Course Syllabus

Eastern Michigan University:  Winter, 2017

Management 202:  Business Communication (3 credits)  

Tuesday and Thursday Sections

Class Meets College of Business (COB) room 230

Dr. Barley

Lbarley@emich.edu  Canvas Course shell:

THE EMU COLLEGE OF BUSINESS MISSION STATEMENT:  To support the economic development of southeastern Michigan by preparing graduates to perform effectively in the global business community.  We develop outstanding business professionals through a rigorous, applied educational experience.

 

MGMT 202 COURSE DESCRIPTION: MGMT 202 is designed to study principles, elements, and practices underlying effective business communication.  The course focuses on approaches for planning, creating, and transmitting business information within a variety of business situations found in the global marketplace.

 

MGMT 202 COURSE OBJECTIVES: Business Communication is designed to study principles, elements, and practices underlying effective business communication.  The course focuses on approaches for planning, creating, and transmitting business information within a variety of business situations found in the global marketplace. 

1. To increase your understanding of the communication process, theories, and concepts as applied to business communication through textbook readings and course assignments.
2. To develop your written business communication skills through successful completion of professional e-mail messages, memos, business letters and reports.
3. To improve your interpersonal and group communication skills through active participation in classroom group activities and assignments.
4. To develop your understanding of the professional uses of technology in business communication today.
5. To develop your analytical skills in international and cross cultural business communication and awareness of challenges required for successful communication in global organizations.
6. To help you develop an ethical approach for our roles as business communicators through case discussions of business dilemmas and problems.

MGMT 202 is a BBA core class. The official competencies that the course will cover are:

1. Understanding of oral and written communication.
2. Demonstration of effective interpersonal communication skills that reflect understanding, appreciation, and respect for diverse perspectives and cultures.
3. Proficient use of software for operating systems, word processing, email, spreadsheets, presentation packages, database management, and Internet access.
4. Development and maintenance of mutually rewarding business relationships.
5. Relevant data search and acquisition of appropriate source materials.
6. Understanding of the importance of networking among colleagues.
7. Project management, e.g., planning, organizing, and scheduling tasks.

*If at any time you wish more time to be spent on any of the above objectives or course competencies during the actual course, please come see me after class, in my office time, or feedback via e-mail regarding your specific request.

COB ETHOS STATEMENT: Please read the COB Ethos Statement on the MGMT 202 canvas page under modules tab.

 

Contact Information

Dr. Lisa Barley- lbarley@emich.edu

·         B.A. & M.A. in Communication, Kent State University

• D. in Communication, Wayne State University
• Teaching as Full-time Lecturer since January 1999, Management Department, EMU

Office in 516 COB

Phone (734) 487-0313 (Voice mail option)

Office Hours: 516 College of Business (COB)

Monday, 2:30-5:00 p.m.; and Tuesday, 4:00-5:00 p.m. Wednesday, 2:30-3:30 p.m.  Thursday, 4:00-4:30 p.m.

(Office hours online and in 516 COB)

 

• If the above office times are not convenient, you can email me at: the canvas course page inbox (preferred method of contact) or lbarley@emich.edu.

• If you need to you leave me a message at any other time other than during my office hours, you can call my voice mail (734.487.0313 office phone) or the Management Department (466 COB) at:  487-3240.
• There will be advanced knowledge of cancellation of class or office hours.

Please read the EMU/MANAGEMENT RESOURCES AND LINKS in the MGMT 202 canvas course page under Home for other helpful resources to assist you in your career and in the course. 

 

REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS FOR MGMT 202:

• Bovee, C.L. & Thill, J.V. (2016). Business communication essentials

(7^th ed.). Boston: Pearson.

ISBN: 13: 978-0-13-389678-7.  

 

• Manhard, S. J. (1998). The goof-proofer: How to avoid the 41 most embarrassing errors in your speaking and writing.  New York, NY:  Simon & Schuster. ISBN:  0-684-83826-5.

 

MGMT 202 EMU Canvas COURSE PAGE: I will be using canvas extensively during the term. 

• https://canvas.emich.edu/courses/12466
• If you are have trouble seeing or entering the MGMT 202 course shell, then they should call the Canvas 24/7 tech support hotline or the EMU-Online student services hotline. (844) 326-6322

• If you are having trouble logging in at the login page (where they enter your NetID/MyEmich username and password) then you should contact the EMU IT help desk (this is an EMU server) 734.487.0307.

