assessment identifying hazards and vulnerability of chemical materials written by Myles. Stephen and Ahmed would be developing the mitigation strategy & plan including its goals, actions and funding.

ASSIGNMENT FOURTeam Informative Research Report

CONFIDENTIAL

Page 7: Cover Memo · Web viewProject Plan Proposal6 ASSIGNMENT FOUR7 Team Informative Research Report7 ASSIGNMENT FIVE22 Final Presentation22 Field Blog24 Cover Memo Overall in the class,

Mitigation Plan for companies recycling car batteries

Stephen Aguilar/Myles Stover/Ahmed Al-Mosalmani

March 31, 2013

Technical Communications (21922)-Spring 2013

Purpose

Implantation of an emergency plan for basic operational controls for moderately sized

industrial facilities and any surroundings, which produce car batteries and its hazardous

chemicals through its manufacturing process. The plan is to be used when there is an accidental

release of hazardous chemicals when producing car batteries that may endanger human lives

and cost the industry a substantial amount of money.

Risk Assessment

A large number of industries and organizations use, or handle, hazardous materials on a

day to day basis. The presence of these materials can pose a risk to the employees and/or the

facilities in which they are contained. It is critical for these locations to have some form of

emergency response plan, or hazard mitigation plan, to deal with the potential for a hazardous

materials incident. A critical step in any plan is creating a risk assessment. A risk assessment is

Page 8: Cover Memo · Web viewProject Plan Proposal6 ASSIGNMENT FOUR7 Team Informative Research Report7 ASSIGNMENT FIVE22 Final Presentation22 Field Blog24 Cover Memo Overall in the class,

an estimate of the social & economic impact that hazards can have on people, services,

facilities, infrastructure, and the environment. There are many forms of risk assessments in use

today, and most can be formatted to fit an organizations needs. A basic risk assessment can be

created by doing the following:

1. Identify the Hazard(s)-This can be done by examining all the potential threats to the

organization, based on organizational goals, the activities the employees perform, the

materials used, experience of those working with the materials, equipment

characteristics and warnings, and civil, legal and environmental considerations just to

name a few.

2. Assess the Hazard(s)-Take all the identified hazards and assess them by probability

and severity, then determine a risk level.

Probability-The likelihood of the event occurring

o Frequent -Occurs often, known to happen regularly

o Likely -Occurs several times, a common occurrence

o Occasional -Occurs sporadically, but is not uncommon

o Seldom -Remotely possible, could occur at some time

o Unlikely -Can assume will not occur, but not impossible

Severity-The degree to which the incident will impact human life or the

facility.

o Catastrophic -Death or permanent total disability, severe

environmental damage

Page 9: Cover Memo · Web viewProject Plan Proposal6 ASSIGNMENT FOUR7 Team Informative Research Report7 ASSIGNMENT FIVE22 Final Presentation22 Field Blog24 Cover Memo Overall in the class,

o Critical -Permanent partial disability or temporary total disability,

Significant damage to property or the environment

o Marginal -Lost days due to injury or illness, Minor damage to property

or the environment

o Negligible -First aid or minor medical treatment, Little or no property

or environmental damage

Determine Risk Level

o Extremely High -Severe consequences

o High -Serious consequences

o Moderat e-Losses exists

o Low -Little or no impact

A simple matrix can help the organization determine what the risk level could be before

any mitigation measures are implemented, as well as determine what those measures will be.

Simply follow a row across based on the severity, and then down the column based on the

probability to determine the risk level. An example, you determine that the severity of the risk

is critical and the probability of its occurrence is occasional then the risk level would be” High.”

