BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS
SYLLABUS
SPRING 2014
The Sorrell College of Business supports the Troy University
mission by preparing our diverse student body to become ethical
professionals equipped to compete in the global business
environment. To achieve this, our faculty, staff, and
administration will:
TROY UNIVERSITY SCOB MISSION STATEMENT
1) provide quality education in global business through our
undergraduate and graduate programs, delivered around
the world through face-to-face and online environments, to
traditional, non-traditional, military, and international
students;
2) contribute to the development and application of knowledge
focused on applied business, learning, and pedagogical
research;
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3) provide service to the University, business and
professional organizations, and our communities through
individual involvement, business outreach, and our centers
for research.
TROY UNIVERSITY SCOB VISION STATEMENT
The Sorrell College of Business will be a recognized and
respected leader for quality and flexibility in the delivery of
business education that prepares graduates to succeed in the
global business environment.
Revised July 2012
And from the Undergraduate Catalogue 2012 – 2013: BUS 3382
[The course includes the] analysis, and composition of business and
personal communications including mechanics and content of letters and
memoranda. Prerequisite 1102 or 1104
The Master Syllabus for the course states:
Objectives
Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:
correctly select, plan, and compose letters, résumés, memoranda, and
reports, Explain business communication concepts, methodologies, and
formats. Plan and deliver a well organized oral presentation, Participate
effectively in business discussions with peers, Critically review work,
accept suggestions, and make revisions, and discuss essential facets of
intercultural business communication.
Purpose
The purpose of the course is to introduce all aspects of written and oral
communication applicable to the business world. Both theoretical
knowledge and practical experience in business communication are
included as part of instruction.
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COURSE TITLE:
BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS
COURSE CLASS SESSIONS:
10:00 – 10:50 AM MWF BUS 3382 TDAA BIBB GRAVES 245
NOON–12:50 PM MWF BUS 3382 TFAB BIBB GRAVES 245
10:00 – 11:15 AM TTh
02;30 – 3:45
BUS 3382 TGAC
BIBB GRAVES 245
PM TTh BUS 3382 TUAD BIBB GRAVES 245
INSTUCTOR: James M. Orendorff, J.D.
INSTRUCTOR’S OFFICE HOURS –
Workdays, unless scheduled
teaching,8:00AM to 2:00 PM, also available by appointment which allows
collection and organization of information. If required, an appointment must be set
to allowing such collection and organization for review review.
OFFICE LOCATION –238D BIBB GRAVES
OFFICE TELEPHONE - 334.670.3290
E-MAIL - jmorendorff@troy.edu
TEXT – Essentials of Business Communication, Guffy, 9th edition
Estimated Cost at TROY UNIVERSITY BOOK STORE: $250.00
STUDENT ISBN 978-1-111-82122-7
RELATED MATTERS
SUPPORT FACILITIES
The university library, in addition to the Internet, has substantial additional
Informative and instructive materials applicable to the subject matter of this course.
Group study rooms, on an as available or reserved basis, are available at the library.
Do not hesitate to make use of the available resources and research facilities, and if
in doubt make inquiry of the instructor.
SUPPORT MATERIAL
Available to those with appropriate needs there are support classes at Computer
Works, Writing Center, Tutorial Lab, ESL and the American Idiom etc. See the
instructor if you are interested in learning more of this assistance.
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POLICIES OF IMPORTANCE, etc.:
Plagiarism: All work is expected to be that of the named student(s). Plagiarism
and other forms of fraudulent behavior are not acceptable and such unacceptable
behavior will be appropriately reflected in the student’s grade. For discussion of the
school’s anti-cheating policy and penalties see the Troy University Student
Handbook, “The Oracle.” If the option is warranted, the student may be dismissed
from school!
ADA: Any student, whose disabilities fall within ADA, must inform the instructor at
the beginning of the term of any special needs of equipment necessary to accomplish
the requirements of this course. Troy University supports Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which
insure that postsecondary students with disabilities have equal access to all academic
programs, physical access to all buildings, facilities and events, and are not
discriminated against on the basis of disability. Eligible students, with appropriate
documentation, will be provided equal opportunity to demonstrate their academic
skills and potential through the provision of academic adaptations and reasonable
accommodations. Further information, including appropriate contact information,
can be found at the link for Troy University’s Office of Human Resources at
ttp://www.troy.edu/humanresources/ADAPolicy.
Other Matters:
Students who have or may be dealing with a disability or
learning difficulty should speak with the instructor, contact the Adaptive Needs
Office or call 670-3220. Various accommodations are available through the
Adaptive Needs Program.
The faculty in the School of Business makes every effort to accommodate
unique and special needs of students with respect to language, speech, hearing,
vision seating or other possible disabling conditions. Please notify the instructor
the first class day of any special needs.
Cell Phones and other electronic Devices:
During class KEEP IT OFF.
Use of any electronic devise by students in the instructional environment is
prohibited unless explicitly approved on a case-by-case basis by the instructor or by
the Office of Disability Services in collaboration with the instructor.
