GBK 301— Spring 2016
GBK 301.130– Business Communications & Research
Online–16 Weeks – Spring 2016
Instructor:
Phone:
E-mail:
Michelle MacDonald
254 518 6340
TAMU-CT Email
College of Business Administration
PH# 254-519-5437
254-519-5437
Email: cobainfo@tamuct.edu
Student/Professor Interaction: I would like to be contacted through email in BlackBoard
messages. Students should expect a response within
28hrs and no more than 48 hours.
Mode of instruction and course access
This course is an online course and we will use 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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safety-related information, regardless of your location. Please enroll today at
http://TAMUCT.org/UNILERT
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GBK 301— Spring 2016
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.
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. 978-8-07-340321-2
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.
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GBK 301— Spring 2016
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.
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. The WI portion is designated as the
average of the research practice exercise and the written proposal.
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 graded for where appropriate. Assignments will be turned in the date
assigned as completion – during class in BlackBoard as required.
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GBK 301— Spring 2016
The University Writing Center
The University Writing Center at Texas A&M University-Central Texas is a free
workspace open to all TAMUCT students. The UWC is located in 416 Warrior Hall.
The center is open 11am-6pm Monday-Thursday during the spring semester.
Students may work independently in the UWC by checking out a laptop that runs
Microsoft Office suite and connects to WIFI, or by consulting our resources on
writing, including all of the relevant style guides. Students may also arrange a oneon-one session with a trained and experienced writing tutor. Tutorials can be
arranged by visiting the UWC. Tutors are prepared to help writers of all levels and
abilities at any stage of the writing process. Sessions typically last between 20-30
minutes. While tutors will not write, edit, or grade papers, they will help students
develop more effective invention and revision strategies.
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.
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.
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.
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GBK 301— Spring 2016
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. 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). 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.
(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.
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GBK 301— Spring 2016
(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.
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!
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.
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
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GBK 301— Spring 2016
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.
g.
Quizzes or Other Assignments: Determined by Instructor throughout the course.
5.0
Grade Computation
Grades will be calculated as follows:
LETTER GRADE
A
B
C
D
F
EQUALS
=
=
=
=
=
FROM
900
800
700
600
Below
Activity
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 total) – 1 at 30
& 2 at 35 points
Unallocated (Instructor Determined)- This
could include an additional activity at the
instructors discretion or adding 10 points
each to the 4 Professional Exercises
TOTALS
TO
1000
899
799
699
600
Points
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%
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GBK 301— Spring 2016
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.
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.
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GBK 301— Spring 2016
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.
8.0. Course Outline and Assignments
Unit and Week
Subjects/Chapters to Be
Covered
Week 1:
1. Familiarize Yourself with
Dates: Jan 19 - 23
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:
Read Chapter 4 –
Dates: Jan 24 - 30
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:
1. Study the Materials on
Dates: Jan 31- Feb 6
Academic and Business
Research, Academic
Integrity and Plagiarism in
the Content Folder
Assignments
Work on Discussion #1 and
Register for the Peregrine
APA Course
Complete this within BB
Discussion #1 Due – Must be
completed by: Jan 30
Complete the Professional
Correctness Exercise by:
Feb 6
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GBK 301— Spring 2016
Week 4:
Dates : Feb 7 - 13
Week 5:
Dates: Feb 14 - 20
Week 6:
Dates: Feb 21 - 27
Week 7:
Dates: Feb 28 – Mar 5
Week 8:
Dates: Mar 6 - 12
Week 9:
Dates: Mar 20 - 26
Week 10:
Dates: Mar 27 – Apr 2
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.
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
Complete the Peregrine APA
Exam by Feb 13
Exam#1 - Chapters 1-4, 13,
and 18 Complete exam 1 by
Feb 20
Research Practice
Assignment Due Feb 27
Discussion #2 – Must be
completed by: Mar 10
Work on Individual Reports
Work on Individual Reports
Exam #2 – Chapters 5-7, 11,
12 & 14 Complete Exam 2 by
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GBK 301— Spring 2016
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
Apr 2
Communication #2 Due By
Apr 16
Week 15:
Dates: May 1 - 7
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
Week 16:
Dates: May 8 - 13
Exam #3 – Chapters 9-10
and 15-16
Exam #3 – Chapters 8-10
and 15-16 Complete Exam 3
May 13
Week 11:
Dates: Apr 3 - 9
Week 12:
Dates: Apr 10 - 16
Week 13:
Dates: Apr 17 - 23
Week 14:
Dates: Apr 24 – 30
Communication #1 Due By
Apr 9
Communication #3 Due By
Apr 23
Discussion #3- Must be
Completed by: Apr 30
Individual Presentations and
Written Proposals Due By
May 7
Note: Deadline to submit a graduation application for Spring 2016 conferral
Friday, Mar 4, 2016
Spring Break
Mar 14 – 18, 2016
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GBK 301— Spring 2016
9.0
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.
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
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GBK 301— Spring 2016
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
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: Grading of assignments should be within 24 hours but
will not be later than 48hours. Again communication through email will on the
Blackboard and responses will be within 24hours or no later than 48 hours. You can
expect me to be as responsive to you as you are to the course and the coursework.
This is a very high intense and I don’t believe you will not be able to catch up if you
procrastinate. You can earn a respectable grade with effort.
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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