semesters 1 and 2

November 2012

New Zealand Diploma in Business Examples of Good Assessment Practice 2011 – Semesters 1 and 2 560 Business Communication Eastern Institute of Technology – page 2 Otago Polytechnic – page 24 Waikato Institute of Technology – page 34 Whitireia New Zealand – page 39 630 Leadership Manukau Institute of Technology – page 53 Otago Polytechnic – page 60 These materials are copyright to the Tertiary Education Organisation (TEO) that developed them. If you would like to use them, please contact the relevant TEO (refer to footer).

NZDipBus 2011 examples of good assessment practice

2

560 Business Communication

Eastern Institute of Technology

Business writing and group presentation assignments

Business Writing assignment Page 3 Business Writing marking schedule Page 8

Group Presentation assignment Page 15 Group Presentation marking schedule Page 19

Reasons for selection: Assessments are interesting and appropriate with clear instructions. The marking schedules provide sufficient detail to support clear and consistent marking.

EASTERN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

FACULTY OF APPLIED SCIENCE, BUSINESS AND COMPUTING

560 BUSINESS COMMUNICATION

BUSINESS WRITING ASSIGNMENT

SEMESTER TWO

DUE: TUESDAY 16 AUGUST 2011

and

TUESDAY 13 SEPTEMBER 2011

TIME 8.15AM

WEIGHTING: 30% of final grade CONDITIONS: Individual assessment

© Eastern Institute of Technology 560 Business Computing 3

Learning outcomes from Course Prescription covered in this assessment: LO4 Demonstrate writing skills that are clear, concise, courteous and correct,

using currently recognised business formats for. Emails Letters Formal report, including: executive summary/ findings and analysis/ conclusions, recommendations / referencing.

LO5 Information communication technology (ICT): emergent communication technologies [for this assessment this includes communicating through websites].

The business documents you will write for this assessment will be based on the following case study:

Case Study Mountains-to-Sea Ltd was started by Martin Gibbs, a successful extreme sportsman. He began by designing specialist camping gear suitable for New Zealand conditions. His gear was manufactured locally and sold through Kiwi Outdoors stores throughout New Zealand. This was very successful and the business grew rapidly so manufacturing has recently shifted to Hong Kong. The Managing Director, Martin, now has plans to expand the range of gear and sell this on-line. Therefore, he needs a website developed to communicate with customers and market his products and he knows very little about what is required. Promethius is an IT company specialising in website development or upgrades, website marketing, and website training. The company wants to attract more clients.

PART 1: BUSINESS DOCUMENTS DUE: Tuesday 16 August 2011

2 Letters

2 E-mails Send e-mails to yourself and print out, then hand in with the letters. Make sure each document is one page only. No cover sheets please.

Writing Style:

Write in plain English and follow the 4Cs (concise, clear, courteous and correct). Address the reader directly.

Create all necessary details such as addresses.

Must fit on 1 page with single spacing; size 11-12 font.

LETTER 1 In your role as Assistant Manager at Promethius you have been given the task of writing a persuasive message to a large number of potential clients. The subject of the message is informing them about the services Promethius offers in an attempt to attract new business.

Write a generic letter to all businesses but address it specifically to Martin Gibbs at Mountains-to-Sea Ltd.

Remember to use the AIDA formula for writing persuasive messages: with an attention grabbing opening create interest by telling the reader what the company offers and making an

emotional or logical appeal create desire by providing incentives to engage the services of Promethius finish with easy, appropriate action to make contact.

Can break some business letter formatting rules to make points stand out.

Create all necessary details and sign off with your own name.


E-MAIL 1 Martin Gibbs responds to the persuasive message received (Letter 1). He explains his interest in having a website developed to sell his products online and the need for advice about the design features of effective websites and how to get the site launched and operating successfully. He wants to meet with you to discuss what your company can offer him. Create all necessary details and sign off with a full electronic signature.

LETTER 2 Martin receives a complaint letter from Bob Bloggs, the owner of the Whakatane franchise of Kiwi Outdoors. He complains that a number of the Mountains-to-Sea single hiking tents have been returned by angry customers as the stitching came undone the first time they were used. Reply to Bob’s letter (as Martin Gibbs) to resolve the complaint and attempt to maintain the business relationship. Format should be full-block layout.

E-MAIL 2 After receiving Bob Bloggs’ complaint (Letter 2), about the stitching coming undone the first time the hiking tents were used, Martin Gibbs composes an e-mail to William Tan in Hong Kong, informing him about the problem, the damage to his company’s reputation, and asking why the problem occurred, and what will be done to fix the problem. Create all necessary details and sign off as Martin Gibbs with a full electronic signature.

PART 2: FORMAL BUSINESS REPORT DUE: 13 September 2011 at 8.15am in assignment box

Complete business report

Plagiarism declaration [N.B. for this part of the assessment your role is Assistant Manager at Promethius; use your own name. You are writing this report to Martin Gibbs, Managing Director, Mountains-to-Sea Ltd].

Martin Gibbs has met with you to discuss a website for his business. The outcome of this meeting is that he has asked you to prepare a report he can present to his business partners detailing what is required to develop a website that will attract users and effectively market the company, with recommendations on the steps involved in implementing and operating the website. RESEARCH You must search for information on the advantages to business of having a web site or how a website can help to grow a business. Plus TWO of the following topic areas: Design features of an effective website that attracts and clearly communicates with users, keeps them on the site and ensures they return.

First impressions: What design principles should homepage use to impress users? How fast should a site download? What should be considered when choosing a domain name?

Content: How should web pages be formatted? How are the needs of the target audience met? Why do websites need regular updating?


Visual appeal: How should web pages be laid out? What do you need to consider in terms of colours, fonts, backgrounds and graphics?

Navigation: Why are site maps and search facilities important? What needs to be considered when designing links?

[DO NOT include information on general internet points such as history, technical details or e-commerce information] Report must include both primary and secondary material. Secondary research At least 9 sources including textbook required in the Reference List for maximum marks. To demonstrate your referencing skills you must include a range of digital secondary sources:

Books (ebrary)

ProQuest articles

Internet articles (see list in text p.444) [N.B. Hardcopy sources will not receive marks; Google, Wikipedia, personal communication, and course notes are not acceptable sources]

You must include only ONE worthwhile direct quote. All other information must be written in your own voice using ideas from the secondary sources. [N.B. Please KEEP all secondary sources. If plagiarism is suspected you will receive NO MARKS and will need to produce evidence that you have not plagiarised, by submitting secondary material used, to be credited with the marks]. Primary research

Find TWO websites selling/advertising outdoor equipment or clothing that you feel demonstrate good and/or bad design principles and integrate these into the findings section as examples to illustrate your points.

In referring to these, name the business (place the URL in brackets after this only the first time it is mentioned).

DO NOT include in the reference list.

Analyse the sites in-depth, giving reasons why they are effective or ineffective by comparing to the design principles discussed in your findings.

FINDINGS

Divide findings into 3 subsections with headings (E.g. Advantages; Reading and writing style; First impressions; Content; Visual appeal; Navigation)

Length: to gain excellent in this section you need to write a maximum of 9 paragraphs (at least 2 paragraphs per subheading).

Each point must be clearly connected to an in-line reference that matches a full reference in the list at the end (using APA 6th ed.). Failure to do this will result in no marks for the paragraph as this is regarded as plagiarism.

Use primary research as examples of points. Integrate this into paragraphs containing secondary information rather than a separate paragraph.

[N.B. Marks will only be given for points relevant to the topics chosen, that are clearly and correctly referenced, and in correct paragraph format].


Report Writing Style

Write in plain English and follow the 3Cs (concise, clear, correct).

Write in a formal, neutral style ( DO NOT use of personal pronouns, the direct style used in many articles, and contractions such as don’t; write in full did not).

Sentences of around 15-20 words and short paragraphs only with a clear space between paragraphs – no graphics or tables

Reader should only have to read once to understand meaning.

REPORT FORMAT

Follow the formatting guidelines provided in the report sample exactly.

Note the required page numbering system, the numbering system for major sections, numbering of subsections in findings, and numbering in conclusions and recommendations, and follow this exactly.

