BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS BEOA 220  Spring 2007

Wednesday – 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. Administration Building,

Marsh Hall 331 CRN 20525, Sec 1 

INSTRUCTOR:Dr. Kendra Boggess, Ph.D., ProfessorChair, Division of Business Campus Box C-65, PO Box 1000Vermillion Street, Athens, WV 24712 Office:  304-384-5395 Campus E-Mail: ksboggess@gmail.comFax CC Campus:  304 384-6236

Home Fax: 304 425-2028

OFFICE HOURS:Office Hours

M,W -- 11:00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m other meeting times by appointment only

M, W – 10:00 – noonT – 1-2:00 p.m.

other meeting times by appointment onyPaper Submissions

See http://www.Turnitin.com for more instructions

Hyperlinks:Teaching Strategies/Processes UtilizedStudent EvaluationGrading Standards for Written Documents

Instructional TopicsClass PoliciesCourse ScheduleClassroom ManagementAssignments for Activities & Applications

CURRENT TEXT & WEBSITE: 

Lehman, C. M. & DuFrene, D. D. (2005). Business Communications: Anniversary Edition, 14th Edition, South-Western Publishing Company. ISBN: 0-0324-27270-7.  http://faculty.concord.edu/boggess/

MATERIALS / CAPABILITIES NEEDED:1. Storage media such as: USB Flash Drive 2. E-mail account in order to send assignments that will have due dates other than regularly

scheduled class times.  Email will be the communication tool used between class dates.3. Keyboarding experience is required.

  

COURSE PREREQUISITES:    

BEOA 103 and BEOA 104 or equivalent proficiency, and ENGL 101.

CATALOG DESCRIPTION: 

Provides the knowledge and develops the skills that students will need to communicate successfully in an employment environment. The course focuses on developing proper communication techniques required for formatting and writing business reports and business letters as well as for developing oral presentations.The preparation of resumes, application letters, and related career development skills are significant topics in the course. Other related topics integrated throughout the course include global communications, business ethics, and diversity challenges in the employment environment. (3 hrs.)  [2003-2005 CC Catalog)

COURSE GOALS:   In order that students be prepared to communicate successfully on the job, this course will address and place emphasis upon the practical side of planning, composing, and keyboarding business and employment correspondence, reviewing basic English skills, delivering oral reports and interviewing for jobs. Organizational communication topics will also be considered.

COURSE RATIONALE: Research in the field of Business Communications clearly reports the need in business and industry for employees proficient in oral and written communication techniques. After completing this course, students will

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have developed an awareness of good communication techniques and the need to continue to develop them.  They will be able to offer future professors and employers a more "polished" presentation of their skills and abilities.  Students will be able to use speaking and writing skills obtained in this course for their college assignments, personal needs, communications needs in business environments they own or in which they work, and their future interactions with government entities as required in most business environments.

COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES: The objectives of BEOA 220, Fundamentals of Business Communications will be accomplished through a variety of assignments designed to cause students to use high-level strategies of case analysis, transfer and synthesis of ideas, along with course content knowledge. Relevant topics and concepts will be presented to acclimate students to "real-world" business settings. Students are expected to take responsibility for their learning, meet the high expectations set for them, and enjoy new successes that can be experienced through improved communication skills, part of a lifelong process.

 

GOALS/INSTRUCTIONAL TOPICS: The following list of goals and instructional topics will be addressed in the course:  (All letters that you create and submit must be accompanied by an appropriate envelope.)  Upon completion of the instructional topics required in this course, the student will be able to:

Compose and produce correctly formatted written messages including good-news, routine, goodwill, bad-news, and persuasive messages with a grade of 70% based upon the grading standards for written documents. (pg. 186, 228, 269, 310-311)