RISK ASSESSMENT MATRIX

SEVERITYPROBABILITY

Frequent Likely Occasional Seldom Unlikely

Catastrophic E E H H M

Critical E H H M L

Page 10: Cover Memo · Web viewProject Plan Proposal6 ASSIGNMENT FOUR7 Team Informative Research Report7 ASSIGNMENT FIVE22 Final Presentation22 Field Blog24 Cover Memo Overall in the class,

Marginal H M M L L

Negligible M L L L L

E-Extremely High H-High M-Moderate L-Low

3. Develop Controls-Here is where controls are developed and applied. Each

organization is different, in which case they would need to tailor the controls to fit their unique

environment. The controls can be educational (training), physical, and/or avoidance or

elimination. It is wise to reassess risks in this step as well as in step 4 to evaluate the outcomes

of your control measures. Changes may need to be made and the goal is to reduce the risk to

the lowest level, which is “Low.”

4. Implement Controls- Everyone in the organization will need to follow the controls

once they are standardized and implemented. This step is one that continues to evolve, that is,

once a control measure is applied it may need to be adjusted later to fit changes in any of the

factors in the first two steps.

5. Supervise and Evaluate-Personal safety and risk reduction control measures are

ongoing processes that will need to be closely monitored by the leadership. Strict adherences

to the controls are vital to ensure the safety of the employees and will help to reduce the

possibility of damage to the facility and the environment around it.

Vulnerabilities

Each organization will need to assess their vulnerabilities based on what they discover

while completing their risk assessments. These will be different from state to state as well as

from organization to organization within the same state, even the same cities and towns.

Page 11: Cover Memo · Web viewProject Plan Proposal6 ASSIGNMENT FOUR7 Team Informative Research Report7 ASSIGNMENT FIVE22 Final Presentation22 Field Blog24 Cover Memo Overall in the class,

Organizations will also need to look outside their boundaries in order to determine if

neighboring facilities may suffer from a hazardous waste incident.

People, more so than the facilities they work in, are the most vulnerable to the

chemicals associated with the recycling of car batteries. Most cars today run with lead-acid

batteries which contain lead plates surrounded by a sulfuric acid electrolyte solution. Car

batteries containing those two elements, both classified as hazardous, have the potential to

cause harm to employees, if handled incorrectly.

Although damage to the facilities may be marginal compared to human life, it still needs

to be addressed through a thorough risk assessment. The environment, mainly runoff from the

facility during a hazardous waste spill, will also need to be factored into a good response plan.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA), in cooperation with the

Centers for Disease and Control (CDC), provide International Chemical Safety Cards which

outline the hazards associated with these chemicals. Because lead products can have long-term

effects from low-level exposure, assessments of vulnerabilities should include a long-term

focus, as well as a short-term approach.

Page 12: Cover Memo · Web viewProject Plan Proposal6 ASSIGNMENT FOUR7 Team Informative Research Report7 ASSIGNMENT FIVE22 Final Presentation22 Field Blog24 Cover Memo Overall in the class,

The CDC (2002 a), provides these guidelines for those working with lead products.

TYPES OF HAZARD/

EXPOSUREACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS PREVENTION

FIRST AID/

FIRE FIGHTING

FIRE

Not combustible. Gives off

irritating or toxic fumes (or gases)

in a fire.

In case of fire in the surroundings:

use appropriate extinguishing

media.

EXPLOSION

Finely dispersed particles form

explosive mixtures in air.

Prevent deposition of dust; closed

system, dust explosion-proof

electrical equipment and lighting.

EXPOSURE

See EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR

REPEATED EXPOSURE.

PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST!

AVOID EXPOSURE OF (PREGNANT)

WOMEN!

•INHALATION Local exhaust or breathing Fresh air, rest.

Page 13: Cover Memo · Web viewProject Plan Proposal6 ASSIGNMENT FOUR7 Team Informative Research Report7 ASSIGNMENT FIVE22 Final Presentation22 Field Blog24 Cover Memo Overall in the class,

protection.

•SKIN

Protective gloves. Remove contaminated clothes.

Rinse and then wash skin with

water and soap.

•EYES

Safety spectacles. First rinse with plenty of water for

several minutes (remove contact

lenses if easily possible), then take

to a doctor.