MATERIALS: 

·         If you own a laptop, please bring it to class so that you can refer to the MGMT 202: Business Communication course page via canvas.

·         If you do not own a laptop, then you will need to consult the “modules” tab in the MGMT 202 canvas course page.  I will also be assigning handouts and PowerPoint lectures for you to read in different modules on the MGMT 202 course page in canvas.

·         You will need to purchase materials for construction of a trade show display. Some of the items you may need to purchase are poster board, glue, material, etc.  The materials cost should not exceed 25 dollars per person. Please make the necessary monetary arrangements to account for this possible expense.

• All trade show topics and materials used in trade show must be approved by Dr. Barley (see Trade Show Analysis Assignment Sheet details).

 

CODE OF CONDUCT:  Students will be given impartial, fair, and dignified treatment.  Students are encouraged to ask questions and express ideas. All students enrolled at Eastern Michigan University are expected to conduct themselves as responsible individuals and comply with the University code of conduct.  If I ask you to leave the classroom for disciplinary reasons, you will receive an “E” for that day (-2 points off the overall grade and work for that class session cannot be made up). 

 

r Classroom Management: Please read the “Student Conduct Code” policy on the MGMT 202 Course page via canvas in the modules – EMU and Course Policies tab.

 

r Academic Dishonesty: Please read the “Academic Dishonesty” policy on MGMT 202 Course page via canvas in the modules – EMU and Course Policies tab.

______________________________________________________________________

 

ATTENDANCE/PARTICIPATION POLICY:  I expect you to attend all classes to participate in class activities and on speaking days to offer critique of speakers in a respectful manner. 

 

• If you miss a class on a presentation day and you have a legitimate excuse (e.g., illness, death in the family), you must e-mail, call, or communicate in person to the instructor within 48 hours of the missed class.

 

• If you miss a speech date and do not have a legitimate excuse, consequences range from receiving a letter grade lower on the presentation to an “E” for that presentation/outline. If you miss a speech date due to an excused reason, you must communicate either by phone (487.0313) or by e-mail within 24 hours of the missed assignment.  If you miss a presentation, for an excused or unexcused reason, you must initiate rescheduling the speech by contacting the instructor via the canvass inbox or Lbarley@emich.edu.  You will be expected to make up the presentation within a week after the due date. Failure to make up any presentation in the course will result in an “E” for that assignment.

 

• Failure to attend the final examination date/time (see corresponding semester final examination schedule) where we will hear trade show presentations will result in the lowering of your final grade by one letter grade.

 

LATE WORK: Minus two points will be deducted for an assignment submitted 24 hours after the canvas specified deadline.  Anything after 24 hours will receive minus five point deduction. If you have a legitimate excuse, please email me via the canvas inbox or at my Lbarley@emich.edu account with the documented reason you missed the assignment.

 

TARDINESS:  I expect students to be to class on time.  If you are late, please be respectful of the presenter.  Students are responsible for making up any course content they miss due to tardiness.

 

OTHER IMPORTANT POLICIES:

r Disability Resource Center: Please read the Disability Resource Center’s policies on the MGMT 202 Course page on canvas in the modules – EMU and Course Policies tab. Modifications can be made to course policies on an individualized basis after consulting with instructor (e.g., if a student presents a letter of accommodation from the Disability Resource Center).

 

r Religious Holidays: Please read the “Religious Holidays” policy on the MGMT 202 Course page via canvas in the modules – EMU and Course Policies tab.

 

r Student and Exchange Visitor Statement (SEVIS): Please read “Student and Exchange Visitor Statement (SEVIS)” policy on the MGMT 202 Course page via canvas in the modules – EMU and Course Policies tab.

 

rFamily Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)- The family educational rights and privacy act is a federal legislation enacted in 1974 that controls student’s records.  It grants students the right to access their own educational records as well as limiting, for privacy reasons, the release of those same records to anyone other than the student and/or the student’s designee. Please see the MGMT 202 Course page via canvas in the modules – EMU and Course Policies tab.

Where can I find tutoring assistance? EMU Writing Support EMU WRITING SUPPORT:

The University Writing Center (115 Halle Library; 487-0694) offers one-to-one writing consulting for both undergraduate and graduate students. Students can make appointments or drop in between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays. The UWC opens for the winter 2017 semester on Monday, January 9, and will close on Thursday, April 20. Students are encouraged to come to the UWC at any stage of the writing process. http://www.emich.edu/uwc

The UWC also has several satellite locations across campus (in Owen, Sill, Marshall, Porter, Pray-Harrold, and Mark Jefferson). These satellites provide drop-in writing support to students in various colleges and programs. The Pray-Harrold UWC satellite (rm. 211) is open Mondays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The locations and hours for the other satellites can be found on the UWC web site: http://www.emich.edu/uwc.