Compose and produce a personal resume with a grade of 100% based upon instructor’s criteria.Compose and produce a job application letter with a grade of 70% based on the grading standards for

written documents. (check your writing—pg. 570)Define, exhibit, and refine appropriate interview skills and behaviors.  Research, compose, and produce a formal business report as specified by the standards for report

writing guidelines. (check your writing—pg. 445-446)Deliver a 20-minute informative presentation exhibiting good presentation skills as specified by the Standards for Presentations guidelines. (Check Your Presentation Skills, p. 504)

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TEACHING STRATEGIES/PROCESSES UTILIZED :  The following teaching methods will be utilized in the presentation of course materials:      

Lecture Research Readings

Internet Research Large and small group discussions

Keying exercises/applications on computers

Student presentations (impromptu & formal speeches)

Question/answer Peer-reviews of assignments

Use of email as communication tool Self-review of job interviews

Group participation and discussion Audio visual materials - video-tapes

Case studies Journal reading assigned

Keyboarding documents Use of overhead projector & other media

 STUDENT EVALUATION :

 

A point system will be utilized to configure grades with a proposed total of 357 possible points.  The grading scale, based upon the percentage of points received, is planned as follows:

 Grading Scale

A 90 - 100B 80 - 89C 70 - 79D 60 - 69F 59 Below

Note:  Total points for all assignments will be calculated to determine the final grade. Final grades will be based upon the percentage of points earned (percentage of total points available). Each assignment is worth a predetermined number of points. If there are 100 possible points and you have earned 75 points, your grade will be calculated by dividing 75 (your total points) by 100 (the total points possible), i.e. 75/100= 75%. You will be able to determine your standing in the course at any time by dividing the number of points you have earned by the points available (completed) at that time.

GRADING STANDARDS for WRITTEN DOCUMENTS

A = An excellent paper.  It offers an effective solution to the problem based on good audience analysis; it fulfills minor as well as major purposes.  Its overall pattern of organization is appropriate; the internal organization of ideas is effective; transitions are smooth.  Reader benefits and logic are well developed.  The message is well written, interesting, and easy to read.  It may show originality in visual impact, reader benefits, details, or word choice.   B = A good paper.  It offers an effective solution to the problem.  Both the overall pattern of organization and the internal organization are good.  Reader benefits and logic are developed adequately.  The writing style is clear, concise, and friendly.  It may have a few minor mechanical errors or some awkward spots, but basically it is well written and has good visual impact. 

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C = A satisfactory paper.  It offers a solution which is basically acceptable; it uses an acceptable pattern of organization; the writing follows the conventions of standard English and the principles of business writing.   There may be minor errors in style, tone, internal organization, or mechanics; reader benefits or logic may not be developed fully.OR A good ("B") paper with a major flaw in one of the following:  the solution, organization, tone, or writing style. D =   A satisfactory (“C”) paper with a major flaw in one of the following: the solution, organization, tone, or writing style.  OR  A paper which shows some evidence of attempting to solve the problem, but which has many minor errors in organization, development, word choice, style, tone, and mechanics.  None of these alone would necessarily doom the paper; however, together they make the paper unsatisfactory. F = A poor (“D”) paper with a major flaw in one of the following:  the solution, organization, tone, or writing style.  OR  A paper that violates the facts explicitly given in the problem.OR  A paper that is marred by an unacceptable number of errors in organization, development, word choice, style, tone, and mechanics. 

Minor errors in format (for example, not initialing a memo or signing a letter) lower the paper grade one-third letter.  Major errors (for example, using a letter when a memo is needed) will lower the grade one full letter.Students must type all letters in an acceptable letter format.  Letter formatting will be reviewed with students and a handout given on letter formatting before assigning any letters. Please do not use dot matrix or “poor” printer quality as Instructor will not grade poor quality work.  Students must label each letter in the upper right hand corner with: student name,  number of chapter,  and number of assigned letter.