•INGESTION

Abdominal pain. Nausea. Vomiting. Do not eat, drink, or smoke during

work. Wash hands before eating.

Rinse mouth. Give plenty of water

to drink. Refer for medical

attention.

The CDC (2002 b), provides these guidelines for those working with sulfuric acid.

TYPES OF

HAZARD/

EXPOSURE

ACUTE HAZARDS/

SYMPTOMSPREVENTION

FIRST AID/

FIRE FIGHTING

FIRE

Not combustible. Many

reactions may cause fire or

explosion. Gives off irritating

or toxic fumes (or gases) in a

fire.

NO contact with flammable

substances. NO contact with

combustibles.

NO water. In case of fire in the

surroundings: powder, foam,

carbon dioxide

EXPLOSION

Risk of fire and explosion on

contact with base(s) ,

combustible substances ,

oxidants , reducing agents or

water .

In case of fire: keep drums, etc.,

cool by spraying with water but

NO direct contact with water.

Page 14: Cover Memo · Web viewProject Plan Proposal6 ASSIGNMENT FOUR7 Team Informative Research Report7 ASSIGNMENT FIVE22 Final Presentation22 Field Blog24 Cover Memo Overall in the class,

EXPOSUREPREVENT GENERATION OF

MISTS! AVOID ALL CONTACT!

IN ALL CASES CONSULT A

DOCTOR!

•INHALATION

Corrosive. Burning sensation.

Sore throat. Cough. Labored

breathing. Shortness of

breath. Symptoms may be

delayed (see Notes).

Ventilation, local exhaust, or

breathing protection.

Fresh air, rest. Half-upright

position. Artificial respiration

may be needed. Refer for

medical attention.

•SKIN

Corrosive. Redness. Pain.

Blisters. Serious skin burns.

Protective gloves. Protective

clothing.

Remove contaminated clothes.

Rinse skin with plenty of water

or shower. Refer for medical

attention.

•EYES

Corrosive. Redness. Pain.

Severe deep burns.

Face shield or eye protection

in combination with breathing

protection.

First rinse with plenty of water

for several minutes (remove

contact lenses if easily possible),

then take to a doctor.

•INGESTION

Corrosive. Abdominal pain.

Burning sensation. Shock or

collapse.

Do not eat, drink, or smoke

during work.

Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce

vomiting. Refer for medical

attention.

The above mentioned processes are cyclic in nature that is to say that they will change

as procedures, regulations, and guidelines change. Proper planning and preparations will

ensure that your organization stays ahead of potential hazards in the recycling process.

Mitigation Strategy

Goals

The goals of this plan include a mitigation strategy that provides a blueprint for reducing

the losses identified in the risk assessment. The strategy shall include goals that are based on

Page 15: Cover Memo · Web viewProject Plan Proposal6 ASSIGNMENT FOUR7 Team Informative Research Report7 ASSIGNMENT FIVE22 Final Presentation22 Field Blog24 Cover Memo Overall in the class,

the risk assessment. These goals will guide the company’s strategies and selection of actions to

achieve the desired, long-term hazard protection. In addition to the goals and actions

influenced from the risk assessment, training will also be another area of focus for the

implantation of the emergency plan. With the implantation of goals, actions and training a

successful emergency plan can be thoroughly followed.

Training

In the process of developing a training plan, consider the training and information needs for

employees, contractors, visitors, managers and those with an emergency response role

identified in the plan (Firemen, and Police).

