Business Communications and Research GBK Fall 2015 Online 16 Weeks

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1 Business Communications and Research GBK Fall 2015 Online 16 Weeks YOUR INSTRUCTOR Name: Admin POC: Phone: Address: Office Hours: Ms. Amanda Eads Adjunct Faculty at Texas A&M University Central Texas College of Business Administration (254) (254) Calls will be forwarded to me if necessary (use if Bb is down) I have virtual hours all day! I check Blackboard and my TAMU several times a day. Unless I tell you otherwise - during the week, expect a response from me within hours and within hours on the weekend. I am happy to set up a web conference or set up a face to face meeting with you schedules permitting. UNILERT Emergency Warning System for Texas A&M University Central Texas UNILERT is an emergency notification service that gives Texas A&M University-Central Texas the ability to communicate health and safety emergency information quickly via , text message, and social media. All students are automatically enrolled in UNILERT through their myct account. Connect at to change where you receive your alerts or to opt out. By staying enrolled in UNILERT, university officials can quickly pass on safety-related information, regardless of your location. COURSE DESCRIPTION This course is a study and demonstration of the different types of letters and reports utilized in the 21st century business environment. Basic business research and APA citation skills will also be an essential component of this course, as well as presentation fundamentals. This course should be completed in the first semester of enrollment as it is a pre-requisite for most business courses. This course is a 100% online course and uses TAMUCT s Blackboard system (Bb). The instructions under Technical Requirements of this syllabus will assist you with gaining access and technical support. Once you are in BB, there is tab on the left labeled Online Learning that will have additional BB resources if you are unfamiliar with BB. Though no specific knowledge is required as a prerequisite to this course, it will be essential that you have a familiarity with the use of Power Point, Microsoft Word, the Internet, and attaching documents at a minimum.

2 COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES Upon successful completion of the GBK 301 Business Communications course, you will be able to: Explain the importance and role communication serves in the business world today, including the impacts of culture and globalization. Tailor communications to the interests and preferences of their audience in ways that make oral and written communications clear, concise, and compelling to the reader or listener. Apply the principles of effective written communications through the development of various business correspondences, using Microsoft Word. Word is available in the Texas A&M University-Central Texas computer labs. Demonstrate the fundamentals of business related research, including the proper use of APA citations. Write professionally in web-based interactions with colleagues on issues of business communication, including observance of Netiquette norms. Demonstrate proper business oral communication and presentation skills, including the use of Microsoft Power Point. INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS & SUPPORT RESOURCES Required Course Materials: Lesikar s Business Communication (13 th Edition) Rentz, K. and Lentz, P. McGraw-Hill Companies 2014 ISBN You can order an online version at: Peregrine APA Style Training Course and Exam Access must be purchased from Peregrine directly. Cost is $40.50 and instructions are available on Bb. * You must have access to a computer for course work and a webcam for presentations. * Suggested Course Materials: Publication Manual of American Psychological Association (6th ed.). American Psychological Association. ISBN It is highly advisable that that you keep this text following the course, as APA citations are the required citation method within the Department of Management & Marketing and will be used throughout your undergraduate and, hopefully, graduate education. Note: A student of this institution is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from a university-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer. 2

3 TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS This course will use the TAMUCT Blackboard Learn learning management system for class communications, content distribution, and assessments. Logon to to access the course. Username: Your MyCT username (xx123 or everything before the in your MyCT e- mail address) Initial password: Your MyCT password For this course, you will need reliable and frequent access to a computer and to the Internet. You will also need a headset with a microphone or speakers and a microphone to be able to listen to online resources and conduct other activities in the course. If you do not have frequent and reliable access to a computer with Internet connection, please consider dropping this course or contact me (your and phone number) to discuss your situation. Blackboard supports the most common operating systems: PC: Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista Mac: Mac OS X 10.9 (Mavericks), 10.8 (Mountain Lion), and 10.7 (Lion) NOTE: Computers using Windows XP, Windows 8 RT and OS X 10.6 or lower are NO longer supported Check browser and computer compatibility by following the Browser Check link on the TAMUCT Blackboard logon page. ( This is a CRITICAL step as these settings are important for when you take an exam or submit an assignment. Upon logging on to Blackboard Learn, you will see a link to Blackboard Student Orientation under My Courses tab. Click on that link and study the materials in this orientation course. The new Blackboard is a brand-new interface and you will have to come up to speed with it really quickly. This orientation course will help you get there. There is also a link to Blackboard Help from inside the course on the left-hand menu bar. The first week of the course includes activities and assignments that will help you get up to speed with navigation, sending and receiving messages and discussion posts, and submitting an assignment. Your ability to function within the Blackboard system will facilitate your success in this course. Technology issues are not an excuse for missing a course requirement make sure your computer is configured correctly and address issues well in advance of deadlines. TECHNICAL SUPPORT AL REQUIREMENTS For technology issues, students should contact Help Desk Central. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: helpdesk@tamu.edu Phone: (254) Web Chat: When calling for support please let your support technician know you are a TAMUCT student. For issues related to course content and requirements, contact your instructor. 3

