Thursday, February 28, 2008

Class Activity 13-Sample Instructions

Ruby Leal-Sanchez
ENG 3308
February 28, 2008

The instructions I am analyzing is How to Change a Tire. The audience is for anyone who operates a vehicle and travel alone who may need to know how to change a tire. The purpose of this set of instructions is to help change a tire successfully and safely.
The design of the guide shows several visuals to help guide you through the process and it groups in chronological order as to what to do first and what tools will be needed first. It does not show a lot of repetition, what does help get from one point to the next is the visual graphics. For example it shows the lady removing the tire, putting the spare tire on, and lowering the car.
I think there is enough information in each step. It seems like there is a lot but for someone like me that has never changed a tire, the information is needed and enough to get the task done. For instance, in removing the hubcaps in order to be able to remove the lug nuts; it tells how some vehicles have the lug nuts behind the hubcaps.
This instruction guide uses complete sentences which make the instructions easier to understand. The effect the language creates enables one to find the job easier to do.
The basic structure for the instruction set was used: the title was in bold color bigger font size than the other words so that caught the attention of the reader. There was a short introduction as to how this could help then goes into how to be safe and pull off the road in a safe way. It does list the materials needed and lists the steps in a chronological order and in the conclusion congratulates the reader in completing the job.
I didn’t see that there were any weaknesses of the instruction set, they were very self explanatory and easy to use. I don’t think there should be any improvements.

Class Activity 11-Brochure

Ruby Leal-Sanchez
Eng 3308
February 28, 2008

The audience for this brochure is the students and the faculty. The purpose of the brochure is not only to educate but make them aware of the policies.
The designers grouped the information according to importance. The brochure was aligned in a manner that would help the reader identify the different levels of importance in the information. The designers however, had no visual designs which did not seem to be important. Each section had a boldface heading and the information was given in a manner to be able to be understood.
Some redesigning recommendations maybe use plain white paper instead of color paper for the brochure. Other than that the brochure was very well designed.

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Assignment Reflection

Ruby Leal-Sanchez
ENG 3308-02
Dr.Liu
February 28, 2008
Correspondence Package
Assignment Reflection
The approach used was similar to work-related experiences. I have worked in retail for several years and I feel that enabled me to better respond to the letter and the memo. They were both firm and demands were made but thoroughly explained. In writing the adjustment letter I considered the simple demand the customer made and replied firmly but not threatening. He knew what he wanted and the company knew what they needed to do to fix the problem. In this letter I wrote it as the demand could not be met because the advertisement was misunderstood, but also explained some options and an offer. This should help the customer decide what step needs to be taken next. If at all possible in situations like this demands are either met or they are not.
The purpose of the letter was to get the demand across and maybe try to solve or find a solution for the problem. The audience was a one-on-one with the adjustment letter, so the demand was stated and the solution was made just as easily. As for the memo letter it involved a group, so a solution had to be developed and then enforced.
One course goal this adjustment letter and memo do was that these documents were created to solve the problems that both these companies had, and improve situations. That goal was accomplished in both; more so in the memo letter than in the adjustment letter. In the adjustment letter he could choose not to take the offer and stay with what he has or take the merchandise back for a full refund if possible. In the memo letter the solution was made and that is how it was going to be handled. So the problems were solved and the solutions improved the situations of both the letter and the memo.

Adjustment Letter

CompUSA
123 Loop 289, Lubbock, Tx. 79123
123-456-7890
www.compusa.com

February 17, 2008

Mr. Buck Wheat
123 Cedar
Levelland, TX. 12345

Dear Mr. Wheat:
Thank you for writing to us about the computer you purchased last week. I know from personal experience how frustrating it is when an advertisement is misinterpreted and do not receive what you thought was being advertised.

According to your letter, you need the software required to write effective letters and perform basic accounting functions. When you booted the computer you found it did not contain the recent upgrade that included the multiple fonts, the graphic package, and the grammar check; which you felt would help you with your letters and bank account. You are asking us to upgrade your computer to include these new features free of charge.

As you know, our software carries a lifetime guarantee satisfaction. However, the software for the multiple fonts, graphic package or grammar check was not offered in this particular advertisement. So purchase of the software itself will be required.

However, if you bring your computer to our location at the Lubbock address we will upgrade it for you with a 10% discount.

We have already sent out your 10% discount offer. It should arrive within the next two days. If you bring it to our Lubbock store location we will gladly upgrade your computer to the software needed once you have purchased it.

Pleas contact us if we can be of any further assistance.

Sincerely yours,

Ruby Leal-Sanchez
Sales Manager

Memo Letter

Koller Construction Company
Interoffice Communication

To: All Employees
From: Ruby Leal-Sanchez
Subject: Personal Copies
Date: February 17, 2008

The purpose of this memo is to present my concerns over the repeated attempt Ms. Ponds has made in keeping all employees from using the photocopy machine for personal use

Summary
In general, I was informed of the repeated attempt Ms. Lily Ponds has made to all the employees at Koller Construction Company to refrain from using the photocopy machine for personal copies.