          INSTRUCTIONAL TOPICS (356 points)  

Students are required to complete the assignments below as specified by the instructor, and submitted on the due dates.  The instructor reserves the right to alter the number and types of assignments based upon constraints outside her control.  Points for each assignment are listed below.  Each written document will be evaluated based upon the grading standard on page 5 of this syllabus.  Assignments not completed as required in the criteria will not be graded.  Criteria will be provided for each assignment and can be found on the website at hyperlinks from http://faculty.concord.edu/boggess/classes.htm. 

 

Note:  Instructional topics 1, 2, 3, and 6 will be completed until the student reaches a minimum of 70% based upon the grading standards for written documents.  Instructional topic 5 will be completed until the student reaches 100% based upon instructor criteria.  Please review grading standards (page 4) and use Check Your Writing sections of the textbook carefully before submitting assignments for final evaluation.  All written documents will be evaluated based on the instructor’s grading standards posted on the website at http://faculty.concord.edu/boggess.   

ASSIGNMENTS  

Written Correspondence

1 Compose/type Good-news, Routine, and Goodwill message(s)/envelope 20 pts. ___

2 Compose/type Bad-news message(s)/ envelope 20 pts. ___

3Compose/type Persuasive messages(s)/ envelope.  The instructor believes in sample grading of papers.

10 pts. ___

Employment Correspondence—Career Awareness

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4

Interview a Successful Person.  (Written report)--Students will select a successful businessperson and interview him/her. This assignment is to help the student gain a better understanding and learn what it takes to become a successful businessperson from a practitioner. Students will summarize the interview in a written narrative format.   The assignment "Interview a successful person" will be considered complete when you have interviewed a businessperson, not employed by Concord College, and not related to YOU in any way, and submitted the Interview as assigned in class.  The intent of this assignment includes meeting a new person (networking) with whom you might one day discuss employment opportunities.

20 pts. ___

5 Compose/type Personal Resume in both standard and electronic formats20pts. ___5 pts. ___

6 Compose/type Job Application Letter/envelope 20 pts ___

7 Compose/type Follow-up/Thank You Letter with envelope 5 pts. ___

8 Participate in Job Interview Simulation/Company Research 10 pts. ___

Presentation Skills

9 Deliver Impromptu Speech 5 pts. ___

10Delivering 20-minute Speech/presentation – business-related topic approved by Prof.

30 pts. ___

Collaborative Writing Group Assignments

11Research and produce an Informative Business Report

    50 pts. ___

12

Students will collaboratively work on end of chapter activities both in-class and out of class to improve business writing techniques. 

                  31pts. ___ possible

13

Completion of Building High-Performance Teams projects as part of preparing the group business report and presentation

                   10 pts. ___

 Evaluation

14Exam I.  Two exams will be given.  They will be based upon lecture notes, textbook assignments, class discussions and relevant outside readings.  Exam 1 will be on content of Ch 1-4 and Appx. A and C.

                      20 pts. ___

15 Exam II.  This Exam will be based upon content in Chapters 9-12.                       20 pts. ___

16

Final.  A comprehensive examination is scheduled.  It will assess your ability to apply your knowledge of business communication theory.  The exam is scheduled at 5:00 p.m., May 4th.   NO EARLY EXAMS ARE POSSIBLE, and an incomplete grade will be assigned if you are unable to complete the coursework. Incompletes must be made up within the first 30 days of the next semester and the exam will be different than that taken by the class.

                       40 pts. ___

17 

Portfolio:  Students are required to keep a 3-ring binder notebook containing any handouts, the syllabus, "General Expectations of Students", Assignment Sheet with dates due, date assignment was returned to you and the grade you earned, along with any student work submitted, evaluated, and returned by the professor.  It would be helpful to have a hole-punch! 

                        20 pts. ___

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The student will turn the portfolio in at the end of the semester for evaluation.  A separate handout will be given about what should be in the portfolio

 Total points (Activity points available will vary up to 31 points, based upon Item #12 above.)

