DISCUSSIONS



WEEK 1

Process-Oriented Writing (graded)

TCO 2 and the class textbook guide students toward using a process-oriented approach to professional writing. What does it mean to use a "process-oriented approach" in writing? Why is this approach advantageous? (Later in the week, we'll discuss strategies we can use during each step of the process.) (This discussion covers TCO 2.)

Formatting Business Messages (graded)

Consider successful business messages you've received, either as a professional or a customer. How did the formatting of those messages affect their level of success? (This discussion addresses TCOs 1 and 2.)

WEEK 2

Writing Elements in Business Messages (graded)

We probably all agree that using correct grammar and spelling in our written communication is important. But, just how important is it? Take a look at this CEO's blog post. Class, what are your thoughts on this article? I Won't Hire People Who Use Poor Grammar. Here's Why.
















WEEK 3

Positive and Neutral Messages (graded)

Most messages we write in the workplace fall into the category of positive or neutral communications. Examples include routine requests, informative or good news announcements, replies to inquiries, messages granting claims, letters of recommendation, and general goodwill messages. What are some strategies for writing these common types of messages successfully? (This discussion addresses TCO 2.)

WEEK 4

Diversity and Writing in the Workplace (graded)

Valuing diversity is commonly regarded as a virtue in today's business world. Why is diversity important to value? What are some strategies we can use to reflect the value of diversity in our written work? (This discussion addresses TCO 6.)

Report Writing (graded)

What are some different types of reports you are likely to write in your career? What are some strategies for creating well-written, effective reports? (This discussion addresses TCOs 1 and 2.)

WEEK 5

Negative/Bad News Messages (graded)

Using the process-oriented approach when addressing situations requiring the delivery of a negative or bad news message requires additional attention to planning and audience analysis. View the scenario and discuss the factors that would go into deciding whether to use the direct or indirect approach to deliver the message. (This discussion addresses TCOs 2 and 6.)

Electronic Communication (graded)

Business communication experts posit that the memo is dead and email isn’t too far behind. Review Chapters 7 and 8 and discuss the inherent benefits and drawbacks to the variety of electronic communication media used in business and industry. (This discussion addresses TCO 3.)

WEEK 6

Visual Communication (graded)

Using common software such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, users can create a multitude of different types of graphs, including pie charts, line graphs, flow charts, and Gantt charts. Which factors weigh into the decision to choose a particular type of graph or chart? Once you choose a type, how can you ensure that it is clear, readable, and ethical? (This discussion addresses TCO 5.)

Planning Formal Reports and Persuasion (graded)

One important part of planning a formal report is conducting research. What are some strategies business writers can use to conduct quality research? How else can we apply planning stage techniques and strategies to the planning of a formal report? (This Discussion supports TCOs 2 and 5.)

WEEK7

Review of Professional Writing Standards (graded)

Class, once again, read through our 6 course TCOs. Which objectives do you think will be most important in your future career? Do you have any remaining questions about any of our objectives? Let's take this opportunity to review any concepts about which you may still have questions, as well as to discuss how you will apply them to your professional writing as you advance in your career. (This discussion addresses all TCOs.)

Formatting Formal Reports (graded)

Read the example report in Chapter 15 on pages 426-439, paying close attention to how the report is formatted and organized. (Note that this report shows both MLA and APA citations; in the reports you are writing, you will need to use APA citations.) How does the formatting and organization of a formal report differ from the formats we've practiced in other types of business writing? (This Discussion supports TCOs 1 and 5.)

Week 2: Writing Elements and Process-Oriented Approach to Writing - A: Group Discussion

Applying Writing Elements (graded)

TCO 1 addresses the importance of writing messages that are clear, concise, complete, and with the appropriate tone, all of which are covered in Writing Elements Training Module. Review the attached message and post responses that address the following:

1. First Post by Wednesday must include the following:
   1. Write an evaluation of the original message that includes references to at least three specific writing elements.
   2. Write a revision of the original message.
2. Second Post: offer a constructive critique of one other student’s revision. Make sure each student’s revision effort receives at least one critique.
3. Third Post: Add additional critiques or ask questions for clarification.

Optional Additional Posts: Add additional critiques, provide examples for further discussion, or ask questions for clarification. (This discussion covers TCO 1.)

I am a new publisher with some really good books to sell. I saw your announcement in Publishers Weekly about the bookseller show you’re having this summer, and I think it’s a great idea. Count me in, folks! I would like to get some space to show my books. I thought it would be a neat thing if I could do some airbrushing on T-shirts live to help promote my hot new title, T-shirt Art. Before I got into publishing, I was an airbrush artist, and I could demonstrate my techniques. I’ve done hundreds of advertising illustrations and have been a sign painter all my life, so I’ll also be promoting my other book, hot off the presses, How to Make Money in the Sign Painting Business.

Due to the fact that my PR campaign is starting soon in the near future with ads in PW and some art trade papers, my books should be well known by the time the show comes around in August. In case you would like to use my appearance there as part of your publicity, I have enclosed a bibliography and a photo of myself.

