The Veruca Salt Syndrome: Why We Need Mediation and Arbitration

Why we need arbitration and mediation.

In the movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Veruca Salt repeatedly exclaims, “I want it now!”(Ultrasissi, 2009).This type of sentiment is one of the reasons why mediation and arbitration have become widely used to settle disputes. Increasingly, parties are electing to use these methods in lieu of costly and lengthy court procedures. While the results of mediation and arbitration have many favorable outcomes such as reduced expenditures, increased efficiency, greater flexibility, and high success rates, the functions and roles of these alternative dispute resolutions also have drawbacks which must be considered, and the American Arbitration Association provides individuals and organizations access to information and qualified professionals in this field.

The function of mediation is to facilitate communication between the parties in conflict by using a neutral third party to bring individuals to a mutual agreement. Although this form of resolution is often used to settle informal disputes such as those between children, co-workers, or in general misunderstandings, the formal type of mediation has a role in settling matters of conflict in cases which include divorce, child custody, and landlord-tenant relations. The effectiveness of mediation is quite significant and authors Cahn & Abigail state, “It is estimated that “once the disputants have agreed to mediate, at least 80% of the time they are able to work out an agreement that is acceptable to both of them” (Cahn & Abigail, 2014, p. 249). This approach offers parties greater adjustability and control, while reducing legal fees, and contributes to improved communication.

Ashford University: Proposal to Integrate Course Materials

While AshfordUniversity currently offers many materials directly through the online course, there are several courses which require the use of Edmap and subsequent navigation back and forth between the classroom and an outside website. The online learning experience could be streamlined by simplifying this process. Although many course materials are currently available in the online classroom, all material should be integrated in this manner because it requires less navigation, reduces student error, creates a seamless experience for the user, and is more cost effective.

INTRODUCTION

Statement of Problem
Currently, there is not a consistent method of delivery for online course materials. Online courses at Ashford University require students to utilize differing methods to access text books. To create a more positive learning experience for online students, Ashford University should make all distance learning materials available directly through the classroom.

Life Lessons with Lois

 One of my favorite people, Lois Blackwell Witherspoon.

Life Lessons with Lois

Although born and raised in a generation when women were expected to fulfill the role of wife and mother, Lois Blackwell Witherspoon rose above the conventional stereotypes and forged a new path. Her sage wisdom is an invaluable tool for young and old alike and it is through her stories, memories, and the application of such, that some of life’s greatest lessons involving intercultural communication are presented. We can improve intercultural communication by seeking to understand and appreciate the valuable insights, of those who differ from us, thereby exercising curiosity about individuals in terms of generation, subgroups, experiences, and viewpoints on subjects which include childhood, the influence of news media, language, family life, work, gender, government, technology, and continued communications across cultures.

Lois is an extraordinary woman whose insights on life stem directly from her childhood during The Great Depression, World War II, and rearing at the hands of her loving, but strict Christian grandparents. In addition to being a widow, she has been divorced twice. Furthermore, Lois is a professional organist who developed a famed system of instruction, and is a published author. Currently, she travels around her home in Phoenix to give organ lessons, attend a grief group, and counsels other widowed seniors. Two days after this interview, Lois became a member of another subgroup as she lost her only child, to Parkinson’s disease. Therefore, she is now part of the subgroup of parents who have outlived their adult children. Her other subgroups are: Caucasian ethnicity, strict Christian upbringing, Depression Era, divorcee, widow, author, organist, organ instructor, and senior grief counselor.

Candy Crush Isn’t Just for Kids! : Senior Citizens and Social Media

Although it is tempting to associate technology and the use of social media with younger individuals, there is another segment of society for which these tools have become important. As senior citizens encounter loss of loved ones, physical debilitations, and a society which changes at break-neck speed, feelings of depression and loneliness are often experienced. However, technology has become more affordable and user friendly, thus, more seniors are turning to social media for companionship, information, and entertainment. While senior citizens face many challenges associated with aging, those who use technology and social media experience a multitude of benefits which include renewed vitality, a greater voice and recognition in society, increased connectivity and involvement, and expanded interaction with family and friends.
 
