GBK 301— 120
Fall 2015
GBK 301.120, (CRN: 80269) Business Communications & Research
“Writing Intensive Course
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 11:00 AM to 12:15 PM.
Fall Semester, August 25 to December 11, 2015
Founder’s Hall, Room 304
Instructor:
Department:
Office:
Phone:
E-mail:
Office Hours:
ADMIN
ASSISTANT:
Student
Professor
Interaction:
Mr. John La Lone, Asst. Professor. BS-BA, MS-HRM.
Management and Marketing Department
Room 318L
(254) 519-5472
jlalone@tamuct.edu
August 24, 2015 to December 11, 2015
Monday/Wednesday 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Tuesday/Thursday 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM
You must call our Admin Assistant to make appointments.
Mr. Mcsweeney PH: (254) 519-5437
Fax (254) 501-2825
Preferred contact with me for this course is via Blackboard message
or TAMUCT e-mail if Blackboard is not working. For appointments,
contact Admin Assistant [above]. I will respond to e-mails within
24-48 hours, except weekends and holidays.
Mode of instruction and course access
This is a Face-to-Face course, but does use TAMUCT’s Blackboard system (Bb) for providing
course resource materials, and for your nettiquite assignments. http://tamuct.blackboard.com
The instructions in section 7 of this syllabus will assist you with gaining access and technical
support. Once you are in BB, there is tab on the left labeled “Online Learning” that will have
additional BB resources if you are unfamiliar with BB. Though no specific knowledge is
required as a prerequisite to this course, it will be essential that you have a familiarity with the
use of Power Point, Microsoft Word, the Internet, and attaching documents at a minimum.
UNILERT
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UNILERT is an emergency notification service that gives Texas A&M University-Central Texas
the ability to communicate health and safety emergency information quickly via email and text
message. By enrolling in UNILERT, university officials can quickly pass on safety-related
information, regardless of your location. Please enroll today at http://TAMUCT.org/UNILERT
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GBK 301— 120
1.0
Fall 2015
Course Description:
This course is a study and demonstration of the different types of letters and reports utilized in
the 21st century business environment. Basic business research and APA citation skills will also
be an essential component of this course, as well as presentation fundamentals. This course
should be completed in the first semester of enrollment as it is a pre-requisite for most business
courses.
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.
3.0
Required Textbook(s) and Resources:
Required:
1. Rentz, K. and P. Lentz (2014). Lesikar’s Business Communication (13th Ed.).
New York: McGraw-Hill. ISBN: 9780073403212
2. Peregrine APA Style Training Course and Exam – Access may be purchased
either in our bookstore or from Peregrine directly – Approximately $40
3. Access to a computer for course work and a webcam for presentations.
Suggested:
4. American Psychological Association. (2009). Publication Manual of American
Psychological Association (7th ed.). Washington, D.C. Need ISBN – It is highly
advisable that that you keep this text following the course, as APA citations are
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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.
4.0 Writing Intensive Designation
This is an “Intensive Writing (WI) Course.” The purpose of this designation is to develop
communication skills needed by those preparing to enter the business world as well as those who
are already part of that world. The course will focus on continuous improvement in written and
spoken correspondence. The instructor will provide ongoing feedback of the individuals
written, verbal and nonverbal skills. It will be the student’s responsibility to make the
instructional adjustments and corrections throughout the semester. If you can communicate
effectively (written, verbal and nonverbal), you have a highly valued and marketable skill.
Surveys have shown that the ability to communicate well is ranked by business executives as
first among the personal factors necessary for promotion. Students must pass the writing
component of a WI course in order to pass the course.
5.0 Course Performance Guidelines
a. Individual Performance: It is vital that you are active in the course and complete all
work in a professional fashion. One of the biggest issues with student success in online
courses is simply not submitting work on time. You are expected to read the chapters as
assigned in the calendar as well as read or view any supplemental resources that may be
found in the Module content folders for that period.
