GBK 301-115 Spring 2015
1
GBK 301-115 Business Communications
Monday-Wednesday 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Spring Semester, January 20– March 13, 2015
Fort Hood Soldier Development Center
I. INSTRUCTOR AND CONTACT INFORMATION
Instructor: Fernando Rodriguez Ramos
Office: Designated Classroom
Phone: (254) 247-5063
Email: f.rodriguezramos@tamuct.edu
Office Hours: Monday and Wednesday, 30 minutes before or 30 minutes after class.
Office Secretary: Ms. Christine Garza (254) 519-5725, Fax (254) 519-5470
a. Method of Instruction: This course is a face- to- face course utilizing some features from
the TAMUCT/Tarleton Blackboard platform. We will meet every Monday and Wednesday
from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Soldier Development Center on Fort Hood, Texas. Texas
A&M University- Central Texas courses have a presence on the University Learning
Management System: https://tamuct.blackboard.com/. This online presence includes:
Faculty information, textbook information, course syllabus, and student evaluation of
courses. Students can access these resources by using their University ID (UID) and the 6digit University PIN to logon to this system. The available Course Outline in this Syllabus
shows the basic schedule for the semester.
b. Student/Professor Email: The preferred method of communication is via Blackboard
message. However, I am readily accessible through email, which I check often. I will get
back to you within 24 hours during the week and within 36 hours on the weekend. I can also
be reached by phone by calling 254-247-5063.
c. Office Hours: I will be available 30 minutes before and/or 30 minutes after class for any
student who wishes to talk to me about a course related issue. The office is our designated
classroom at the Soldier Development Center on Fort Hood, Texas.
d. UNILERT: UNILERT is an emergency notification service that gives Texas A&M UniversityCentral Texas the ability to communicate important health and safety emergency information
quickly via email and text message. By enrolling in UNILERT, university officials can quickly
pass on safety-related information, regardless of your location. Please enroll at
http://www.ct.tamus.edu/unilert/index.php
II. COURSE INFORMATION
GBK 301-115 Spring 2015
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1.0 Course Overview and Description: This course is a study and demonstration of the
different types of letters and reports utilized in the 21st century business environment. Basic
business research and APA citation skills will also be an essential component of this course,
as well as presentation fundamentals. This course should be completed in the first semester
of enrollment as it is a pre-requisite for most business courses.
The purpose of this course is to acquaint you with the conventions associated with business
communication as a genre and to enable you to apply these conventions effectively in a
variety of business writing contexts. This course presents a practical study of the
construction, form, and uses of the different types of business letters and reports used in
business and industry. It aims for the development of strong communication skills critical to
job placement, performance, career advancement, and organizational success.
Class meetings will focus on reviewing and application of material, concepts, and
applications from the textbook. You will perform a considerable number of hands-on
exercises and discussions designed to help you integrate and apply the material presented
in the text. Therefore, it is important for students to come to class prepared by having read
and thought about the reading material for the day. It is important for each student to take
the initiative to question or inform the instructor if he/she is having trouble following the
course reading.
2.0 Course Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, each student shall be able to:
a. Explain the importance and role communication serves in the business world today,
including the impacts of culture and globalization.
b. Tailor communications to the interests and preferences of their audience in ways that
make oral and written communications clear, concise, and compelling to the reader or
listener.
c. Apply the principles of effective written communications through the development of
various business correspondences, using Microsoft Word. Word is available in the Texas
A&M University-Central Texas computer labs.
d. Demonstrate the fundamentals of business related research, including the proper use of
APA citations.
e. Write professionally in web-based interactions with colleagues on issues of business
communication, including observance of Netiquette norms.
f. Demonstrate proper business oral communication and presentation skills, including the
use of Microsoft Power Point.
2.1 Intended Student Outcomes
Learning Outcomes by Chapter are found on Appendix A to this Syllabus.
GBK 301-115 Spring 2015
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3.0 Required Reading and Textbook
1. Rentz, Kathy and Lentz, Paula. Lesikar's Business Communication: Connecting in a
Digital World, 13e, New York: McGraw-Hill, 2014. ISBN-978-0-07-340321-2.
