Business Administration 290 - Fall 2012
Instructor: Richard O. Dalbey, Ph.D.
Section 08: Schedule number 20283, Tuesday/Thursday, 1100-1215, SSW-2522
Section 10: Schedule number 20285, Tuesday/Thursday, 1230-1345, EBA-249
Dalbey office: Student Services East 3204 (exit elevator, turn right, then right again in the main
hallway B office is on the left)
Phone: 594-0207 (office and phone are often shared by other faculty members from semester to
semester – no voice mail)
Office Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays
1000-1100 (no appointment necessary – first come, first serve) Only on campus T&TH
E-mail: rdalbey@mail.sdsu.edu
Dalbey=s Home Page: www-rohan.sdsu.edu/~rdalbey/
(check out the International Photo Gallery)
MIS department office: SSE 2411 (end of second floor, southeast location)
MIS phone and message number 619.594-5316; fax 619.594.3675)
*Please note that the department of Information and Decision Systems was changed to
Management Information Systems in Fall 2011.
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PREREQUISITES: Rhetoric and Writing Studies 100 and be a declared pre-business major.
Since the course requires a satisfactory knowledge of grammar, language usage, punctuation, and
chief aspects of style, a solid course in Business English is highly recommended.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Effective communication applied to business messages and long
reports. Course includes discussing, researching, organizing, writing, and presenting business
documents on ethical, global, social (external environment and demographic diversity) and
technological issues; also incorporates basic principles of speaking effectively for business.
COURSE OBJECTIVE: As a required core course, BA 290 gives students practice in business
formats, document design, and word processing technology; business research and analysis; and
audience analysis for a variety of business audiences, as well as improving student revision,
proofreading, and editing skills. Each student successfully completing the course will show
planning, organization, and basic business writing skills by preparation of letters, memos, and
reports.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Adapt the concepts of the basic communication model to written messages and oral
presentations through careful audience analysis and message planning.
2. Choose words, write sentences, and develop paragraphs for good news, bad news, and
persuasive messages that are clear, concise, complete, and accurate.
3. Incorporate technology effectively in gathering, organizing, writing, and presenting
written and oral messages.
4. Effectively gather, interpret, and organize both secondary and primary information
needed to support written and oral reports.
5. Evaluate and produce graphics to communicate messages quickly and accurately.
6. Write effectively for those with English as a second language.
7. Collaborate effectively on written documents.
REQUIRED TEXTS: Marie Flatley, Kathryn Rentz, and Paula Lentz. M: Business
Communication (2nd edition, McGraw-Hill Higher Education, New York, NY copyright 2012).
William A. Sabin, The Gregg Reference Manual: A Manual of Style, Grammar, Usage, and
Formatting (Tribute Edition, Eleventh Edition, McGraw-Hill/Irwin, New York, NY, Copyright
2011 - an online version is also available at a fee); and Richard O. Dalbey, editor, Report Writing
and Communicating for Employment (Montezuma Publishing, Aztec Shops Ltd., 2011).
On Library Reserve: Copy of my two Montezuma publications.
Highly Recommended: Ann Raimes, Keys for Writers (Fifth Edition), Houghton Mifflin, 2008;
an up-to-date dictionary (good recently released college editions are Merriam Webster and
American Heritage) and a Thesaurus.
Bring all required texts and handouts to each class meeting when requested.
GRADING, APPLIED STANDARDS, AND LATENESS POLICY: The instructor utilizes
the full spectrum of the University's four-point numerical grading system (sorry, grade inflation
doesn't exit in the College of Business Administration): "A" denotes superior work = 4, "B"
above average/praiseworthy performance = 3, "C" satisfactory = 2, "D" below average/barely
passing = 1, and "F" failing = 0 (see the enclosure – also current SDSU General Catalog). A
plus/minus grading system can also be utilized at the discretion of the instructor.
Papers are graded on content, structure, language usage, grammar, punctuation, spelling, syntax
and diction, format, accuracy, originality, interpretation of the assignment, following
instructions. Good editing, analysis, and proofreading are essential.
There are no make-ups for a higher grade on outside written assignments. I do not give extra
credit work or incomplete semester grades.
You are responsible for the timely submission of all out-of-class writing assignments.
Assignments are due at the BEGINNING of the class period designated on your course schedule.
Papers turned in on time are graded on the university's A-F scale. A late paper (turned in late the
same day or the next class period) will receive a full grade deduction; after that, a paper turned in
is no longer acceptable and will receive a failing grade. In other words, it's not worth it. Just get
your papers in on time. Once papers have been turned in, no coming up asking to add or delete
something (e.g., I forgot to sign my letter; I want to re-submit my communication).