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.
b. Specifications for Written Assignments: All written work must be submitted utilizing
Microsoft Word in either a .doc or .docx format. Any other guidance is instructor
determined, but APA citation style must be followed and graded for where appropriate.
c. Texas A&M University-Central Texas E-Mail Account: Each student must claim and
use their Texas A&M University-Central Texas e-mail account. E-mail correspondence
between all students and your instructor will be via your Texas A&M University-Central
Texas “Blackboard” account [In case of Blackboard breakdown, use your Texas A&M
University-Central Texas student e-mail account]. Each student will send a message to
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your instructor by Tuesday-September 1, 2015 via your TAMU-CT “Blackboard”
account. This message must reflect student’s name, TAMU-CT e-mail address, course
number, and course title. If you have to use your TAMU-CT e-mail account, the Subject
Line must reflect this course number and student’s name.
d. Reading/assignments: Class meetings will consist of: lecture on and review of assigned
chapters. You are expected to study the material for each assigned chapter, prior to
coming to class. See paragraph 8 for reading schedule.
e. Written Assignments: Each student will develop several original business
communications items and submit them in message sets on the due date(s) outlined in
paragraph 8. Each student is expected to design their own letterhead and use it on their
message sets. Please use 1” margin at top, bottom, left and right side of page. Singlespace all message sets, and use Times New Roman size 12 fonts. Message sets will be
submitted according to the concepts and precepts outlined in the text. Message Sets,
Proposals, Presentations (etc.), are due on the date specified in Paragraph 8, to the
instructor in the classroom. Misspellings will be avoided.
5.1 Course Requirements
a. Discussions (90 Points)– There will be three discussion assignments due throughout the
semester. The exact requirements for each will be found under the “Assignment
Instructions” tab on the left hand side of Bb. Your responses must be at least 150 words
in length, and must provide a viable business answer.
b. Professional Correctness Exercise (50 points)– This assignment is designed to assess
your professional communication skills relative to the information contained in Chapter
18. You must read, and comply, with the instructions on page 620, 621, 622, and 623 and
must be typewritten using your computer [MS.Word or equivalent].
c. APA Competency Exam (80 points) - Following your completion of the Peregrine APA
training course, you will have to complete a 50 question exam that covers the topics
covered in the training modules. Once you have completed the course, you must print a
copy of your completion certificate with grades reflected, and submit to your instructor in
the classroom. For this course, you “Must obtain” the grade of seventy percent (70 %)
or higher to pass this exam—and this part of the course.
d. Professional Communications (150 total points): Each student will develop three
original business communications (50 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 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
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Fall 2015
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.]. Submissions will be accepted for credit after
the due date, however there will be a five (5) percent grade deduction for each day after
the due date [Maximum seven days late allowed, and incurs a 35 % grade deduction].
Topics for the written assignments will include:
(1). Communication # 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. DUE: October 20, 2015.
(2). Communication # 2: “Request Correspondence.” You will compose a business letter
to your supervisor [address it to the instructor] requesting permission to register for a
career-enhancing course at Texas A&M University-Central Texas. The student will select
a course from the university catalog and explain how this course will not only help the
worker (student), but how it will also benefit the company. DUE: November 3, 2015.
(3). Communication # 3: Prepare a resume, complete with a cover letter and references,
for a job that you would be qualified for based on the degree you are presently pursuing
(Chapter 10). Due: November 12, 2015.
e. Individual Research Paper, Group Proposals and their Associated Presentations:
Each assignment will be developed in accordance with the parameters below. All subjects
and materials to be presented in this course must be “new works” researched and
assembled by you/your group for this course only. Thus, the Recycling of cases,
proposals, reports, and subjects from this or other classes “is prohibited” and in
violation of requirements.
(1). Individual Research Paper/Presentation (100 Points):
During the early part of the semester, you will have to complete an 8 page individual
research paper (inclusive of cover page and references cited page) on a topic of your
choosing. The goal of this assessment is to test research, summarization and APA skills
that you have just covered.
