Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Dissemination strategy'

Thesis (M.A. in Security Studies (Homeland Security and Defense))--Naval Postgraduate School, September 2009.<br>Thesis Advisor(s): last name, first name ; "September 2009." Description based on title screen as viewed on November 03, 2009. Author(s) subject terms: Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR), information sharing, intelligence-led policing, DC Metropolitan Police Depart, eGardian, Federal Bureau of Investigation, dissemination of intelligence, program management information sharing environment (PM-ISE), information sharing environment (ISE), British police service, Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), Joint, Terrorism Analysis Center (JTAC), domestic intelligence Includes bibliographical references (p. 83-88). Also available in print.

Thesis (M.A. in Security Studies (Homeland Security and Defense))--Naval Postgraduate School, March 2006.<br>Thesis Advisor(s): Robert Simeral. "March 2006." Includes bibliographical references (p. 55-57). Also available online.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) technologies have proven to be effective at increasing agricultural productivity and have been credited for providing economic, health, and environmental benefits in many developing countries. In South Asia, population growth and the increasing demand for nutritious foods have put pressure on farmers to produce more food with a relatively inelastic supply of land. Productivity enhancing practices, like IPM, have helped some farmers to meet this demand; however, with over 50 million farmers in Bangladesh and Nepal it is difficult to reach them with information about new agricultural technologies. This study evaluates the current IPM dissemination strategy being implemented by the Bangladesh Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) and uses a linear programming (LP) model to propose alternative strategies that may extend the total benefits from IPM technologies. Additionally, using data from a household survey, a bivariate probit model and a two-step endogenous participation model are used to identify factors that may influence both knowledge and adoption of IPM practices in three regions of Nepal. The results from the LP model suggest that more farmers could be effectively reached by reallocating funding that is currently used for interpersonal communications (i.e. extension agent visits and farmer field schools) to more widespread methods such as mass media and field days. The model also suggests that a dynamic dissemination strategy is necessary to encourage adoption of IPM technologies with differing characteristics and levels of complexity. The econometric analysis suggests that farmers with â network linkagesâ to agricultural information and inputs, such as membership in a farmer organization, are more likely to be aware of IPM and to adopt IPM practices. The survey data also suggest that farmers who are members of Marketing Planning Committees (MPC) may be more likely to adopt more IPM practices when compared to non-members. Overall, the study suggests that strategically disseminating IPM information is vital to promote the adoption of these technologies in South Asia.<br>Master of Science

Purpose – Back in the year 2000, the European Council (2000) declared in its Lisbon Agenda that the European Union should become “[…] the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world, capable of sustainable economic growth with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion.” This vision encompassed far more than just societal and economic growth in a global world; it also included educational strategies and an e-learning action plan. For example, in 2011, the European Commission mentioned the following as a key policy issue (Communication 2011): to “better exploit the potential of ICTs to enable more effective and personalised learning experiences, teaching and research methods (e.g. [sic] eLearning and blended learning) and increase the use of virtual learning platforms.” In accordance with this roadmap, higher education institutions are called on to reflect and re-engineer their educational systems, adapt them to current and future technological and didactical demands and address new generations of teachers and students. New concepts like connectivism (Siemens 2004) and the recognition of non-formal and informal learning (OECD 2016) enhance traditional formal learning settings and lead far beyond the provision of mere learning content management systems. New e-learning and blended learning arrangements like MOOCs (Cormier & Siemens 2010), collaborative learning in the virtual classroom (Tawileh, Bukvova & Schoop 2013) and flipped classroom approaches (Hussey, Fleck & Richmond 2014) are evolving and must be explored, evaluated and then strategically implemented into everyday teaching and learning processes. A comprehensive e-learning strategy should therefore address four fields: didactics, technology, organisation and economy and culture (Seufert & Euler 2004). Besides orientation on the actual trends, the strategy development should also recognise and integrate practical local experiences of early adopters and actors of e-learning in the field. Therefore, a community of knowledge experts in e-learning application has been involved in the strategy development. Design/methodology/approach – Best practice report of a comprehensive quality initiative for the sustainable improvement of everyday teaching and learning processes at a large university. The challenges of current and future trends in formal and informal learning, collaboration in virtual classrooms and internationalisation of research and teaching processes are analysed and addressed by the strategy implementation plan and a regular evaluation and improvement concept is presented and discussed. Originality/value – The e-learning strategy presented was developed, discussed and adopted in 2015. Its implementation plan is currently at the final discussion stage, having been due for adoption in January 2016. Practical implications – The e-learning strategy’s implementation plan lists targets and sub-targets, underlined by concrete measures, tools and methods, responsible institutions and persons and financial sources. Regular evaluations and improvements will give elearning providers a set of proven instruments to further improve their activities and provide the broad range of students and teachers with a set of best practices to follow, enabling them to discover the benefits of e-learning for their everyday processes.

