Problem #1: Parking at Indiana State University

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COM 101: Barnett

Small Group Project

Assignment Description

The Small Group Project is based upon material from Chapter 8 (Group Communication) and Chapter 7 (Conflict Management).

  • First, I will assign you to a Small Group and each Small Group will be assigned one “problem” to solve.
  • Each Small Group will follow the process of problem solving to solve the problem. Five academic sources must be included and cited.
  • When the problem-solving activity is completed, your group will construct a Summary Report (60 points). Make sure to demonstrate your understanding of course material through application in the summary report.  Each summary report should include the following headings: Subject Matter and Problem; Variables in Small Group Communication; the Process of Problem Solving; Leadership; Conflict Management Methods; and Limitations (further explanation below).
  1. Subject Matter and Problem: This should be an introduction to the project that gains attention, states the thesis, gives credibility, and previews the main points of the report.
  2. Variables in Small Group Communication: Discuss Norms, Roles, and Power in relation to your group. What norms emerged? Who held what roles?  How was power been exhibited in your group?
  3. The Process of Problem Solving: Make sure to read the textbook and answer all questions in each step. The titles of each step are listed here:

Step One:        Define the Problem

Step Two:        Analyze the Problem

Step Three:      Generate Possible Solutions

Step Four:       Evaluate Possible Solutions

Step Five:        Select Your Solution

Step Six:          Develop Your Implementation Plan

  1. Leadership: What leadership style was exhibited in your group? Explain how.
  2. Conflict Management Methods: What conflict management style did your group use to work through conflict?  Explain how.
  3. Limitations: What limitations did your group experience that were obstacles to solving your problem?
  • For the second portion of this assignment, your Small Group will develop a presentation (50 points) that includes: (1) an explanation of the “problem” you were tasked with solving, (2) a citation and explanation of significant research you found to understand the problem (included citing the five academic sources), (3) an effective articulation of the solution your group developed, (4) your group’s plan for implementing the solution, and (5) a visual aid.
  • Each group has 8 – 10 minutes for the presentation. The presentation may in the form of a Power Point Presentation, Performance, Media Production or some combination of these. You should dress more formally for this presentation than what is standard for a typical class meeting.
  • After the presentation, the final part of the project is completed individually. Each member will complete a peer evaluation of each group member (10 points).

Your group will be assigned one of the following problems:

Problem #1: Parking at Indiana State University

As of fall 2015 there were approximately 13,500 students attending Indiana State University (ISU). This number is expected to dramatically increase.  A struggling economy combined with a steady population increase means that more people are attending college, whether as first time students or returning students seeking new skills for new career paths.  ISU is now in its third century as a well-respected institution of higher education and has been rejuvenated by this influx of returning and first time students.  However, ISU’s infrastructure cannot keep up with the demand of a burgeoning student population with high service expectations.  Therefore, student council in partnership with the faculty senate has tasked a small group of ISU students to “troubleshoot” ways to practically and quickly bolster campus appeal and accessibility.  Your group has been asked to develop a plan that resolves, long-term, ISU’s parking problem.  The fiscal cost of your proposal must not outweigh the overall benefit; nor can it detract from the campus’s aesthetic appeal.

Problem #2: Retention at Indiana State University

As of fall 2015 there were approximately 13,500 students attending Indiana State University (ISU). This number is expected to increase greatly over the next twenty-years.  A struggling economy combined with a steady population increase means that more people are attending college, whether as first time students or returning students seeking new skills for new career paths.  ISU is now in its third century as a well-respected institution of higher education and has been rejuvenated by this influx of returning and first time students.  However, ISU’s drop-out rate is far too high.  Therefore, student council in partnership with the faculty senate has tasked a small group of ISU students to “troubleshoot” ways to increase ISU’s retention rate of second and first year students.  Your group has been asked to develop a plan that increases the university’s retention rate while maintaining high evaluative standards.

Problem #3: The “Digital Divide” at Indiana State University

As of fall 2015 there were approximately 13,500 students attending Indiana State University (ISU). This number is expected to double over the next twenty-years.  ISU is now in its third century as a well-respected institution of higher education and has been rejuvenated by this influx of returning and first time students.  However, as more opportunities are made available for first-generation students, students from low-income households, and non-traditional students returning for new skills training, the university is experiencing a noticeable “digital divide.”  There is too large of a gap between those students who are well-schooled in Computer Based Learning and Skills and those who have never had regular access to a computer.  This “divide” is exacerbated by departments’ increased integration of on-line and computer-based learning and evaluation processes.  Therefore, student council in partnership with the faculty senate has tasked a small group of ISU students to “troubleshoot” ways to bridge this divide.  Your group has been asked to solve this problem in a manner that utilizes available university resources and can be implemented by the fall semester of 2017.