COMPLETE REPORT Must contain the following sections in the order listed:

Title page Table of contents Executive summary 1. Introduction 2. Findings 3. Conclusions 4. Recommendations 5. Reference list

MARKING SHEET

Very Poor

Weak Good Very Good

Excel

BUSINESS DOCUMENTS 25 marks

Letter 1content – persuasive; follows AIDA formula with appropriate format

Letter 2 format-full block layout with correct writing style

Letter 2content -4 paragraphs, resolves issue, maintains business relationship

E-mails correctly formatted with correct writing style

E-mail 1 content - responding

E-mail 2 content – composing

EMERGENT COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES 19 marks

Findings: 3 subsections; 9 paragraphs with relevant points analysed

Primary research analyses e.g. of 2 good/poor sites to illustrate points in findings

At least 9 secondary sources covering the range of relevant digital sources specified

REPORT 30 marks

In-line referencing is correct in all ways; includes 1 quote

APA (6th ed.) referencing format is correct in reference list

Introduction is fully developed in 3 paragraphs

Executive summary is concise in 4 paragraphs each summarising a major section

Conclusions -content summarises main points, interprets and links to organisation

Recommendations content- relevant/practical action-focused; lead-in statement

PRESENTATION 6 marks

Report Format: professional presentation; page/heading numbering; title page; Table of Contents etc

Report Writing style: plain English/concise, clear, formal, no contractions/personal pronouns; paragraphing

Correct spelling, punctuation and grammar in all documents


Faculty of Applied Science Business & Computing

BUSINESS COMMUNICATION

560

Business Writing Assignment 1 Semester 2 2011

Raw

Mark Weighted

Mark

Learning Outcomes 4 and 5

80 30

LO4 Demonstrate writing skills that are clear, concise, courteous and correct, using currently recognised business formats. Key elements b) Emails c) Letters d) Formal report, including:

executive summary findings and analysis conclusions recommendations referencing

LO5 emergent communication technologies.

6

12

13

30

19

2.3

4.5

4.9

11.3 7

© Eastern Institute of Technology 560 Business Communication 8

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Take o

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© Eastern Institute of Technology 560 Business Communication

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answ

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who,

when,

where

etc

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11 © Eastern Institute of Technology 560 Business Communication

P

rese

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1.5

1

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Take o

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err

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ll

docum

ents

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take o

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at

Take o

ff ½

mark

for

each p

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m o

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fied

Pro

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no h

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good u

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pace;

no w

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Consi

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fonts

for

majo

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/ d

iffe

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font

for

sub-s

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wit

h s

tart

ing p

age n

um

bers

only

Wri

ting s

tyle

Take o

ff ½

mark

for

each o

mis

sion o

r err

or:

Corr

ect

para

gra

phin

g –

SEX m

akes

topic

sente

nce c

lear

and r

ela

ted t

o s

ubheadin

g o

r pre

vio

us

para

gra

ph

No p

ers

onal pro

nouns/

no c

ontr

acti

ons/

Pla

in E

nglish

/ c

oncis

e/cle

ar

No u

nexpla

ined j

arg

on/in

appro

pri

ate

or

info

rmal la

nguage/clichés

Only

needs

to b

e r

ead 1

tim

e t

o g

et

meanin

g


NAME: ___________________________________________

Very Poor

Weak Good Very Good

Excellent

LO 4: (b) (c) BUSINESS DOCUMENTS 25marks E-mails correctly formatted with correct writing style

0 0.5 1 1.5 2

E-mail 1 content - composing

0-1 2 2.5-3 3.5-4 4.5-5


0-1 2 2.5-3 3.5-4 4.5-5

Letter 1content -4 paragraphs, resolves issue, maintains business relationship

0-1 2 2.5-3 3.5-4 4.5-5


0 1 1.5 2-2.5 3

Letter 2 content – persuasive; follows AIDA formula with appropriate format

0-1 2 2.5-3 3.5-4 4.5-5

LO 5 (b)EMERGENT COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES 19 marks Findings and analysis 0-3 4 5 6-7 8-9 Primary research 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 Secondary research 0-2 3 4 5-6 7-8

LO 4: (d) REPORT 30 marks Introduction

0 1 2 3-3.5- 4

Executive summary

0 1 2 3-3.5- 4

Conclusions

0-1 2 2.5-3 3.5-4 4.5-5

Recommendations

0-1 2 3-4 4.5-5 5.5-6

In-line referencing

0-1 2 2.5-3 3.5-4 4.5-5

APA (6th ed.) reference list

0-1 2 3-4 4.5-5 5.5-6

LO 4: PRESENTATION 6 marks Format: professional presentation; page/heading numbering; title page; Table of Contents etc

0 0.5 1 1.5 2

Writing style: plain English/concise, clear, formal, paragraphing, no contractions or personal pronouns

0 0.5 1 1.5 2


0 0.5 1 1.5 2

Total Mark = 80 %


ASSESSMENT ONE Business Writing (30%)

Name: _________________________________________

Very

Poor Weak Good Very

Good Excel

BUSINESS DOCUMENTS E-mails correctly formatted with correct writing style

E-mail 1 content - composing


Letter 1 – persuasive; follows AIDA formula with appropriate format

Letter 2 content -4 paragraphs, resolves issue, maintains business relationship


EMERGENT COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES Findings: 3 subsections; 9 paragraphs with relevant points analysed

Primary research analyses e.g. of 2 good/poor sites to illustrate points in findings

At least 9 secondary sources covering the range of relevant sources specified

REPORT Introduction is fully developed in 3 paragraphs

Executive summary is concise in 4 paragraphs each summarising a major section

Conclusions -content summarises main points, interprets and links to organisation

Recommendations content- relevant/practical action-focused; lead-in statement

In-line referencing is correct in all ways; includes 1 quote

APA (6th ed.) referencing format is correct in reference list

PRESENTATION Format: professional presentation; page/heading numbering; title page; Table of Contents etc

Writing style: plain English/concise, clear, formal, no contractions/personal pronouns; paragraphing


Mark: ____________% Tutor: _________________________


EASTERN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

FACULTY OF APPLIED SCIENCE, BUSINESS AND COMPUTING

560 BUSINESS COMMUNICATION

GROUP PRESENTATION ASSESSMENT

SEMESTER TWO

Wednesday, 28 September 2011 in class

WEIGHTING: 25% of final grade


Assessment Criteria from Course Prescription covered in this assessment: LO4 Demonstrate oral presentation skills

Key elements a) Oral presentation to a group (content, structure, delivery, audiovisual support)

LO5 a) Group dynamics /meeting management

This assessment requires you to:

Demonstrate effective speaking skills

Demonstrate effective PowerPoint management

Experience and reflect on group dynamics

Run an effective meeting and produce professional meeting documentation

Manage differences in a group- conflict management. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ You are a member of a team from Promethius and you are competing for the contract to develop the new website for Mountains-to-Sea Ltd. Your team will present to the business partners informing them about the design principles that would be incorporated into the website for Mountains-to-Sea Ltd. Your team must present a professional image and your approach should be persuasive; why should they hire you? DELIVERY (see marking schedule for individual marks)

Deliver the presentation in an interesting way; consider use of voice, body movements, facial expression, and eye contact.

You are expected to be well-prepared and use a presentation style (DO NOT read a prepared speech as this will have a significant impact on marks).

TEAM WORK

Each person in the team should speak for around 3-4 minutes but only the team as a whole will be timed [e.g. for a 3-member team the presentation should be between 9 to 12 minutes; 1 mark deducted for every 30secs over or under].

You are expected to demonstrate integrated, energetic and creative team work (no group member should speak for several minutes or to whole slides while the rest of the group stand around doing nothing. DO NOT split the topic up; everyone should be involved in the whole process).

The team must demonstrate effective use of PowerPoint to support and enhance the presentation. Your team is expected to use examples of recreational and outdoor clothing websites to illustrate the points you make. Check that slides and websites are working correctly before presenting in class or marks will be deducted.

You will evaluate the members of your team and assign up to 10% of the marks for their participation and contribution to team meetings.

As a team type up one copy of your Group Rules, signed by all group members, that lists at least six rules.

MEETINGS

Work with your team to discuss, prepare and practice the presentation during scheduled lecture times.

Each team member is to chair a meeting using the Group Rules and an agenda as a guide. The agenda is to be prepared before the meeting (using the template provided) and e-mailed to group members before the meeting plus e-


mail a copy to yourself and print off to hand in. If agenda is not dated before the meeting it will not be marked.

Each group member is to take a turn writing notes at a meeting and write up the Action Minutes after the meeting, using the template provided. These must be full and detailed (at least 1½ size 11 font pages)

All meetings are compulsory and 5% will be deducted from an individual’s group mark for any missed meetings or consistent lateness.

All group members will evaluate each chairperson’s skills confidentially. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Hand ins in class on the day of the presentation 28 September (NO EXTENSIONS):

Each group must submit ONE copy of Group Rules.

There must be at least 6 rules typed up.

Each group member must sign the rules Each individual must submit: A peer evaluation form for each group member.

You must give a mark out of 5, rating individual’s skills in chairing a meeting.

If you rate a group member less than 5 for overall contribution you must state why.

2 marks will be deducted for failure to hand this in on the day. An agenda

Compose in WORD formatting according to template provided with 3 columns for items; who will talk to these and timings.