Background Social media has increased tremendously in users during the last years, which consequently has transformed the way people create, collaborate and communicate information. Given the wide usage, the opportunity for businesses to listen and analyze consumers' opinions online has increased. The technique of analyzing user-generated content from various social media channels is a tactic where companies can utilize their capacity and improve future business. Social listening is an active process where companies can attend, observe, interpret and respond to a variety of stimuli created by consumers on social media platforms.   Purpose The purpose of this research is to understand how organizations manage social listening and how the activities in the process can be implemented to leverage impacts for organizations’ marketing strategies. The purpose is refined by addressing the research questions:      -       How do organizations manage the social listening process?   -       How can the activities in the social listening process be implemented to enhance the leverage of impacts on the organization’s marketing strategy? Method To carry out the research purpose, a qualitative research through a descriptive multiple case study design was performed. Empirical data was collected through eight semi-structured interviews with professionals within the field. The primary data was reviewed in relation to previously conducted research by thematic analysis to answer the research questions.   Conclusion              The research finds that organizations’ intention of integrating social listening is to deepen the understanding of the market to incorporate the results in their marketing strategy. Empirical findings explain the social listening process by emphasizing on the importance of establishing intentions to facilitate the choice of process, separating qualitative and quantitative data, and to carefully chosen dissemination strategy, to leverage the impacts on marketing strategies as a result of social listening.

Darbo objektas - atsakingų už informacijos apie ES valdymą ir sklaidą Lietuvoje institucijų veikla ir bendradarbiavimas. Darbo tikslas – ištirti informacijos apie ES valdymo ir sklaidos Lietuvoje pagrindinius bruožus bei atskleisti institucijų, koordinuojančių informaciją apie ES Lietuvoje vaidmenį. Darbo uždaviniai: identifikuoti informacijos ir žinių vadybos viešajame sektoriuje teorinius aspektus; aptarti ES komunikacijos politikos ypatumus; išnagrinėti Lietuvos Respublikoje skleidžiamos informacijos apie ES šaltinius, institucijas; ištirti informaciją apie ES skleidžiančių institucijų veiklos ypatumus ir darbo efektyvumą. Darbo metodai - dvejopo pobūdžio kokybinių tyrimų metodai: pusiau struktūruoto giluminio interviu metodu atlikti 8 giluminiai interviu; el. paštu atlikti interviu, kai atsakymai buvo pateikiami raštu, atlikti 6 interviu. Taip pat mokslinės literatūros bei teisės aktų analizė. Tyrimo rezultatai: Lietuvoje yra sukonstruotas instituciškai stiprus ES komunikacijos politikos įgyvendinimo modelis, pagrįstas organizacijų bei institucijų valdančių ir skleidžiančių informaciją apie ES tinklu. Egzistuoja trilypis institucinis pasiskirstymas: ES lygmens atstovai, nacionalinės vyriausybės institucijos bei įvairūs info tinklai ir centrai; Regioniniu lygmeniu informacija apie ES yra skleidžiama per itin konstruktyviai parengtą institucinę sistemą Lietuvoje. Informacijos tinklas veikia kaip sąsaja tarp ES ir jos piliečių vietos lygmeniu; Tarpinstitucinis... [toliau žr. visą tekstą]<br>Object of the thesis – institutions responsible for the administration and dissemination of the EU information in Lithuania, their activities of cooperation. Aim of the thesis - to explore the main features of the administration and dissemination of the EU information in Lithuania and to identify the role of the institutions, coordinating information on the EU in Lithuania. Main tasks: to identify the theoretical aspects of information and knowledge management in public sector; to discuss the EU's communication policy features; to consider in the Republic of Lithuania disseminating information on the sources, authorities, investigate the spread of information on the EU institutions' activities and features of the performance. Methods of the research - the dual nature of qualitative research methods: a semi-structured in-depth interview method, were made 8 in-depth interviews; e-mail interview, the answers were given in writing by 6 interviews. As well as the scientific literature and legislative analysis. The results of the research: Lithuania has built a strong institutional EU communication policy model based on organizations and institutions operating and spreading information throughout the constructive network. There is a triple institutional distribution: EU-level representatives, national government authorities and the various networks and the info centers. At a regional level, information about the EU is disseminated through constructive Lithuania's institutional... [to full text]