 As technology advances and becomes increasingly integrated into the daily lives of citizens around the world, the importance of digital literacy is unquestionably linked to societal relevance. Indeed, a disparity exists between those who use electronic means of communication and those who do not. For the purposes of this discussion the concentration will be on equipping elderly citizens with the knowledge of technology, via social media, thus empowering them with information, skills, and interaction which are not hindered by limited mobility. Educators agree that "senior citizenship is turned into a new stage of life, in which idleness symbolizes the practice of new activities, under the label of dynamism" (Adriano, Dante, Johannes, 2012, para. 1). Indeed, it is within the power of society to improve and empower its aging populations. Unlike the younger members of society, seniors came of age in an era which was not dominated by technology, but by machines and manual labor.

You’re Such a (Blank)!: Scenes From a Restaurant

OK, so my situation wasn't QUITE this bad, but.. Read on and find out what happened at Michael Jordan's Restaurant in Chicago.
This is going to be the perfect job. This is going to be the perfect relationship. At one time or another most people have found themselves imagining that their current situation would live up to the greatest idealistic dreams of utopia, only to repeatedly discover that no matter what location, circumstance, or parties involved this dream is unsustainable. Whether it is personal differences, past experiences, or misperceptions, conflict is a part of our interaction with others. While conflict with others is inevitable, it does not always have to be destructive, and positive changes can occur as demonstrated by using the five stages of a constructive conflict which are prelude, triggering event, initiation, differentiation, and resolution.

Prelude. I was a manager at Michael Jordan’s Restaurant in Chicago during the Bull’s fourth championship series. As usual the place was a flurry of activity and tensions were running high. A somewhat awkward and clumsy waiter dumped and entire tray of condiments right in the middle of the busy kitchen, creating a slippery and dangerous area. Rather than offering assistance, the kitchen manager and his staff stood and laughed, refusing to help.

The AAA Theory: Approach, Anticipate, Analyze

There it is; someone put a kink in the garden hose again. Despite the best intentions and even in the most idyllic of circumstances, difficulties and personality clashes occur. Once productive employees may fall into patterns of apathy, hostility, or sub-standard performance and skillful conflict resolution is crucial to successful management. While workplace conflict is inevitable, constructive communication methods allow management to effectively approach an employee, anticipate the response, and analyze which resolution techniques will be the most productive.
As an example of interpersonal conflict in the workplace, a case study was offered for review and analysis. The circumstances of this are as follows: A mid-sized company that provides technical support has a department consisting of ten employees. This team that requires superlative knowledge and distinguished customer service has been experiencing complications due to actions of a particular individual who has been with the company for two years. The numerous complaints from coworkers and customers include issues of poor work performance and a confrontational demeanor, which has led to a contentious work atmosphere. A meeting must be scheduled in which the employee is given an ultimatum of immediate improvement or dismissal.

Gutenberg to Zuckerberg: Changes in Media Technology

In this YouTube video, author and journalist, Jeff Jarvis says, "Don't Fear the Gadget" and explains the evolution of technology from Gutenberg to Zuckerberg.


From Gutenberg to Zuckerberg, the world has experienced exponential growth in how information is exchanged. From the 15th century to present day, new technologies have enabled greater communication for the masses. Media technology has increased the connectivity of individuals through mediums such as print, telegraph, smart phones, and the internet, by enabling access to information which is increasingly less expensive and more available than ever before.


With an auspicious beginning in the 15th century, the printing press became the means by which the printed word was spread throughout Europe and subsequently the world. This written medium gave rise to one of America’s most cherished institutions, the press. (Dittmar, 2011) Indeed, institutions such as newspapers and magazines are challenged by the proliferation of newer technologies that allow readers the economic ease and convenience of reading material via electronic devices. However, the printed word is also widely used in many formats including educational materials, pamphlets, brochures, and coupons. It was a paper merchant who ushered in the next wave of media technology, the telegraph.