                        356 pts. ___

  

Remember that a person's name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language. (Dale Carnegie)

 CLASS POLICIES

 1.      Attendance and Tardiness

Being present and aware in this class is essential in order for the student to effectively complete class assignments. Roll will be taken at each class meeting.  If there is a valid reason for being absent, it should be discussed with the instructor BEFORE the absence. If no excuse is given, it will be considered an unexcused absence and no special consideration will be given for make-up. A grade of zero will be assigned for work planned for that day. 

2.      Should you find it necessary to miss class, you should make arrangements to borrow another class member's notes. You are responsible for knowing what happens in class even when you can't attend.  

3.      Excessive tardiness can result in instructor withdrawal from the course. The class will begin promptly at 5:00 p.m. 

4. Cell phones and beepers should be turned off before entering the class.  PDAs and other electronic devices will be monitored.

5. Please do not bring children into the classroom; this has proven to be disruptive to the learning environment and, as important, LESS THAN IDEAL FOR THE CHILDREN.

6. If you miss an Examination   Exams missed because of a school-sponsored activity with proper authorization and approval

will be taken BEFORE the scheduled exam date.  If you have an alternative reason for missing a scheduled exam, please see me BEFORE the scheduled exam date so that a decision can be made regarding the exam make-up.  Students who miss an exam without the instructor’s prior knowledge will follow Division of Business & Economics Policy as follows: 

For specific details, please see http://faculty.concord.edu/bus/miss-exam.htm. It states:  When students miss an examination…they will pick up and complete a Request

to Retake an Examination Form in the Division Office.  On the form the student will record his/her name, social security number, course CRN number, course name, reason for absence (purpose for being out, with verification), the date, & test (name or number).   The Division has the discretion to approve or disapprove the Request to Retake an Examination. (Approval will be the responsibility of the Division Chair or an assigned committee.)

When it is determined that the student's absence was legitimate, faculty may schedule Make-up Examinations at appropriate times.  The rescheduled may be a day later, a week later, or during the week of final exams, as the faculty determine to be appropriate.

The Request to Retake an Examination Form must be completed by students no more than 48 hours after returning to campus.

7.        Late assignments.  In order to give each student an equal opportunity to complete assignments and to maintain the class schedule, there will be a penalty for all late assignments.  Each late assignment will be penalized 10% for each day it is late.  [Assignments won't be accepted after the 2nd night class past which they are due].   Please don't ask for exceptions to this policy.  All assignments will be turned in at the start of class on the date due.

Note: Most assignments will be typed during class, unless otherwise assigned. Lab hours will be posted on the classroom doors or windows.   Students are responsible for obtaining all

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handouts and assignments, and for contacting the instructor about make-up tests, available only in case of extreme emergency.

8.        Academic Dishonesty:  It is the policy of this professor to follow the guidelines for Academic Dishonesty as specified in the 2001-2003 College Catalog on page 183.  

9.        Accommodations for Disabilities: Concord College is committed to responding to the needs of students with disabilities, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Students who request academic accommodations or modifications related to a disability should notify their instructor and then contactthe Vice President/Academic Dean’s Office.

10.     Assessment:  Participation in College-Wide Assessment Activities.  Federal regulations and regional accreditation policies on accountability in higher education require direct assessment of student academic learning. Thus, as a part of the requirements associated with this course, students may be asked to take one or more standardized tests and/or to complete other related activities. The scores of individual students will remain confidential.

  

COURSE SCHEDULE The following is a tentative schedule of chapters to be covered and the class meeting times allotted to each chapter.  Changes may be made at the discretion of the instructor.  Scheduling is based on 15 class meetings. Week/ Date

Class Work Assignment and/or Work Due

OneJan 17W      

IntroductionReview of syllabusCommunication FoundationChapter 1  Establishing a Framework for Business Communication

Introduction, Chapter 1 -  Establishing a Framework for Business CommunicationStudent introductions. (Impromptu Speech)Form collaborative writing groups.         Work in group to complete Ch 1, Activities 2, 6, 11

