Synergy in Action: Capstone Success Through Collaboration
Context
A capstone course is a culminating academic experience that allows students to apply what they have learned to a real-world project. We dedicate our second year to this important undertaking at the Bush School of Government and Public Service. Each student chooses a topic of interest, and I decided to join the group focusing on developing an emergency communication plan for the Rio Grande Valley. Having lived in Corpus Christi, a city on the Gulf Coast near the border, for several years, I experienced firsthand the unique challenges this region faces. This personal connection to the area drove my interest in the project because it provided me with a chance to give back to similar communities. Our work covers eight counties and nearby unincorporated areas, aiming to enhance emergency communication and better serve the communities in the Rio Grande Valley.
Through this capstone project, I had the opportunity to apply my knowledge and skills to address the critical issue of emergency communication in the Rio Grande Valley. The project not only allowed me to contribute to the well-being of the communities in the region but also facilitated my personal and professional growth. By collaborating with my team and engaging with stakeholders, I gained valuable insights into the challenges faced by the region and developed strategies to overcome them. This experience reinforced the importance of applying academic knowledge to real-world situations and the potential impact that dedicated individuals can have on the lives of others.
Planning & Flexibility
Planning and flexibility have been crucial in the successful completion of this capstone project. Initially, the project was labeled as a study on immigration, which aligned with my undergraduate thesis and sparked my interest in joining the team. However, two weeks into the project, we discovered that our client, the Texas City Manager's Association (TCMA), had a different focus in mind. Instead of immigration, they wanted us to develop an emergency communication plan for the Rio Grande Valley, but the specifics were not yet clearly defined.
Our discussion with the client revealed the region lacked a comprehensive emergency communication plan that effectively notifies constituents when emergencies arise. Our capstone group decided to address this issue by answering the question: How can an emergency communication plan be developed to effectively reach all members of the Rio Grande Valley community, considering the region's unique socio-economic and technological challenges?
Faced with this change in direction, our group had to adapt quickly. We worked closely with the president of TCMA Region 10 to coordinate a plan of action for the upcoming year of research in the region. We relied heavily on local perspectives and sought guidance from social science experts to help guide the project. Their insights were invaluable in helping us understand the unique needs and challenges faced by communities in the Rio Grande Valley during emergencies.
Tragically, halfway through the project, our main point of contact and the client who commissioned the project passed away unexpectedly. This loss required us to pivot once again and reexamine the project through the lens of our new point of contact. We had to quickly establish a rapport with the new client, understand their expectations, and adjust our approach accordingly. Despite the emotional toll and the challenges posed by this unexpected change, our team remained committed to delivering a high-quality emergency communication plan that would serve the needs of the Rio Grande Valley.
By remaining open to input from local stakeholders and experts, and by adapting to the changing circumstances, we were able to develop a comprehensive plan that addressed the specific needs of the region. This experience taught us the importance of being flexible and resilient in the face of adversity. It also highlighted the value of building strong relationships with our clients and stakeholders, as these connections helped us navigate our challenges. Through careful planning, collaboration, and a willingness to adjust our approach as needed, we were able to honor the memory of our original client and deliver a meaningful and impactful emergency communication plan for the Rio Grande Valley.
Slides from Data Analysis Plan Presentation
Conflict Resolution
Conflict resolution played a crucial role in the success of our capstone project, allowing us to navigate challenges both within and outside of our group. While conflicts can often be seen as negative, we found that they ultimately helped us expand our perspectives and consider the emergency communication plan from different angles.
Within our thirteen-member group, the project managers were responsible for delegating tasks. As the technology manager, I was in charge of survey curation, as well as qualitative and quantitative analyses. We noticed that some team members had a lot more work than others because they knew how to use the statistical software better. Some individuals were left with less than three hours of work per week, while others, including myself, were overloaded with over 12 hours of work for the same project. Recognizing this issue, I initiated a difficult conversation with the assistant managers about two weeks into our six-week data analysis plan. As a result, we were able to redistribute the workload more evenly and provide training to those who needed it, not only improving our group dynamics but also helping develop other members' professional skills.
Another significant conflict arose after we presented our scope of work plan to the other capstone groups. Our literature review highlighted the colonias, unincorporated areas along the U.S.-Mexico border often lacking basic infrastructure and services, as one of the most vulnerable areas during emergencies. Upon reviewing the current emergency communication plans for the region, we found that the plan for these areas was essentially nonexistent. As a result, we placed special emphasis on the colonias during the scope of work phase. However, we received critiques that we had narrowed our focus too much and were not placing equal weight on all areas of the Rio Grande Valley. While this feedback initially caused some tension, it ultimately led us to reevaluate our approach and ensure that our plan was comprehensive and inclusive of the different communities in the region.
Key Takeaways
The capstone project centered around developing an emergency communication plan for the Rio Grande Valley was a transformative experience that challenged us to adapt, persevere, and grow both personally and professionally. By embracing flexibility, open-mindedness, and a willingness to learn from others, we navigated unexpected changes, resolved conflicts, and ultimately delivered a comprehensive plan that truly serves the diverse communities of the region. This journey taught me the power of resilience, collaboration, and the importance of staying true to the mission - even in the face of adversity. The lessons I learned from this capstone project will forever shape my approach to tackling complex challenges and serving diverse communities.