The training plan made by the company will have to address:

Who will be trained

Who will do the training

What training activities will be used

When and where each session will take place

How the session will be evaluated and documented

The training table is advised to be provided in the manner shown in the following example:

Page 16: Cover Memo · Web viewProject Plan Proposal6 ASSIGNMENT FOUR7 Team Informative Research Report7 ASSIGNMENT FIVE22 Final Presentation22 Field Blog24 Cover Memo Overall in the class,

The Training must be done within a 12 month period and as stated must be provided to

employees, contractors, visitors, managers and those with an emergency response role

identified this training shall cover:

• Individual roles and responsibilities

• Information about threats, hazards and protective actions

• Notification, warning and communications procedures

• Means for locating family members in an emergency

• Emergency response procedures

• Evacuation, shelter and accountability procedures

• Location and use of common emergency equipment

• Emergency shutdown procedures

Training of employees in emergency procedures in the company can take many forms:

Orientation and Education Sessions-These are regularly scheduled discussion sessions to

provide information, answer questions and identify needs and concerns.

Page 17: Cover Memo · Web viewProject Plan Proposal6 ASSIGNMENT FOUR7 Team Informative Research Report7 ASSIGNMENT FIVE22 Final Presentation22 Field Blog24 Cover Memo Overall in the class,

Tabletop Exercise-Members of the emergency management group meet in a conference

room setting to discuss their responsibilities and how they would react to emergency

scenarios. This is a cost-effective and efficient way to identify areas of overlap and confusion

before conducting more demanding training activities.

Walk-through Drill-The emergency management group and response teams actually

perform their emergency response functions. This activity generally involves more people

and is more thorough than a tabletop exercise.

Functional Drill - These drills test specific functions such as medical response, emergency

notifications, warning and communications procedures and equipment, though not

necessarily at the same time. Personnel are asked to evaluate the systems and identify

problem areas.

Evacuation Drill-Personnel walk the evacuation route to a designated area where

procedures for accounting for all personnel are tested. Participants are asked to make notes

as they go along of what might become a hazard during an emergency, e.g., stairways

cluttered with debris, smoke in the hallways. Plans are modified accordingly.

Full-scale Exercise-A real- life emergency situation is simulated as closely as possible. This

exercise involves company emergency response personnel, employees, management and

community response organizations.

Mitigation Process

Consider ways to reduce the effects of emergencies, such as moving or constructing

facilities away from floodplains and fault zones. Also consider ways to reduce the chances of

emergencies from occurring, such as changing processes or materials used to run the business.

Page 18: Cover Memo · Web viewProject Plan Proposal6 ASSIGNMENT FOUR7 Team Informative Research Report7 ASSIGNMENT FIVE22 Final Presentation22 Field Blog24 Cover Memo Overall in the class,

Physical retrofitting measures such as:

• Upgrading facilities to withstand the shaking of an earthquake or high winds

“Flood proofing” facilities by constructing flood walls or other flood protection devices

(see Section 3 for additional information)

Installing fire sprinkler systems

Installing fire-resistant materials and furnishing

Installing storm shutters for all exterior windows and doors

There are also non-structural mitigation measures to consider, including installation of

fire-resistant materials and furnishing

Securing light fixtures and other items that could fall or shake loose in an emergency

Moving heavy or breakable objects to low shelves

Attaching cabinets and files to low walls or bolting them together

Placing Velcro strips under typewriters, tabletop computers and television monitors

Moving work stations away from large windows

Installing curtains or blinds that can be drawn over windows to prevent glass from

shattering onto employees

Anchoring water heaters and bolting them to wall studs

Consult a structural engineer or architect and your community’s building and zoning

offices for additional information

Records Preservation

One of the more important aspects of mitigation is record preservation; this can help a

company protect itself from future incidents such as being liable in case of an emergency spill.

Page 19: Cover Memo · Web viewProject Plan Proposal6 ASSIGNMENT FOUR7 Team Informative Research Report7 ASSIGNMENT FIVE22 Final Presentation22 Field Blog24 Cover Memo Overall in the class,

Vital records may include:

• Financial and insurance information

Engineering plans and drawings

Product lists and specifications

Employee, customer and supplier databases

Formulas and trade secrets

Personnel files

Preserving vital records is essential to the quick restoration of operations. Analyzing vital

records involves:

1. Classifying operations into functional categories, e.g., finance, production, sales,

administration

2. Determining essential functions for keeping the business up and running, such as

finance, production, sales, etc.