Read Chapters 1 and 2 for next weekTwoJan 24 W     

Completed Ch 1, began Ch. 2

ThreeJan 24 W

Chapter 2 Exploring Business Communication Concepts

Chapter 2  Exploring Business CommunicationPretest—grammar

 For next week, read:   Chapter 3    Chapter 4 Revising and Proofreading Messages and    Appendix C – Language Review and Exercises

FourJan 31 W

The Writing ProcessChapter 3 Organizing and Composing Messages

Chapter 4  Revising and Proofreading Messages -- and Appendix C- Language Review & Exercises Document Formatting with Appendix AReview for Exam 1

Review of Grammar PretestStudy for Exam next week Ch 1-4, Appendices A  For next week, read:

                   Chapter 3  Organizing and Composing Messages Homework dueChapter 4  Revising and Proofreading Messages Homework dueAppendix A Document Format & Layout Guide Read for next week: Chapter 9 – Understanding the Report Process and Research MethodsChapter 11 – Organizing and Preparing Reports and Proposals

FiveBusiness Reports and Presentations Unit

Chapter 9 – Understanding the Report Process and Research Methods homework due

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Feb. 7 W Chapter 9 and 11 (Review Chapter 10 on your own).  Business Report and Oral

Presentation assigned

Chapter 11 – Organizing and Preparing Reports and Proposals homework due

Read for next week: Chapter 12 – Designing and Delivering Business Presentations  Interview Successful Person due next weekBusiness Report proposal due next week 

SixFeb14 W    

Exam 1, Chapter 1-4, Appendices A & C

Chapter 11, continuedBus Report Topic Due Ch 12, Designing and Delivering Business Presentations

For next week:Study for Exam 2 and Read Chapter 5

SevenFeb 21W

Ch 12, continuedExam 2, Chapters 9-12 Bus Report Outline Due

Written Messages UnitChapter 5 Writing Good-News, Routine, and Goodwill Messages

Exam 2 For next week:Read Chapter 6 - Writing Memos

and Electronic Communication Submit Ch 5 Ltr (Good-News Letter) 

EightFeb 28 W 

Chapter 6 Writing Memos and Electronic Communication

Peer Evaluation of writing in class Introduce Career appraisal assignment

For next week:Read Chapter 7, Writing Bad-News Messages 

  Draft of Final Business Report Due

Mar 5-9

HAVE FUN!       NineMar 14W

Chapter 7   Writing Bad-News Messages

For Next week:Read Chapter 8 Writing Persuasive Messages

TenMar 21W

Chapter 7  Write refusals, denials, constructive criticism, and negative organizational messages in classPeer evaluation of writing in class Chapter 8  Writing Persuasive Messages

 Submit Chapter 7 Letter

 Career appraisal assignment dueBad news message due

ElevenMar 28 

Chapter 8  Write persuasive messages in class Exam 2 (Chapters 5-6-7) Peer evaluation of writing in class

Chapter 8  Writing Persuasive Messages Homework Due  Read Chapter 13 Preparing Resumes and Application Letters

TwelveApr 4 W

Job Search UnitChapter 13 Preparing Resumes and Application Letters

For next week:Read Chapter 14 Interviewing for a Job  and Preparing Employment Messages 

ThirteenApr 11W

Continue Chapter 13Chapter 14 Interviewing for a

Please note:   Include all previous drafts of your resume with your new draft

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Job  and Preparing Employment MessagesEmployment Law Basics 101

FourteenApr 18W

Chapter 14 Interviewing for a Job  and Preparing Employment Messages continuesEvaluation of Job Application

Group Presentations  Job Application Letters due

Apr25W Presentations Remaining Group Presentations  

May 2nd

Final

Final Exam, (Comprehensive) 

 

 Last Day to Withdraw from a Course or from Concord College with a Grade of "W" – April 26th, Wednesday, 4:00 p.m.

