This class was very detailed and very informative. I think the most important things I learned was the CRAAP test for information, and the different ways to access information. Before this class I would only use the internet for any information I needed. The Leatherby Library is an amazing source for gathering information. Knowing that most of the information you find there is reviewed by peers makes it a lot easier to trust and use. The CRAAP test is a very important thing to utilize when doing any type of research. I would usually be able to tell if something was questionable, but I was just going off of instinct. The CRAAP test really broke it down and I have found that I now easily use all of it whenever I am reading anything.

After researching my topic I found one aspect that I would be very interested in finding more about. That is Emotional Intelligence. Emotional Intelligence is a newer concept in conflict management and a new way of approaching people in the workplace. I will continue to keep an eye on journal articles that come out and utilize the skills I learned this semester on web searches to see how I can grow in this area. I think it will give me the advantage going forward to further my career.

I do not perceive too many differences between Open Access and just regular periodical databases on the Leatherby Library. The only real difference I notice is the money associated with the databases. Open Access databases are free to the consumer. Although there may be fees associated, they are not paid by us. They are paid by the author or some other source. The regular databases require special access and cannot be available to everyone. You must receive access from somewhere such as a University. They are not free to us as the consumer. The University will pay the fees to have access to these, which we in turn pay in the way of tuition. I assume that the regular databases may be a little more reliable due to the fact that someone along the line found it necessary to pay the author for publication. This leads me to believe that they are better respected by their peers.

In today’s modern era of Internet, searching the web is something I do on a daily basis. I usually use the Chrome browser, and almost exclusively use the Google search. I honestly think the only reason why I continue with Google is because it is such a well-known search engine. I usually only look up information that come up in a day-to-day basis. I research a lot of debate topics that my family and friends might be stuck on. The typical challenges I come across are that I get a lot of sponsored responses. I have am never truly sure whether the information presented is there for my good, or the good of the corporation. It is always important to use the CRAAP test, and question everything you read.

There are a few differences I have found between Journals and Magazines. Journals typically feature research by Professors or Specialists whereas Magazine articles are typically written by non-specialists who are hired for writing. Journals generally go through a peer review and Magazines will just go through an Editor who may or may not have alternative motives. Journals usually will have bibliographies and Magazines will not. Last, but not least, Journals will have minimized advertising whereas Magazines will have over the top pictures and their ulterior motives for all to see.

The issues that were introduced during Week 3 will benefit me going forward while doing research. It really makes you understand how much effort is put forward by the people that are releasing the information. In the modern day of technology, I think we just get lazy and believe the information we use is free and we can use it how we please. We must realize that we have to develop our own opinions and respect the the work that others have put in. Intellectual property was very interesting to me. I got a new perspective on how I would feel if I spent so much time and effort developing an opinion and someone just reading it and using it as their own. Everything we need to find out is out there somewhere, we just need to make sure we give credit where credit is due.

The topic I will be researching throughout this course has changed since week one. First, I wanted to research “Leading people.” I wanted to find information on Management in Business. I quickly found that I had chosen a topic that was way too broad. I decided to sit down with my current manager at The Irvine Company and we discussed aspects of Leading People that he found valuable in his current role and aspects of it that he sees on a day to day basis within our company. We wanted to try and narrow down to something that would benefit me in the long run of my role and career. After choosing a list of six, we decided that the most important part was conflict resolution and how it is important in managing. I chose conflict resolution because it helps you deal with people and manage people when issues arise. I am a big believer of establishing a positive work environment and building synergy within a team. Conflict within a team can hurt the culture of the work environment and tear a team apart. If I can master conflict resolution then I will be able to build and manage a team that has the core values that I believe are important.

I am John Parker and I currently work in sales for The Irvine Company in Southern California. I will be majoring in Business Management. I have attended Brandman for about a year now, and I have my AS in Fire Technology from Santa Ana College. My career goal is to be a Senior Director of Sales, or something along those lines, for a well respected company in no specific industry.

The specific aspect of my career path that I would like to research further is Leading People. I have kept it broad to begin with because I feel I will further understand the details I want to research further as we go forward. This class will not only help me to take steps towards my degree, but it will help me take steps towards management positions in my current role. As I continue on the path for my degree it is important for me to not let my career growth grow stagnant.

The main area of information fluency I would like to improve on this term is using databases to access Scholarly Journals. I have become too accustomed to using the world wide web as my main source of knowledge and truth. Although I do use great discrepancy when accessing the world wide web, I feel I could be making better use of my time and research.