1.Read the Harvard Business Review excerpt from an article about what CEOs find challenging with their board of directors: The most surprising criticism we heard is that directors too often put self-interest and selfpreservation ahead of shareholder interests. One CEO told us, ‘They like their board seats—it gives them some prestige. They can be reluctant to consider recapitalization, going private, or merging—‘Don’t you know, we might lose our board positions!’ I have been shocked by board members’ saying, ‘That would be an interesting thing to do, but what about us?” Another CEO recalled, ‘In one situation, we had a merger not go through because of who was going to get what number of board seats.’ He shook his head. ‘It is still the most astounding conversation of my life.’ William Lauder, the chairman of Estée Lauder, cautions that when a company is facing a big decision, it may be wise to give directors extra time to conduct due diligence and to deliberate. ‘With key decisions, we’re not going to present an idea and ask for resolution in the same cycle,’ he says. ‘We’ll let the board know our thoughts and allow for conversation and discussion.’ The decision might be made at the following board meeting—’or maybe the issue gets deferred until our next meeting, and we discuss it again.’ Part A: Go to your notes/readings about conflict management. Which conflict management strategy do the members of the board of directors use when handling challenging situations? What type of conflict management strategy do you think the CEOs would prefer based on this excerpt? Part B: What are the three types of group conflict (define them)? What type of group conflict is the CEO of Estée Lauder attempting to avoid when the company faces a big decision? Explain your answer. Part C: List one of the conflict strategies that leads to a lose-lose outcome. Explain why the outcome is generally lose-lose for the group. 2.Part A: List two benefits and two drawbacks of having meetings. Based on your reading for this unit, what is one way to avoid these drawbacks? Part B: According to the Shapira reading, when should you speak up and hold back during meetings? According to your reading on virtual teams: 3.1. How does technology lead to miscommunication in virtual teams? Also, provide one example from your own experience that reveals how technology affects teams. 2. What factors should be considered when selecting the right technologies for teams? Also, match three communication technologies with three types of tasks/behaviors. View keyboard shortcuts EditViewInsertFormatToolsTable 12pt Paragraph 4.Define group culture. Why is it that when a group forms and has not generated a group culture, members feel primary tension? 5.Read the excerpt from a 2019 Time article (Links to an external site.) on the G7 Summit, a group of nations that meets to discuss world issues. Then, answer the questions. Heads of state are meeting on Saturday for a two-day summit in the southern French city of Biarritz. President Emmanuel Macron is this year’s host and wants the meeting to focus on fighting inequality and protecting biodiversity and climate (Links to an external site.). What does G7 stand for? G7 stands for ‘Group of Seven’ industrialized nations. It used to be known as the G8 (Group of Eight) until 2014 when Russia was excluded because of its annexation of Crimea from Ukraine. Why was G7 created? The G7 was created more than four decades ago as an annual gathering of political leaders to discuss and exchange ideas on a broad range of issues, including global economy, security and energy. France, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States and West Germany formed the Group of Six (Links to an external site.) in 1975 so that the noncommunist powers could come together to discuss economic concerns, which at the time included inflation and recession following an OPEC oil embargo (Links to an external site.). Canada joined the following year. Russia eventually joined in 1998 — and its inclusion was meant as a signal of cooperation between East and West after the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991. The G7 is an informal bloc and takes no mandatory decisions, so the leaders’ declarations at the end of the summit are not binding. Why was Russia kicked out of the G8? Russia was kicked out of the then G8 (Links to an external site.) in 2014 after it annexed Crimea from Ukraine, which was seen by leaders as a ‘violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity’ (Links to an external site.). President Barack Obama and other world leaders announced in a joint statement, titled The Hague Declaration (Links to an external site.), in March 2014 that they would cancel that year’s planned meeting in Sochi, Russia. ‘Under these circumstances, we will not participate in the planned Sochi summit,’ the statement said. ‘We will suspend our participation in the G8 until Russia changes course and the environment comes back to where the G8 is able to have a meaningful discussion.’ Speaking to reporters at the White House on Tuesday, a few days before his departure for the summit, Donald Trump (Links to an external site.) said Russia should be allowed to re-join the G7 group. (Links to an external site.) ‘I think it’s much more appropriate to have Russia in. It should be the G8 because a lot of the things we talk about have to do with Russia,’ he said. Next year it will be the turn of the United States to host the G7. Part A: Using what you learned about group development from the lecture/readings, pick a unitary sequence model and answer this question: what phase or stage did the G7 undergo when Russia was removed from the group? Part B: Using a multiple sequence perspective, describe a type of breakpoint that exists for this group (using the excerpt). Part C: Given our discussion of group attraction, what type of attraction seems to be most important for these countries’ participation in the G7 Summit?