Final Exams – May 6-11

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT The name of this course (Business Communications) reflects the following guidelines for communicating and for the assignments in this course. 1) Each student will provide me with an e-mail address the first day of class.  I will communicate with

students via e-mail; some assignments may be e-mailed.  I USE ONLY MICROSOFT WORD.  DO NOT SEND ME ATTACHMENTS IN ANY OTHER FORMAT–ESPECIALLY MICROSOFT WORKS!!!!!!

2)           Students will be expected to have access to a computer to check e-mail accounts and to also e-mail me homework assignments.

3)               When e-mailing me your assignment, please put the following in the SUBJECT BOX:Student name, class, and what the subject is about.  Sometimes your email address does not have your name.

4)               Be prepared and attentive in class.5)               Please read and study textbook assignments before coming to class and come to class with prepared

questions about the material you do not understand.6)              You should be able to effectively use technology to prepare papers, problems, assignments and present

material in both oral and written format.7)              Learn to prepare assignments in various formats and styles as required and submit those assignments

on time.8)              It is recommended that students spend at least 3 hours outside class each week for each hour spent in

class; i.e., for each 3-hour class, students should average 9 hours outside class in study and preparation.  This does not include the additional time needed to prepare presentations or major written assignments.

9)               Students are encouraged to take advantage of office hours for assistance with assignments.10)            Professor will adhere to attendance policy this semester.11)            ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY!!  If you are caught cheating, I will dismiss you from the course

with an “F” grade.  12)           You need to keep me informed of your absences; that is, if you are absent for more than 1 class and

you have not communicated with me, I will drop you from the roll.  So please keep me informed.    

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Assignments for Activities & Applications  

You will receive a U grade for the following assignments–for those assignments not turned in, 2 points will be deducted from your final calculated grade.  You have 3 freebies! 

Chapter Assignment #And Date Due

Assignment Title Page Number

U if turned in

1 2            Jan 27 Communication Barriers                     

42  

1 6            Jan 27 Identifying Ethical Dilemma 42  

1 11          Jan 27 Changing Technology as a Strategic Force

43  

2 5            Jan 27 Analyzing Listening Skills 71  

12 1            Jan 27 Evaluating a Speaker 508  

3 7             Feb 3 Receiver-Centered Message 117  

3 8             Feb 3 Bias-Free Language 118  

3 9             Feb 3 Statements that Destroy Goodwill 118  

3 10           Feb 3 Positive, Tactful Tone 118  

3 11           Feb 3 Appropriate Outline and Channel 118  

3 12          Feb 3 Active and Passive Voice 119  

3 14          Feb 3 Emphasis Techniques 119  

4               Feb 3 Government Agencies Promote Plain English Campaign

146  

4 4            Feb 3 Vivid Images 149  

4 5            Feb 3 Camouflaged Verbs 149  

4 6            Feb 3 Cliches 149  

4                Feb 3 Simple Words 149  

5 7             Mar 16 Critique of Good-News & Routine Letters produced by Real Companies

189  

5 1             Mar 16 Deductive Openings 190  

6 3             Mar 16 Selection of an Appropriate Comm Channel

230  

6 4             Mar 16 Useful Subject Lines 231  

7 5             Mar 30 Determining Appropriate Sequence of Ideas

271  

7 6             Mar 30 Writing Inductive Openings 272  

9 2             Feb 17 Writing a Hypothesis 358  

9 2             Feb 17 Designing a Research Study 359  

10 4             Feb 17 Selecting Appropriate Graphics 388  

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10 8             Feb 17 Drawing a Pie Chart 390  

11 14           Feb 17 Preparing an Analytical Report 450  

13 1             Apr 20 Identifying Common Resume Blunders

574  

13 2             Apr 20 Preparing a Company/Job Profile 576  

14 2            Apr 20 Researching a Company and Asking Questions of an Interviewer

609  

14 6            Apr 20 Investigating the Role of the Interviewer

610  

 

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