You will also make a “5” minute oral presentation) about your topic in the classroom, on
one of the days/dates scheduled in paragraph 8 below—and specifically on the day/date I
assign to you. A copy of your written paper and a copy of your “MS PowerPoint NOTES
Slides” will be submitted to the instructor prior to your oral presentation…they will be
accompanied with an electronic copy on a CD-“R”. One point will be deducted for every
minute less than 4 or over 6 minutes in length.
(2). Long Group Proposal (200 points): Each group will produce an internal proposal
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addressed to the instructor as your supervisor. Research the business topic selected by
your group or team. Your research must include at least 9 references (3 journals or
magazines, 3 Internet articles, and 3 books--web-download will not be accepted in lieu
of a book) and they must be cited in the body of your written paper. Write a 10-page
report (1- cover sheet, 8-body, 1 bibliography/ reference), excluding attached
data/material.
You must also prepare MS PowerPoint slides for use in your oral presentation. A copy
the written proposal and “MS PowerPoint notes-slides” (with notes affixed) will be
submitted to the instructor on the day/date you are scheduled to do your oral presentation,
prior to your oral presentation… they will be accompanied with an electronic copy on a
CD-“R.” All presentations will be conducted using current multi-media/information
technology methods, in this class it will be MS.PowerPoint. Your group will each share
in the presentation of this long proposal. The oral report will be not less than 10 minutes
or more than 15 minutes in length. Each group member will contribute to the produced
report and the contribution will be identified in “Table of Contents of the written report.
[“An individual who does not contribute and/or Participate with his/her group will
receive a grade of Zero]. Grading of the report and oral presentation will be a “Team
Grade” shared alike and no individual grade will be given [except as noted in the
preceding sentence]. This presentation will be conducted in the classroom according to
the schedule in paragraph 8 below, and further delineated by Team to a specific date.
Team Formation Parameters: I will appoint team members.
NOTES:
1. I will not re-assign individuals to a different group after the initial assignment has
been made. It is the group’s responsibility to work together. Students desiring
guidance on working with group members are welcome to ask me for advice. If
group members are unable to work together, they have the right to fire themselves
or another group member(s) from their group. In this case, the fired individual(s)
must complete a different “Long Proposal” individually, with the same specifications
described above. Fired individual(s) should email me about being fired so that I can
provide them with ideas for a different Proposal topic.
2. All oral presentations (Individual and Group) 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. Ten presentation points will be
deducted if the presentation runs short or over by more than “1”minute.
f. Examinations: There will be three examinations during the semester. Each will be a
combination of multiple-choice and true/false questions, each will be non-cumulative.
Exams will be closed book and closed notes. Exams will be administered in class as
scheduled in paragraph 8 [schedule]. All missed/ make-up exams [regardless of reason]
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will be as scheduled in paragraph 8 below—and they will be comprehensive.
g. Quizzes or Other Assignments: Will only be administered if I see the need.
5.2
Grade Computation
Grades will be calculated as follows:
LETTER GRADE
A
B
C
D
F
EQUALS
=
=
=
=
=
FROM
900
800
700
600
Below
Activity
TO
1000
899
799
699
600
Points
Exams (3 @ 100 Points each)
Professional Correctness Exercise
Peregrine APA Exam
Communication 1
Communication 2
Communication 3
Individual Research Paper
Written
Presentation
Team Proposal
Proposal, Long, Team-Planning
300
50
80
50
50
50
100
(80)
(20)
200
(25)
Percent of
Final Grade
30%
5%
8%
5%
5%
5%
10%
(8%)
(2%)
20%
(2.5%)
Proposal, Long, Team -Written
Proposal, Long, Team-Presentation
Discussion Board (3 @ 30 Points each)
Professionalism
TOTALS
(125)
(50)
90
30
1000
(12.5%)
(5%)
9%
3%
100%
6.0
Technology Requirements and resources
This course will use the TAMUCT Blackboard Learn learning management system for class
communications, content distribution, and assessments.
Logon to access the course.
Username: Your MyCT username (xx123 or everything before the "@" in your MyCT email address)
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Fall 2015
Initial password: Your MyCT password
For this course, you will need reliable and frequent access to a computer and to the Internet.