Discussion
Ms. Ponds is in charge of monitoring the budget copy, yet it is consistently over by several hundred dollars. The amount of copies being made for personal use is unreasonable and unnecessary to be done at a place of business.

Recommendation
As the Assistant Personal Manager I have come up with a solution to continue using the photocopy machine for personal copies and staying within the budget.
The accounting department has set up an account for each employee. When using the photocopy machine you will enter your code provided by the accounting department. This will allow you to make the copies needed and a 10cents fee will be withdrawn from your account. You will be required to sign a permission letter allowing the accounting department to withdraw $10 from your payroll monthly. The $10 is for photocopies only. If this amount is not used within that month it will roll over to the next month. Another $10 will not be withdrawn from your payroll until that has been used. If this letter of permission is not signed then the photocopy machine will not accessible to you.

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Business e-mail response

Ruby Leal-Sanchez
Eng 3308
February 21, 2008

Business e-mail Response
This particular article helps a lot. Many businesses including our agency have gone to communicating with their employees through e-mail. We use our company phones for travel only. We send memos, reminders, invitations, proposals, and flyers. We use attachment a lot.
When being interviewed for a position, they are asked how familiar they are with emailing. And often offer some quick training. It is very important that everyone is somewhat familiar with the ins and outs of email.
Rules are necessary for the supervisors to keep the upper hand on these emails. If something inappropriate is being sent, they put a stop to it immediately. A major rule used is the usage of communicating well. Record keeping may also be obtained for back tracking memos or schedules sent. One can either make a new folder or in our case are required to print these emails and keep on file by month. In any case as important as the cell phone is to me so is e-mail.

Friday, February 15, 2008

Class Activity 6-Part 2

Lubbock Christian University
Interoffice Communication

To: Dr. Liu
From: Ruby Leal-Sanchez
Subject: Claim Letter
Date: February 15, 2008

The purpose of this letter is to present the strengths and weaknesses of the claim letter in exercise 5.

Summary
In general, the letter was very short and to the point and also very informal and not professional at all. I don’t feel that the situation could have been seen from a professional view.
Discussion
As stated in the adjustment letter they do explain hygiene and the process of cleaning the tuna, but yet at the same time don’t feel he is telling the truth but offer discount on next purchase anyway.
Recommendation
The introduction to the claim letter should have been at least three sentences, should have listed or proposed what he wanted done instead of asking what was going to be done about the situation. The fly attached to the letter was unnecessary.

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Adjustment Letter

123 Grape Avenue
Las Vegas, Nevada 12345
(123) 456-7890

February 22, 2008

Ms Ruby Leal-Sanchez
411 14th Street
Levelland, Tx. 79336

Dear Ms. Sanchez:
I was very unhappy to read your letter of February 14 telling me about the problem with the leaky container.

Per your letter you are at this time requesting replacement of the container and reimbursement for the tablecloth and bill from the cleaners. I have turned in your receipts along with a copy of your letter to the accounting department and they will be sending you a check for the total amount of $68.95 as quickly as possible.

I realize the damage is already done and cannot be undone, however we would also like to offer you a 10% discount on your next purchase of our container.

You have indeed been a faithful customer for ten years and would like to have you remain a faithful customer for many more years. So please accept our offer and our apologies for this unfortunate matter.

Sincerely,


Kevin Ream, President

Claim Letter

February 14, 2008

Mr. Kevin Reams
Ream Container Supply
123 Grape Avenue
Las Vegas, Nevada 12345

Dear Mr. Reams:
I have been a faithful customer for over ten years. We have even recommended your product to our friends and family. I am sad to inform you that even though your product has been satisfying in the past I have now come across a problem.

Recently we were very disappointed in your product and would like for your company to take action and correct my problem. I purchased one of your containers for $8.95, but it had a leak, and the grape drink that was in it ruined my $35.00 tablecloth. I then took the tablecloth to the cleaners and the stain did not come out. The bill at the cleaners was $25.00, with this being said I believe you are beginning to see my problem.

I feel that since it was your product that was faulty, and have never had problems like this before, you should replace the beverage container and pay to replace my tablecloth and reimburse me for the bill at the cleaners. I am including the bill for the cleaners and the beverage container. I think you will agree this is fair to both parties. I will expect a prompt response.