 

College of Business- Owen satellite Writing Center is located in room 100 in the College of Business and is open for drop-in writing consultations. At this time, we will be open Monday 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. & 4-6 p.m., Tuesdays 1-5:30 p.m., Wednesdays 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. & 4-6 p.m., and Thursdays 1-5:30 p.m.  We expect to expand beyond these hours and will send out an updated email and post the hours on our door.

UWC writing consultants also work in the Academic Projects Center (116 Halle Library), which offers drop-in consulting for students on writing, research, and technology-related issues. The APC is open
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. Additional information about the APC can be found at http://www.emich.edu/apc.

Students seeking writing support at any location of the University Writing Center should bring a draft of their writing (along with any relevant instructions or rubrics) to work on during the consultation.

International Student Resource Center located in the Alexander Building, room 217. Call (734) 487-0370, or Email esl@emich.edu for more information.

The Holman Leaning Center located in the basement of the Halle Library. Visit their website: http://tlc.emich.edu/. Both services are free to all EMU student

In addition to the articulated course specific policies and expectations, students are responsible for understanding all applicable University guidelines, policies, and procedures. The EMU Student Handbook is the primary resource provided to students to ensure that they have access to all university policies, support resources, and student's rights and responsibilities. Changes may be made to the EMU Student Handbook whenever necessary, and shall be effective immediately, and/or as of the date on which a policy is formally adopted, and/or on the date specified in the amendment. Please note: Electing not to access the link provided below does not absolve a student of responsibility. For questions about any university policy, procedure, practice, or resource, please contact the Office of the Ombuds: 248 Student Center, 734.487.0074, emu_ombuds@emich.edu, or visit the website: www.emich.edu/ombuds 

CLICK HERE to access the University Course Policies

 

Student Handbook Link: https://www.emich.edu/studenthandbook/index.php

 

 

GRADING: You determine your grade by your performance on oral (130 pts.) and written assignments (370 pts.); 500 points total.  All assignments will be graded no later than two classes after the due date.  No extra credit will be offered in MGMT 202.

 

ORAL ASSIGNMENTS: You will be required to give two presentations that you and your classmate(s) have personally researched, written, and prepared for this class.  Your instructor will evaluate them, and your classmates will assist in analyzing them. See the MGMT 202 EMU Online page, course home tab for a full description of oral assignments.

Oral Assignments	Your Points
1) Team Presentation (10 minutes per group of 5 people)                       Group Q&A Session for Team Presentation	25pts._____ 5 pts._____
2)Trade Show Presentation with Partner            (10 minutes per team; no notes can be used for this presentation)	100pts._____
Total Points on Oral Assignments	130 pts._____

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS: You will be graded based on the following written assignments.  Please see the description of each assignment in canvas (modules tab).

Written Assignments:          Writing Assignments Related to Employment Communication       1) Cover Letter (1 page- MSWord document)     2) Professional Résumé (1 page MSWord document)	Your Points    25 pts. _____  25 pts._____
Writing Assignments Related to Team Presentation:            1) PowerPoint Presentation Slides for Team Presentation (10 slide maximum)             2) Follow-up 1-2 page Memorandum of Team Presentation (8 paragraph               maximum- single spaced, MS Word document- group assignment; cite sources             using APA 6th edition)	10 pts._____             25pts._____
Written Assignments Related To Trade Show: 1)    Trade Show Analysis (Each Person Should upload 10 questions)          2)    Visual Display for Trade Show (same grade for both group members)	10 pts._____  45 pts._____
Online Threaded Discussions Via Canvas –             1)Peter Sage Interview Discussion Post             2)Low Context vs. High Context Cultural Examples Discussion Post	20 pts._____ 20 pts._____
Other Written Assignments: 1)    Progress Report (3 pages-8 paragraph maximum with 6th edition APA in-text citations and references – MS Word document) 2)    32-day commitment (completed form with statistic and insight recorded)             Tests and Quizzes:               1)Test #1:  25 multiple choice questions (worth 2 points each)             2)Test #2:  50 multiple choice questions (worth 1 point each)                                               3) Grammar Quiz: 10 multiple choice questions (worth 1 point each)	50 pts._____   30 pts._____   50 pts._____ 50 pts._____ 10 pts._____
Written Points Possible Oral Communication Points Possible Total Oral and Written Points Possible   No extra credit is granted for MGMT 202: Business Communication	370 pts._____ 130 pts._____ 500 pts._____

