GBK 301— Spring, 2015
GBK 301.130 – Business Communications & Research
Online – Jan 20 – May 15, 2015 – Spring 2015
Instructor: Michelle MacDonald
Phone: 254 518-6340
E-mail: Blackboard course email or mmacdonald@tamuct.edu
Office Hours: Can set up face 2 face meetings or Skype as needed
Student/Professor Interaction: Please contact me through Bb email (messages) as the
first option – I do try to check Bb at least every 24
hours, as another option – contact me through the
TAMUCT email.
Mode of instruction and course access
This course is a 100% online course and uses TAMUCT’s Blackboard system (Bb).
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.
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1.0
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.
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GBK 301— Spring, 2015
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. 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 and a webcam for presentations.
Suggested:
American Psychological Association. (July 2009). Publication Manual of
American Psychological Association 6th Ed. Washington, D.C. Need ISBN – 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.
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GBK 301— Spring, 2015
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.
b.
Specifications for Written Assignments: All written work must be submitted
utilizing Microsoft Word in either a .doc or .docx format. APA citation style must be
followed and will be graded for where appropriate.
c.
Late Work: The assignment instructions and deadlines are clearly laid out in the
syllabus. Though some assignments are fairly involved, you do not have more than
one assignment due in any week. As such, it is expected that all work will be
submitted on time, as timeliness is an important aspect of professional
communications and behavior. If you encounter an issue, please let me know as
soon as possible, even if it’s just a short email or call. It is much easier to discuss
issues before due dates rather than after. Late penalties are severe and as follows:
1. Discussions – These will NOT be accepted late.
2. APA Exam, Research Practice Exercise, and Professional Correctness &
Communication Assignments – You will lose 25% of the points available if the due
date is missed for lateness. Also, these will not be accepted at all after one week past
the due date.
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GBK 301— Spring, 2015
3. Exams – If you miss an exam without notifying me, and I might allow you an
opportunity to take it (not guaranteed), though you may generally score no higher
than the lowest score of the person who took it on time.
4. Papers and Presentations – You will lose 10% of the points available per day late.
5.1 Course Requirements
a.
Discussions (100 total 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. Complete all discussions
in the “Discussion Posting Location”.
b.
Professional Correctness Exercise (50 points)– 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.
c.
Peregrine APA Competency Exam (75 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. 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.
d.
Research Practice Exercise (60 Points) - 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.
d.
Professional Communication Assignments (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. Singlespace all submissions, and use Times New Roman size 12 point fonts.
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GBK 301— Spring, 2015
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:
(1). 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. Due: April 10th, 2015
(2). Communication # 2 You will 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. Due
April 17th, 2015
(3). Communication # 3: Prepare a resume with cover letter for a job that you
would be qualified for based on the degree you are presently pursuing. Due: April
24th, 2015
e.
Individual Research Paper and Presentation:
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
(1).
Individual Research Paper/Presentation (225 total points):
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-benefit analysis, explain your recommended alternative to correct
the problem, and an implementation schedule with timeline. Be specific and
detailed!
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GBK 301— Spring, 2015
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 (via collaborate or Skype for
online students – Instructors Choice) 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.
f.
Examinations (300 total points): You will have 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. Find exam dates under section 8.0.
g.
Quizzes or Other Assignments: As determined by instructor.
5.0
Grade Computation
Grades will be calculated as follows:
LETTER GRADE
A
B
C
D
F
EQUALS
=
=
=
=
=
FROM
900
800
700
600
Below
TO
1000
899
799
699
600
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GBK 301— Spring, 2015
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
Discussion Assignments – 3 at 30 or 35
points each
Determined by the instruction – to include,
participation, quizzes, other activities, etc.
TOTALS
300
50
75
60
50
50
50
225
(150)
(75)
100
Percent of
Final Grade
30%
5%
7.5%
6%
5%
5%
5%
20%
(15%)
(7.5%)
10.5%
40
4%
1000
100%
7.0 Technology Requirements and resources
This course will use the TAMUCT Blackboard Learn learning management system for class
communications, content distribution, and assessments.
Logon to 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.
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GBK 301— Spring, 2015
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.
7.1. 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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GBK 301— Spring, 2015
8.0. Course Outline and Assignments
Unit and Week
Subjects/Chapters to Be
Covered
Week 1: Dates
1. Familiarize Yourself with
the Bb course and Course
Requirements
2. Read Chapters 1
(Understanding Workplace
Communication) and 3
(Adapting your Words to
Your Readers), as well as
listen to or read any
supplementary materials,
and listen to or read any
supplementary materials in
the Week 1 Content Folder
Week 2: Dates
Read Chapter 4 –
Constructing Clear
Sentences and Paragraphs &
Chapter 18 – Conveying
Professionalism Through
Correctness and listen to or
read any supplementary
materials in the Week 2
Content Folder.