Cellular phones, pagers, and other communication devices may be used for
emergencies, however, but sending or receiving non-emergency messages is
forbidden by the University. Use of a communication device in violation of the Troy
University “Standards of Conduct” will result in appropriate disciplinary action (See
the Oracle.)
In order to receive emergency messages from the University or family members,
The call receipt indicator on devices must be in the vibration mode or other
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unobtrusive mode of indication. Students receiving calls that they believe to be
emergency calls must answer quietly without disturbing the teaching environment. If
the call is an emergency, they must move unobtrusively and quietly from the
instructional area and notify the instructor as soon as reasonably possible. Students
who are expecting an emergency call should inform the instructor before the start of
the instructional period.
===========================================================
COURSE PROCEDURES
THE
STUDENT
WILL
BE
PROVIDED
INFORMATION NECESSARY FOR
THE STUDENT TO DEVELOP TECHNIQUES AND
SKILLS OF EFFECTIVE
BUSINESS
COMMUNICATION.
THE
DEVELOPMENT IS DONE BY
THE STUDENT, NOT OTHERS.
1.
Class attitude, participation, and attendance:
During class, as a professional attitude, and to avoid interruption of the class in
progress, prompt attendance is required. A student’s professionalism is not only
evidenced by visible conduct such as attending timely, but also by being prepared to
discuss the day’s assignment.
All work, oral or written should be in accord of the principles presented, and
complete, timely and submitted prior to the class when due. The student’s exercise
of professional courtesy to the class, the other students and the instructor will be
evaluated in determining each student’s final grade
Classes are held as scheduled above. They are a combination of the instructor’s
lectures, leadership and supervision of class discussion on the applicable chapter
material and presentations.
Extensive use of the Socratic Teaching Method will be made. The Socratic Method
requires full class participation. Each student is expected to be prompt, prepared
and present. This includes having read the assigned materials and discussed them
with a study group or other students of the class prior to class.
Chronic tardiness (more than three times in continuous two week period) or
unexcused absences (more than three times) will result in a negative adjustment of
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the student’s grade for this course. Roll is taken at the beginning of class, late arrival
(tardiness) is counted as an absence.
The instructor’s presentation will not necessarily cover all material of the course for
which the student is held responsible.
It is the student’s obligation to make himself known to the instructor is part of the
objectives of this course (experience dealing with not only subordinates and peers
but also authority figures). Periodic review of the student’s efforts should be
requested by a student within a week be of each graded event, oral or written
presentation. The student’s grade and other elements of performance will be
discussed. In the event that such discussion results in any change in the student’s
grade, the student in memorandum form must submit to the instructor written
confirmation of same, again prior to the expiration of two weeks from the graded
event or time of the event, or the change is waived.
2.
Graded Events include:
INDIVIDUAL WORK
Periodic Quizzes at the commencement of class and distributed immediate prior to
commencement of class – tardy students are not entitled to the quiz.
Four tests, one for each unit. Each unit test will consist of:
a memorandum, prepared by the student, of not more than 5 nor less
than 3 pages. It is due the date of the test unit. The subject to be used
by each student will be assigned by the instructor in conformity with
the composition principles discussed in class on a subject selected by
the instructor. The student will select the topic, purpose and other
aspects in composing an informal memorandum.
On test day each student will also compose ten short essays in class
using a Blue Book, in ink, stating (1) the issue, question or matter
under consideration,(2) the student’s opinion of the resolution of
same and (3) the rationale for such opinion.
.
A comprehensive final of 100 multiple choice questions
TEAM WORK
A Formal Research Report (see Chapter 10) whose body will be not less than 10
pages based on a subject chosen by the instructor and prepared by a team of students
arbitrarily selected by the instructor. The due date is tentatively two weeks prior to
the end of this semester’s scheduled of instruction. The subject for this semester will
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be “Describe and explain your opinion of the requirements of Article 3 of the U. S.
Constitution.”
TEAM WORK
Oral Reports: Chapters 5, 6, 7 & 8, discusses the principles used in communication
in the workplace. Oral presentations will be during the last two weeks of class. Each
team using an assigned chapter will present an oral report using the focus of the
chapter (see Chapter 12 ) as to style etc. Independent of the oral presentation each
team will point out and discuss the principles of composition used in preparation of
the report.
Each team will also prepare a memorandum for chapters 5, 6, 7 and 8
(excluding the chapter used for an oral report) using the information from an article
of the New York Times selected by the team, and a style for routine, good, negative
and persuasive business messages as applicable. The memorandum should be not
less than 3 pages nor more than 6 pages. Its due date will be first day of oral reports
– chapter 5, 2nd day of oral reports – chapter 6, 3rd day of oral reports, - chapter 7, 4th
day of oral reports – chapter 8, 5th day of oral reports.