2. Peregrine APA Style Training Course and Exam – Access must be purchased from
Peregrine directly. Cost is $40.50 and instructions are available on Bb.
3. Access to a computer for course work.
Suggested:
American Psychological Association. (2010). Publication Manual of
American Psychological Association (6th ed.). Washington, D.C. Need ISBN – 978-1-43380561-5
It is highly advisable that that you keep this text following the course, as APA
citations are the required citation method within the Department of Management &
Marketing and will be used throughout your undergraduate and, hopefully, graduate
education.
Note: A student of this institution is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook
from a university-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from
an independent retailer, including an online retailer.
One of the key elements in the redesign of this course was the conscious emphasis on
research and writing skills that you will need to be more successful in your future classes. As
such, we decided to place a special emphasis on APA education. This citation and writing
style is almost uniformly used in COBA, but never directly taught. The hope is that with
better APA instruction early in your program, you will be better writers in your majors’
courses, you will avoid issues of plagiarism, and your instructors will have a slightly quicker
turnaround on grading your papers.
The training course and exam we selected are the best and most economical we could find
in the market today. You also have access to the training materials for a full year from the
date of access. In having you purchase access directly, we were able to save you the
bookstore mark-up and negotiate a 10% discount off the vendor's publicly stated price, thus
reducing your cost to a manageable $40.50 instead of $55-60 most likely if we went through
the bookstore. Access should be relatively quick and easy using the attached instructions.
Though the directions do not seemingly address getting the APA access itself, once you are
logged using those directions, checking the top box will allow you to purchase the APA
materials.
III. COURSE REQUIREMENTS
4.0 Writing Intensive Course: This is an “Intensive Writing (WI) Course.” The purpose of this
designation is to develop communication skills needed by those preparing to enter the
business world as well as those who are already part of that world. The course will focus on
continuous improvement in written and spoken correspondence. The instructor will provide
ongoing feedback of the individuals written, verbal and nonverbal skills. It will be the
student’s responsibility to make the instructional adjustments and corrections throughout the
semester. If you can communicate effectively (written, verbal and nonverbal), you have a
highly valued and marketable skill. Surveys have shown that the ability to communicate well
GBK 301-115 Spring 2015
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is ranked by business executives as first among the personal factors necessary for
promotion. Students must pass the writing component of a WI course in order to pass the
course.
5.0 Performance Guidelines
5.1 Attendance and Individual Performance: I ask for your regular participation in class
discussion and activities, and for your timely completion of assignments. I intend that those
who demonstrate quality, professional performance, will earn high grades. And, lesser
grades are earned by those who do not.
I strongly encourage your attendance for each class. I recognize that not all students are
able to attend each class session. When you are absent from class, use the buddy system
to find out what you missed and obtain lecture notes. I expect each student to take personal
responsibility for making up missed subject matter and assignments. Your timely
attendance, preparation for and participation in class discussion, and timeliness of
assignment submissions will all contribute toward the grade that you earn for in this class.
5.2 Reading/assignments: Class meetings will consist of lecture and review of assigned
chapters. You are expected to study the material for each assigned chapter, prior to coming
to class. See paragraph 8.0 for the reading schedule.
1. Professional Correctness Exercise (60 points, due on February 4): This assignment
is designed to assess your professional communication skills relative to the information
contained in Chapter 18. The exact requirements for this will be found under the
“Professional Assignments” tab on the left hand side of Bb.
2. Peregrine APA Competency Exam (75 points, due on February 4) - Following your
completion of the Peregrine APA training course, you will have to complete a 50 question
exam that covers the topics covered in the training modules. You are graded based on
the score received and not simply completion, so be diligent. The training course itself
usually takes 3-5 hours to complete. The instructions for registering for the course are
found in the “Required Course Materials” link on the left side of Bb.