Blackboard supports the most common operating systems:
PC: Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista
Mac: Mac OS X 10.9 (Mavericks), 10.8 (Mountain Lion), and 10.7 (Lion)
NOTE: Computers using Windows XP, Windows 8 RT and OS X 10.6 or lower are NO
longer supported
Check browser and computer compatibility by following the “Browser Check” link on the
TAMUCT Blackboard logon page. (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.
6.1. Technology Issues & Troubleshooting:
For technology issues, students should contact Help Desk Central. 24 hours a day, 7
days a week:
Email: helpdesk@tamu.edu
Phone: (254) 519-5466
Web Chat: http://hdc.tamu.edu
When calling for support please let your support technician know you are a
TAMUCT student.
For issues related to course content and requirements, contact your instructor.
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7.0. Course Outline and Assignments
Unit and Week
Subjects/Chapters to Be
Covered
Familiarize Yourself w/the Bb
Week 1: Dates
Tues--Aug 25, 2015.
course/Course Requirements
Thur--Aug 27, 2015
1. Read Ch 1 – Understanding
Workplace Communication,
Week 2: Dates
1. Read Ch 4 – Constructing
Tues--Sep 1, 2015
Clear Sentences/Paragraphs
Thur--Sep 3, 2015
Week 3: Dates
Tues--Sep 8, 2015
Thur--Sep 10, 2015
Week 4: Dates
Tues--Sep 15, 2015
Thurs-Sep 17, 2015
Week 5: Dates
Tues--Sep 22, 2015
2. Chapter 18 – Conveying
Professionalism Through
Correctness
1. Study the Materials on
Academic and Business
Research, Academic Integrity
& Plagiarism-----------------
2. Also begin reviewing APA
resources and the Peregrine
APA Course.
3. Chapter 18- Lecture
Continued
4. Read Ch 11 – Preparing
Informative & Influential
Business Reports
1. Finish APA Course
2. Read Chapter 2 –
Communicating Across
Cultures
3. Read Chapter 13 –
Conducting Research for
Decision Makers
Assignments
Course Intro for F-2-F.
Discussion #1 – DueMust
be submitted by: Sep 1, 2015
Special Handout
Must complete Peregrine
APA Exam by Oct 22, 2015
& Submit Cert “With Grades”
to Instructor in Classroom.
Pre- Admonition.
1. Exam#1-------------------
Chap 1, 2, 4, 11, 18
Thurs-Sep 24, 2015
2. Demonstration-Prepare
3. Correctness Exercise---
See pg 620, 621, 622, 623
in text.
MS.PowerPoint DEMO
Correctness Exercise, Must
be submitted by: Sep 24,
2015
Week 6: Dates
Tues--Sep 29, 2015
1. Read Ch 3 – Adapting your
Words to Your Readers
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GBK 301— 120
Thurs-Oct 1, 2015
Week 7: Dates
Tues--Oct 6, 2015
Thurs-Oct 8, 2015
Week 8: Dates
Tues--Oct 13, 2015
Fall 2015
2. Read Ch 12 – Choosing the
Right type of Report
1. Read Chapter 14, Using
Visual Aids to Make Your
Point
2. Read Chapter 14- Lecture
continued
Indiv, Oral Presentations
Discussion #2 – Must be
Submitted by: Oct 6, 2015
Individual Research Paper &
Oral Presentations DUE: In
Class, Oct 13/15, 2015. By
Name Schedule
Thurs-Oct 15, 2015
Indiv, Oral Presentations
Individual Research Paper &
Oral Presentations DUE: In
Class, Oct 13/15, 2015. By
Name Schedule
Week 9: Dates
Tues--Oct 20, 2015
1. Read Ch 10, Conducting a
Winning Job Campaign.