Yours truly,


Ruby Leal-Sanchez

Enclosure

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Cover Letter

Ruby Leal-Sanchez
411-14th Street
Levelland, TX. 79336
(806) 523-8228
rlealsan@yahoo.com
February 1, 2008




West Texas Centers for MHMR

To The Program Manager of West Texas Centers:
I am interested in working as a Program Manager for your organization. I have a Certificate of Proficiency in Accounting and have worked in that field for over 15 years. I am currently enrolled at Lubbock Christian University and will obtain my Bachelors degree in Social Work in May. I have enclosed my resume as a first step in exploring the possibilities of employment with MHMR.
I have no experience in Social Work but am currently employed with South Plains Community Action Association in the HeadStart Division. I have done several case management cases with the families and work on follow-ups and referrals with these families to help them meet their needs and goals. I work alone in a Center-base site so there is no actual supervision on site but can receive supervision by phone if need to. In my experience with accounting I have worked several years as manager and a supervisor as my resume will show, so I do have supervisor experience and would like to apply those skills to this field.
So I am very eager to broaden my horizons in the Social Work field. It has been hard to find employment without having my degree, but I was able to get my foot in the door with SPCAA.
I would like to schedule an appointment with you to further discuss my qualifications and my desire to work within this field. So if this is something you can work with or may be interested in please feel free to call me or email me to arrange an interview at a convenient time for you. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Ruby Leal-Sanchez

Enclosure(s) (Letters, resume)

Assignment Reflection

Resume

411 14th Street
(806) 523-8228
Ruby Leal-Sanchez
Objective
To obtain a position in Social Work where my degree and skills will be applicable
Experience
Present SPCAA/HeadStart Levelland, Tx
Family Support Worker
§ Work with low-income families
§ Recruit and enroll 3-4 year old children to HeadStart Program
§ Provide case management services on the families needs
§ Work with families to get the children’s immunizations, dentals, and physicals completed
2007 ACLS Lubbock, Tx
Accounts Payable Clerk-American Christmas Light &Supply
§ Worked with payables for three companies with ACLS being the parent company
§ Worked with Wire Transfers overseas
§ Worked with commissions and allowances
§ Made arrangements for Annual Conferences such as in Las Vegas, Indianapolis, and Florida

2006–2007 Rawls Equipment Levelland, TX
Payroll Accountant
§ Worked with payroll, commissions and payables for three stores
§ Work with insurance, 401-K, Workman’s Comp for three stores
§ Work with monthly and quarterly taxes, state and federal for three stores

2000-2005 Brunson Brick and Stone Lubbock, TX
Bookkeeper
§ Worked with payroll, payables, sales orders, statements, and purchase orders
§ Collect money for accounts receivable and helped with aged payables
§ Worked with driver’s mileage logs, filing, 10-key, and answer phones


Education
2003 Lubbock Christian University Lubbock, TX
§ Seeking a Bachelors Degree in Social Work
§ Will graduate in May 2008, and take license exam for Social Work

2001-2003 South Plains College Lubbock, TX
§ Certificate of Proficiency in Accounting

1983 Morton High School Morton, TX
§ Basic studies

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Homework #2

Ruby Leal-Sanchez
ENG 3308-03
February 5, 2008

Homework #2
Characteristics of Culture-Article I
Culture has several definitions; one is that it is a set of learned behaviors, beliefs, values, attitudes, and practices that is passed from generation to generation. Another is somewhat similar, it is explained as a set of interrelated behaviors, beliefs, values, attitudes, and practices that is transmitted or communicated from generation to generation which is more or less the same.
As explained in the article on page 2, cultures are learned but I don’t think it changes much as described on page 3 and 4. I think it is more of an adaptation than a change. In our own culture, growing up I don’t feel that our culture has much change or adaptation for that matter. On page 4 the article talks about people not being aware of their culture, I don’t think all that is true. In our culture, elders make sure we learn study and practice our culture as a step to help future generations.
Ethnocentrism is an orientation or set beliefs that holds one’s own culture, ethnic or racial group, or nation is superior to others. It leads members of ethnic groups to view their culture as the one that other cultures should adopt. It also leads to prejudice against foreigners who are viewed as barbarians, uncultured people, or savages. It has been a factor leading to some of the worst atrocities in history. Ethnocentric beliefs sometimes bring interacting nations to wars and serve as justifications for foreign conquests.
Ethnocentrism as explained on page 5 does prevent us from understanding other cultures. Such as the Muslim culture; we are such a free world that we as women don’t understand or appreciate their ways of treating women.
This was a good article but it contradicts other articles I have read or researched on culture. Culture is something we really study on in the social work field. I would like and will look this article up for further comparison and discussion.

Cultural Dimensions-Article II
This article discusses the dimensions of culture and how it affects user interface designs. It explains how color between cultures can become an issue. In some cultures colors are sacred and can be different from another culture. So it is very important to know that when designing for a certain country.
Hofstede identifies five dimensions of culture: power-distance, collectivism vs. individualism, femininity vs. masculinity, uncertainty avoidance, and long- vs. short-term orientation. Hofstede goes into detail of each dimension in explaining the implications of user-interface and web design.

Friday, February 1, 2008

Class Activity 4-Cover Letter

Lauren directs letter to a specific person and gives enough information about her education and work experience but does not show any knowledge of the company she is applying to. She gives several ways on how to be contacted. The main weakness is not acknowledging the company itself.