3. Research Practice Exercise (60 Points, due on February 16) - Utilizing our library
databases, you must find two scholarly journal articles (one may be a mainstream
magazine article at least four pages in length) dealing with communication issues. These
may discuss good or bad communication techniques or describe instances where
companies struggled or had great success in communicating. After reading the two
articles, you need to prepare a one page, typed summary of each that discusses the main
points of the articles and what you learned, found interesting or disagreed with. Your
summaries should demonstrate your mastery of professional correctness, proper
summarization, APA style in general, and citations specifically. Your end reference
should provide easy access for me to review the article. A more detailed rubric is
available on Bb.
4. Professional Communication Assignments (180 total points): Each student will
develop three original business communications (60 points each) and submit them on
the due date(s) outlined in the course calendar via Bb. The instructions and submission
location are found in the tab titled “Assignment Instructions.” In general, you need to use
GBK 301-115 Spring 2015
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1” margins at the top, bottom, left and right side of page. Single-space all submissions,
and use Times New Roman size 12 point fonts. The messages will be submitted
according to the concepts and specifications outlined in the text for that type of
communication. Misspellings and grammatical mistakes must be avoided, as they will
impact the grade earned. NOTE: “Spell-check programs don’t always point out the use of
a wrong word [e.g., their/there, hair/heir, sent/scent, etc.]. Topics for the written
assignments will include:
a. Communication # 1 (60 points, due on February 23): Select one of the following:
(1). You will act as a manager and construct an email communicating a new policy to
your employees that they will love (positive). Some examples you could use
include: dress code policy, cell phone use, break time, personal use of computer,
etc. Then, in the same document and on the next page, describe how your oral
communication of this policy would be similar or different than the written policy.
(2). You will act as a manager and construct an email communicating a new policy to
your employees that they will not be happy with (negative). Some examples you
could use include: strict dress code policy, no cell phone use, no personal use of
computer, cuts in employee benefits, etc. Then, in the same document and on the
next page, describe how your oral communication of this policy would be similar or
different than the written policy.
b. Communication # 2 (60 points, due on March 2): Select one of the following:
(1). “Request Correspondence.” Compose a business letter to your supervisor
[address it to the instructor] requesting permission to register for a careerenhancing course at Texas A&M University-Central Texas. The student will select
a course from the university catalog and explain how this course will not only help
the worker (student), but how it will also benefit the company.
(2). Compose a business letter to a real company with regards to a problem you
experienced either with their services or a product. In a professional manner,
explain both the problem and what you are seeking, including well thought out
reasons why they should honor your request.
c. Communication # 3 (60 points, due on March 9): Prepare a resume with cover letter
for a job that you would be qualified for based on the degree you are presently
pursuing.
5. Individual Research Paper and Presentation (225 total points, Due on March 11):
This major assignment will be developed in accordance with the parameters below and
the rubrics found in Bb with the assignment instructions. All subjects and materials to be
presented in this course must be “new works” researched and assembled by you for this
course only. Thus, the Recycling of cases, proposals, reports, and subjects from this
or other classes “is prohibited” and in violation
You will have to produce an internal proposal addressed to the instructor as your
supervisor worth 150 of the 225 total points. This proposal must address a business
problem of your choosing, contain an introduction to the problem, provide at least four
alternatives (with support) that you believe could correct the problem, provide a cost-
GBK 301-115 Spring 2015
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benefit analysis, explain your recommended alternative to correct the problem, and an
implementation schedule with timeline. Be specific and detailed!
Your research must include at least eight references, with at least one book, one
scholarly journal article and no more than 3 internet articles in the eight reference
minimum. All references and citations must conform to APA style guidelines. The final
product should be 7-10 page report (1-cover sheet, 5 to 8 body, 1-references), excluding
attached appendices. As this is a proposal to your supervisor, and possibly those at
higher levels, it must also be grammatically correct.
You will also make a “10” minute oral presentation about your topic worth 75 of the 225
points. A copy of your written paper and a copy of your “MS PowerPoint Slides” will be
submitted to the instructor prior to your oral presentation. More detailed grading
parameters are found in the rubric on Bb.