Do not under any circumstances shove papers under my office door, place on my office desk, or
turn in to the departmental secretary (unless you have my permission). Simply said, get your
papers in on time at the beginning of class to receive full credit. Keeping all your papers is a
good idea. If you are not in class the day papers are returned (usually seven to ten days,
depending on the number of sections I am teaching), you must pick up your paper in my office (I
don't carry around graded work from day to day). The public posting of grades for students is a
violation of FERPA (Family Educational Right and Privacy Act). Likewise, student requests for
the instructor to submit grades via e-mail/telephone are denied.
Emergencies: Although bona fide emergencies will be handled on an individual basis, only
documented, proven emergencies will be considered valid reasons for an assignment turned in
late. Pre-arrangements can be made for situations that the student knows in advance may affect
an assignment. In any event, the professor must be contacted in advance (by e-mail, BA message
phone or fax, etc.).
ATTENDANCE: Attendance will be taken at random. For weekly class meetings, attendance
will be monitored very carefully – and that includes attendance after the mid-evening break.
Days indicated as "Required Attendance" on the course schedule are mandatory. Enrollment in
the College of Business Administration assumes maturity, seriousness of purpose, and selfdiscipline. Every student is expected to attend each meeting of all classes for which registered.
You have to be in class to know what the assignment is. Since we will be dividing into teams for
the Long Analytical Report (the thrust of this writing course), you need to be present to interact
with your group members. Also, most of the material presented in class will be on the Final
Examination.
All teacher announcements will be made at the beginning of class right on the hour. Repeated
absences or failure to participate in class will have an adverse effect on the final semester grade.
Should you miss a class, it is your responsibility to find out course content covered in class as
well as work assigned. Establish a buddy system for notes, assignments, etc., should you be
absent from class. Missed in-class writing assignment cannot be made up.
Punctuality is as important in the classroom as in business. Interruptions of class by latecomers
(tardiness) will not be tolerated. Class begins on time and all announcements made at that time.
Since your attendance is required for the full class period, adjust your outside work schedules
accordingly (leaving class early to go to work is unacceptable).
CHEATING AND/OR DISRUPTION: Please read the attached directive carefully. If someone
asks to see a draft or the finished product of your communication, just say NO! Copying
someone else’s work or ideas is PLAGIARISM and will be reported to the Judicial Procedures
Office.
In other words,
DO YOUR OWN WORK!
The SDSU policy file has a straightforward policy:
Plagiarism shall be defined as the act of incorporating ideas,
words, or specific substance of another, whether purchased,
borrowed, or otherwise obtained, and submitting same to the
university as one’s own work to fulfill academic requirements
without giving credit to the appropriate source. Plagiarism
shall include but not be limited to (a) submitting work, either
in part or in whole, completed by another; (b) omitting
footnotes for ideas, statements, facts, or conclusions that
belong to another; (c) omitting quotation marks when quoting
directly from another, whether it be a paragraph, sentence, or
part thereof; (d) close and lengthy paraphrasing of the writings
of another; (e) submitting another person’s artistic works, such
as musical compositions, photographs, paintings, drawings, or
sculptures; and (f) submitting as one’s own work papers
purchased from research companies.
Please, no talking while instructor is lecturing (your voices carry and disturb me and others).
Proper classroom decorum and civility is in order. The classroom is a place of welcome and
respect. Common courtesy and civility go a long way.
GRADE COMPONENTS:
42%: Three major individual outside writing assignments (each worth 14%)
28%: Long Analytical Report (collaborative)
30%: Final Exam (200 true/false & multiple choice)
__________
100% TOTAL
I am always looking for student improvement throughout the semester when I compute final
course grades.
OTHER: Graded work will only be discussed during office hours, not before or after class.
Please adhere to this request. It is always best to meet in my office where privacy can be
maintained after you have had the opportunity to digest the instructor's comments and reflect on
them (and maybe "cool down" if necessary). Be assured we can accomplish a great deal when we
meet on a one-to-one basis.
No food or beverages in the classroom at any time (water OK). Cell phones, pagers, watch
alarms, head phones and other electronic equipment must be turned OFF. I discourage you from
using your i-phones or laptops to surf during class, reading The Daily Aztec in class or doing
crossword puzzles. I am very observant and notice these things.
This is a demanding writing course. It certainly will require your time and effort. Good
organizational skills are essential - you just can't be trying to put together a challenging
communication the night before the due date. Plan ahead.