3. Identifying the minimum information that must be readily accessible to perform

essential functions, e.g., maintaining customer collections may require access to account

statements

4. Identifying the records that contain the essential information and where they are

located

5. Identifying the equipment and materials needed to access and use the information

Establishing procedures for protecting and accessing vital records is also advised for proper

preservation. Among the many approaches to consider are:

Labeling vital records

Page 20: Cover Memo · Web viewProject Plan Proposal6 ASSIGNMENT FOUR7 Team Informative Research Report7 ASSIGNMENT FIVE22 Final Presentation22 Field Blog24 Cover Memo Overall in the class,

Backing up computer systems

Making copies of records

Storing tapes and disks in insulated containers

Storing data off-site where they would not likely be damaged by an event affecting your

facility

Increasing security of computer facilities

Arranging for evacuation of records to backup facilities

Backing up systems handled by service bureaus

Arranging for backup power

Conclusion

Industrial facilities dealing with hazardous chemicals must have contingency plans in

order to protect lives of workers and residents around the industrial area; also through

mitigation and preparedness plans placed to minimize cost of repair and loss of material. This

plan provided the industry with sufficient “defense” from threats of fines from the government

that can reach millions of dollars. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) process

was used as guide for constructing an emergency response plan and was used as a template for

creating said emergency response plan to ensure federal guidelines are met.

Page 21: Cover Memo · Web viewProject Plan Proposal6 ASSIGNMENT FOUR7 Team Informative Research Report7 ASSIGNMENT FIVE22 Final Presentation22 Field Blog24 Cover Memo Overall in the class,

References

Centers for Decease Control and Prevention 1. (2002 a). Lead Metal International Chemical

Safety Cards (ICSC No. 0052). Retrieved from

<http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ipcsneng/neng0052.html>.

Centers for Decease Control and Prevention. (2002 b). Sulfuric Acid International Chemical

Safety Cards (ICSC No. 0362). Retrieved from

<http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ipcsneng/neng0362.html>.

"Emergency Support Functions (ESF) #10 - Oil and Hazardous Materials Response Annex | FEMA

- Emergency Management Institute (EMI) Course." IS-810: Emergency Support Functions (ESF)

Page 22: Cover Memo · Web viewProject Plan Proposal6 ASSIGNMENT FOUR7 Team Informative Research Report7 ASSIGNMENT FIVE22 Final Presentation22 Field Blog24 Cover Memo Overall in the class,

#10 - Oil and Hazardous Materials Response Annex | FEMA - Emergency Management Institute

(EMI) Course. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2013.

<http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/courseOverview.aspx?code=is-810>.

"FEMA Library - Emergency Management Guide for Business and Industry." FEMA Library –

Emergency Management Guide for Business and Industry. FEMA, n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2013.

<http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=1689>.

"MULTI-HAZARD MITIGATION PLANNING." FEMA Library. FEMA, n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2013.

<http://www.fema.gov/library>.

ASSIGNMENT FIVEFinal Presentation Click here for Final Presentation

1. What were your expectations when coming into this course? My expectations coming into this course weren’t anything too crazy I don’t think. For one, I knew the class was called “Technical Communications” so, I knew we would be doing some kind of technological savvy communications somehow. When I read the syllabus, I realized we would be doing things like reports, audio/visual presentations and blogging. This screamed technical savvy to me.

2. What did you learn in this course? In this course I learned a couple of things. One, I never knew how to do audio/visual presentations in PowerPoint. It was nice to learn some new features of that program in addition to the normal presentation aspect of it. Second, I learned a couple new things in Excel I never knew!! I’m not as good with that program, so anything I can pick up on there is new to me. Lastly, the blogging. I have never blogged before, and was a bit skeptical about posting everything to a public place. I did like it in a way though. I liked how I can make it personal and more about me and

Page 23: Cover Memo · Web viewProject Plan Proposal6 ASSIGNMENT FOUR7 Team Informative Research Report7 ASSIGNMENT FIVE22 Final Presentation22 Field Blog24 Cover Memo Overall in the class,

the way I want to put something across rather than the standard submission of assignments.