Findings from health research ought to play a role in informing health policy formulation. Over the years much health research has been conducted both in developing and developed countries. However, little is known on how health research has informed health policy formulation. The study sought to review health research findings at the University of Malawi’s College of Medicine and Kamuzu College of Nursing and health policies of the Ministry of Health in Malawi, and based on the results, develop a communication and dissemination strategy as indicated by the study objectives. The study focused on exploring the extent of research use in policy formulation by evaluating sampled policies. It established from both researchers and policy makers their views regarding communication of research findings to policy makers, and how the two work together during conceptualisation, carrying out research and disseminating the findings. It sought to identify ways that the translation of research findings into policy formulation could be facilitated. The study is informed by the Knowledge Translation theoretical framework. It adopted the pragmatism philosophical paradigm which advocates for 'what works’. The convergent parallel mixed method strategy was used to gather both qualitative and quantitative data for the study. The population of the study comprised of researchers and academics at the University of Malawi, health research partners in Malawi and directors at the Ministry of Health in Malawi. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected through self-administered questionnaires (246 academics and researchers), semi-structured interviews (17 directors from the Ministry of Health and relevant research institutes), a self-administered self-assessment tool (10 purposively selected directors from the Ministry of Health and from research institutes) and a health policy assessment tool. Qualitative data was analysed through content analysis while quantitative data was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) for both descriptive and inferential analysis. The data were supplemented with a search strategy through Scopus. The findings revealed that health researchers rarely interact with policy makers. Health researchers prefer publishing in journals, attending conferences and informally interacting with policy and decision makers. Policy makers rely on the use of Internet, reviews of previous policies, internal evaluations, data from the national statistical office, registries and information centres at the ministries for policy information. However, the study revealed in designing the communication and dissemination strategy based on 'what works’, that researchers work in research groups while policy makers work in technical work groups. The interaction between researchers and policy makers in the technical working groups informs the transfer of health research into policy-making. The study makes contributions to theory, practice and policy formulation. In terms of contribution towards the KTA framework, the study examined forms of formal interaction that may result in the transfer of health research information into policy and practice. The study indicates that formal interaction in the technical expert groups is one of such interactions that would facilitate the use of health research evidence in policy formulation. In terms of practice, the study recommends that there should be deliberate efforts by researchers in the research groups and policy makers at the technical working groups to formally engage each other. In terms of policy formulation, the study recommends that a proper interaction framework needs to be put in place for formal interactions between health researchers working in their research work groups and policy makers in the technical working groups.