NOTE: Oral presentations will be conducted in a professional manner, to include
appropriate business dress. Men: slacks, shirt, socks, shoes, and tie (No denims, jeans,
boot pants, Levi’s, sneakers, etc.). Ladies: blouse and slacks or dress, or suit with
socks/stockings and either low or high-heeled shoes. Look Like professionals! Timing will
be strictly adhered to. Presentation points will be deducted if the presentation runs short
or over by more than “1”minute.
6. Examinations (300 total points): You will complete three examinations in this course
worth 100 points each. Each exam may be composed of T/F, Matching, Multiple Choice,
Essay and/or Practice Exercises to assess the course and chapter objectives, as well as
the course content in general. They may vary in composition from exam to exam.
7. Quizzes or Other Assignments: Instructor will determine if any will be completed.
5.6 Specifications for Written Assignments: All written work must be done on a computer. For
those who don’t own a computer, the University Computer Lab is available during the
semester.
All work will be submitted on 8 ½ inch by 11 inch white bond paper, and using the color
black for wording. All margins will be 1 inch at the top, bottom, and left and right sides. All
items submitted are expected to be of collegiate quality, language, and depth. Please
prepare your written work(s) using a format/style consistent with professional business
practice. The Style Guide of the American Psychological Association is the standard we will
use.
The quality of your work is a reflection of you; always present your best side. Quality work
has a professional appearance and is free of spelling errors, and penned corrections.
Always write as a “Positive Affirmation.”
Points will be deducted for poor grammar, wording, misspellings, appearance (balance) and
improper submission. All written work is due on the date specified in paragraph 8.
6.0 Grade Computation
Grades will be calculated as follows:
GBK 301-115 Spring 2015
LETTER GRADE
A
B
C
D
F
EQUALS
=
=
=
=
=
FROM
900
800
700
600
Below
7
TO
1000 points
899 points
799 points
699 points
600 points
Activity
Points
Exams – 3 at 100 points each
Professional Correctness Exercise
Peregrine APA Exam
Research Practice
Communication 1
Communication 2
Communication 3
Individual Research Paper/Proposal
Written
Presentation
Participation/Attendance Grade
(15X6.6 points)
TOTALS
300
60
75
60
60
60
60
225
(150)
(75)
100
Percent of
Final Grade
30%
6%
7.5%
6%
6%
6%
6%
22.5%
(15%)
(7.5%)
10%
1000
100%
IV. TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS AND SUPPORT
7.0 Technology Requirements: This course will use the new TAMU-CT Blackboard Learn
learning management system for class communications, content distribution, and
assessments.
Logon to https://tamuct.blackboard.com to access the course.
Username: Your MyCT username (xx123 or everything before the "@" in your MyCT e-mail
address).
Initial password: Your MyCT password.
For this course, you will need reliable and frequent access to a computer and to the Internet.
You will also need a headset with a microphone or speakers and a microphone to be able to
listen to online resources and conduct other activities in the course. If you do not have
frequent and reliable access to a computer with Internet connection, please consider
dropping this course or contact me (your email and phone number) to discuss your situation.
Blackboard supports the most common operating systems:
PC: Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista
Mac: Mac OS X Mavericks
NOTE: Computers using Windows XP, Windows 8 RT and OS X 10.6 or lower are NO
longer supported
GBK 301-115 Spring 2015
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Check browser and computer compatibility by following the “Browser Check” link on the
TAMU-CT Blackboard logon page. (https://tamuct.blackboard.com) This is a CRITICAL step
as these settings are important for when you take an exam or submit an assignment.
Upon logging on to Blackboard Learn, you will see a link to Blackboard Student Orientation
under My Courses tab. Click on that link and study the materials in this orientation course.
The new Blackboard is a brand-new interface and you will have to come up to speed with it
really quickly. This orientation course will help you get there. There is also a link to
Blackboard Help from inside the course on the left-hand menu bar. The first week of the
course includes activities and assignments that will help you get up to speed with
navigation, sending and receiving messages and discussion posts, and submitting an
assignment. Your ability to function within the Blackboard system will facilitate your success
in this course.