Week 3: Dates
1. Study the Materials on
Academic and Business
Research, Academic
Integrity and Plagiarism in
the Content Folder
2. Continue reviewing APA
resources and the Peregrine
APA Course.
3. Finally, Read Chapter 13 –
Conducting Research for
Decision Makers and listen
to or read any
supplementary materials in
the Week 3 Content Folder.
Assignments
Work on Discussion #1 and
Register for the Peregrine
APA Course
Discussion #1 Due – Must be
completed by: Jan. 30, 2015
Complete the Professional
Correctness Exercise by:
Feb. 6, 2015
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GBK 301— Spring, 2015
Week 4: Dates
Week 5: Dates
Week 6: Dates
Week 7: Dates
Week 8: Dates
Week 9: Dates
Week 10: Dates
Week 11: Dates
1. Finish the APA Course
2. Read Chapter 2 –
Communicating Across
Cultures and listen to or
read any supplementary
materials in the Week 4
content folder.
Read Chapter 11 – Preparing
Informative and Influential
Business Reports and listen
to or read any
supplementary materials in
the Week 5 Content Folder.
Read Chapter 12 – Choosing
the Right type of Report and
listen to or read any
supplementary materials
Read Chapter 14 – Using
Visual Aids to Make Your
Point and listen to or read
any supplementary
materials
Read Chapter 5 – Writing for
a Positive Effect & Chapter 6
– Choosing the Best Process
& Form and listen to or read
any supplementary
materials
Chapter 7 – Getting to the
Point in Good-News and
Neutral Messages and listen
to or read any
supplementary materials
Read Chapter 8 –
Maintaining Good Will in
Bad News Messages and
listen to or read any
supplementary materials
Read Chapter 9 – Making
Your Case with Persuasive
Messages and Proposals and
listen to or read any
supplementary materials
Complete the Peregrine APA
Exam by Feb. 13, 2015
Exam#1 - Chapters 1-4, 13,
and 18
Complete by Feb. 20, 2015
Research Practice
Assignment Due Feb. 27,
2015
Discussion #2 – Must be
completed by: Mar. 6, 2015
Work on Individual Reports
Work on Individual Reports
Exam #2 – Chapters 5-7, 11,
12 & 14
Complete by Apr. 3, 2015
Communication #1 Due By
Apr. 10, 2015
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GBK 301— Spring, 2015
Week 12: Dates
Week 13: Dates
Week 14: Dates
Week 15: Dates
Week 16: Dates
Read Chapter 10 Conducting a Winning Job
Campaign and listen to or
read any supplementary
materials
Read Chapter 15 –
Communicating Effectively
in Meetings and
Conversations and listen to
or read any supplementary
materials
Read Chapter 16 –
Delivering Oral Reports and
Business Speeches and listen
to or read any
supplementary materials
Individual Presentations and
Proposals
Communication #2 Due By
Apr. 17, 2015
Exam #3 – Chapters 9-10
and 15-16
Exam #3 – Chapters 8-10
and 15-16
Due by May 15, 2015
Communication #3 Due By
Apr. 24, 2015
Discussion #3- Must be
Completed by: May 1, 2015
Individual Presentations and
Written Proposals Due By
May 8, 2015
Note: April 18th – Summer 2015 Graduation Applications Due
HOLIDAYS
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Spring Break
9.0
DATES CLOSED
January 20, 2015
March 16-20, 2015
Drop Policy
If you discover that you need to drop this class, you must go to the Records Office and
complete any necessary paperwork. Professors cannot drop students, so this is always the
responsibility of the student. The records office publishes deadlines for which drops must
occur. Should you miss the deadline or fail to follow the procedure, you will receive a grade
based on the points earned to date.
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GBK 301— Spring, 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 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 Services
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/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."
13.0 Library Services
Library distance education services aims to make available quality assistance to A&MCentral Texas students seeking information sources remotely by providing digital
reference, online information literacy tutorials, and digital research materials. Much of the
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GBK 301— Spring, 2015
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
14.0 Being an Online Student
Online learning requires students to be very self-disciplined. Be sure that you understand
and are prepared to comply with all required class assignments and deadlines. Often our
highest failure rates are in online courses, with the most frequent reason being either
submitting assignments late or not at all.
15.0 Instructor’s Personal Statement
What You Can Expect of Me: I expect to log into Bb and respond to all emails and
continue grading efforts at least every 24 hours. I intend to complete all assignment
grades with in the week they are due. If you have any questions or concerns please
email me.
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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