SAVE, then cut and paste into e-mail and send to self and group. It should clearly show date prior to meeting day or no marks. Use professional e-mail system without adverts.

It should contain specific items for the meeting using action words (Discuss, decide, deliberate, practise etc).

It should contain compulsory items: welcome, discuss relationships, plan agenda for next meeting (see template).

A set of action minutes

These are written up from notes recorded during a meeting (do not hand in notes).

At least 1½ pages, size 11 font required so full details of all proceedings (what was discussed, what was decided, how was decision reached etc.).

Format according to template provided

ACTION column contains only follow up (who, will do what, by when?)


MARKING SHEET

VP/ND Weak Good VG Excellent

INDIVIDUAL MARKS 40% Meeting Management and team skills

Chaired a professional meeting following agenda Agenda e-mail before meetings; correctly formatted with timings Action minutes professional standard with full record proceedings at least 1½ pages, size 11 font

Delivery

Voice Effective use of voice (pace, pause, and volume) Vocal variety, speaks clearly and sounds like interested and enjoying presenting

Body Appropriate body movements and lively facial expression Facing audience with eye contact establishing rapport General Presentation style rather than prepared speech; no direct reading

GROUP MARKS 50% Presentation: Structure and content

Introduction Powerful, attention-grabbing opening Clearly outlined overview, introduces team & states what team can offer/what website can do for business

Body Content not just facts; concise points and repetition to emphasise points; relevant website examples

Clear transitions rather than one long ramble Conclusion Key points of presentation emphasised and summarised clearly Dynamic crisp closing that is persuasive and sells team Integrated team presentation rather individuals taking turns Appears well prepared; appropriate positioning; professional Within time frame Visual aids Well designed PowerPoint slides; no typos Confident management of aids, integrated smoothly. Group Rules Attended all meetings/On time Group dynamics (Team decides) 10%

Co-operated and contributed to integrated team work Contributed fully to preparation


Faculty of Applied Science, Business & Computing

BUSINESS COMMUNICATION

560

Group Presentation and Meeting Management

Semester TWO 2011

% Mark

Weighted Mark

Learning Outcome 4 and 5 100 25

LO 4 Demonstrate oral presentation skills Key elements Oral presentation to a group Content Structure Delivery audiovisual support LO 5 Group dynamics meeting management

70

30

17.5

7.5


Excellent

A+

V

ery

Good

A/B

+

Good

C/B

W

eak

D

Poor/

Not

done E

Indiv

idual

5

4

3

2

0-1

Chair

ing

meeti

ng

Gro

up a

ssig

n a

mark

for

each o

f th

e f

ollow

ing:

Ran t

he m

eeti

ng p

rofe

ssio

nally

Use

d t

he r

ule

s and a

genda t

o g

uid

e t

he m

eeti

ng,

stuck t

o t

ime f

ram

es

and k

ept

the d

iscuss

ion o

n t

rack.

Was

firm

. M

ade s

ure

every

one w

as

involv

ed a

nd n

o o

ne d

om

inate

d.

Work

ed h

ard

to e

nsu

re t

hat

any c

onfl

ict

was

reso

lved.

Consi

dere

d t

he r

ela

tionsh

ip r

ole

s as

well a

s th

e t

ask

role

s.

Mark

s of

gro

up m

em

bers

avera

ged a

nd r

ounded t

o n

eare

st w

hole

num

ber

Agenda

Take o

ff 1

mark

for

each o

mis

sion

E-m

ailed t

o g

roup a

nd d

ate

d a

t le

ast

day b

efo

re m

eeti

ng

Form

att

ed a

ccord

ing t

o t

em

pla

te p

rovid

ed w

ith 3

colu

mns:

ite

m (

acti

on w

ord

s);

who;

tim

ing

Take o

ff 1

mark

for

each o

f th

e f

ollow

ing ite

ms

not

inclu

ded:

W

elc

om

e

Feedback o

n h

ow

mem

bers

are

feeling (

rela

tionsh

ip r

ole

s)

Dis

cuss

next

meeti

ng

Item

s to

pre

pare

pre

senta

tion

Min

ute

s Take o

ff 1

mark

for

each p

roble

m identi

fied

Should

matc

h a

genda ite

ms

Full d

eta

ils

of

what

was

dis

cuss

ed o

r pra

cti

ced;

what

was

decid

ed;

how

decis

ion w

as

made;

must

be m

ore

than 1

page

Form

att

ed a

ccord

ing t

o t

em

pla

te p

rovid

ed –

ACTIO

N c

olu

mn o

nly

for

follow

up –

who w

ill do w

hat

by w

hen

Delivery

5

4

3

2

0-1

Voic

e

Take o

ff 1

mark

for

each p

roble

m identi

fied

Use

of p

itch,

pau

se, p

ace,

vol

ume

& to

ne w

hich

is v

arie

d th

roug

hout

C

risp,

cle

ar a

rticu

latio

n of

wor

ds s

o cl

early

und

erst

ood

Soun

ds e

nthu

sias

tic

Body

Take o

ff 1

mark

for

each o

mis

sion:

Ges

ture

s, s

tanc

e &

mov

emen

t whi

ch s

uppo

rt an

d en

hanc

e th

e m

essa

ge

Live

ly, a

nim

ated

, ale

rt, re

spon

sive

faci

al e

xpre

ssio

ns

Wel

l-dire

cted

eye

con

tact

that

est

ablis

hes

rapp

ort;

not f

acin

g sc

reen

Genera

l Take o

ff 1

mark

for

each p

roble

m identi

fied

Smoo

th, u

nobt

rusi

ve h

andl

ing

of n

otes

Pr

esen

tatio

n st

yle

rath

er th

an re

adin

g pr

epar

ed s

peec

h


Excellent

A+

V

ery

Good

A/B

+

Good

C/B

W

eak

D

Poor/

Not

done E

Gro

up

5

4

3

2

0-1

Intr

oducti

on

Take o

ff 1

mark

for

each p

roble

m identi

fied o

r la

ckin

g im

pact

Pow

erfu

l, at

tent

ion-

grab

bing

ope

ning

sta

tem

ents

, nov

el in

trodu

ctio

n ra

ther

“We’

re g

oing

to ta

lk a

bout

“ M

ain

purp

ose

of p

rese

ntat

ion

iden

tifie

d an

d cl

early

out

lined

ove

rvie

w o

f bod

y ar

ouse

s au

dien

ce in

tere

st

Body

Take o

ff 1

mark

for

each p

roble

m identi

fied o

r la

ckin

g im

pact

Conte

nt

rele

vant

(covers

fir

st im

pre

ssio

ns,

vis

ual appeal,

navig

ati

on e

tc)

and a

ccura

te (

base

d o

n

secondary

sourc

es)

, re

late

d t

o w

ebsi

te e

xam

ple

s not

just

facts

Sm

ooth

, cle

ar tr

ansi

tions

that

ass

ist u

nder

stan

ding

1.5

1

0.5

0

Conclu

sion

Take o

ff 1

mark

for

each p

roble

m identi

fied o

r la

ckin

g im

pact

Use

ful s

umm

ary

that

em

phas

ises

impo

rtant

poi

nts

and

mai

n m

essa

ge

Dyn

amic

clo

sing

that

leav

es a

pos

itive

, mem

orab

le im

pres

sion

and

roun

ds o

ff pr

esen

tatio

n

Vis

ual aid

s Take o

ff 1

mark

for

each p

roble

m identi

fied

Pow

erPo

int s

lides

enh

ance

del

iver

y an

d m

essa

ge

No

spel

ling

erro

rs; k

ey w

ords

onl

y; c

lear

and

vis

ually

app

ealin

g

Con

fiden

t man

agem

ent o

f aid

s in

tegr

ated

sm

ooth

ly in

to ta

lk, w

orks

with

out a

hitc

h; s

moo

th s

lide

chan

ges;

sm

ooth

tran

sitio

ns b

etw

een

slid

es a

nd w

ebsi

te e

xam

ples

3

2

1

0.5

0

Inte

gra

ted

Take o

ff 1

mark

for

each p

roble

m identi

fied

Every

one g

ets

involv

ed a

nd c

om

ments

on w

ebsi

te c

rite

ria a

nd e

xam

ple

s Topic

not

div

ided u

p s

o 1

mem

ber

pre

sents

whole

secti

on

Pre

senta

tion r

uns

smooth

ly a

nd a

ppears

well p

repare

d

Indiv

iduals

posi

tion t

hem

selv

es

appro

pri

ate

ly i.e

. not

all b

unched u

p o

r st

andin

g in f

ront

of

scre

en

Tim

ing w

ithin

range (

3-4

min

s per

pers

on);

take 1

mark

off

for

every

30 s

ecs

over

or

under

Posi

tionin

g

Don’t

mill aro

und c

om

pute

r or

stand in f

ront

of

cam

era

; sm

ooth

, obvio

usl

y p

racti

ced d

elivery

2

1.5

1

0.5

0

G R

ule

s At

least

6;

typed u

p a

nd s

igned b

y a

ll t

eam

; se

nsi

ble

, re

levant

and p

racti

cal

Dis

cre

tionary

5

4

3

2

0-1

Team

work

: W

ork

ed a

s part

of

a t

he t

eam

rath

er

than j

ust

pre

pari

ng o

wn p

art

Support

ive o

f oth

er

team

mem

bers

Contr

ibute

d t

o d

iscuss

ions

wit

hout

dom

inati

ng o

r bein

g p

rom

pte

d

Pre

para

tion:

Alw

ays

turn

ed u

p t

o m

eeti

ngs

wit

h a

ssig

ned t

ask

s com

ple

ted

Made s

uggest

ions

rath

er

than j

ust

bein

g t

old

what

to d

o


ASSESSMENT TWO (25%) Group presentation and meeting facilitation

Name: _________________________________________

LO 5 (a) Group dynamics and Meeting Management 30 marks Chaired a professional meeting following agenda 0-1 2 3 4 5 Agenda e-mail before meetings; correctly formatted with timings 0-1 2 3 4 5 Action minutes professional standard with full record proceedings 0-1 2 3 4 5 Contributed to integrated team work 0-1 2 3 4 5 Contributed fully to preparation 0-1 2 3 4 5 Group Rules 0 .5 1 1.5 2 Integrated delivery rather than separate presentations 0 0.5 1 2 3 Attended all meetings (5marks deducted for each meeting missed) LO 4 Oral presentation to a group 70 marks

Voice

Effective use of voice (pace, pause, tone, volume) 0-1 2 3 4 5 Sounds like interested and enjoying presenting 0-1 2 3 4 5 Body

Appropriate body movements and lively facial expression 0-1 2 3 4 5 Facing audience with eye contact establishing rapport 0-1 2 3 4 5 General

Presentation style rather than prepared speech; no direct reading 0-1 2 3 4 5 Introduction

Powerful, attention-grabbing opening 0-1 2 3 4 5 Clearly outlined overview & purpose that arouses interest 0-1 2 3 4 5 Body Content relevant and accurate, related to website examples not just facts

0-1 2 3 4 5

Clear transitions 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 Conclusion Key points of presentation summarised clearly 0-1 2 3 4 5 Dynamic closing that leaves a positive impression 0-1 2 3 4 5 Appears well prepared and appropriate positioning; professional 0 0.5 1 2 3 Within time frame 0-1 2 3 4 5 Well designed PowerPoint 0-1 2 3 4 5 Confident management of aids, integrated smoothly. 0-1 2 3 4 5

Mark ______________%


PEER ASSESSMENT SHEET NAME: ____________________________________________ CHAIRPERSON EVALUATION Give each chairperson a mark out of 5 to rate the effectiveness of their meeting management – 1 or 0 for each of the criteria listed then count number of 1s. [0= poor/didn’t do and 1= did competently or made reasonable effort] Chairperson name: Mark out of 5 =

___ took the job seriously and did a professional job ___ stuck to the agenda and time frames/ kept the discussion on track ___ made sure everyone involved and no one dominated ___ ensured that any conflict was resolved ___ considered the relationship roles as well as the task roles

GROUP DYNAMICS MARK Contributed to integrated team work

Worked as part of a the team rather than just preparing own part Supportive of other team members

1 2 3 4 5

Contributed fully to preparation

Always turned up to meetings with assigned tasks completed Made suggestions rather than just being told what to do

1 2 3 4 5

Comments:



24


Otago Polytechnic

Assignment 1: Multi-phase communication project

Reasons for selection: The multi-phase project blends three learning outcomes in an interesting and appropriate way.


© Otago Polytechnic 560 Business Commmunication 25

School of Applied Business

Assignment 1

Business Communication

Professional Communication

BS101560, BX106001, BX556001

Semester 2, 2011


© Otago Polytechnic 560 Business Communication 26

Assignment 1 – 33% Multi-phase Communication Project

Due Each phase has a separate due date. Note these carefully.

Aims

• To determine strategies for effective intercultural communication

• To present written documents that are persuasive, clear, concise, courteous and correct

• To plan and conduct an interview

• To write a short report

• To reflect on the influence of self concept and perception on the communication process

Topic The topic for this assignment is: Strategies for effective intercultural communication. For the purpose of this assignment intercultural communication is defined as “the communication that occurs between people from diverse cultural backgrounds” (Bretag, Crossman & Bordia, 2009, p. 247).

You have been assigned to act as a communications adviser to a Dunedin company (you can give this company a name). The company sells and distributes possum and merino products all over the world. This Dunedin company (head office) is opening up a branch overseas, by purchasing an existing company based in country X, which is staffed with local sales staff and management. Few managers from the company head office in Dunedin have ever visited the branch in country X before, and you have been asked to put together a report detailing important cultural information to help the Dunedin managers prepare to communicate with the managers, staff and customers in country X.

You remember you know a couple of people from country X, so you decide to interview them first.

Instructions There are four phases to this assignment:

1. Research, develop interview questions, and emails

2. Interviews, emails and reflect on interviews

3. Write report

4. Reflect and write a final reflection analysis

• Each phase must be submitted by the due date and feedback only will be provided to phase1 and 2.

• A final mark and feedback will be provided at the completion of the report & final reflection (phase 3 and 4).

Assessment quality



Follow the instructions for ‘Course Assessment: Standards’ in the Course Outline. Check the marking schedule to make sure you have met the marking criteria. Please submit your assignment by email (word or pdf please).

Phase 1 To be completed by August 12, 3pm This phase consists of the following parts (detail below):

a. Develop interview questions and review them in class with other students.

• Develop interview questions

Consider what you would like to find out from your interviewees, and develop a list of interview questions using the reading in Moodle called ‘Designing interview questions’ to guide your work. When you are satisfied with the questions, review them in class with other students.

!Note: Questions must be reviewed before the interview.

b. Draft an email to two acquaintances who originate from country X to request an interview about business communication norms in their country. Have your draft peer-edited.

• Draft the emails

Draft a personalised, persuasive, and informative email to two people you plan to interview, explaining the project and requesting their cooperation.

Ask a class-mate to assist with editing the email using the Peer-editing form available in Moodle. Act on the peer feedback as necessary.

c. Send the email to your acquaintances. Copy (CC) your lecturer in on both of these emails.

• Send the email

Send the email to the two people you wish to interview. Copy (CC) your lecturer in on both of these emails.

Phase 2 To be completed by August 26, 3pm This phase consists of the following parts (detail below):

a. Plan, conduct and transcribe two face-to-face interviews with your acquaintances.

b. Email the interviewees to thank them for their time. Copy your lecturer in to this (2x).

c. Reflect on your performance as an interviewer. Include this reflection in your final reflective report.

a. Plan, conduct and transcribe the interview

Plan your interview carefully (see chapter 11 of your text book, and the Moodle reading called ‘Designing and conducting semi-structured interviews’). Take notes during the interview; after the interview write up the dialogue in as much detail as you can.

Note that you must provide the interviewees with a copy of the Interview Information Sheet



and two copies of the Interview Consent Form (these are available in Moodle). The interviewee will keep one copy of the Consent Form; the second one will be included as an appendix to your report.

! Note: Assessments without the signed Consent Forms attached will be considered unethical and will not be marked. You may wish to use a recording device during the interview but be sure to ask permission first. Any recordings and notes made during the interview should be securely stored and destroyed once your assignment has been marked. Advise your interviewee accordingly.

b. Write an email of thanks Email the interviewees to thank them for their time. Copy (CC) your lecturer in on both of these emails.

c. Reflect on your performance as an interviewer

Analyse your experience and the thought processes so far. Write a detailed reflective analysis of your performance as an interviewer and include this in your final reflective analysis (which is due on September 13). Aim for 600-700 words.

Use the bold words below in your reflection to ensure that you cover all areas, and include evidence to support your claims.

• What questions did you prepare (give a few examples: open, closed, clarifying, probing) and how effective were these questions? How did the questions help you to structure the interview?

• What happened in the interviews? Give a broad overview.

• How did your preparation influence this? What preparation did you personally do (apart from preparing the questions)? What else could you have done? What difference could this have made?

• What listening techniques did you consciously use during the interviews? Describe these in detail, giving examples. What else could you have done? How might this have helped?

• How did your self-concept (i.e. ‘the way you see yourself’) influence your communication in the interview processes? Do you consider this a positive influence or a negative one? Why? If negative, how might you change your self-concept?

