Course outline 2018 Mark PDF

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Bus i nes sCommuni cat i on Comm 205 Depar t mentofMar ket i ng

Cour s eOut l i ne Fall 2018 Lecturer: Mark Medicoff Office hours: T Tuesda uesda uesdays ys 11:45 to 12:20 PM or by appointment

mark.medicoff@concordia [email protected] .ca Include your name as indicated in University records and section number in all emails Office: MB 14.278 Post Box located at MB 13.145 514-893-4765 (emai (emaill preferred preferred)) Important class information ssituated ituated at: myConcord myConcordia ia portal (Click “Course W Website-powered ebsite-powered by Moodle”)

This outline is designed ffor or students of Mark Medicoff a and nd complies with the common course outline ffor or all Comm 205 students

Re Required quired text: Guffey, Loewy, Rhodes and Rogin (Fifth Brief Edition) Business Communication: Process and Product Nelson Education Ltd, 2016

IMPORTANT: Previous editions of Business Communication: Process and Product are no longer in use at John Molson School of Business. The lectures, workshop activities, assignments and final examination will only reflect the material in the fifth Brief Canadian edition. The textbook can be purchased at the Concordia University Bookstore. Please note that students may buy either the hard copy text or the e-book and have the option of buying MindTap to accompany the text or e-book; however, purchasing only MindTap is insufficient. Also, note that while purchasing the e-book alone is the least expensive option, it does not include the ancillary features available with MindTap that are valuable to study for the exam.

Course Description

This course focuses on the principles and techniques of clear, concise, and effective, written and oral communication, especially as they apply to business. The formal, grammatical, and stylistic elements of written and oral business communication are emphasized. In addition, students are instructed in and experience the use of audiovisual means of communication. Students who have received credit for COMM 212 may not take this course for credit (2017 – 2018 Undergraduate Calendar). Course Objectives 1. Explain key communication theories, business trends, and cultural dimensions that shape ethical business communication in globalized, digital business environments. 2. Use business communication strategies, processes, and tools and knowledge of communication theories, business trends, and cultural dimensions to analyze, evaluate, compose, and deliver business communication messages. 3. Demonstrate an ability to work collaboratively and independently in diverse business settings. 4. Use research, analytical, and critical thinking skills to develop effective written, verbal, and non-verbal communication messages.

Course Delivery 1. Classes will consist of brief lectures, followed by hands-on workshop activities. Thus, in conjunction to the brief lectures, students will also be expected to participate actively in class discussions, as the individual and team assignments will help develop and sharpen students’ communication skills. 2. Moodle will be used extensively to post course materials. Please ensure that you have access (via your MyConcordia portal) and that you check it often. 3. The slides used for this course are not intended as a comprehensive summary of the material covered in the textbook, they are designed to outline and focus on key topics discussed during a particular week. Students are expected to read the assigned chapters from the textbook before class.

Policies Since this course simulates business conduct, you are expected to hand-in all assignments on deadline. The following penalties are established for all sections of Comm 205. Please note this important regulation. All written assignments are due within the first 10 minutes of class, and late assignments will be penalized 10% per day up to a maximum of three days, after which the assignment’s grade is zero. — No exceptions. Reports not submitted in class will only be accepted via my mailbox if it is placed there the day before the deadline. In other words, the assignment will be considered one-day late if placed in my mailbox on the day when the assignment is due.

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Students are expected to come prepared to class by reading assigned textbook material and being ready to discuss it and work on class activities. As members of this class, students are expected to be responsible for their actions and interactions. Electronic material not used for learning purposes disrupts the learning experience; accordingly, all electronics that are not used for academic purposes should be put away before the class commences. Absence, disruptions such as leaving early or arriving late, or inattention during class will reflect negatively upon the students’ class participation grade.

Academic Integrity “The most common offense under the Academic Code of Conduct is plagiarism, which the Code defines as “the presentation of the work of another person as one’s own or without proper acknowledgement”. Plagiarism could be material copied word for word from books, journals, Internet sites, professor’s course notes, etc. It could be material that is paraphrased but closely resembles the original source. It could be the work of a fellow student, for example, an answer on a quiz, data for a lab report, a paper or assignment completed by another student. It might be a paper purchased through one of the many available sources. Plagiarism does not refer to words alone --- it can also refer to copying images, graphs, tables, and ideas. “Presentation” is not limited to written work. It also includes oral presentations, computer assignments and artistic works. Finally, if you translate the work of another person into French or English and do not cite the source, this is also plagiarism. In simple words: Do not copy, paraphrase or translate anything from anywhere without saying where you obtained it! Also, do not use Wikipedia for research purposes. (Source: http://provost.concordia.ca/academicintegrity/plagiarism/)

Course Delivery

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1. Classes consist of weekly lectures and hands on workshops. Students are expected to participate in class in informed and respectful ways and engage in a semester-long business communication project that involves individual and group assignments. 2. Course content and information is posted in Moodle, which students can access through the MyConcordia portal. Students are expected to check Moodle regularly.

3. Slides used for this course compliment class material and lectures and are not a comprehensive summary of the textbook. Students are expected to complete the weekly assigned readings before class.