4 WRITING INTENSIVE DESIGNATION: This is an Intensive Writing (WI) Course. The purpose of this designation is to develop communication skills needed by those preparing to enter the business world as well as those who are already part of that world. The course will focus on continuous improvement in written and spoken correspondence. The instructor will provide ongoing feedback of the individuals written, verbal and nonverbal skills. It will be the student s responsibility to make the instructional adjustments and corrections throughout the semester. If you can communicate effectively (written, verbal and nonverbal), you have a highly valued and marketable skill. Surveys have shown that the ability to communicate well is ranked by business executives as first among the personal factors necessary for promotion. Students must pass, with a 70 or higher, the writing component of a WI course in order to pass the course. The WI portion is designated as the average of the research practice exercise and the written proposal. COURSE PERFORMANCE GUIDELINES / GRADING POLICIES Individual Performance: It is vital that you are active in the course and complete all work in a professional fashion. One of the biggest issues with student success in online courses is simply not submitting work on time. You are expected to read the chapters as assigned in the calendar as well as read or view any supplemental resources that may be found in the Module content folders for that period. Quality Work: All work submitted for grading shall be of upper level quality: Depth of analysis, grammatical structure, etc. Identifying Submissions: Submissions must clearly identify the student and the title of the assignment. Submission Style Requirements: Submissions will be in accordance with The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 6 th ed. All written work must be submitted utilizing Microsoft Word in either a.doc or.docx format. Due Dates and Late Submissions: The assignment instructions and deadlines are clearly laid out in the syllabus. Though some assignments are fairly involved, you do not have more than one assignment due in any week. As such, it is expected that all work will be submitted on time, as timeliness is an important aspect of professional communications and behavior. If you encounter an issue, please let me know as soon as possible. It is much easier to discuss issues before due dates rather than after. Late penalties are severe and as follows: 1. Discussions, Individual Research Paper / Proposal These will NOT be accepted late. 2. Peregrine APA Exam, Research Practice Exercise, and Professional Correctness & Communication Assignments You will lose 25% of the points available if the due date is missed for lateness. Also, these will not be accepted at all after one week past the due date. 3. Exams If you miss an exam without notifying me in advance, I may allow you an opportunity to take it (not guaranteed) if you contact me within 48 hours of the due date. If I allow you to take it, you will generally score no higher than the lowest score of a person who took it on time regardless of how high your score is. 4. Communication Assignments and Presentation You will lose 10% per day that it is late, up to 3 days. Posting of Grades: All student grades will be posted on the Blackboard Grade book and students should monitor their grading status through this tool. I will attempt to post grades for all assignments and discussions within one week after the due date, unless I let you know otherwise. Grades on exams will be available immediately. 4