• What could you do next time to ensure an information-gathering interviews of this sort is as effective as you would like it to be? Describe at least three ways you could improve on any aspect of your performance.

Phase 3 Due September 6, 3pm

This phase consists of the following parts (detail below):

a. Research the topic.

b. Write a short formal report.

a. Research the topic Research country X to find out:



• Key background information about the country X (e.g. location and size, natural resources, economic situation, population, languages)

• Social and religious customs (e.g. greeting, gift giving, visiting, socialising, holidays, religious observations)

• Business customs (e.g. refer to Hofstede’s five dimensions, attitudes to work and leisure, negotiating, decision making)

• Body language (e.g. personal space, eye contact, facial expressions, physical touch.)

Note: PowerPoint slides, Lecturer’s notes and Wikipedia are NOT appropriate sources of information.

Suggested sources:

• Conduct an internet search on Geert Hofstede and the five cultural dimensions.

• Dwyer, J. (2005). Business communication handbook. Frenchs Forest, NSW, Australia: Prentice Hall.

• Locker, K.O. & Kienzler, D.S. (2008). Business and administrative communication. Boston: McGraw-Hill. (Chapter 13)

• Lustig, M. & Koester, J. (2006). Intercultural competence: interpersonal communication across cultures. (5th ed.). Boston: Pearson Education.

• O’Rourke, S. & Barnett, S. (2008) Communication: organisation and innovation. (2nd ed.). Auckland, New Zealand: Pearson Education.

b. Write a short formal report Present your findings in a formal report addressed to the production manager, in which you contrast the norms and practice of New Zealand and country X.

Your report should include all of the following sections, each of which should begin on a new page:

1. Title page 6. Conclusions

2. Executive summary 7. Recommendations

3. Table of contents 8. Reference list

4. Introduction 9. Appendices

5. Findings

The combined Findings/Conclusions/Recommendations sections of your report should be approximately 800 words.

Break the findings section into four parts covering key background information about the country, social and religious customs, business customs, and body language. Support your ideas with referenced quotations and/or paraphrases from your interview, books, journal articles or websites about the topic. See Moodle for examples of how to do this.

Draw conclusions from your findings, and make clear recommendations for the production manager who is moving to this country.

Now write your executive summary and introduction, give your report a title that is meaningful to the reader, a reference list and table of contents, and add two appendices (one for your interview questions, and one for the signed consent form.) Remember to list the appendices in the table of contents and number your pages.

Finally, write a 1-page letter of transmittal (or ‘covering letter’). Note that this letter is not a section of the report, but accompanies the report. Here are the report sections in order:



Please present this report through electronic submission (by email) in one document. The appendices can be submitted separately (but I prefer them in the same document).

Useful references for report writing

For an example of a letter of transmittal and good advice on report writing try:

Dwyer, J. (2005). The business communication handbook (7th ed.). Australia: Pearson Education.

There are many other good books on report writing in the library.

Phase 4

Due September 13, 3pm This phase consists of the following parts (detail below):

a. Reflect on your performance as an interviewer.

b. Reflect on the factors that influenced your writing style.

Use the following format: title page, appropriate headings, references, and submit by email in one document.

a. Reflect on your performance as an interviewer

Reflect on your performance as an interviewer. Use the same guidelines as Phase two part c. In addition, make sure you explain how you have used (peer) feedback.

Aim for 600-700 words.

b. Reflect on your writing style Reflect on the factors that influenced your writing style: Write a detailed final reflective analysis of your performance as a writer. Aim for 300-400 words.

Use the bold words below in your reflection to ensure that you cover all areas, and include evidence to support your claims.

• What influenced you as a report writer

What was your perception of the readers (both the production manager and your lecturer) and the situation, and why/how did this affect your choice of language, writing style, and layout? Provide examples to illustrate your ideas.

• What influenced you as an email writer

What was your perception of the readers and the situation, and how did this affect

Appendix B Consent

form

Appendix A Interview Questions

7. References 6.Rcommendation

s

5. Conclusions 4. Findings

3. Introduction 2. Table of

Contents

1. Executive Summary

Title page



your choice of language, writing style, and layout? Provide examples to illustrate your ideas.

Explain how you have used (peer) feedback.

Marking schedule

Assignment 1 – Multi-phase Communication Project

Possible mark

Emails (phase 1c & phase 2b – a total of 4 emails) • Tone and style are conversational yet polite and professional (0.5) • Information is organised so that messages are clearly conveyed (1) • Contain all necessary information to allow decision making to take place (0.5) • Subject lines are appropriate (0.5) • Grammar, spelling, and punctuation are correct (0.5) • Persuasive techniques are evident (1)

4

Letter of transmittal (phase 3b) • Covering letter layout meets current format standards (full block, date in full, open punctuation,

appropriate salutation and close, informative content) (1) Report (phase 3a & 3b) • All sections of report are included (1) • Report contents are relevant to the requirements of the assignment (2) • Findings are factual and/or any opinions are referenced (1) • Presentation is professional (layout, spelling, grammar, punctuation) (1) • Language is consistently formal (0.5) • Clear headings are used (0.5) • Conclusions are drawn from findings and are more than a simple summary of findings (2) • Recommendations are written with the reader in mind (1) • Recommendations are practical and related to conclusions (1) • References are APA-style and are correct and complete in the body of the report (2) • A correct and complete APA-style reference list is provided (2) Content (phase 3a & 3b) a. Cultural values and communication strategies for a given cultural group are examined and

explained (1) b. Valid strategies for intercultural communication behaviour in country X are suggested (2)

1

14

3

Reflection - interview performance (phase 1a, phase 2c & phase 4a) ! Questions prepared include open, closed, clarifying, probing (1) • Questions reflect clear objectives and create a logical structure for the interview (0.5) • Preparation described indicates understanding of strategies for successful interviewing (e.g.

planning, practice, consideration of interviewees) (2) • Listening techniques described indicate understanding of attending, encouraging, reflecting and

nvc (2) • Future plans for interviewing recognise options for constructive improvement (1.5) • Influence of own self-concept on communication is recognised and understanding shown (2)

9

Reflection – writing style (phase 4b) • Discussion of how perception of the readers and the situations affected own writing indicates

awareness and understanding of the impact of perception on the communication process (2)

2

Total 33%



SCHOOL OF APPLIED BUSINESS Te Kura whakahaeraka-a-mahi

Interviewee information sheet Multi-phase Communication Project

A combined assignment for the Business Communication paper in the Diploma in Business Studies, the Diploma in Marketing,

the New Zealand Diploma in Business and the Bachelor of Applied Management

The aims of this project

The aims of this project for the student are:

• To determine strategies for effective intercultural business communication

• To write effective business documents applying professional standards

• To plan and conduct an interview

The student’s task

Each student must interview acquaintances from a culture different to their own to discuss business communication norms and behaviours in that culture. The student will then collate his or her findings along with relevant research, and present these in a formal report which will make general recommendations for effective intercultural communication practice.

If you and your student agree, your interview may be taped. If this is the case, any recordings made will be destroyed at the finish of the project, along with written notes.

Neither you nor your business will be referred to by name or identified in any way in the student’s report. If at any time you wish to withdraw from the research, you are free to do so.

If you have any questions or concerns, I am happy to discuss these with you. I may be contacted by email at …

Thank you very much for assisting this student by taking part in the project.



SCHOOL OF APPLIED BUSINESS Te Kura whakahaeraka-a-mahi

Interviewee consent form

Multi-phase Communication Project A combined assignment for the Business Communication paper in

the Diploma in Business Studies, the Diploma in Marketing, the New Zealand Diploma in Business and the Bachelor of Applied Management

I have read the information sheet concerning this project and understand what it is about. All my questions have been answered to my satisfaction. I understand that I am free to request further information at any stage.

I know that:

• My participation in this project is entirely voluntary

• I am free to withdraw at any time

• The information from my interview/s may be used in a student report

• My anonymity / confidentiality will be preserved

• Any sound recordings of my interview will be destroyed by the student at the end of the project

I agree to take part in this project under the conditions set out in the Information Sheet.

……………………………………………………………........ (Signature of participant)

………………………………………………………………….. (Date)

…………………………………………………………………. (Signature of student researcher)


34


Waikato Institute of Technology

Inbox assignment (learning outcome 4)

Reasons for selection: The Inbox assignment is clear, interesting and appropriate.


© Waikato Institute of Technology 560 Business Communication 35

Waikato Institute of Technology Assessment Two: In-Box Assignment (LO4) Weighting 20 % Total marks 100 This assignment consists of four pieces of writing:

1. an email 2. a persuasive letter 3. a letter of response 4. a report

1. Email: due Thursday 1 September (10

marks)

Reply to an email from me in which you identify the topic for your report, describe the scope and include any queries you might have.

