Saturday, August 29, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Course Expectations
In the beginning, I wasn’t planning on taking this class. I have already completed a seminar and I’m not obligated to take another one. However, as I looked through the classes offered for this semester on the CHP website, this class immediately struck me. As Prof. Arvan mentioned in class the other day, the title was somewhat grandiose: Designing for Effective Change. So I read the description and the class seemed very exciting. I have considered management for graduate studies for a long time and this was an opportunity to learn a little more outside of engineering and get some experience writing papers.
My writing skills have always needed a little work and in the past year I have not written many intensive papers. The only way to improve is through practice and this course requires a lot of it. Although it does seem a little daunting right now, as I get started the entire process should get smoother and I’ll improve with time. In addition, the topics are very interesting and the books are excellent reads so the class itself is rather enjoyable.
The biggest reason for taking this class is to read the books and articles recommended by the professor. I like to read primarily fiction but I’m also interested in several non-fiction works by a few authors. It’s difficult to find a book that fits my interests and I’m somewhat picky. However, the books suggested in this course are actually very appealing and thought provoking. I’ll be able to read books that I find interesting for a class and discuss it with others who hold similar interests. The class discussions provide new insights and perspectives that have previously never occurred to me.
The topics that we cover in class are very relevant to the world right now. People are experimenting with various methods to bring about a change. But what is “effective” change. Does that just mean that their method worked or is there more to it? It is an interesting topic to think about and the meaning changes depending on your perspective. It is also interesting to see what causes change and the ideas that are implemented. Mohammed Yunus defied common banking norms to create a program which many people support today. To go against intuitive logic and yet implement change that yields successful results, it makes one wonder if there are many other cases that we identify as normal but can be turned around. It is also interesting to think about how small actions can cause a big change. In Better, Gawande discussed how just by washing hands doctors can reduce the risk of spreading infections by over 90 percent. It may seem as common sense to us but doctors visit several patients everyday and to spend few minutes washing hands after visiting each patient adds up and begins to get irritating. Hospitals are finding new ways to simplify the process by introducing alcohol gels which are more effective. However, infections are still common.
Overall, I expect the class to fun and interesting. I would like to learn more about change and what it entails and talk to the guests and learn from their experience. I think it would be very helpful in giving me a little experience in management. Lastly, since this is an interdisciplinary class, I get to hear a lot of viewpoints and discuss varying topics with other like minded people.
My writing skills have always needed a little work and in the past year I have not written many intensive papers. The only way to improve is through practice and this course requires a lot of it. Although it does seem a little daunting right now, as I get started the entire process should get smoother and I’ll improve with time. In addition, the topics are very interesting and the books are excellent reads so the class itself is rather enjoyable.
The biggest reason for taking this class is to read the books and articles recommended by the professor. I like to read primarily fiction but I’m also interested in several non-fiction works by a few authors. It’s difficult to find a book that fits my interests and I’m somewhat picky. However, the books suggested in this course are actually very appealing and thought provoking. I’ll be able to read books that I find interesting for a class and discuss it with others who hold similar interests. The class discussions provide new insights and perspectives that have previously never occurred to me.
The topics that we cover in class are very relevant to the world right now. People are experimenting with various methods to bring about a change. But what is “effective” change. Does that just mean that their method worked or is there more to it? It is an interesting topic to think about and the meaning changes depending on your perspective. It is also interesting to see what causes change and the ideas that are implemented. Mohammed Yunus defied common banking norms to create a program which many people support today. To go against intuitive logic and yet implement change that yields successful results, it makes one wonder if there are many other cases that we identify as normal but can be turned around. It is also interesting to think about how small actions can cause a big change. In Better, Gawande discussed how just by washing hands doctors can reduce the risk of spreading infections by over 90 percent. It may seem as common sense to us but doctors visit several patients everyday and to spend few minutes washing hands after visiting each patient adds up and begins to get irritating. Hospitals are finding new ways to simplify the process by introducing alcohol gels which are more effective. However, infections are still common.
Overall, I expect the class to fun and interesting. I would like to learn more about change and what it entails and talk to the guests and learn from their experience. I think it would be very helpful in giving me a little experience in management. Lastly, since this is an interdisciplinary class, I get to hear a lot of viewpoints and discuss varying topics with other like minded people.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Greetings
Hi everyone,
This is my first time blogging and even writing something similar to a journal, so a few things may take a while. However, I think its great that everyone in the class is writing one. It's going to be a fun class this semester and I'm looking forward to it.
This is my first time blogging and even writing something similar to a journal, so a few things may take a while. However, I think its great that everyone in the class is writing one. It's going to be a fun class this semester and I'm looking forward to it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)