5 Changes to Syllabus: This syllabus serves as an instructional and study planning document. Although every effort will be made to maintain the schedule and activities presented herein, it may become necessary during the course of the semester to make changes to the syllabus. In such events, changes will be announced and students will receive written notice as soon as possible. COURSE REQUIREMENTS Student Profile and Course Agreement: (20 points) Students should review this Syllabus in depth and be sure they are willing to comply with all assignments and deadlines in this course. The course agreement requires students to agree to these expectations and promise that they have the computer set-up and self-discipline needed for a fully online course. This profile/agreement is due the end of the first week of class. Introduction: (20 points) Each student will be required to post an introduction on the discussion board under Introductions. Discussion Forums: (100 points) There will be three discussion assignments due throughout the semester. Each discussion has multiple topics. The exact requirements for each will be found within the discussion forum days prior to the due date found in the syllabus. Professional Correctness Exercise: (50 points) This assignment is designed to assess your professional communication skills relative to the information contained in Chapter 18. The exact requirements for this will be found under the Professional Assignments tab on the left hand side of Bb. Peregrine APA Competency Exam: (75 points) - Following your completion of the Peregrine APA training course, you will have to complete a 50 question exam that covers the topics covered in the training modules. You are graded based on the score received and not simply completion, so be diligent. The training course itself usually takes 3-5 hours to complete. The instructions for registering for the course are found in the Required Course Materials link on the left side of Bb. You will be required to submit your completion report to me. Research Practice Exercise: (60 Points) - Utilizing our library databases, you must find two scholarly journal articles (one may be a mainstream magazine article at least four pages in length) dealing with communication issues. These may discuss good or bad communication techniques or describe instances where companies struggled or had great success in communicating. After reading the two articles, you need to prepare a one page, typed summary of each that discusses the main points of the articles and what you learned, found interesting or disagreed with. Your summaries should demonstrate your mastery of professional correctness, proper summarization, APA style in general, and citations specifically. Your end reference should provide easy access for me to review the article. A more detailed rubric is available on Bb. Professional Communication Assignments: (150 total points; 3 assignments) - Each student will develop three original business communications (50 points each) and submit them on the due date(s) outlined in the course schedule. The instructions and submission location are found in the tab titled Assignment Instructions. Take note of the submission requirements. You need to use 1 margins all the way around. Single-space all submissions, and use Times New Roman size 12 point fonts. The messages will be submitted according to the concepts and specifications outlined in the text for that type of communication. Misspellings and grammatical mistakes must be avoided, as they will impact the grade earned. NOTE: Spell-check programs don t always point out the use of a wrong word [e.g., their/there, hair/heir, sent/scent, etc.]. Topics for the written assignments will include: 5

6 (1). Communication # 1: You will act as a manager and construct an communicating a new policy to your employees that they will love (positive). Some examples you could use include: dress code policy, cell phone use, break time, personal use of computer, etc. Then, in the same document and on the next page, describe how your oral communication of this policy would be similar or different than the written policy. (2). Communication # 2: Request Correspondence. You will compose a business letter to your supervisor [address it to the instructor] requesting permission to register for a career-enhancing course at Texas A&M University - Central Texas. The student will select a course from the university catalog and explain how this course will not only help the worker (student), but how it will also benefit the company. (3). Communication # 3: Prepare a resume with a cover letter for a job that you would be qualified for based on the degree you are presently pursuing. Exams: (300 total points): You will have three examinations in this course worth 100 points each. Each exam may be composed of T/F, Matching, Multiple Choice, Essay and/or Practice Exercises to assess the course and chapter objectives, as well as the course content in general. They may vary in composition from exam to exam. Exams will generally be available over a 5 day period online and dates will be posted online as well as in the schedule section of this syllabus. They will be timed and once started, must be completed at that time. Individual Research Paper and Presentation: (225 total points) - This major assignment will be developed in accordance with the parameters below and the rubrics found in Bb with the assignment instructions. All subjects and materials to be presented in this course must be new works researched and assembled by you for this course only. Thus, the Recycling of cases, proposals, reports, and subjects from this or other classes is prohibited and in violation. You will have to produce an internal proposal addressed to the instructor as your supervisor worth 150 of the 225 total points. This proposal must address a business problem of your choosing, contain an introduction to the problem, provide at least four alternatives (with support) that you believe could correct the problem, provide a cost-benefit analysis, explain your recommended alternative to correct the problem, and an implementation schedule with timeline. Be specific and detailed! Your research must include at least eight references, with at least one book, one scholarly journal article and no more than 3 internet articles in the eight reference minimum. All references and citations must conform to APA style guidelines. The final product should be 7-10 page report (1-cover sheet, 5 to 8 body, 1- references), excluding attached appendices. As this is a proposal to your supervisor, and possibly those at higher levels, it must also be grammatically correct. You will also make a 10 minute oral presentation (via Collaborate or Skype for online students or in person if available Instructors Choice) about your topic worth 75 of the 225 points. A copy of your written paper and a copy of your MS PowerPoint Slides will be submitted to the instructor prior to your oral presentation. More detailed grading parameters are found in the rubric on Bb. NOTE: Oral presentations will be conducted in a professional manner, to include appropriate business dress. Men: slacks, shirt, socks, shoes, and tie (No denims, jeans, boot pants, Levi s, sneakers, etc.). Ladies: blouse and slacks or dress, or suit with socks/stockings and either low or highheeled shoes. Look like professionals! Timing will be strictly adhered to. Presentation points will be deducted if the presentation runs short or over by more than 1 minute. 6