Communication #1 Due By:
Oct 20, 2015
Thurs-Oct 22, 2015
2. Continue Ch 10 Lecture
Peregrine APA Exam-----
Week 10: Dates
Tues--Oct 27, 2015
Thurs-Oct 29, 2015
Week 11: Dates
Tues--Nov 3, 2015
Thurs-Nov 5, 2015
Week 12: Dates
Tues--Nov 10, 2015
Thurs-Nov 12, 2015
Week 13: Dates
Tues--Nov 17, 2015
Thurs-Nov 19, 2015
Must complete Peregrine
APA Exam by Oct 22, 2015
& Submit Cert & Grades to
Instructor
Exam #2
Chapters 3, 10, 12, 13, & 14
DEMONSTRATIONWhite Board
Read Chapter 5 – Writing for
a Positive Effect
On Communication 2.
Read Ch 6 – Choosing the
Best Process & Forms
1. Ch 7 – Getting to the Point
in Good-News & Neutral
Messages
2. Ch 7 – Getting to the Point
in Good-News & Neutral
Messages
1. Read Ch 8 – Maintaining
Good Will in Bad News
Messages
2. Read Ch 9 – Making Your
Case w/Persuasive Messages
Communication #2 Due By:
Nov 3, 2015
Communication #3 Due By:
Nov 12, 2015
Discussion #3 Due by:
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GBK 301— 120
Week 14: Dates
Tues--Nov 24, 2015
Thurs-Nov 26, 2015
Week 15: Dates
Tues--Dec 1, 2015
Fall 2015
& Proposals
1. Read Ch 15 – Communicating Effectively in Meetings &
Conversations
2. Read Ch 16 – Delivering
Oral Reports & Business
Speeches
1. Team Proposal Due with
Oral Presentations
Nov 19, 2015
Team Written Proposals &:
Orals Due: Dec 1 & 3, 2015
Per By Name Schedule
Thurs-Dec 3, 2015
2. Team Proposal Due with
Oral Presentations
Team Written Proposals &:
Orals Due: Dec 1 & 3, 2015
Per-By-Name Schedule.
LAST CLASS DAY OF
SEMESTER
Week 16: Dates
Tues--Dec 8, 2015
Thurs-Dec 10, 2015
Exam #3/FINAL-[ONLY]-
Exam #3 – Chap’s 5-9 & 15
Make-Up Exams-[ONLY]-
Exam 1 & 2
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. The record’s office will provide a deadline for which the form must be returned,
completed and signed. Once you return the signed form to the records office and wait 24 hours,
you must go into Duck Trax and confirm that you are no longer enrolled. Should you still be
enrolled, FOLLOW-UP with the records office immediately? You are to attend class until the
procedure is complete to avoid penalty for absence. Should you miss the deadline or fail to
follow the procedure, you will receive an F in the course.
1. Last day for student’s to add or drop a course without having to process manual
Texas A&M University documents is Wednesday—August 26, 2015.
2. Last day to drop a 16 Week class w/“no record is Wednesday—September 9, 2015.
3. Last day to drop a class w/a “Q” or a “W-Withdrawal” is Friday—September 25,
2015.
4. DEADLINE to file for Spring 2016 Graduation is Friday—October 2, 2015.
5. Last day to “withdraw” from the university is Friday-December 11, 2015.
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
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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 Violations of
“Academic Integrity, in any area of this course, will result in the grade of “F” for this course.
11.0
Disability Support Services
If you have or believe you have a disability and wish to self-identify, you can do so by providing
documentation to the Disability Support Coordinator. Students are encouraged to seek
information about accommodations to help assure success in their courses. Please call (254) 5015831 or visit Founder's Hall 114, Suite 114. Additional information can be found at
http://www.tamuct.edu/departments/disabilitysupport/index.php
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."
13.0 Library Services
Library distance education services aims to make available quality assistance to A&M-Central
Texas students seeking information sources remotely by providing digital reference, online
information literacy tutorials, and digital research materials. Much of the A&M-CT collection is
available instantly from home. This includes over half of the library's book collection, as well as
approximately 25,000 electronic journals and 200 online databases. Library Distance Education
Services are outlined and accessed at:
http://www.ct.tamus.edu/departments/library/deservices.php
Information literacy focuses on research skills which prepare individuals to live and work in an
information-centered society. Librarians will work with students in the development of critical
reasoning, ethical use of information, and the appropriate use of secondary research techniques.