Technology issues are not an excuse for missing a course requirement – make sure your
computer is configured correctly and address issues well in advance of deadlines.
IV. COURSE OUTLINE AND CALENDAR
8.0 Course Outline and Assignments: The following course outline and assignments listing is
provide as a guide for each student to assist you in keeping up to date in your studies and in
completion of your assignments.
Week
1
Day
Due Dates
All due dates are for the
NEXT class period
Wednesday, Review the Syllabus
Read the Syllabus
January 20 Chapter 1: Understanding
Review Appendix E,
Workplace Communication
“Documentation and the
Chapter 3: Adapting Words to Your Bibliography” (Citing &
Readers
Integrating Sources) APA
Register for the Peregrine APA
Course
Monday,
January 26
Activities
Chapter 4: Constructing Clear
Sentences and Paragraphs
Chapter 18: Conveying
Professionalism Through
Correctness.
2
Wednesday, Chapter 13: Conducting Research
January 28 for Decision Makers
Continue reviewing APA resources
and the Peregrine APA Course.
Chapter 2: Communicating Across
Cultures
GBK 301-115 Spring 2015
Monday,
February 2
Chapter 11: Preparing Informative
and Influential Business Reports
3
Wednesday, Chapter 12: Choosing the Right
February 4
type of Report
Monday,
February 9
4
Wednesday, Chapter 5: Writing for Positive
February 11 Effect
Chapter 6: Choosing the Best
Process and Form
Monday,
February 16
5
7
8
Complete the Peregrine APA
Exam (Due February 11).
Research Practice Exercise
(Due February 16).
Complete Exam 2: Chapters
5-7, 11, 12 & 14 (Due
February 23).
Communication #1 (Due by
February 23).
Communication #2 (Due by
March 2).
Chapter 15: Communicating
Effectively in Meetings and
Conversations.
Wednesday, Chapter 16: Delivering Oral
March 4
Reports and Business Speeches
Monday,
March 9
Complete Exam 1: Chapters
1-4, 13, and 18 (Due February
9).
Chapter 9: Making Your Case with
Persuasive Messages and
Proposals
Wednesday, Chapter 10: Conducting a Winning
February 25 Job Campaign – Résumés and
Cover Letters
Monday,
March 2
Complete the Professional
Correctness Exercise (Due
on February 4).
Chapter 7: Getting to the Point in
Good-News and Neutral Messages
Wednesday, Chapter 8: Maintaining Goodwill in
February 18 Bad-News Messages
Monday,
February 23
6
Chapter 14 – Using Visual Aids to
Make Your Point
9
Individual Presentations and
Proposals
Wednesday, Individual Presentations and
March 11
Proposals
Complete Exam 3: Chapters
8-10 and 15-16 (Due by March
11).
Communication #3 (Due by
March 9).
Individual Presentations and
Written Proposals. Due By
March 11.
Individual Presentations and
Written Proposals. Due By
March 11.
Note: April 18th – Summer 2015 Graduation Applications Due
GBK 301-115 Spring 2015
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V. COURSE AND UNIVERSITY PROCEDURES AND POLICIES
9.0 Drop Policy: If you discover that you need to drop this class, you must go to the Records
Office and ask for the necessary paperwork. Professors cannot drop students; this is
always the responsibility of the student. Be sure to keep up with Registrar’s Office deadlines
for withdrawing from this course, should your progress fall significantly behind. The record’s
office will give a deadline for which the form must be returned, completed, and signed. Once
you return the signed form to the records office and wait 24 hours, you must go into
DuckTrax and confirm that you are no longer enrolled. If you are still enrolled, FOLLOW-UP
with the records office immediately. Should you miss the deadline or fail to follow the
procedure, you will receive an F in the course. “Incompletes” will be given in this class ONLY
if a significant portion of the course has been completed and there is a documented medical
or family emergency warranting the incomplete.