Course Schedule (Tentative — Notice will be given before any changes)

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W Topics

Reading & Work Due

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Course overview

Course Outline

Why COMM 205

Ch.1– LO1

Business Communication Trends

Ch. 1 – LO2, LO3; Ch.3 – LO1

Information Flow and Communication Media

Ch. 1-LO5

Ethics in the Workplace Communication Process

Ch.1 LO6 Ch.1-LO4

Listening in the workplace & Developing Listening Skills

Ch.2 – LO3

Nonverbal communication and Business Etiquette

Ch. 2 – LO4, LO5

Intercultural Communication Relevant Ethics Readings from Chapters Introducing the Writing Process

Ch.3 –LO2, LO3, LO4

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3

Planning and Drafting Messages: Identifying purpose and adapting message to audience — Direct and Indirect Communication Strategies, and Choice of Communication Channel

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5

Ch. 4 – LO1

Ch. 4 – LO2; Ch. 5 – LO2, “ Organizing Ideas into Strategies”; Ch. 11– LO1, “ Organizational Strategies”

Phase 2 of the Writing Process: Formal and Informal Research, Gathering and Evaluating Information, and Documentation

Ch. 5 – LO1; Ch. 11 – LO3, LO4

Phase 2 of the Writing Process: Generating Ideas and Organizing Information

Ch. 5 – LO2, “ Brainstorming and Bran Writing”, “Crowdsourcing, crowd storming and crowd funding,” and “ Grouping Ideas to Show Relationships”

Phase 2 of the Writing Process: Grouping Information

Ch. 12 –LO3, “ Ordering Information Logically”

Phase 2 of the Writing Process: Writing Techniques and Language Skills

Ch. 4 – LO3

Phase 2 of the Writing Process: Creating Effective Graphics and Document Design

Ch. 11 – LO5, Ch. 12 – Fig 12.9, “ The Top Ten Tips For Designing Better Documents”

Phase 3 of the Writing Process: Revising and Evaluating Messages

Ch. 6; Ch. 13 – LO5, “Final Writing Tips”

Relevant Ethics Readings from Chapters Positive and Neutral Messages: Direct Writing Strategies

Ch.

Overview of Report Writing

Ch. 11 – LO1, LO2

Short Informational Reports Relevant Ethics Readings from Chapters Long Reports and Proposals Relevant Ethics Readings from chapters

Ch. 12

Emails, Memos, Blogs, Podcasts, and Social Media Relevant Ethics Readings from Chapters

Ch. 7

Ch. 13

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Grade Distribution Assignment Individual or group written assignment/s One-page individual informal short industry analysis memo report directed to internal stakeholders (instructor) Three-page individual formal written proposal (plus front and end matter) to external stakeholders Team presentation project Class participation Comprehensive final exam (common for all sections) Total

Weight 10%

Due Date Week 9

5%

Week 5

15%

Week 8

20%

Weeks 10,11,12 Semester Long End of Semester

10% 40% 100%

Course Assessments In a semester long project, students will gather, select, evaluate, document, and integrate information from various sources to develop effective written and verbal business messages. Students will choose an existing local or global business or organization and report on the effectiveness of its external communication channels, such as website, social media, annual report, pamphlets, billboard signs, etc., in getting the business’s message across. In this endeavour, students will work individually and collaboratively to choose an existing local or global business or organization; research its industry; write a proposal that describes a business/industry problem or opportunity and deliver a presentation on how the external communication channels of the business address this problem or opportunity. The trends that you choose to address in your project, may include, but are not limited to, the following topics:    

  

Sustainability Ethical communications Work place diversity/ globalization Communications in highly competitive markets – applying persuasive techniques to differentiate oneself – an opportunity to implement the AIDA model or other persuasive techniques Digital communications or how technology is shaping industries and communication within them Stakeholders engagement in dynamic business environments Your own topic that aligns with a business communication theme

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Students may focus their project on local businesses, university and not for profit organizations, or student led societies or businesses. Following are two examples of local and global businesses that students in previous terms have focused their projects on:  Alimentation Maison: A Quebec business that produces and sells local, sustainable food products — The students’ industry analysis reports demonstrated the challenges and opportunities of following sustainability practices in the food production industry. Accordingly, the project’s focus was to make recommendations to enhance the external communication channels of this business to engage stakeholders with the cause and the business. Students reviewed the business’s social media and website communication channels. 

Walt Disney: An American multinational multimedia and entertainment business — The students’ industry analysis reports demonstrated that in the entertainment industry the number of women directors are significantly less than men directors. Accordingly, students delivered their final presentation on how Disney can use its external communication channels to encourage women to become movie directors.

All written assignments are due within the first 10 minutes of class, and late assignments will be penalized 10% per day up to a maximum of three days, after which the assignment’s grade is zero. — No exceptions.

Assessments Description 1. Individual Written Assignment (10%) (Due week 9) This written assignment, (due week 9 and worth 10% of the final grade), is a first-person analytical report- memo format, consisting of a maximum of three pages (aesthetically spaced). The choice of ideas will be distributed early in the year.