Your email should

• have an appropriate subject line which refers to the class and the assignment • have an appropriate, courteous greeting and close • acknowledge my email to you • include all necessary information • be carefully proofread and written in paragraphs using bullets if necessary

2. Persuasive letter: due Wednesday 5 October at 4pm (10 marks)

As the marketing manager of a company write a persuasive letter to all your clients recommending that they look at your new website and use it to communicate with you in future. Your letter should

• be formatted correctly • use an AIDA structure (identify at least two benefits) • include all necessary information • be written in an appropriate style and tone • be carefully proofread

You must make up the name of your business, your client’s business and both addresses.

3. Letter of response: due Wednesday 5 October at 4pm (10 marks) As the marketing manager, respond to a letter of complaint from one of your clients who saw that you included a special offer on your website but was told that it was no longer available when he eventually got through to the call centre.



He is annoyed that you hadn’t deleted the offer from the website and also that he couldn’t get through to the call centre for at least an hour! Now he wants you to give him the special offer even though it is outside the time frame. Respond to his letter suggesting an adjustment to his request or an alternative way of resolving the issue.

Your letter should • be formatted correctly • use the SCRAP structure • include all necessary information • be written in an appropriate tone and style • be carefully proofread

4. Report: due Wednesday 5 October at 4pm (70 marks)

You have been asked to develop a website for your business. Write a 1500 word report comparing web sites from similar businesses and make recommendations for your website.

The report should • Describe the type of business (background) • Compare the websites in terms of three of the following: target user, colour/ design,

layout, writing style, navigation/ hyperlinks, content on the main page) • Provide at least three conclusions (opinion) on best practice for websites • Provide at least two recommendations for your organisation

Guidelines for writing the report: • Choose your websites • Research your topic using at least two secondary sources (electronic or

print). • Include one interview with an expert or user • Format the report according to the example on the following pages. • Edit your report and submit it electronically to Turnitin one week before the

due date. • Check the report template on the following pages

NB Dictionaries, Wikipedia and Q&A sites are not acceptable as sources of information.



Assessment 2 In-box assignment marking schedules Name: total grade: /100 Comments: 1. email

• has an appropriate subject line which refers to the class and the assignment (2)

• has an appropriate, courteous greeting and close (2) • includes all necessary information for the reader to understand the project

(3) o names two websites o identifies the scope o acknowledges the previous email

• contains no grammar, punctuation and spelling errors (2) • is written in paragraphs using bullets if necessary (1)

Total /10 2. Persuasive letter

uses a recognised business format for the addresses, greeting and close (3)

uses AIDA structure correctly

• purpose is clear and written persuasively • benefits are clear and written persuasively (at least two benefits are identified) • required action is clear (4)

uses appropriate persuasive style and tone (1)

uses grammar, spelling and punctuation correctly (2) (0.25 marks deducted for each error)

Total /10

3. Letter of response

uses a recognised business format for the addresses, greeting and close (3)

Uses the SCRAP structure to resolve the issue (4)

• identifies situation • states complication • offers alternative or resolution • requests action

Uses an appropriate courteous style and tone (1)

Uses grammar, spelling and punctuation correctly (2) (0.25 marks deducted for each error)

Total /10

4. Report Executive summary (5 marks) • is complete • is written as an essay

5= achieves all criteria to the highest standard 4 = all criteria are present but are not comprehensive 3= essential information is included but is not comprehensive 2= essential information is lacking



0-1= most information is lacking Introduction (5 marks) • gives background including reasons for

research • states purpose and scope clearly • describes method clearly and complies with

assignment guidelines

5= achieves all criteria to the highest standard 4 = all criteria are present but are not comprehensive 3= essential information is included but is not comprehensive 2= essential information is lacking 0-1= most information is lacking

Referencing (10 marks) • cites all information is cited • cites in-text information is cited correctly • lists References list according to APA

guidelines • has been submitted through Turnitin

8 – 10 = complies with all criteria to the highest standard 6 - 7= complies with most criteria 5 = complies with most criteria but contains flaws 3 -4 = complies with some criteria but contains serious flaws 0 – 2 =lacks effort and understanding

Findings and Analysis (10 marks) • compares and contrasts websites to each other

and to the theory • includes interview results relating to theory • are written objectively • all information is grouped logically and

consistently


Conclusions (10 marks) • includes at least three conclusions, based on

relevant information from the findings • go beyond the information in the findings • provide informed opinion • clearly state the writer’s opinion related to the

purpose


Recommendations (10 marks) • includes at least two relevant

recommendations • are written in an appropriate style • follow logically from the conclusions • are practical and specific


Formatting (10 marks ) The report is correctly formatted with: • sections starting on a new page • parallel headings and sub-headings • a consistent numbering system • effective use of white space and font • signature and word count


Proof reading (10 marks) The text has been proof read for: • spelling and punctuation and grammar • The report follows the language, structure and

style of English used in New Zealand

8 – 10 = complies with all criteria to the highest standard 6 - 7= complies with most criteria 5 = complies with most criteria but contains syntax flaws 3 -4 = complies with some criteria but contains serious flaws 0 – 2 =lacks effort and understanding

Total Marks / 70


39


Whitireia Community Polytechnic

Journal

Reasons for selection: The journal provides a challenging and interesting platform for learners to explore intrapersonal and interpersonal communication by demonstrating and applying the relevant skills.


© Whitireia New Zealand 560 Business Communication 40

FACULTY OF BUSINESS & IT

NEW ZEALAND DIPLOMA IN BUSINESS

BUS5560

Business Communication

Assessment Four

Semester Two 2011



Learning Journal

Weighting: 20%

Total Marks: 80

Due Dates: Introduction 19 August 2011

Completed journal (3 parts) 25 November 2011

Your journal will demonstrate the development of your intrapersonal and interpersonal communication over the semester. You will also demonstrate your understanding of concepts of effective communication management in an organisation.

There are three parts to your journal:

1. An introduction (1.5 to 2 pages) 2. Journal entries 3. A reflective review (1200 to 1500 words)

Bring your journal to each lab session so that you can work on it throughout the course.

Format

Word process using 12 point font and 1.5 line spacing



Part 1 Introduction Write an introduction that provides answers to these questions. (1.5 to 2 pages)

Who are you?

What is your background?

What are your interests?

What are your ambitions?

What is your work history (if relevant)?

Where are you currently working and what are your responsibilities (if relevant)?

What is your educational background?

What are your personal objectives in this course?

How do you feel about working in a group?

How confident are you in participating in group discussions?

How confident are you about speaking in front of a group?

How confident are you in offering different opinions or disagreeing with other people?

How do you normally deal with conflict?

How confident are you in interacting with people from other cultures?

How confident are you with your written communication?

How good are your research skills?

How would you rate your overall communication skill?

You will submit your Introduction on the Moodle site on 19 August 2011. Your tutor will comment on it and return it to you on Moodle. You may make changes to your Introduction based on your tutor’s comments before submitting it again with your completed journal at the end of the course.



Part 2 Journal Entries Section A. Intrapersonal communication 32 marks

• Learning outcome: Demonstrate and apply an understanding of the influence of your own and others’ self-concept, perception and culture on the communication process

•

1. Self-concept 8 marks

Use your experience in group work this semester to discuss how your self concept has influenced the way you communicate with others. Refer to at least three specific examples in your discussion. (approximately 200 words)

2. Perception 8 marks

You have worked in a diverse group (age, gender, ethnicity, educational and work experience) this semester. Describe two examples from your group experience to show how different perceptions affected communication in the group. Discuss how your group managed the different perceptions. (approximately 200 words)

3. Culture 16 marks

a) Review the exercise you did in class on cultural identity. (Chase et al, pp59 – 61).

Describe three of the key characteristics of the dominant culture to which you belong. Consider commonly held:

• Values, beliefs and attitudes • Behaviours (social and business) • Dress codes • Languages spoken • Communication styles • Rituals • Nonverbal communication including attitudes to time (chronemics), space

(proxemics), eye behaviour (oculesics) and touching behaviour (haptics),

(approximately 200 words) (6 marks)

b) You have held a discussion with a student in the class from a cultural group different from your own.



• Discuss three main differences between the key characteristics of your culture

and the key characteristics of the person you talked to. How might these differences affect communication between you?

(approximately 200 words) (8 marks)

c) Suggest four guidelines for communicating effectively with someone from another culture.

(2 marks)

Section B Interpersonal communication 24 marks Learning outcome: Demonstrate and apply an understanding of interpersonal communication skills in a business setting

4. Active listening 6 marks Give specific examples from your group experience to demonstrate that you have actively listened during meetings.