If you have questions or concerns about the syllabus, please email: Dr. Barley at: Lbarley@emich.edu.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 GRADING SCALE:

Points:                         Percentages:                        

A    465-500                A    93-100

A-   448-464                A-   90-92

B+  438-447                B+  88-89

B    413-437                B    83-87

B-   398-412                B-   80-82

C+  388-397                C+  78-79

C    373-387                C    73-77

C-   348-372                C-   70-72

D+  338-347                D+  68-69

D    313-337                D    63-67

D-   300-312                D-   60-62

F    0-299                     F       <60

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR MANAGEMENT 202

Please Note: The schedule in this course is subject to change.  Students are responsible for all changes in the syllabus which have been announced in class or on-line.

Module 1- Introduction:

• In-Class Session- Thursday, 1/5: Introduction to the Course
• MGMT 202 Data Sheet: Fill out Intended Outcomes and Experiences and turn in paper copy in class.
• DAPPS Rule/Affirmation Exercise- Read Module 1 PowerPoints and read Module 1 handouts files.
• In-class Session Tuesday, 1/10: Discuss Responsibility Model- Read Module 1 Handouts
• Please read the Got mine vs. Grow Ours Article – Read Module 1 Article
• Discuss Chapter 1 concepts – Read Module 1 PowerPoints
• In-class Session Thursday, 1/12: Discuss chapter 1 and best practices in electronic message posting. By Thursday, 1/12 by 11:59 p.m. please post one 75 word maximum comment from the biggest insight after watching the Peter Sage interview in Module 1 and write one 25 word maximum response to another student’s post (10 points). Include your one sentence affirmation statement at the end of the post.

 

 

Module 2- Cover Letter and Resume:

• In-Class Session Tuesday, 1/17: Discuss chapters 13 and 14 and practice questions 1-11 from module 2.
• Review grading rubric for cover letter and resume (see assignments sheet tab for copy of resume cover letter grading rubric and see also module 2 in canvas).
• In-Class Session- Thursday, 1/19: Critique classmate’s cover letter and resume in class using the cover letter and resume grading rubric.
• In-Class Session Tuesday, 1/24: Work on Editing and Refining Cover Letter and Resume. Discuss 32-day commitment see canvas.
• In class Session- Thursday, 1/26– In class critique of classmate’s cover letter and resume. Post your 1 page cover letter to canvas module 2 by 1/26, 11:59 p.m. (word files only).

 

Module 3- Test#1, Discuss Team Presentation and Low/High Context Cultural Examples

• In-Class Session- Tuesday, 1/31: Discuss Cover Letter and Resume in class Study for Test #1: Chapters 1, 7, 8, 13, 14 (25 questions worth 2 points each= 50 points total--see Bovee’ and Thill Text and module 1 contents).
• In-Class Session- Thursday, 2/2: Test 1: Chapters 1, 7, 8, 13, & 14 (in class test- 25 multiple choice questions). Assign Teams for Green Company Team Presentations.
• In-Class Session- Tuesday, 2/7: Submit final copy of your resume to canvas by 2/7 11:59 p.m.
• HW: Discuss chapters, 1, 2, and PowerPoints
• HW: Read “Small Group Communication file in canvas. Work in teams on green company presentation.
• In-Class Session- Thursday, 2/9: Discuss Chapter 12 and Delivering Team Presentations Read low context and high context culture examples and small group communication files in canvas module 3.

Module 4-Team Presentations, Team Follow-Up Memo and APA Citation Method

• In-class Session- Tuesday, 2/14: Discuss practice questions for Test #2: Chs. 1, 2, 12.
• In-class Session- Thursday, 2/16:: Post one low context and high context cultural example to canvas via module 3 by 2/15 11:59 p.m.