Les réseaux ad hoc véhiculaires (VANETs) permettent le partage de différents types de données entre les véhicules, de manière collaborative. Dans cette thèse, nous nous sommes tout particulièrement intéressés aux applications de sûreté et de sécurité routière, dédiées à l'échange des informations sur l'état de l'environnement routier. Les contraintes de ces applications en termes de qualité de services sont des plus rigoureuses, car l'acheminent de leurs données doit être exhaustif et ne souffrir d'aucun retard pour assurer une information utile et en temps opportun au profit de tous les usagers concernés. Cet acheminement doit faire face aux difficultés induites par la dispersion et la forte mobilité des véhicules, l'absence ou l'insuffisance d'infrastructure, la densité variable du réseau, la surcharge en informations à envoyer et l'étendue des zones géographiques à couvrir. En effet, la problématique de diffusion des données dans les VANETs s'avère non-triviale et de nombreux verrous scientifiques doivent être levés pour permettre un support efficace, collaboratif et fiable pour les applications de sûreté et de sécurité routière.Plus précisément, nous aborderons la problématique de la dissémination collaborative en se posant trois questions : “comment disséminer les données ? À quel moment le faire ? Mais aussi quoi disséminer et comment inciter à le faire ? ” Nous avons apporté des réponses à travers les trois contributions de cette thèse. La première consiste à proposer une stratégie de dissémination efficace, qui soit adaptée à l'importance de l'information échangée et à sa durée de vie, permettant ainsi d'éviter un processus de diffusion intensif. Celui-ci est inapproprié dans ce cas de figure, car il génère de la congestion et beaucoup de redondance. Une étude de performances par simulation est réalisée, laquelle montre une diminution de 90% du taux de messages redondants par rapport au cas de la diffusion par inondation. Afin d'améliorer plus encore les performances du processus de diffusion des messages de sûreté, nous proposons, dans un second temps, un ordonnanceur pour l'accès au canal de communication qui a pour objectif de réduire le nombre de collisions dues aux synchronisations afférentes à l'utilisation du multi-canal dans le standard IEEE 802.11p/1609.4 et donc élever le taux de réception des données. Nous basons notre proposition sur la théorie de l'arrêt optimal, qui décide du moment opportun pour l'envoi d'une information en conciliant occupation du canal, efficacité de l'envoi et délai d'ajournement toléré par une information. Dans notre cas, la théorie de l'arrêt optimal est formulée par un processus de décision Markovien (MDP). Nous montrons ainsi par simulation une amélioration substantielle du taux de réception (de 25%) et une diminution importante des pertes (de 47%).Après s'être intéressé à l'aspect quantitatif des performances du réseau, nous nous intéresserons ensuite à l'amélioration de la fiabilité du processus de diffusion. Cette fiabilité est obtenue grâce à l'incitation des véhicules à la coopération et à l'exclusion des véhicules malicieux de celui-ci. Ceci est réalisé au travers de la proposition d'un modèle de confiance, inspiré des jeux de signaux. Le modèle crée une situation d'équilibre, tel que les différentes parties le composant ne soient pas tentées de le contourner, ainsi découle une auto-sélection des véhicules, laquelle est rapide et peu coûteuse. À notre connaissance, notre modèle est le seul à s'attaquer aux effets néfastes des deux types de véhicules, malicieux et égoïstes, en même temps. Comme précédemment, nous évaluons les performances de notre solution au travers d'une modélisation par une chaîne de Markov et divers jeux de simulation. Ceci a permis de montrer que 100% des véhicules malicieux sont exclus, avec le maintien d'un taux de coopération élevé dans le réseau, soit une amélioration de 42%<br>Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs) allow sharing different kinds of data between vehicles in a collaborative way. In this thesis, we are particularly interested in road safety applications, designed for the exchange of information on road traffic and conditions. This kind of applications have strict Quality of Service (QoS) requirements, as data must be routed thoroughly and without any delays so for assuring the timely delivery of useful information to the drivers. In this context, data routing must face several issues raised by the high mobility and dispersion of vehicles, inadequate or completely lacking infrastructure, a variable network density, network saturation due to the large of information to deliver, and the size of the geographical areas to cover. Indeed, the problem of data dissemination in VANETs is non-trivial, and several research challenges must be solved in order to provide an efficient, collaborative, and reliable support for road safety applications. Specifically, we will address the problem of collaborative data dissemination through the following three questions: “How to perform data dissemination?”, “When should we do it?”, and “What must be disseminated?” We have provided answers to these questions through the three contributions of this thesis. Our first contribution is an efficient dissemination strategy, specifically tailored to the importance of the exchanged information as well as its lifespan, which is able to avoid the intensive dissemination process that generates network congestion and data redundancy. We confirm our statements and validate the performance of our solution by modeling it using a discrete-time Markov chain, which demonstrates the number of necessary retransmissions for all concerned vehicles to receive information. Moreover, we performed extensive simulations that show a reduction of up to 90% of redundant messages with respect to message flooding dissemination strategies. Next, in order to further improve the road safety message dissemination process, we propose a communications channel access scheduler, which aims at reducing the number of collisions caused by IEEE 802.11p/1609.4 multi-channel synchronizations, and thus improving the data reception rate. We base our solution on the optimal stopping theory, which chooses the right moment to send information by balancing the channel occupancy rate, the data delivery efficiency, and the maximum deferment delay tolerated by the information. To this end, we formulate the optimal stopping theory through a Markov decision process (MDP). We show through simulation-based evaluations an improvement of the reception rate of up to 25% and a reduction of up to 47% of message losses. Finally, after being interested in the quantitative aspect of network performance, we centered our efforts on improving the reliability of the dissemination process, which is obtained by motivating vehicles to cooperate and evicting malicious vehicles from the process. To this end, we propose a trust model inspired on signaling games, which are a type of dynamic Bayesian games. Through the use of our model, equilibrium is achieved, thus resulting in a fast and low-cost vehicle self-selection process. We define the parameters of our trust model through a discrete-time Markov chain model. To the best of our knowledge, our solution is the only existing solution that tackles the negative effects introduced by the presence of both malicious and selfish vehicles in a VANET. We evaluated the performance of our solution by modeling it using a Markov chain, and a set of simulations. Our results show that up to 100% of malicious vehicles are evicted while keeping a high cooperation rate, thus achieving an improvement of 42% when compared to other similar solutions