Provide one example for each of the following:

• Denotative and connotative meaning • Attending listening • Encouraging listening • Reflecting listening

o clarifying o paraphrasing o summarising



5. Feedback 6 marks

You will be assigned one of the groups (not your own) who will present their group project on 20 October 2011. You will watch their presentation and take notes so that you can provide constructive written feedback for the group on the Moodle forum.

Provide constructive written feedback for the group on:

A. The content of their presentation: - was the information relevant to the topic? - did the group cover the topic well? - was the information interesting? - was the information adapted to the audience?

B. The structure of their presentation: - was there an effective introduction? - did they preview the main points of the presentation? - did they present main points with supporting evidence and

examples? - did they review the main points? - was there an effective conclusion?

C. The delivery of the presentation: - use of voice: pitch, pace, volume, variation - use of body language including eye contact with the audience,

gesture and movement - did they speak directly to the audience or did they read from their

notes? - enthusiasm, engagement with the audience

a) The use of visual aids: - are they clear, easy to read? - are they well designed? - do they support the information presented? - are they creative? - does the group use them in a professional way?

b) Teamwork: - was the team introduced to the audience in a professional way? - were the handovers from one team member to another

professionally done? - was there other evidence of teamwork in the presentation?

Include suggestions for improvement in each area. (200 – 300 words)



Post your feedback on the Moodle forum by 24 October 2011. Respond to at least two of the postings for your group on the forum.

In your journal:

- Include a copy of the constructive feedback that you posted on the forum in your journal so that it can be marked. (4 marks)

- Describe two changes that you would make to your group

presentation as a result of the feedback you received. (2 marks) 6. Interviewing 6 marks Task: You will interview a fellow student in class to find out about one of his/her interests outside of

the Polytechnic. This could be a sporting activity, a hobby interest or their job. The interview

will be 10 -15 minutes long.

You will use the following interview structure:

o Introduce yourself

o Establish rapport

o Ask questions

o Give feedback

o Close the interview

Before the interview: Prepare six questions to use in your interview:

o Two closed questions

o Two open questions

o Two probing questions

Include a copy of the questions in your journal. (2 marks)

After the interview: Answer the following questions in your journal:

a) How effective were the questions that you asked? How could you have improved

them?

(2 marks)



b) Suggest two other changes you would make if you did this interview again?

(2 marks)

7. Assertiveness and managing differences 6 marks

Find an article or chapter (Internet, journal or book) that explains assertiveness techniques. Do not use your text book.

a) Write a reference in APA (6th edition) format for the article or chapter.

b) Choose two assertiveness techniques that interest you. Briefly describe each technique in your own words and explain why you think you would find each technique useful in the workplace. (200 words) (4 marks)

c) You have worked in a diverse group in class this semester where you have encountered group members of different age, gender, experience and ethnicity. Describe one example of how you managed any differences that emerged in your group. (2 marks)

Section C Effective communication management 8 marks Learning outcome: Demonstrate and apply an understanding of how effective communication management influences organisational performance.

8. Knowledge Management Go to the Moodle site and read the articles entitled What is Knowledge Management and Why is Knowledge Management Important? Discuss why Knowledge Management is important in modern organisations. Explain how effective Knowledge Management can help an organization to achieve its goals and improve communication with its stakeholders.

Remember to write in your own words and to provide citations and references for any material you quote or paraphrase from another source. (200 words) (4 marks)



9. Organisational culture and ethics

Describe the organizational culture of a business or organisation that you are familiar with (e.g. Whitireia New Zealand). What are the business demographics of the organization? What are the organisation’s key values? What are the rituals and stories that explain “how we do things around here? How did you learn about the culture of the organization or business? How does the culture affect communication in the organisation. (200 words)

(4 marks)



Part 3 Reflective review 16 marks Reread the introduction that you wrote at the start of the course, read through your journal entries, review your in-class and assessment activities and write a reflective essay reviewing the progress you have made this semester in:

• Your understanding of the effect of self-concept, perception and culture on your communication

• Your interpersonal communication skills (nonverbal communication, listening and questioning skills, giving and receiving feedback, assertiveness, managing differences, interviewing skills and negotiation techniques)

• Your writing and oral presentation skills • Your understanding of group dynamics and your group work skills

In your essay you will:

• Describe any improvements you have made in each of these areas and explain how you achieved them

• Identify what you did not achieve in these areas and why you think you did not achieve them

• Explain the actions you will take in the future to continue to improve your communication skills

• Assess the communication skills you believe you would bring to an organisation and identify those you still need to work on

Your essay should be approximately 1000 words.



Journal Entries Marking Schedule

Maximum mark

Mark given

Intrapersonal Communication 32

1. Self Concept

• Discussion of own self concept

• Three relevant communication examples from group work described

• Discussion is at an appropriate level

8

2. Perception

• Two relevant examples of perceptual differences from group work

described

• Group management of different perceptions discussed

• Discussion is at an appropriate level

4

4

3. Culture

• Three key characteristics of own culture discussed

• Three main differences between cultures and how these differences

might affect communication discussed

• Four relevant guidelines given

• Discussion is at an appropriate level and based on cultural exercise

6

8

2

Interpersonal Communication 24

4. Active listening

• Examples taken from group work

• Examples show the students understands the following listening

skills:

o Denotative and connotative – listening for literal meaning. Listening for implied meaning

o Attending – focusing on the speaker

o Encouraging – encouraging the speaker to continue

6



o Reflecting – mirroring feelings and content in the response

5. Feedback

• Feedback to other group is detailed and constructive. Offers

suggestions for improvement

• Two appropriate changes to presentation based on feedback given

4

2

6. Interviewing

• Six questions included (closed, open probing). Questions are appropriate

• Brief reflection on effectiveness of questions and at least one suggestion for improvement

• Two other appropriate changes to interview noted

2

2

2

7. Assertiveness and managing differences

• Two assertive techniques described in own words. Usefulness in

workplace discussed

• One relevant example of managing differences from group work

described

4

2

Effective communication management 8

8. Knowledge Management

• Importance of KM – at least three relevant points

• How KM can help organization

o achieve goals

o improve communication with stakeholders

3

1

9. Organisational culture and ethics

• Organisational culture described

• Values, rituals, stories described

• Effect on communication described

2

1

1

Reflective Review 16

• Introduction submitted



• Critical evaluation of personal progress made in each area including:

• Improvements and how they were achieved

• What was not achieved and why

• Identification of ongoing actions to improve communication skills

• Identification of communication skills the student would bring to an organisation and skills still needing work

• The work is free of grammar, spelling and punctuation errors

• The overall writing is clear, well set out and cohesive

• Presented in a professional manner

10

3

3

Total 80

Weighted total 20


53

630 Leadership

Manukau Institute of Technology

Assignment 1

Reasons for selection: The culturegram, stop, start and continue exercises were innovative and interesting.


© Manukau Institute of Technology 630 Leadership 54

341.622 LEADERSHIP

Assignment One: (30%) Parts A + B + C

Due: Wednesday 6 April 3.00pm

Please note that Part A of your assignment must be submitted to Turnitin via eMIT on the due date.

Assignment 1: Part A (20%) 1. You will profile someone you consider to be a role model in business and/or organisational

leadership.

2. Identify the behaviours, traits, skills, attitudes and knowledge that this leader has which assist with their leadership responsibilities.

3. Discuss the type of business or organization your selected business leader operates in and their

level of seniority. How does this influence their behavior?

4. You should relate the information gained in your observation to leadership theory.

5. Reflect and make your own conclusions on what this person has taught you about leadership. Remember this is a leadership assignment so include as much information as you can about your profiled persons leadership approach and style.

6. Compare your own leadership approach and style with that of your chosen leader.

7. Your essay should be no longer than 2,500 words. A guideline to writing essays can be found at

the end of this assignment brief. Please note that Part A of your assignment must be submitted to Turnitin via eMIT on the due date.

Marking Guide: Assignment 1 Part A – 20%

Marking Criteria Marking Criteria # 1 (3 marks) Clear and thorough introduction of the role model leader chosen for the assignment and the type of business/organisation the leader works in. Your reason for choosing this particular role model should be clearly stated. Marking Criteria # 2 (4 marks) Thorough coverage & identification of behaviours, traits, skills, attitudes & knowledge that this leader has which assist with their leadership responsibilities and a discussion on their level of seniority and how this influences their behaviour. Marking Criteria # 3 (5 marks) Demonstration of critical thinking through relating the information gained in your in-depth analysis and observation to leadership theory. Marking Criteria # 4 (3 marks) In-depth reflection of what this person taught you about leadership i.e. what type of impact on you. Marking Criteria # 5 (5 marks) Thorough and in-depth comparison of your own leadership approach and style with that of your chosen leader. Total /20



Assignment 1: Part B (5%) • Based on the knowledge you have gained from Part A of this assignment complete the stop,

start, continue planning sheet and attach this to your assignment. • To complete the stop, start, continue planning sheet you should write SMART goals which

clearly show which behaviours you have identified as being negative and you wish to stop, which behaviours you are not doing now but want to start doing in the future and which behaviours you are happy with and want to continue.