 

• Monday, 2/20- Winter Recess, No Class
• Wednesday, 2/22- Winter Recess, No Class

 

• In-class Session- Tuesday, 2/28-Discuss Delivery of Team Presentation- chapter 12. Post completed 32-day commitment with statistic and insight noted at the bottom of a word file by Monday, 2/27, 11:59 p.m. via canvas module 4.
• In-class Session- Thursday, 3/2- Team Presentations on Green Company/PowerPoint slides due to canvas (each team member should upload a copy of the 10 PowerPoint slides by Thursday, 3/2 11:59 p.m.
• In-class Session- Tuesday, 3/7- Team Presentations on Green Company/PowerPoint slides due to canvas (each team member should upload a copy of the 10 PowerPoint slides by Tuesday, 3/7 11:59 p.m.
• In-class Session- Thursday, 3/9: Collaborative Writing and Email Best Practices (Chapter 2, pp. 33-34) Discuss Team Follow-up Memo and Progress Report
• In-class session- Tuesday 3/14- Review for Test #2 and Discuss Team follow-up memo review in class. Each person in the team should upload their own document into their canvas account by Tuesday, 3/14, 11:59 p.m.
• Study 2 hours for Test#2: chapters 1, 2, and 12 (50 multiple choice questions worth 1 point each- see Module 1-3 contents and Thill and Bovee’ Text

Module 5- Test #2

• In-Class Session- Thursday, 3/16: Test #2: chapters 1, 2, and 12 (50 multiple choice questions worth 1 point each): Sign-up for Trade shows (2 people per group).

 

Module 6-Grammar Quiz, Progress Reports, Trade Show Analysis

• In-class Session- Tuesday, 3/21: Discuss Progress Reports and complete trade show analysis questions 9 and 10 in class.
• In-class Session- Thursday, 3/23: Take Grammar Quiz via canvas, Discuss drafts of progress reports, Work to complete trade show analysis in class.
• In-class Session- Tuesday, 3/28: Final Review of progress reports in class and submit word file via module 7 in canvas by 3/28, 11:59 p.m. (8 paragraphs single spaced memo format –including 6 in-text APA citations and 1 references page).
• In-class session- Thursday, 3/30: Discuss Trade Show Presentations.

 

Module 7: Trade Show Presentations:

• In-class Session- Tuesday, 4/4: Trade Show Analysis reviewed in class and each person needs to upload into canvas by 4/4, 11:59 p.m.
• In-class Session- Thursday, 4/6: Delivery Tips
• In-class Session- Tuesday, 4/11: Trade Show Presentations
• In-class Session- Thursday, 4/13: Trade Show Presentations
• In-class Session- Tuesday, 4/18: Trade Show Presentations

 

• Final Exam Schedule: (Attendance is required for the final exam session where you will hear trade show presentations and critique one team. Failure to attend will result in one letter grade lower on your final grade).

 

CRN 20425: MGMT 202 (T/Th 1:00-2:15 p.m.):

Will meet Thursday, April 20^th, 1:00-2:30 p.m. in COB 230.  

 

CRN 20427: MGMT 202 (T/Th 2:30-3:45 p.m.):

Will meet Tuesday, April 25^th, 1:30-3:00 p.m. in COB 230.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GRADING RUBRIC FOR THREADED DISCUSSIONS

 

9–10 points

• Demonstrates excellence in grasping key concepts;
• Critiques work of others;
• Stimulates discussion;
• Provides sample citations for support of opinions;
• Readily offers new interpretations of discussion material.
• Expresses ideas clearly, concisely;
• Uses appropriate vocabulary.

 

7–8 points

• Shows evidence of understanding most major concepts;
• Offers an occasional divergent viewpoint or challenge;
• Shows limited skill in supporting opinions.
• Demonstrates some disorganization with expression;
• Transition wording may be faulty.

 

5–6 points

• Demonstrates mostly shallow grasp of the material (merely repeats text materials);
• Rarely takes a stand on issues;
• Offers inadequate levels of support;
• Uses poor language and/or garbles much of the message;
• Only occasionally expresses a new idea, not expressed clearly;
• Expression seems disjointed;
• Overuses the simple sentence and shows redundancy with words and commentary;
• Paragraphs often appear unrelated to each other (if there are paragraphs.)
• Contributions indicate student requires constant prompting for contributions.

 

1–4 points

• Minimal or no posting of material.
• Shows no significant understanding of material.
• Language lacks coherence.
• Does not respond readily to prompting.

 

 

 

 

Modified from John F. Bauer, “Assessing Student Work from Chat Rooms and Bulletin Boards.” New Directions for Teaching and Learning 91 (Fall 2002): 35