3. How does this course relate to your field? Well this course relates to my field of study, Emergency Management. It also relates to my current profession, management for a local credit union. In Emergency Management I have to be very technical when it comes to communications. Communication is key and the number one thing when it comes to working in the field. When practicing exercises, planning and writing exercises, communicating on any level with any other agency, I must know how to communicate technically and use different systems. Like Emergency Management, at the credit union I have to use multiple systems for reporting and coaching. Being in a managerial sales/service role, I have to keep up with such reports and tracking to communicate with my team and anyone else company wide. Sometimes in ways that isn’t even in person like conference calls, emails and webinars.

4. How might you be able to use the work you’ve done in this course in the future? Well, based on question three, I think I’ve pretty much answered that. I do think in the future I need to be more confident in the systems and technicalities of everything rather than having someone to fall back on. When it comes to getting “it” done, I have to be able to do it and know it all like the back of my hand.

5. What did you do well? Which parts were difficult or confusing for you? What could you have done better? Honestly, I have always felt I’ve written well. Ever since high school and taking college level writing, I feel that over the years it’s only developed into something better than last. I think when it came to doing the assignments, I wrote well. The only difficult or confusing parts to me I can think of off the top of my head was when doing the project proposal and understanding the division of labor alongside the tense to write it in. But, once I and the group got over that, we were pretty well off. Other than that, any difficulties I did have were clarified very quickly by the instructor. The one thing I can say I definitely could have done better was getting things in at a better time. Although I did miss some deadlines or came very close to them, I still should have been more proactive about getting things in early. All in all, between 15 credit hours this semester and working full-time, I feel I managed well.

6. How did you feel about working in teams on some of the assignments? Really, I was looking forward to it. I don’t mind team work as long as it’s clear who’s doing what, fair, and everyone pulls their weight. On the same note, keeping CONSTANT communication. I think our team did very well as a group. We had similar backgrounds and were able to bring together all our thoughts into a well graded project. The only hiccups I think happened was we should have met up sooner rather than emailed and had more status check-ins. Other than that, we worked out great together.

Page 24: Cover Memo · Web viewProject Plan Proposal6 ASSIGNMENT FOUR7 Team Informative Research Report7 ASSIGNMENT FIVE22 Final Presentation22 Field Blog24 Cover Memo Overall in the class,

7. What about the course format? How does distance education change the classroom, especially technical communication? Distance education has its up and has just as many downs sometimes I feel. While it is nice not having to commit to lecture times for hours a week that sometimes seem useless, it’s very nice to be online and work the way I like to. Being able to interact with others through the discussion boards, blogging and doing fun assignments like audio/visual stuff makes it worth being online. But, this semester was definitely tougher than most since it was ALL online. Having different deadlines, different ways the weeks are structured made things seem chaotic to keep up with. To the point, where I missed being in a class environment and being able to interact and network with others. Making new friends who may be going through the same thing. I definitely like the online environment, but I feel it works better when I mix it with some in-person classes.

8. What would you do differently if you took this course again? What could I do differently to make the course more useful? If I were to take this course again, there are a couple of things I’d do differently. One, mix it with some kind of in-person class or two. Second, write my discussion boards early to get them out of the way. Last, arrange to meet with my group and work in person sooner than later on in the project. What I would have maybe liked more in the class from your end was maybe some kind of video conferencing times each week to where whoever needed to sign on and talk to you could about whatever was going on in the class. And, maybe go over a review of submitted assignments and progress. Other than that, everything seemed to pretty much flow together.

Field Blog

http://stephenjohn89.wordpress.com/