• Remember SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound Part B of your assignment must include:

• Your completed planning sheet. Stop, start and continue (see below)

Marking Guide: Assignment 1 Part B Part B – 5% Marking Criteria Comments Marking Criteria # 1 (3.5 marks) I intend to stop

SMART objectives which relate to discussion in part A

Marking Criteria # 2 (3.5 marks) I intend to start


Marking Criteria # 3 (3 marks) I intend to continue


Total /10



Leadership Plan. Stop, Start, Continue I Intend to stop …..

I intend to start…..

I Intend to continue……



Assignment 1: Part C (5%) A culturegram is key information answered about the culture of a group of people. In this assignment you are required to give a brief presentation (5 min) to raise the class awareness of your own culture. You can present any aspect of your culture that you feel will be of interest to the class. Your presentation is worth 1 mark. You will then be required to create three culturegrams by analysing and answering the questions attached using the instructions provided below. Culturegram Instructions

• Select two cultures other than your own. You may like to select these from the cultures that are presented in class.

• Create three culturegrams (two from cultures other than your own and one on your own culture) by answering the questions on the following page.

• You may need to find additional information from the library or on the internet • The combined word count of all three culturegrams should not exceed 1000 words

(minimum 750 words or 250 words per culturegram) Culturegram Format & Marking Criteria: Assignment 1 Part C (remember your presentation on your own culture is worth 1 mark)

1. What is the name of the other two cultures you are researching?

2. Describe four potential barriers to effective leadership with this cultural group. These are areas in which the values, beliefs and practices are different from your own and therefore could cause confusion and or miscommunication. Examples include general attitudes, beliefs, gestures and other non-verbal communication. (1 mark)

3. It is important not to stereotype others. For each of the barriers you have identified above

explain how individual people within the cultural group may do things differently. (1 mark)

4. Explain what you can do to effectively lead people from this cultural group. (1 mark)

5. Explain how this information will help you lead a multicultural organisation. ( 1 mark)



MODEL ESSAY STRUCTURE

IntroductionIntroduction Set the scene for your essay by explaining in general the areas it will cover. Include any useful background material.

Ideas paragraph Be more specific and reveal the key ideas which your essay will develop. Save the best until last. That way you have a brilliant ‘lead in’ to your first major paragraph which will develop the idea. 'Body''Body' Develop your first major idea. Use your first sentence to introduce it, then develop it further. This might be done by providing evidence of your argument or giving a more detailed explanation of the idea. In the final sentence you need to lead your reader forward to your next idea. Develop your second idea as you did with the first one. Revisit your essay plan to check what the third idea is, remembering to link this paragraph with it. Develop your third idea. Expand or support this idea as you did above. This idea should provide the final part of your argument. The final sentence of this paragraph needs to link with your conclusion. Conclusion Conclude your essay by summarising the most important aspects of your argument. Aim to leave your reader totally convinced that you have answered the question. No new material please!

Before You WriteBefore You Write

" Set time frames for the completion of specific tasks " Carefully read through the essay question " Underline key words in the essay question and make sure that you understand what each

one means " Read the essay question again for a final check. Have you missed anything? " Access a wide variety of information from a range of media. Use secondary sources, (print,

electronic, video) and primary sources where required (focus groups, interviews or surveys).

" Record the publication details of all material you have used, so that you can include them in your reference list

" Mindmap your information, organising it into key ideas " Add extra information to your mindmap to support these ideas



When You Are WritingWhen You Are Writing • Set time frames for completion of specific tasks • Read the essay question again to focus your writing. Have you missed anything? • Refer to the model essay structure sheet to guide your writing • Use ‘mindmap outline’ and expand each idea into a paragraph • Write each paragraph onscreen and print out after each paragraph is completed or when you

have a full page to print. If you are handwriting your essay, write each paragraph on a separate piece of paper

• Cut and paste the paragraphs to put them into the most logical order onscreen or print and move them around until they are in the most effective order

• Rewriting is a normal part of the process • Perfect your introductory and concluding paragraphs last

EditEdit ing the Final Copying the Final Copy

• Set time frames for completion of specific tasks • Read the essay question again to focus your editing • Check that you have answered all parts of the question • Check the structure: is there a clear introduction, body and conclusion? • Check that each paragraph ends with a linking sentence, to move your reader along

to the next idea • Check that the conclusion rounds off your essay and fulfils the promise you made in

the introduction • Check grammar, particularly verb tenses and agreement between subject and verb • Check spelling • Write your reference list in the required APA (current edition) format • Check that you have formatted your essay to meet your course’s requirements


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630 Leadership

Otago Polytechnic

The poster (Personal Leadership Development assignment)

Reasons for selection: It is an interesting and innovative assessment that requires leaders to critically analyse leadership concepts.


© Otago Polytechnic 630 Leadership 61

Assessment No 3: Personal Leadership Development

Poster presentation: Self-assessment process For this assignment you are expected to evaluate your current leadership abilities and your leadership potential. It is important that you understand that leadership is a holistic term and can be interpreted in various ways. We are not all suited to becoming business leaders; however we can all make a difference. Remember that you cannot become a type of leader that is not suited to you. For this reason it is important to develop self-awareness and to understand different approaches to leadership (theories and concepts) from which you can develop your own understanding of leadership. To develop self-awareness you will be encouraged in reflect on your upbringing, life experiences, role models, the results of various personal assessment questionnaires on Moodle or from your own searching, and how you have performed in ‘stretch’ activities you may have set for yourself. You have also been keeping a journal that should contain reflections on your learning about leadership and your personal abilities and potential. Use all this information to produce a poster to meet the criteria on the attached marking schedule (p. 3). Note the additional information about posters on p. 4, and the Competition Sheet on p. 5. From all this evidence you are able to conclude where you are in terms of your current leadership abilities and potential. Written work: Personal leadership development plan Following on from the conclusions of your self-assessment process presented on your poster, present a relevant frame of reference for leadership practice and development. This frame of reference could be a set of criteria such as those suggested by Servant Leadership, or Emotional Intelligence, or by Kouzes and Posner, or it could be one you have developed yourself. The frame of reference must be consistent with your personal concept of leadership which you can describe and justify. The framework should also be systematic and possible for someone else to adapt for their own use. If in doubt about the frame of reference idea, please ask! Pull all this together into a plan for your future leadership development. It should aim to fill any gaps you have identified in your leadership that you want to develop. You need to introduce it and show how it is based on your chosen framework. Finally you need to submit your personal development plan. It should be well set out with realistic SMART goals that are broken down into achievable milestones, e.g. actual dates. Make sure your goals do relate to leadership development (and not general life). Present your plan so that it is visually appealing and easily understood. Check out the marking schedule on the next page.

This assignment involves a written component (maximum word limit 3000) as well as a poster. Posters will be displayed Worth: 40% (80 marks) Poster display due date: 31 October 10am-1pm Written work due date: 4 November, 4pm Submit written work by email to _______________


© Otago Polytechnic 630 Leadership 62

Marking Schedule: Assessment No 3

Name __________________________________

Possible

Marks

80

Your

Marks

Poster – Self-assessment process 1

You present on your poster the results of your self-assessment process with illustrations, and actual examples such as from your life experiences, role models, assessment tools (e.g. questionnaires), comments from others, and ‘stretch’ activities. Some of the evidence will be quoted from the reflective journal you have been keeping since the course started Your self-assessment process is clear (2 marks), showing self-reflection (5 marks) and 3 other types of evidence (9 marks)

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2

You conclude from all the evidence presented where you are in relation to the type of leader you see yourself becoming. Your overall perception of yourself as a leader is realistic

5

3 Your poster displays effective design. At least 6 sources are cited and referenced in APA style and may be on the reverse of your poster

4 25

Written work – Personal leadership development plan 4 To set the scene, describe the conclusions of your self-

assessment process presented in your poster, i.e. your current abilities and your leadership potential.

5

5

Clearly describe (5) and justify (5) your personal concept of leadership. Explain (5) and justify your chosen frame of reference for leadership practice and development in terms of its suitability for your personal leadership development and its congruence with your personal concept of leadership (6).

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6 Introduce (5) and justify your personal leadership development plan e.g. by showing how it is based on the framework you have selected (5).

10

7

The actual plan is clearly set out e.g. with realistic goals that are broken down into achievable milestones (5). Goals must relate to leadership development. It is presented attractively in diagrammatic form such as a time line or Gannt chart (7).

12

8 Structure is obvious and logical, and written expression is fluent (3). APA citing and referencing are accurate and consistent (4)

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semesters 1 and 2

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