The next class day will be the comprehensive final. Check your calendar
From time-to-time added requests may be made, e.g. , preparing a business
letter. A grade will not necessarily be made, but the failure to produce or make a
production in an unprofessional matter will be noted.
Study groups and Formal Report subject: Students will be arbitrarily assigned
to a study group or a team of classmates. Each team must meet periodically for
the preparation of assignments, e.g., oral reports. The cap-stone is the Final Formal
Report. It incorporates teamwork experience as well as communication skills. (see
p.400 of the text).
Within two weeks each grade every student should arrange to meet with the
instructor to consider the material and earned grade to date. After the date the matter
will be closed and not subject to change.
3.
Grades
Course grades are:
A for outstanding performance
B for excellent performance
C for adequate performance
D for poor performance
F for non-performance
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Timely student inquiry is welcomed, except as limited with respect to graded
material.
The emphasis of the course is subjective and cannot be arbitrarily measured by
objective standards. To compensate there are a number of requirements graded.
In addition, each student is required to meet with the instructor and evaluate graded
matters, as the perspective of the student and the instructor may differ and require
adjustment in recognition.
There are no makeup examinations or late delivery.
Once during the semester, other than for the Formal Report or final, if a reasonable
excuse for the timely presentation, a “home study” consisting of the well answered
essay and memorandum delivered within ten days of the missed event will be
accepted as a “pass”– no score but no penalty. If the terms are not met then the
missed examination will be recorded as an F.
Course Dates of importance:
Classes begin
Last date to drop w/o penalty
Holiday
Spring Break
Classes End
Dead day
JANUARY 8th
JANUARY 13TH
JANUARY 20TH
MARCH 10-16
APRIL 29TH
APRIL 30TH
============================================================
WEEK STARTING:
JAN
JAN
JAN
8
20
27
START
JAN
9
Unit 1, Chapter 1 etc.
FOUNDATION
First Unit Test
January 20/21 articles too
FEB
FEB
FEB
3
10
17
Unit 2, chapters 2, 3 and 4
PLAN, PRODUCE AND PERFECT
Second Unit Test
February 13/1
FEB
2
MAR
3
Units 4 & 5 chapters 9, 10, 11 and 12
POLISH PRODUCT
Third Unit Test
March 6/7 units 4 & 5
MARCH 10 – 16
MAR
MAR
9
17
24
SPRING BREAK
Unit 3 chapters 5, 6, 7 & 8
TYPICAL COMMUNICATION
Fourth Unit Test
April 10/11
APR
7
CHAPTERS 13 AND 14
FORMAL REPORT DUE 4/14
APR
APR
14
28
ORAL PRESENTATION
ORAL PRESENTATION
APR
APR
29 CLASSES END
30 DEAD DAY
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ASSIGNED READING BEYOND TEXT AND SYLLABUS, suggestions will be
made on the first day of clss, for 1. How to write an outline –
2. How to write an effective memo 3. How to Study ALL documents to be received will make
use of a coversheet, setting out the
information (1) Student (2) Title of the
Document, (3) Date Due.
Guide or format for Communication:
===========================================================
MEMORANDUM
DATE:
What is the date of intended receipt?
TO:
Who is the intended recipient?
FROM:
Who is making the delivery
SUBJECT:
a.
What is being delivered?
b.
What course requirement does the delivery meet?
Business Communication goals:
Compose message to impress, persuade and inform audience through use of form
and substance with clear statement of:
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Purpose
Subject
Topic
Audience:
Analyze its needs, interests and abilities
Seize and maintain interest of audience
Phases of presentation:
Introduction and its purpose to provide:
Background
Explanation
Significance
Credibility
Forecast
Transition to body
Body and its purpose to the present and
Organize information for powerful impact
Keep related points together
Present information logically
Summarize points for benefit of audience
Use techniques generating attention
Transition to conclusion
Conclusion and its purpose to kindle acceptance and action
to
Review points of presentation
Summarize importance
Set time and action to be done
Explain benefits to audience
====================================================================
TOOLS TO ATTRACT AUDIENCE INTEREST
Introduction
Capture audience’s attention and get them involved
Identify yourself and state qualification
Preview your main points
Body
Organize around common elements
Conclusion
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Summarize main themes of presentation
Refer to background information
Create drama
Use appropriate headings
Keep headings short and sure
Use appropriate eye contact
Use parallelism
Paraphrase
Make a promise
Animate body
Ask questions
Present a demonstration
and/or samples, props or visuals
Dress attractively
Refer to personal anecdotes and statistics
Admit self interest
Use analogies, metaphors or similes
Worst case/best case comparisons
Signals of transition
Reviewing
Summarizing
Switching directions
Speak extemporaneously
Punctuate words
Control voice and vocabulary
Fully prepare and rehearse
Use pauses when appropriate
Show enthusiasm
Avoid digressions
Summarize main points
Keep control
Present both sides of issue
Distinguish facts from opinions
Cite and Refer to sources
Understand purpose of presentation
Avoid “yes, but. . .”answers”
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