Confidential Instructions for the State’s Representative The property in question has belonged to the State of New York since it was acquired by eminent domain in the mid-1960s. It was intended to foster development of downtown New York City. For many years, the site operated at a heavy loss. It was not until recently that it finally became profitabre. Now, the risks and costs have been somewhat alleviated by the assignment of the lease to the Developer. It is in the Developer’s financial interest to redevelop the site, but there are other reasons to go forward as well. The tragic events of 9/11 had a profound impact on the people of New York and the nation as a whole. Redevelopment will be helpful in the healing process and to showcase New York’s resilience. As the site owner, you need to convey energy, practicality, and vision that will sweep away all hesitation. If a permanent memorial can’t be decided upon, at least get agreement on a temporary memorial. If full funding can’t be found, start with partial funding. It is crucial that agreement be reached today. That said, you must also look out for your other interests: The Site Plan This issue is very important to you. Under the lease agreement signed before the terrorist attacks, you collected rent from the Developer at the rate of $12 per square foot of office space. Before the attacks, the Developer had 10 million square feet of office space on the property. That amounts to $120 million in annual payments to the State. Given City building codes, the Developer will need at least 10 acres of land to re-build 10 million square feet of office space. With State budget shortfalls predicted, you are extremely reluctant to lose this revenue. Do what it takes to see that the Developer can re-build. However, as the representative of the people of the State of New York, you are also under great pressure build a memorial that satisfies the Families. — ‘Your first choice for the 17-acre site is to create a five-acre memorial within the footprint of one of the Twin Towers, leaving 12 acres for commercial development. This will create substantial opportunities for you to collect lease revenues, and still leave room for a sizable memorial. If it doesn’t cause an uproar among the Families, you could also accept an agreement that dedicates just two acres to a memorial, leaving 15 acres for commercial development. However, you could only support this proposal if the Families were somehow brought onboard. Perhaps the City will donate adjacent land for the memorial? ‘You cannot agree to any plan that does not allow you to generate $120 million a year in payments for the State. This case was developed by Professor Lawrence Susskind, Katharine Harvey, and David Kovick of the Consensus Building Institute, F. Peter Phillips, Marc Wolinsky, Cathy Cronin Harris, and Simeon Baum. Full case materials, including the teaching note, are available online at sI ore , Telephone: 800-258-4406, Fax: 617-495-7818. This case may not be reproduced, revised or translated itt whole or in part by any means without the written pet-mission of the Director of Curriculum Development, Program on Negotiation, Harvard Law School, 518 Pound Hall, Cambridge, MA 02138. Please help to preserve the usefulness of this case by keeping it confidential. Copyright © 2007 by the International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution, and the President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. (rev. 5/07) CONFIDENTIAI INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE STATE’S Total Money Allocated For the Project. This issue is somewhat important to you. Your constituents are diverse, and it is important that the site be redeveloped for both commercial use and as a memorial. However, you have already invested significant resources in the site and do not have additional money to contribute. With the estimated insurance payout for rebuilding likely to be between $3.5 and $7 billion: Your first choice would be to see $6 billion allocated for commercial development and $1 billion to the memorial. This would be enough money to help stimulate development in the area, while also making the Families happy. However, if less money is available, you could support allocating $4 billion for commercial development and approximately $500 million for the memorial. You’d be willing to support allocating more that $6 billion for commercial development, as long as the money is generated from sources other than the State. And the Families must be satisfied with any arrangements for the memorial. Timing of Construction This issue is very important to you. This is, after all, the State of New York, and it is important that you expedite the development of this site. Additionally, the governor is planning a run for national office and in no way can the State, as owner, is seen as obstructing or delaying the process. Thus, our first choice is to break ground on the memorial within six months, and to begin commercial development within a year. Breaking ground on the memorial and the commercial development will attract a lot of positive media attention for the State (and the governor). If need be, you could also accept an agreement that breaks ground for the memorial in a year while the commercial development begins in two years. At the very least, the memorial must be started before the next campaign cycle. ‘You cannot accept an agreement that delays ground breaking for both the memorial and the commercial development more than two years. This would be both detrimental to State morale and to the political ambitions of the governor. Credit. This issue is very important to you. Both the governor, who is planning a run for national office in two years, and your state political party (which wants to hold onto the governor’s seat~ would be very pleased to get welI-desen,ed credit for leading this effort. ‘Your clear first choice would be for the State, as owner, to get primary credit for making this process and project a success. You also want to be known as the person who ‘makes things happen quickly and efficiently.’ However, if you can negotiate concessions on other issues, you could live with sharing credit among multiple parties. ‘It would be unacceptable to you for the City to get primary credit for this project. The current mayor of the City, with whom the governor has always had a challenging relationship, has political ambitions of his Own. With elections on the horizon, you cannot risk losing credit for all the State’s hard work! All rights reserved. (rev. 5/07) 2 REPRESIVE CONFIDENTIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR TI-1E STATE’S The bottom line is that the State, as owner, cannot afford to lose the revenue generated from the space or to lose the public’s good will. Sure, you might be able to find another Developer, but then it would take years for the site to generate revenue again. With elections on the horizon, it is extremely important to balance public support with the need to tend to the State’s financial requirements. You cannot support an agreement unless you get a deal that ensures the equivalent of your first or second choice outcomes on the issues that are most important to you. Copyrtght © 2007 by the International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution and the President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. (rev. 5/07) NEGOTIATION: CONFIDENTIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE STATE’S R~fB~SENTATJVE Worksheet: The State’s Representative Issue 1 The Site Plan – 0 tions 17-acre memorial on site/O acres commercial develo ment 9-acre memorial on site/8 acres commercial develo ment 5-acre memorial on site/i 2 acres commercial develo ment 2-acre memorial on site/iS acres commercial develo ment Issue 2 Issue 3 Issue 4 – — — Pre erences Unacce table Unacce table 1st choice 2’ choice Total Money Available to Spend on the Project Timing of Construction Credit All dghts reserved. (rev. 5/07) 4

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.