Research Articles
Find an article from a research journal.
1. Go to
http://www.uvu.edu/library/ and click on the Articles link
2. Choose the Behavioral Science subject area.
3. If you are off campus, enter your UVU identification and password.
4. Then choose a topic area (Communications) and a search database. I often choose Academic Search Premier database because of its wide range of articles.
5. Put your search terms into the search box and limit your search to Full Text articles only.
6. Choose an article that is relevant to the topic area and one that someone else in the class has not chosen.
You can get assistance from a UVU reference librarian. Names and phone numbers are listed online.
Prepare a reading summary (also called an abstract) of the article and post it in the discussion forum.
Academic articles found through a search of articles at the UVU library may report research. I seldom read the complete article, but focus on those parts that are most important to me. First, I read the Abstract. Then I read the Conclusion and the Introduction and Literature Review in that order. I don't always read the Methodology and Findings, but, if I want to know about how the research was done, I will read those sections.
Literature Reflection
Literature reflections will have five(5) parts:
1. Prepare a reference for the selected section in APA format.
2. Statement describing the thesis or theme of the reading.
3. Write a 500-750 word summary (or abstract), using your own words, of content in bullet point form and include your reactions as sub-bullets.
4. Comment on how this reading applies to the topic of the lesson.
5. Give an example of how the reading applies to your work situation or the emergency services field.
Summary (Abstract) must be a minimum of 500 words. Use academically acceptable references in APA format. Complete the reflection by Thursday and then comment on two other student summaries by Saturday.
Follow the Example Literature Reflection on the next pages.
Example Literature Reflection
Reference: Kotler, P. & N. Lee. (2007). Improving public sector performance by seizing opportunities to meet citizen needs. In Marketing in the Public Sector: A Roadmap for Improved Performance. (pp. 3-13). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Wharton School Publishing.
Theme: By meeting citizen needs, public agency performance can be improved.
Summary (Abstract):
Performance in the public service may be measured in terms of how well the agency meets the Common Good, which is creating the "greatest possible good for the greatest possible number of people."
Good in the public sector can be defined by three measures often referred to as the triple bottom line - social good, economic good, and environmental good. Kotler and Lee show how fundamental, proven marketing principles can achieve these goals.
1. When public agencies show they offer quality programs and services, they receive increased public interest, revenues and satisfaction.
My reaction: Getting the word out on quality programs and services creates an upward cycle of interest and revenue which leads to the ability to continually improve and serve more people. An example would be the performing arts. If quality events are available the public is interested in attending and paying admission.
2. By reporting on public performance, they get more support for programs.
My reaction: Items that are transparent and measured tend to improve accountability and thus glean the confidence and support of the public. An example might be the city budget. If citizens are confident in the way their city is run, they may be more willing to volunteer or donate resources for programs.
3. By communicating effectively, they motivate the public to comply voluntarily with regulations and requests.
My reaction: When regulations are explained in a way that resonates with people and are not put forward for the sake of controlling, but benefitting citizens they are more willing to be compliant. An example of this would be wearing seatbelts or motorcycle helmets.
4. By providing easy access to services, they get more citizen participation and decrease operating costs.
My reaction: If you have ever had to repeatedly wait in line for a particular service that you can get elsewhere without the hassle you will likely go somewhere else. A prime example of this is the Post office. Waiting for one clerk to help a long line of customers is frustrating. Since they have put in self-serve kiosks, it is not so painful to patronize them.
5. By working with the private sector, they can expand services and make them more convenient.
My reaction: Working with private sector experts for particular services is more efficient than trying to add another item to the already bloated public menu of services. An example would be hiring a drain cleaner who does this type of work every day and has all the necessary
equipment rather than training city maintenance people and purchasing the requisite equipment.
Application to the lesson:
By working together, public sector agencies can surpass the level of services delivered in the traditional way of offering solitary programs. Developing mutual understanding among concerned agencies and a healthy relationship between practitioners and the public go a long way in promoting the common good.
An example of how this applies to my work or Emergency Services:
Marketing and improved customer service can help my agency deliver programs more efficiently to more people.