7 GRADE COMPUTATION Course Element Points % of Final Grade Student Profile 20 2% Introduction Post 20 2% Discussions (3) 30 pts; 35 pts % Professional Correctness Exercise 50 5% Peregrine APA Exam % Research Practice *WI 60 6% Communication #1 50 5% Communication #2 50 5% Communication #3 50 5% Exams 100 pts each % Individual Research Paper / Proposal *WI Written (150 pts); Presentation (75 pts) % Total % *WI are writing intensive assignments that require a passing average grade of a 70 in order to pass this course. If you fail the WI assignments, it doesn t matter if you pass the others. POINTS EQUALS LETTER GRADE = A = B = C = D Below 600 = F 7

8 COURSE SCHEDULE Dates Chapter & Topic Assignment Week 1 Aug Ch. 1 Understanding Workplace Communication Ch. 3 Adapting Your Words to Your Readers Complete & Submit Student Profile and Course Agreement via Blackboard Assignment Link. Due Aug 31 Student Introductions Due Aug 31 Read Ch. 1 & 3; Study supplementary materials found in Week 1 Content Folder Work on Discussion #1 Register for the Peregrine APA Course Week 2 Aug/Sept 30 5 Week 3 Sept 6 12 Week 4 Sept Ch. 4 Constructing Clear Sentences and Paragraphs Ch. 18 Conveying Professionalism Through Correctness Ch. 13 Conducting Research for Decision Makers Ch. 2 Communicating Across Cultures Read Ch. 4 & 18; Study supplementary materials found in Week 2 Content Folder Discussion 1: Communicating Original Post due Sept 2; 2 Replies due Sept 7 Read Ch. 13; Study supplementary materials found in Week 3 Content Folder Professional Correctness Exercise: due Sept 9 Study the Materials on Academic and Business Research, Academic Integrity and Plagiarism in the Content Folder Continue reviewing APA resources and the Peregrine APA Course Read Ch. 2; Study supplementary materials found in Week 4 Content Folder Peregrine APA Exam: due Sept 16 Exam #1: Ch. 1-4, 13 & 18 - Available Sept 16; due Sept 21 Week 5 Sept Ch. 11 Preparing Informative and Influential Business Reports Read Ch. 11; Study supplementary materials found in Week 5 Content Folder Week 6 Sept/Oct 27 3 Ch. 12 Choosing the Right Type of Report Read Ch. 12; Study supplementary materials found in Week 6 Content Folder Research Practice Assignment: due Sept 30 8

9 Week 7 Oct 4 10 Ch. 14 Using Visual Aids to Make Your Point Read Ch. 14; Study supplementary materials found in Week 7 Content Folder Discussion 2: Morals and Choices. Original Post due Oct 7; 2 Replies due Oct 12 Week 8 Oct Ch. 5 Writing for a Positive Effect Ch. 6 Choosing the Best Process & Form Read Ch. 5 & 6; Study supplementary materials found in Week 8 Content Folder Work on Individual Reports Week 9 Oct Week 10 Oct Ch. 7 Getting to the Point in Good-New and Neutral Messages Ch. 8 Maintaining Good Will in Bad News Messages Read Ch. 7; Study supplementary materials found in Week 9 Content Folder Work on Individual Reports Exam #2: Ch. 5-7, & 14 - Available Oct 21; due Oct 26 Read Ch. 8; Study supplementary materials found in Week 10 Content Folder Work on Individual Reports Week 11 Nov 1 7 Ch. 9 Making Your Case with Persuasive Messages and Proposals Read Ch. 9; Study supplementary materials found in Week 11 Content Folder Communication #1: due Nov 4 Week 12 Nov 8 14 Week 13 Nov Week 14 Nov Week 15 Nov/Dec 29 5 Week 16 Dec 6 11 Ch. 10 Conducting a Winning Job Campaign Ch. 15 Communicating Effectively in Meeting and Conversations Ch. 16 Delivering Oral Reports and Business Speeches Individual Presentations and Proposals Final Week Read Ch. 10; Study supplementary materials found in Week 12 Content Folder Communication #2: due Nov 11 Read Ch. 15; Study supplementary materials found in Week 13 Content Folder Communication #3: due Nov 18 Discussion 3: Getting The Point Across Original Post due Nov 18; 2 Replies due Nov 23 Read Ch. 16; Study supplementary materials found in Week 14 Content Folder Make final changes to your proposals Individual Presentations and Written Proposals: due Dec 2 (Written); Dec 3-7 (Oral) info on BB about Oral Presentation Exam #3: Ch and Available Dec 6; due Dec 10 9