2. One-page Individual Informal Short Industry Analysis Memo Report to Internal Stakeholders — Instructor (5%) A short informational report is a common communication tool in any work place. The audience of an informational report is usually neutral towards the topic; hence, informational reports follow the direct writing approach. See pp. 369 – 384 in Business Communication: Process and Product. Task Drawing on at least four secondary research sources, define and analyze the industry within which the business or organization you chose for your formal proposal and group presentation operates. Compose a one-page memo report to your instructor on one or two trends that shape this industry, and cite your sources using APA documentation style.

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This assignment feeds into the individual formal proposal and team presentation assignments; hence, you may want to agree with your team members on the focus of your team presentation before starting to work on this assignment. Document Design/Presentation Being an internal communication tool, the report should follow the conventional memo format (pp. 379 – 382 in the textbook). Rubric COMM 205 graders will use a standard rubric to ensure effective learning and feedback. The rubric will be posted on Moodle.

3. Individual Formal Proposal to External Stakeholder — Business/Organization (15%) A proposal is a tool to win new projects and business. It defines a problem and outlines what will be done, by whom, over what time frame, and at what cost. For this assignment, students will develop proposals to get hired (hypothetically) to deliver presentations on the external communications of existing businesses or organizations of their choices. This assignment feeds into the team presentation assignment since the team will choose one student’s proposal for the group project. Task Your task is to write a three-page proposal — excluding front and end matter — to persuade your chosen business or organization to hire you as a communication consultant. In this proposal you will show the benefits of your external communications analysis presentation — that you will deliver if hired for the task — and demonstrate your credibility and professionalism. Your unsolicited proposal needs to identify a problem, an opportunity, or a risk; show its importance to the business; and demonstrate the team’s ability to address the problem in an end of semester group presentation. To complete this assignment students may draw on information from their industry analysis memo reports. To demonstrate credibility and support your argument, you will need to cite at least four secondary sources using APA documentation style.

Document Design/ Presentation The design of your proposal needs to show professionalism by including front and end matter. For detailed information on writing and designing proposals, please consult pp. 396 — 402 in Business Communication: Process and Product, the relevant class slides posted on Moodle, and your own class notes.

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4. Team Presentation Project (20%) (Weeks 10/11/12 and 13 if required) Throughout the semester students had the opportunity to practice their presentation delivery skills and learn about what makes for a successful presentation. In groups of five or six, students will deliver 25 – 30 minutes presentations on the external communications of existing businesses or organizations of their choices, followed by 5-10 minutes Q &A sessions. Task You will be communications consultants presenting the findings of your analysis and recommendations to your chosen business or organization. To complete this assignment, students may draw on information from their individual industry analysis memo report and proposal assignments with the team choosing only one to elaborate. Design Use your knowledge from COMM 205 to create attractive presentation visuals and develop a sound argument that help make your point, engage your audience, and get buy in for your recommendations. Visuals may include PowerPoint slides, Prezi, or other forms of visuals approved by your instructor. Due Date and Attendance A copy of your group’s presentation visuals is due 24 hours before the day of the presentation. The rules for late assignments are detailed on page four of the course outline. The instructor will determine the sequence of presentation for the teams during Sessions 10, 11, 12, and 13 and advise the class by Session 9. Students are expected to attend all presentations and actively participate in the Q&A sessions. 1% of the total course grade will be deducted for every presentation missed without a valid reason. A Peer Evaluation Form is due at the beginning of Session 13. Each student assesses the contribution of all team members to the presentation. At the discretion of the instructor an individual’s grade for the team project may be adjusted based upon the Peer Evaluations and associated evidence submitted — students are encouraged to maintain paper trails (emails, messages, etc.….) to support their evaluation. A 2% of the total course grade will be deducted for every peer evaluation that are not completed on time. Please note: Dress appropriate to a professional situation.

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5. Class and Team Participation (5% attendance and 5% journals) Attendance: students who miss two classes or more without a valid university justification will receive zero out of five marks (0%). Attendance taking begins on week 4. Journal Points: The other 5% is devoted to the journal points you provide that are your personal insights based on our discussions on compassionate communication. Journal ideas will be discussed throughout the year and examples will be provided. Students are required to present a minimum of 10 journal points (one paragraph of three or four sentences each). Peer Evaluation Form: This is due at the beginning of Session 13. Each student evaluates the contribution of each team member (including his/her own contribution) to the presentation. According to this regulation, (and applicable to all Comm 205 sections at the discretion of the Instructor), an individual’s grade for the team project may be adjusted positively or negatively based upon the peer evaluation forms and associated evidence submitted. Filling in this form is mandatory, and a 2-mark deduction from the course grade will be incurred if a student does not submit a Peer Evaluation form on week 13. Again, this is a regulation common for all Comm 205 sections. 6. Comprehensive Final Exam (40%) At the end of the semester, students will write a comprehensive exam common for all sections. The exam may include multiples choice questions, short report style questions, and case studies. Paper dictionaries and thesauruses are permitted in the final exam.

Workshop activities `

The workshop activities will be comprised of case discussions, in-class g...