10.0 Academic Integrity: Texas A&M University - Central Texas expects all students to
maintain high standards of honor in personal and scholarly conduct. Any deviation from this
expectation may result in a minimum of a failing grade for the assignment and potentially a
failing grade for the course. All academic dishonesty concerns will be reported to the
university's Office of Student Conduct. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to,
cheating on an examination or other academic work, plagiarism and improper citation of
sources, using another student's work, collusion, and the abuse of resource materials. When
in doubt on collaboration, citation, or any issue, please contact me before taking a course of
action. More information can be found at:
http://www.tamuct.edu/departments/studentconduct/academicintegrity.php
11.0 Disability Support and Access: At Texas A&M University- Central Texas, we value an
inclusive learning environment where every student has an equal chance to succeed and
has the right to an education that is barrier-free. The Office of Disability Support and Access
is responsible for ensuring that students with a disability enjoy equal access to the
University's programs, services and activities. Some aspects of this course or the way the
course is taught may present barriers to learning due to a disability. If you feel this is the
case, please contact Disability Support and Access at (254) 501-5831 in Warrior Hall, Ste.
212. For more information, please visit their website at www.tamuct.edu/DisabilitySupport.
Any information you provide is private and confidential and will be treated as such.
12.0 Tutoring: Tutoring is available to all TAMUCT students, both on-campus and online.
Subjects tutored include Accounting, Finance, Statistics, Mathematics, and Writing. Tutors
are available at the Tutoring Center in Warrior Hall, Room 111. Visit
www.ct.tamus.edu/AcademicSupport and click "Tutoring Support" for tutor schedules and
contact info. If you have questions, need to schedule a tutoring session, or if you're
interested in becoming a tutor, contact Academic Support Programs at 254-501-5830 or by
emailing tutoring@ct.tamus.edu.
Chat live with a tutor 24/7 for almost any subject on your computer! Tutor.com is an online
tutoring platform that enables TAMUCT students to log-in and receive FREE online tutoring
and writing support. This tool provides tutoring in Mathematics, Writing, Career Writing,
Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Spanish, Calculus, and Statistics. To access Tutor.com, log
into your Blackboard account and click "Online Tutoring."
GBK 301-115 Spring 2015
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13.0 Library Services: Information literacy focuses on research skills which prepare individuals
to live and work in an information-centered society. Library research skills are another
critical tool in the business world, and will be required for this class in conjunction with
Management Portfolio Project. Librarians will work with students in the development of
critical reasoning, ethical use of information, and the appropriate use of secondary research
techniques. Help may include, yet is not limited to: exploration of information resources such
as library collections and services, identification of subject databases and scholarly journals,
and execution of effective search strategies. Library Resources are outlined and accessed
at: http://www.tarleton.edu/centraltexas/departments/library/.
14.0 Professionalism: Class attendance and participation can only enhance your grade. You
can receive extra points for participation that might make a difference if you are 1-2 points
below the next highest letter grade.
15.0 Changes to Syllabus: A syllabus serves as an instructional and study planning document.
It may become necessary to make changes during the course of this semester. In such an
event, changes will be announced in class and students will receive written notice within 10
days of the change decision. I reserve the right to make changes as necessary to meet
course requirements.
16.0 Instructor Notes: Professional level writing and communication are critical skills in the
business world. This standard should be displayed in all assignments for this class. All
communications, both to the Professor and student colleagues should be kept professional,
including classroom discussion and email correspondence. For written assignments, all work
should be proofread, free of grammatical errors, include proper citations and be in
accordance with American Psychological Association (APA) standards. For information on
APA standards and correct citation formats consult the APA Publication Manual, and/or link
to the following sources: http://www.tarleton.edu/library/userhelp/APA_format_bib.pdf
http://www.library.cornell.edu/newhelp/res_strategy/citing/apa.html
For Internet citations - http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/10/ References in the
body of your paper are not cited correctly. A sample paper using APA style guidelines can
be reviewed at: http://www.dianahacker.com/pdfs/Hacker-Shaw-APA.pdf
Appendix A Learning Outcomes by Chapter
Chapter 1
1. Explain the importance of communication to you and to business.
2. Describe the main challenges facing business communicators today.
3. Describe the three main categories of business communication.
4. Describe the formal and informal communication networks of the business organization.
5. Describe factors that affect the types and amount of communicating that a business
does.