Mastering the Art of Online Learning: Your Guide to Acing Online Courses

Introduction

In recent years, the popularity of online courses has skyrocketed, offering learners the flexibility to acquire new skills and knowledge from the comfort of their homes. However, succeeding in online courses requires a different approach compared to traditional classroom settings. To help you make the most of your online learning experience, this article presents essential strategies and tips to ace your online courses.

1. Set Clear Goals and Plan Ahead

Before embarking on an online course, establish clear goals and objectives. Determine what you hope to achieve by the end of the course and break down your goals into manageable milestones. Create a study schedule that aligns with your other commitments, ensuring you allocate dedicated time for coursework, assignments, and revision.

2. Create a Productive Study Environment

Establishing a conducive study environment is crucial for online learning success. Find a quiet, well-lit space where you can concentrate without distractions. Remove any potential interruptions, such as notifications from social media or email. Organize your study materials and have a reliable internet connection to ensure seamless access to course materials.

3. Actively Engage in the Course

Active participation is key to mastering online courses. Engage with course materials, including videos, readings, and interactive components. Take comprehensive notes, highlighting key concepts and ideas. Participate in discussion boards, forums, and virtual meetings to interact with instructors and peers, fostering a sense of community and enhancing your understanding of the subject matter.

4. Manage Your Time Effectively

Online courses offer flexibility, but it’s essential to manage your time wisely to avoid falling behind. Create a detailed schedule, allocating specific time slots for coursework, assignments, and studying. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable segments to prevent procrastination. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and dedicate focused time to each one, ensuring consistent progress throughout the course.

5. Develop Effective Communication Skills

Online courses often rely on written communication, making it crucial to hone your skills in this area. Be concise and clear in your written responses, paying attention to grammar and spelling. Actively participate in discussions, asking thoughtful questions and providing constructive feedback to your peers. Regularly check your course emails and notifications, ensuring you stay updated with any important announcements or changes.

6. Utilize Available Resources

Take full advantage of the resources provided by your online course platform and instructors. Familiarize yourself with the learning management system (LMS) and explore its features. Access supplementary materials, such as textbooks, lecture slides, and external resources recommended by instructors. Utilize online libraries, research databases, and tutorial services to deepen your understanding of the subject matter.

7. Stay Motivated and Engaged

Maintaining motivation throughout an online course can be challenging, particularly when faced with competing priorities or a lack of face-to-face interaction. Set short-term goals and reward yourself upon their completion. Connect with fellow learners through virtual study groups or online forums to foster a sense of camaraderie. Regularly remind yourself of the benefits and personal growth associated with completing the course successfully.

8. Seek Support and Clarification

Don’t hesitate to seek support or clarification when needed. Reach out to your instructors for guidance or clarification on course material. Utilize online discussion forums to ask questions or engage in collaborative problem-solving. Leverage the support services provided by your course platform or institution, such as technical support or academic advising.

Conclusion

Online courses present unique opportunities for self-paced learning and personal growth. By setting clear goals, creating a productive study environment, actively engaging with course materials, and managing your time effectively, you can maximize your chances of acing online courses. Remember to stay motivated, seek support when needed, and make the most of the available resources. Embrace the flexibility and adaptability of online learning to achieve your educational goals.