A case study was conducted to document the changes in the attitudes of academic administrators at Langston University with regards to the use of various types of information sources for strategic planning. Environmental scanning of external factors was accomplished for six months by the use of a selective dissemination of information (SDI) service. Pre- and post-assessments of the perceived reliance on, satisfaction with and adequacy of personal and library-type information sources were conducted. Findings indicated the continued reliance on personal sources. No statistically significant changes were found in perceived adequacy levels in the use of library-type materials. The overall satisfaction level for the use of library-type information sources and retrieval methods showed a significant increase. Further study is recommended that will utilize additional information technology and other academic institutions.

The intrinsic characteristics of the Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development (FSSD) make it useful in moving society towards sustainability. However, most of the change agents who work with the FSSD report that it is not diffused widely enough to have a systemic impact on society. The purpose of the study is to enable those who wish to foster such diffusion to be more effective in their efforts by giving them information they need to strategically plan those efforts. An ‘important factors for diffusion’ lens is constructed from Diffusion of Innovations theory and social marketing concepts, and verified with case studies of the diffusion of Biomimicry 3.8, GRI and Cradle to Cradle. 152 current barriers and enablers to broader diffusion of the FSSD are identified from interviews with 27 practitioners and a survey of 58 additional practitioners. These are scored against the lens to determine the current diffusibility of the FSSD, then distilled and influence flows between them mapped, to identify seven leverage points for broader diffusion. Interrelations between these leverage points, as well as other emergent themes, are discussed, conclusions are drawn, and further research suggested.<br><p>irena.efrem@gmail.com; sijme@sijme.com; scott@notutopia.com</p>