6. Explain why business communication is a form of problem solving.
7. Describe the various contexts for each act of business communication.
8. Describe the business communication process.
Chapter 2
1. Explain why communicating clearly across cultures is important to business.
2. Describe three major factors that influence a country or region’s culture.
GBK 301-115 Spring 2015
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3. Describe cultural differences regarding body positions and movements and use this
knowledge effectively in communicating.
4. Describe the impact of culture on views and practices concerning human relations and
use this knowledge effectively in communicating.
5. Explain the language equivalency problem and techniques for minimizing its effects.
6. Describe what one can do to enhance one’s cross-cultural communication skills.
Chapter 3
1. Explain the role of adaptation in selecting words that communicate.
2. Simplify writing by selecting familiar and short words.
3. Use slang and popular clichés with caution.
4. Use technical words and acronyms appropriately.
5. Use concrete, specific words with the right shades of meaning.
6. Avoid misusing similar words and use idioms correctly.
7. Use active verbs.
8. Use words that do not discriminate.
Chapter 4
1. Explain the role of adaptation in writing clear sentences.
2. Write short, clear sentences by limiting sentence content and economizing on words.
3. Design sentences that give the right emphasis to content.
4. Employ unity and good logic in writing effective sentences.
5. Compose paragraphs that are short and unified, use topic sentences effectively, and
communicate coherently.
Chapter 5
1. Explain the need for a positive effect in business messages.
2. Use a conversational style that has the appropriate level of formality and eliminates
“rubber stamps.”
3. Use the you-viewpoint to build goodwill.
4. Employ positive language to achieve goodwill and other desired effects.
5. Explain and use the elements of courtesy.
6. Use the three major techniques for emphasizing the positive and de-emphasizing the
negative.
Chapter 6
1. Describe the writing process and effective writing strategies.
2. Explain the importance of readable formatting.
3. Describe the development and current usage of the business letter.
4. Describe the purpose and form of memorandums (memos).
5. Describe the purpose and form of email.
6. Understand the nature and business uses of text messaging and instant messaging.
7. Understand the nature and business uses of social media.
8. Understand the inverted pyramid structure for organizing and writing Web documents.
Chapter 7
1. Properly assess the reader’s likely reaction to your message.
2. Describe the general plan for direct-order messages.
3. Write clear, well-structured routine inquiries.
4. Write direct, orderly, and favorable answers to inquiries.
GBK 301-115 Spring 2015
5.
6.
7.
8.
13
Write order acknowledgments and other thank-you messages that build goodwill.
Write direct claims in situations where an adjustment will likely be granted.
Compose adjustment grants that regain any lost confidence.
Write clear and effective internal operational communications.
Chapter 8
1. Determine which situations require using the indirect order for the most effective
response.
2. Write indirect-order messages following the general plan.
3. Use tact and courtesy in refusals of requests.
4. Compose tactful, yet clear, claim messages using an indirect approach.
5. Write adjustment refusals that minimize the negative and overcome bad impressions.
6. Write negative announcements that maintain goodwill.
Chapter 9
1. Describe important strategies for writing any persuasive message.
2. Write skillful persuasive requests that begin indirectly, develop convincing reasoning,
make a call to action, and close with goodwill.
3. Discuss ethical concerns regarding sales messages.
4. Describe the planning steps for direct mail or email sales messages.
5. Compose sales messages that gain attention, present persuasive appeals, use
appropriate visual elements, and effectively drive for action.