Help may include, but is not limited to: the exploration of information resources such as library
collections, the identification of appropriate materials, and the execution of effective search
strategies. Library Resources are outlined and accessed at:
http://www.ct.tamus.edu/departments/library/index.php
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14.0 The Operation of the Online Course and Being an Online Student
Online learning requires students to be very self-disciplined, be sure you understand and are
prepared to comply with all required class assignments and deadlines. A&M-Central Texas has
a license for a readiness assessment for online learning. You can gauge your readiness by
taking this assessment (http://tamuct.smartermeasure.com).
15.0 Instructor’s Personal Statement
What you can expect from me
 Feedback in the form of graded assignments within 7 days in most cases.
 Return e-mail within 24-48 hours except on weekends.
 I will be prepared for class, so I expect the same from you.
 Every rubric for every assignment in this course has as a part of the grade: writing,
grammar, and spelling.
 Hands-on learning,
 Respect and professionalism.
 This class will be what you make of it.
16.0 Changes to Syllabus
I reserve the right to make reasonable alterations to the course calendar and syllabus as provided
here. It is a guide, not a hard and fast rule. Changes will only be made that benefit the class as a
whole.
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Appendix “A”
A. Informational guideline/format for “Long (Group) Proposal [Written Paper]”:
1. Cover Sheet [It becomes Cover Slide on MS.PPT]
2. Table of Contents [It becomes Agenda on MS.PPT
3. Title Fly and “Letter of Transmittal” [Written paper only. It is not depicted on MS.PPT
slides].
4. Executive Summary. [It is not depicted on MS.PPT slides].
5. Introduction
6. Company History
7. Problem Identification.
8. Four (4) alternatives [REQUIRED] to solve the problem. (“Alternative # 1. “DO
NOTHING:”) is required-along with an explanation of why this will/will not fix the
problem.
9. Cost/Benefit Analysis: If $ dollar figures are involved-you must include a full cost
benefit analysis. However, if there are “NO” $ costs involved for any of the Alternativescost/benefit analysis will be included [Briefly] as a part of each alternative].
10. Selected alternative(s): Must reflect which alternative(s) you would select, and explain
why you believe this alternative(s) will fix the problem.
11. Implementation and Timeline: Your plan for implementing your chosen alternative, and it
must be depicted as follows:
MONTH #
1.
2.
3.
6
12.
ACTION TAKEN
a.
b.
a.
b.
a.
b.
a.
b.
c.
a.
b.
c.
d.
12. References Cited.
14
GBK 301— 120
Fall 2015
G BK 301.120, Business Communications and Research Methods
Assignments Due-Date Metric, Fall Semester, 2015
Assignment
APA Competency Exam
Completion Certificate
(AKA: Peregrine Exam)
Discussion 1
Professional Correctness Exercise
Discussion 2
Individual Research Paper and
Oral Presentation
Communication 1
Communication 2
Communication 3
Discussion 3
Tm Proposal & Oral Presentation
Submission Mode
Due Date
Hard CopyWith Grades
In Classroom
October 22, 2015
Bb Discussion Tab
Hard Copy-In Classroom
Bb Discussion Tab
Hard Copy:
1. MS.Word and MS.PPT
2. And Electronic Copy ofMS Word and MS.PPT on a
CD “R”
In Classroom
E-Mail
Hard Copy:
In Classroom
Hard Copy:
In Classroom
Bb Discussion Tab
Hard Copy:
1. MS.Word and MS.PPT
2. And Elec Cy-MS Word
and MS.PPT on a CD “R”
In Classroom
September 1, 2015
September 24, 2015
October 6, 2015
October 13 & 15, 2015
Per By Name Schedule
October 20, 2015
November 3, 2015
November 12, 2015
November 19, 2015
December 1 & 3, 2015
Per By Name Schedule
15