碩士<br>世新大學<br>廣播電視電影學研究所(含碩專班)<br>103<br>This study therefore nearly two decades of its own practices and entrepreneurial experience, study "Digital Cultural & Creative : Transition and Challenges of Television Transmission companies " theme , divided by the fertile soil spread the company&apos;s market practices and business strategy case study as an example, film and TV Communication enterprise "digital cultural and creative " qualities Research and Analysis , at the same time explore the film dissemination of corporate business strategy , review since 1997 - operating practices 2015 and forward depict the future challenges of the market opportunity for the transformation under , including funds face (Gen. to vote) , personnel face ( cultural and creative ) , the market side ( China and marketing ) , technical ( digital ) , operating surface (R & D ) of the overall strategy to review and respond to the development possible, period to improve corporate body and the courage to meet new challenges, reach business continuity objectives.

This study explores the theory of emotional contagion and then offers insights as to how communication designers could practically apply aspects of this theory to a communication campaign. Schoenewolf (1990) describes emotional contagion as “a process in which a person or group influences the emotions or behavior of another person or group through the conscious or unconscious induction of emotion states and behavioral attitudes” (p. 50). A significant aspect of this theory involves joint consumption. This suggests that an experience of an event differs when more than one person is involved. Ramanathan and McGill’s (2007) recent study suggests that a stronger positive or negative evaluation of a shared experience is achieved through the creation of emotional contagion. When considering this, an opportunity exists to establish recommendations for the design industry to employ in order to enhance an audience’s response. In order to be successful in constructing a pertinent strategy it is critical to consider the way in which people perceive experiences; central to this theme are the five senses. Research into the five senses which include sight, sound, smell, touch and taste, indicates the significant impact over an individuals’ emotions and decision making process. To date the human senses have been largely neglected within the design industry due to conventional use of mainstream media. Through using non-traditional media, participants could be connected on a more sensory level through means of interactive involvement. From a holistic perspective the overarching methodology will be that of research for design (Frayling, 1993, as cited in Downtown, 2003). The emphasis will therefore be on providing insights and ideas as to how the design industry could, through non-traditional media, embrace emotional contagion. Supporting methods will be a combination of the following: 1. Case studies. These will include an analysis of precedents 2. A self generated design campaign. The focus will be tourism. This has been chosen because of its experiential and shared nature.

In the wake of the rapid evolution of information technology (IT), including the internet, during the last three decades, much attention has been given to the introduction of IT to the agricultural sector, and to ensuring its adoption by farmers. Given its apparent ability to provide rich information to a large number of people, hopes have been raised about the role of IT as a tool for diffusing innovations in the agricultural sector. This thesis addresses the reality of such a role in Australia and Sri Lanka. Following the broader innovation literature, an innovations systems approach is used, and the key aspects of diffusion stressed are reach, richness and the time taken. The agricultural innovation system (AIS) is seen as a complex interactive system involving actors fulfilling eleven functions – policy, education, finance and credit, marketing, input supply, research, extension and information, logistics, processing and storage, farmers and farm organisations, and consumers. It is clear that the Australian AIS is more effective than its Sri Lankan counterpart in terms of its use of leading-edge technologies, competition in global markets with innovative products, and quick diffusion of research findings to farmers. The use of IT in agribusiness in Australia is quite advanced, although still limited in small firms. While there are many examples of the use of IT for innovation diffusion in Australian agriculture, there is little evidence that this is yet a widely used process for the spread of innovations. The situation in Sri Lanka is quite different, with low levels of computer literacy and usage in the farm sector, with technology transfer ‘across the last mile’ remaining the weakest link in the Sri Lankan AIS. But farmers often go to great efforts to obtain better information, and much attention is being given by the Government and NGOs to the development of wireless networks, telecentres and other methods for promoting IT access and knowledge diffusion in the rural sector in Sri Lanka. Given the heterogeneous nature of the actors in an AIS, together with the importance of tacit knowledge and social and peer groups factors, IT will complement existing methods of innovation diffusion for the foreseeable future, rather than substitute them. Nevertheless, IT is likely to become increasingly important in innovation diffusion in agriculture, in both developed countries and in developing economies such as Sri Lanka. In implementing policies to this end, Sri Lanka must give due attention to the complex interactions between the many players in the AIS, to the role of tacit knowledge and social actors, and to the low level of the IT literacy in the rural sector. While continuing efforts to build relevant infrastructure are essential, these must be supported by measures to strengthen communication between the actors in the AIS, by education and capability development for farmers and by the creation of suitably tailored digital information packages on key issues.