Whenever you have questions, concerns, gripes, etc., always go to your instructor first.
COURSE SCHEDULE: While the course schedule gives you in-class coverage of the material
presented for that date, you are responsible for any changes as announced in class or via
Blackboard. Sometimes it is necessary to revise the schedule due to unforeseen circumstances in
which case you will be notified in advance.
OFFICE HOURS (please read carefully): Office interaction provides the unique
opportunity of getting to know one another and to enhance the learning experience. Make the
most of my office hours where you will have my full attention. I am always in my office regularly
at the scheduled time. If I need to step out, I will leave a note on the door. Office hours are on a
walk-in basis and are scheduled at the convenience of students. If you wish to make a firm
appointment during office hours or at a different time, you are expected to keep that appointment.
I will always announce extended office hours in class when I feel there is a need.
Students are expected to prepare for meetings with instructors. Time (mine and yours) is a valued
commodity, not to be wasted. Students are in the office to learn more about the course content or
to discuss the progress in the course.
With this in mind, take into account the following: (1) come to my office with specific questions
(write them down beforehand), (2) bring all necessary material with you (texts, handouts), (3) if
you are coming to discuss graded work, be prepared to discuss ideas, not points, and (4) if you
want to discuss a required communication, it should be typed and in final form. Write down
specific questions to discuss rather than take the stance, "What do you think of it" (in which case I
will ask you what you think of it and your immediate concerns). My job is to review and throw
out ideas, not correct or re-write your paper unless you want a grade at that time. Remember, it is
up to you to PROOF your communications, not me. You must be adequately prepared to help me
accomplish objectives and meet me half way.
Please bring this syllabus to all classes for referral.
Have a good semester and enjoy the course.
WIT & WISDOM
"Writing is an act of faith -- it must be kept alive" - E.B. White (1899-1985)
"To write is to plumb the unfathomable depths of being. Writing lies within the domain of
mystery. The space between any two words is vaster than the space between heaven and hell. To
bridge it, you must close your eyes and leap . . . To write is an act of faith." Elie Wiesel, author,
human rights activist and 1986 Peace Prize Nobelist, reflecting on his captivity in the Auschwitz
death camp and other key "moments" in his life. Quoted from Elie Wiesel: First Person Singular,
PBS documentary.
“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place” - George
Bernard Shaw
“Don’t regret your silences” - Aristotle Plato
“One forgets words as one forgets names. One’s vocabulary needs constant fertilization or it will
die.” - Evelyn Waugh
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” – Wayne Gretzky
------------------------------------------------------Attachment: Cheating and/or Disruption
CHEATING AND/OR DISRUPTION
Please read carefully – one of the possible consequences of cheating or
disruption is REMOVAL or ineligibility as a major in the College of Business
Administration.
If a student engages in cheating or class disruption, the following steps are to
be taken:
A. The faculty member discusses the matter with the student(s)
involved. In cases of class disruption, the student is usually told to leave
the classroom for that particular class meeting. Students involved in
serious or continuous disruption as removed from the class. The
incident is reported to the Judicial Procedures Office – the punishment
might include possible suspension or expulsion from SDSU. The incident
is also reported to our Associate Dean and one of the possible
consequences is REMOVAL or ineligibility as a major in the College of
Business Administration. The Judicial Coordinator will place the firsttime offender on disciplinary probation for one year. For a first offense
in cases of cheating/plagiarism, the faculty member will normally record
a ZERO or “F” for that paper, project, or exam.
B. The faculty member should report** the incident in writing to the
Judicial Procedures Office and to Professor Robert Plice, our
Management Decision Systems’ chairperson. A copy of the evidence is
enclosed with the report. If the matter has been concluded informally by
the faculty member and student, and no further action is desired, the
faculty member should report the matter “for information only” to the
Judicial Procedures Office and Professor Robert Plice and no evidence
need be enclosed. “Information only” reports will be recorded in both
the Judicial Procedures Office and in Professor Robert Plice’s office.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------**At a minimum, the report should contain the student’s name, ID number,
the date, location, and description of the incident, statements the student made
in the meeting with the faculty member, the faculty member’s “sanction”
regarding a grade (in cheating offenses), and the faculty member’s name,
department, and phone number.
Although physical evidence, such as papers, examinations, etc. are often
available, occasionally there is no physical evidence. For example, if the
faculty member (or another person) sees a student copying from another’s
examination, a statement to that effect may be the only evidence.
Please see the current SDSU General Catalog 2011-2012 on plagiarism in the
University Policies’ section (Part 6).
BA290/dalbey/fall 2012