Final Exam- 40% Due- Friday, December 3, 2021 at 11:59pm Please read all instructions and helpful suggestions carefully prior to emailing me. 1) Please make sure you answer with each answer/question marked clearly- each question/answer MUST have a number next to it- Do not lump the answers into a term paper. I cannot stress how difficult it is to grade exams when the answers are lumped together. Remember- unlike the midterm- you will not have the time to rewrite the exam because of the final grades deadline 2) The exam will be written in an essay-style format. The format should be double-spaced with clear 1-inch margins across from each of the pages. You are advised to use 12-point Microsoft Word as an email attachment-, however you can send me the final draft in the body of an email if you are having trouble. 3) Check grammar- minus 1 point for each grammatical mistake- UNLIMITED. You can ask the writing center on campus for assistance prior to turning in the draft or a friend of yours from outside the class. Using classmates’ assistance to proofread is not acceptable and is considered plagiarism. 4) Check spelling- minus 1 point for each spelling mistake- UNLIMITED. You can ask the writing center on campus for assistance prior to turning in the draft or a friend of yours from outside the class. 5) Common sense- Does your answer make any sense at all? Unfortunately, very often I have students send in assignments whose formatting/grammar/structural layout is so hard and so difficult to read, I cannot read it. If I cannot read it- I cannot grade it. Unfortunately these students will fail the class when the reality is they could take a little extra time to make sure they have proof-read properly. 6) How many pages? -I do not set page limits because students tend to work within those limits and I believe that provides students with artificial boundaries, thus limiting their creativity and learning potential. I am looking for an in-depth discussion, not a quick, short paragraph answer. 7) Make sure you follow the exact format as I have written down otherwise it will not be acceptable. This means you have to answer the questions 1 by 1, not a term paper. Again- do NOT lump the answers together. 8) No ONE LINE answers please. 9) Proofread- proofread- proofread- print out your draft before you turn it in- you will see errors on the printed page that you will not see on the computer screen. Just trust me on this. I cannot stress this enough- READ it aloud to yourself. I promise you will catch mistakes. 10) No term papers please…this is an assignment, not some research paper- no need for cover pages or titles- Just answer the questions one by one 11) Do NOT forget your name on the assignment- it’s happened before. Seriously I have had students email me the assignments from an anonymous email account and I really don’t know who the student is. 12) Plagiarism- I do check assignments very carefully for plagiarism and if I find assignments which look too similar both in content and theory as well as writing style, I will have no choice but to contact the student(s) immediately. 13) Do not go through BlackBoard to submit your assignment- EMAIL me your final assignment directly. But be sure to get an email acknowledging I got your exam, otherwise you are in trouble! Remember to wait 48 hours before sending me another email again. 14) Bibliography- if you cite material in your answers, I expect it to be APA format. If you are unsure about how to cite APA format, here is a great websitehttps://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/ There are 2 main reasons why this writing assignment is important for your development as a student. 1) Critical Thinking Skills- you will need critical thinking skills when you leave college and go work in the real world. Reading and questioning what you read extensively and critically develop critical thinking skills. Don’t be afraid to do this. 2) Creative Thinking Skills- Be creative in your approach to answering the questions. Don’t simply go with your personal opinion; go outside and be creative in your approach. You can use the textbook or other material if it is relevant. Don’t write the first answer down; be sure to question it. This is not a race to turn something in. It’s an opportunity to engage in critical and creative thinking. Final Exam- Use the textbook- this is an Open Book exam- This final covers Chapters 6-10 1) Chapter 6-Discuss how systems theory be used to explain the workings of a government organization. 2) Chapter 7- Discuss how an understanding of group dynamics allows for managers to motivate their subordinates more effectively. 3) Chapter 8- Discuss the origins of Total Quality Improvement (TQM) as well as whether it’s applicability can be generalized in the public sector. 4) Chapter 9- Discuss the key limitations that public administrators face when developing regulations. 5) Chapter 10- Discuss why micromanagement is a trap that so many leaders fall into?

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.