The constitution of the Republic of South Africa has mandated government to keep in touch with the citizens, by regularly updating them on the services available for the improvement of their lives, and further to constantly report back on progress made in implementing government policies. In recent years, the country has been experiencing sporadic service delivery protests especially at the local sphere of government (municipal level). The aim of the study was therefore to examine the success of the communication and information system of the South African government in disseminating information to citizens. The area of the study was the Province of Mpumalanga which is one (1) of the nine (9) provinces constituting the Republic of South Africa. For the study, quantitative research method in the form of a survey was adopted, the hypothesis tested and the findings generalised. In creating a sample frame for the study, both probability and non-probability sampling techniques were adopted. The type of data collection instrument adopted was a structured questionnaire. Single-stage cluster sampling was adopted for heads of government communication whereas judgemental or purposive sampling technique was adopted for citizens. Data was analysed utilising data tabulation, descriptives, and data disaggregation quantitative data analysis procedures. The key findings of the study, amongst others, are: (a) That the current communication and information system being utilised by the South African government has an impact (it has improved communication with citizens); (b) That the citizens prefer government to communicate with them in their own indigenous languages (communicating in all eleven (11) official languages); (c) That the citizens prefer face-to-face communication; (d) That citizens would like to receive government messages via social media (given its immediacy and interactivity); and (e) That the low status of the communication function at the local government level denies communicators access to information to be communicated. Amongst others, the study recommends that (1) communication should be recognised as a strategic management function in all spheres of government; (2) the use of radio as the primary channel of information should be strengthened; (3) face-to-face communication with citizens should be strengthened; (4) information dissemination should be done in all eleven (11) official languages, including in Braille and sign-language; (5) social media and SMS notification should be included in the government communication policy as one of its official information dissemination channels.<br>Communication Science<br>M.A. (Communication)

This exploratory study identified generational preferences for receiving information from management through different communication channels and determined if age predicted productivity for productive and unproductive information received through different communication channels. This is the first study to empirically examine the relationship between age cohorts, communication channel preferences, information categories, and productivity. Sample participants worked as Extension agents at a major land-grant university. The four generations represented in the sample utilized multiple communication channels and were geographically dispersed throughout the state. The survey was administered electronically and completed by 204 (74%) of the eligible 275 employees in the organization. Independent Samples t-tests, General Linear Modeling, ANOVA’s, means analysis and linear regressions were employed to analyze the data to test the hypotheses. Regarding channel preference, the findings determined that face-to-face communication was preferred by both generations for receiving private and confidential information and for training. Media was preferred by both generations for routine and procedural and time-sensitive information. Lastly, the analysis revealed that written documents were the preferred method of both generational cohorts for compensation and benefits. Regarding productivity, the findings determined that age predicted a perceived increase in productivity tasks for production information received face-to-face from management, but did not predict a perceived increase in productivity tasks for the other communication channels. Both generational cohorts perceived productive information received face-to-face from management to increase morale and decrease stress. The cohorts, however, differed on the increase of trust as a result of receiving productive information face-to-face. Both generational cohorts perceived unproductive information received from management through all communication channels to negatively impact productivity tasks. Finally, both cohorts perceived unproductive information received face-to-face from management to negatively impact morale, trust and stress. Empirical examination of generational workforce issues is relatively new to Human Resources and research is needed to further examine generational perceptions. The study begins to open dialogue that the supposed differences inherent in the multigenerational workforce are not as much a factor of the generation as the information. The development of the new instrument in this study provides a new tool to examine organizations preferences and productivity.