Media 101 Week 15

Yes, this Friday is the last day of classes, which means next week is final exams for students. This week’s Media 101 class is also covering how mass media affects the world globally. We discussed how the digital divide hinders the ability to communicate to everyone. We reviewed how foreign authoritative government’s often control their media content in regards to what is shared or what their citizens can access.

Students also learned that mass media is highly influenced by cultural imperative, as some international countries and even organizations are more powerful than others, and therefore capable of pushing their media agenda on a less dominant society. We discussed the societal issues of what is public opinion means – that not everyone is going to agree on the same solution to solve a problem.

Freedom of speech gives everyone a voice and can use various media outlets to make a difference. Unfortunately this past year, we have seen censorship of conservative posts. We have even witnessed those who have incited violent posts be removed on social media platforms by big tech companies in order to protect the general public. Yet, in order to coexist, we still need to learn to respect each other’s view points.

MIS Week 1

Tuesday was the 1st day of the semester at Marist College. I am teaching Management Information Systems (MIS), so I will share things I’ve learn while studying the new material. Our textbook is title: MIS, Managing a Digital Firm authored by the Laudons.

One new approach being used by digital firms today is called: Sociotechnical systems (STS) in organizational development is an approach to complex organizational work design that recognizes the interaction between people and technology in workplaces. The term also refers to the interaction between society’s complex infrastructures and human behavior (Source: Wikipedia).

This new approach actually includes asking the employees what they want. Many companies won’t bother asking for feedback from their employees, as they prefer not to change, or they could be afraid of the costs involved, or they don’t want to risk changing for fear of losing stock holder’s investments.

This new approach certainly outweighs the risks because: 1. It increases a company’s return on investment and 2. It is healthier way for businesses to run more effectively and efficiently.

Has your company ever asked for your personal input about their products or services? If so, did your feedback help bring about positive changes and increased the company’s revenue? Let me know your thoughts.