6. Write well-organized and persuasive proposals.
Chapter 10
1. Develop and use a network of contacts in your job search.
2. Assemble and evaluate information that will help you select a job.
3. Identify the sources that can lead you to an employer.
4. Compile résumés for print and electronic environments that are strong, complete, and
organized.
5. Write targeted cover messages that skillfully sell your abilities.
6. Explain how you can participate effectively in an interview.
7. Write application follow-up messages that are appropriate, friendly, and positive.
8. Maintain your job-search activities.
Chapter 11
1. Write clear problem and purpose statements.
2. List the factors involved in a problem.
3. Explain the common errors in interpreting and develop attitudes and practices conducive
to good interpreting.
4. Organize information in outline form, using time, place, quantity, factor, or a combination
of these as bases for division.
5. Turn an outline into a table of contents whose format and wording are logical and
meaningful.
6. Write reports that are clear, objective, consistent in time viewpoint, smoothly connected,
and interesting.
7. Prepare reports collaboratively.
Chapter 12
1. Explain the makeup of reports relative to length and formality.
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2. Discuss the four main ways that the writing in short reports differs from the writing in long
reports.
3. Choose an appropriate form for short reports.
4. Adapt the procedures for writing short reports to routine operational reports, progress
reports, and problem-solving reports as well as to minutes of meetings.
5. Write longer reports that include the appropriate components, meet the readers’ needs,
and are easy to follow.
Chapter 13
1. Explain why research is useful in business.
2. Explain the difference between secondary and primary research.
3. Explain the difference between quantitative and qualitative research.
4. Use Internet search engines to gather existing information.
5. Use other Web resources to gather existing information.
6. Evaluate websites for reliability.
7. Use social networking and social bookmarking sites to gather existing information.
8. Use the library to gather existing information.
9. Use sampling to conduct a survey.
10. Construct a questionnaire and conduct a survey.
11. Conduct an experiment for a business problem.
12. Design an observational study for a business problem.
13. Explain the uses of focus groups and personal interviews.
14. Discuss important ethical guidelines for research.
Chapter 14
1. Plan which parts of your report or other document should be communicated or supported
by visuals.
2. Explain how visuals are presented—size, layout, type, rules and borders, color and
cross-hatching, clip art, background, numbering, titles, title placement, and footnotes and
acknowledgments.
3. Construct textual visuals such as tables, pull quotes, flowcharts, and process charts.
4. Construct and use visuals such as bar charts, pie charts, line charts, scatter diagrams,
and maps.
5. Avoid common errors and ethical problems when constructing and using visuals.
6. Place and interpret visuals effectively.
Chapter 15
1. Discuss talking and its key elements.
2. Explain the techniques for conducting and participating in meetings.
3. Describe good phone and voice mail techniques.
4. Explain the barriers to good listening and describe how to overcome them.
5. Describe the nature and types of nonverbal communication.
Chapter 16
1. Define oral reports and describe important differences between oral and written reports.
2. Determine an appropriate topic, purpose, and structure for a speech or presentation.
3. Describe the personal, physical, and vocal traits that contribute to an effective report or
speech.
4. Plan visuals (graphics and slides) to support oral reports and speeches.
5. Plan and deliver effective Web-based presentations.
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6. Work effectively with a group to prepare and deliver a team presentation.
Chapter 17
1. Use appropriate tools for planning a writing project.
2. Use tools to help you find and organize information.
3. Use tools to help you interpret and present information.
4. Make good use of drafting tools, especially those in your word-processing program.
5. Use tools in your word-processing software to revise and edit your documents and send
them in the appropriate format to your audience.
6. Take advantage of computer tools for online collaboration.
7. Discuss the impact of developments in technology on business communication.
Chapter 18
1. Punctuate messages correctly.
2. Write complete, grammatically correct sentences, avoiding such problems as awkward
construction, dangling modifiers, and misuse of words.
3. Determine when to spell out numbers and when to express them in numeral form
according to standards of correctness.
4. Spell words correctly by applying spelling rules and using a dictionary or spelling
checker.
5. Use capital letters for all proper names, first words of sentences, and first words of
complimentary closes.