10 IMPORTANT DATES (16 Wk Class) September 7 Labor Day Campus Closed September 9 Last Day To Drop With No Record October 2 Spring 2016 Graduation Applications Due October 23 Welcome Back Picnic October 30 Last Day To Drop With a Q or Withdraw with a W November 11 Veteran s Day Campus Closed November Thanksgiving Break Campus Closed December 11 Graduation DROP POLICY If you discover that you need to drop this class, you must go to the Records Office and ask for the necessary paperwork. Professors cannot drop students; this is always the responsibility of the student. The records office will provide a deadline for which the form must be returned, completed and signed. Once you return the signed form to the records office and wait 24 hours, then you must go into Warrior Web and confirm that you are no longer enrolled. If Warrior Web indicates that you are still enrolled, FOLLOW-UP with the records office immediately. Please note: you are to attend class until the procedure is complete to avoid penalty for absence. Should you miss the deadline or fail to follow the procedure, you will receive an F in the course. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY Texas A&M University - Central Texas expects all students to maintain high standards of honor in personal and scholarly conduct. Any deviation from this expectation may result in a minimum of a failing grade for the assignment and potentially a failing grade for the course. All academic dishonesty concerns will be reported to the university's Office of Student Conduct. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on an examination or other academic work, plagiarism and improper citation of sources, using another student's work, collusion, and the abuse of resource materials. When in doubt on collaboration, citation, or any issue, please contact me before taking a course of action. More information can be found at ***If the instructor suspects plagiarism, that assignment will receive no more than half credit and could receive a zero based on the severity of the plagiarism. All students suspect of this academic dishonesty will be reported.*** DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES: At Texas A&M University Central Texas, we value an inclusive learning environment where every student has an equal chance to succeed and has the right to an education that is barrierfree. The Office of Disability Support and Access is responsible for ensuring that students with a disability enjoy equal access to the University's programs, services and activities. Some aspects of this course or the way the course is taught may present barriers to learning due to a disability. If you feel this is the case, please contact Disability Support and Access at (254) in Warrior Hall, Ste For more information, please visit their website at Any information you provide is private and confidential and will be treated as such. 10

11 TUTORING Tutoring is available to all TAMUCT students, both on-campus and online. Subjects tutored include Accounting, Finance, Statistics, Mathematics, and Writing. Tutors are available at the Tutoring Center in Warrior Hall, Room 111. Visit and click "Tutoring Support" for tutor schedules and contact info. If you have questions, need to schedule a tutoring session, or if you're interested in becoming a tutor, contact Academic Support Programs at or by ing tutoring@ct.tamus.edu. Chat live with a tutor 24/7 for almost any subject on your computer! Tutor.com is an online tutoring platform that enables TAMUCT students to log-in and receive FREE online tutoring and writing support. This tool provides tutoring in Mathematics, Writing, Career Writing, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Spanish, Calculus, and Statistics. To access Tutor.com, log into your Blackboard account and click "Online Tutoring." LIBRARY SERVICES Library distance education services aims to make available quality assistance to A&M-Central Texas students seeking information sources remotely by providing digital reference, online information literacy tutorials, and digital research materials. Much of the TAMUCT collection is available instantly from home. This includes over half of the library's book collection, as well as approximately 25,000 electronic journals and 200 online databases. Library Distance Education Services are outlined and accessed at: Information literacy focuses on research skills which prepare individuals to live and work in an information-centered society. Librarians will work with students in the development of critical reasoning, ethical use of information, and the appropriate use of secondary research techniques. Help may include, but is not limited to: the exploration of information resources such as library collections, the identification of appropriate materials, and the execution of effective search strategies. Library Resources are outlined and accessed at: BEING AN ONLINE STUDENT Online learning requires students to be very self-disciplined. Be sure that you understand and are prepared to comply with all required class assignments and deadlines. Often our highest failure rates are in online courses, with the most frequent reason being either submitting assignments late or not at all. WARRIORLINK This online job database connects employers with students with postings of internships, part-time, full-time jobs. All students will receive an with their username and password the first week of school with access information. Warrior Link ( students up until a year after they graduate the opportunity to search for a job, post a resume and informed on any events that are taking place while they are out of the careers services area. 11