P.S. Please let me know what it costs for booth space asap so that I can figure out whether I can afford to attend. Being a new publisher is mighty expensive!

week 1



Objectives | Guidelines | Grading Rubrics

Objectives

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You are very interested in joining the team at E227 Global Solutions (E227GS), and you are in luck! E227GS is currently hiring all majors. This week, you will search online databases for open job positions that interest you and/or are relevant to your program of study. Select one posting and create a reverse chronological resume targeted for that posting; submit your resume and the job posting you selected to the Week 1 Dropbox.

Guidelines

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To Create a Reverse Chronological Resume for a Targeted Audience:

1. Go to your DeVry portal at http://my.devry.edu and click on My Compass to My Career to access all of the self-directed resources available to you through Career Services.* You may do a job search within My Compass to My Careerby clicking on My Planner from the top of the screen and then select Jobs That Interest Me from the drop down menu. For more information on how to access job leads inside My Compass to My Career, please review the guide here: Career Services Tools and Resources. You may also search other job search sites such as careerbuilder.com (see table 18.1 on p 507 of our etext for job search websites). For students new to a field, search http://onetonline.org for job titles/descriptions for a wide range of career fields. Then conduct a job search as directed using job titles you found at http://onetonline.org.
2. Locate a position you may realistically see yourself applying for at some point in your career based on the skills, education, and experience you will have.
3. Review the resumé evaluation checklist found in Doc Sharing and access another great tool called Resumé Wizard inside My Compass to My Career to help you build a keyword enriched resumé. You can access the My Compass to My Career Guide above. (Do NOT submit the checklist to your dropbox.)
4. Review the resumé evaluation checklist found in Doc Sharing. (Do NOT submit the checklist to your dropbox.)
5. Draft a reverse chronological resumé targeted at the job posting you selected.
6. Submit the completed resumé to your dropbox by the due date/time.

A sample reverse chronological resume is located in the Week 1 Lecture tab (***note this is only a sample and your resume does not have to look exactly like the sample***).

A successful resume will:

• Be written for a targeted audience, i.e., the job posting the student selected.
• Include an original summary or objective AND a special skills section that reflects the student's skills and experiences relative to the description in the job posting.
• List employment and education history presented in reverse chronological order.
• Summarize the student's work experience in four to five points under each position held, focusing on concrete, measurable duties and/or accomplishments.
• Present work experience, skills, and achievements in original terminology.
• Use parallel active verbs (see page 515 in e-text for suggestions).
• Not use first person singular.
• Use appropriate headings and appropriate design elements (e.g., white space, bold, underline, italics, varying font sizes***) to improve readability. ***Note: Students should not attempt to use all of these elements in one document.
• Make efforts to limit the resume to one page.
• Demonstrate proper writing conventions, including correct spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and grammar.

week 2 quiz

(TCO 1) Select the sentence that best demonstrates use of active voice:

It is suggested that meter readings be recorded hourly.

The policy suggests you record meter readings hourly.

On an hourly basis, the policy readings must be recorded.

The policy readings must be recorded.

Week 2 Lecture/Training Module

Points Received: 2 of 2

Comments:

Question 2. Question : (TCO 1) Select the sentence that demonstrates proper parallel structure:

Pete Henry likes to survey points and studying new construction techniques.

Pete Henry likes surveying airports and to study new construction techniques.

Pete Henry likes surveying airports and studying new construction techniques.

Week 2 Lecture/Training Module

Points Received: 2 of 2

Comments:

Question 3. Question : (TCO 1) Select the sentence that most effectively demonstrates conciseness:

The expansion project is estimated to cost at or around about $1.2 million.

The expansion project is estimated to cost in the neighborhood of $1.2 million.

The expansion project is estimated to cost approximately $1.2 million.

Week 2 Lecture/Training Module

Points Received: 2 of 2

Comments:

Question 4. Question : (TCO 1) Select the sentence that most effectively demonstrates tone:

We don’t make refunds on merchandise that is soiled.

We offer refunds on items returned in their original condition.

We don’t offer refunds on items not returned in their original condition.

Week 2 Lecture/Training Module

Points Received: 2 of 2

Comments:

Question 5. Question : (TCO 1) Select the sentence that most effectively demonstrates the you attitude:

You can expect to receive the report by Friday.

You won’t get the report by the Tuesday deadline.

I know I promised you a report by Tuesday, but you won’t get it until Friday.

Week 2 Lecture/Training Module

Points Received: 0 of 2

Comments:

Question 6. Question : (TCO 1) Revise: We mailed the book you requested yesterday.

Question 7. Question : (TCO 1) Revise: Jack resents his assistant because he is competitive.

Question 8. Question : (TCO 1) Revise: Because of the degree of active employee participation, we are of the opinion that the

stock bonus plan will be successful.

Question 9. Question : (TCO 1) Revise: Unless you pay me within three days, my lawyer will be contacted.

Question 10. Question : (TCO 1) Revise: We cannot possibly send a repairman until next Monday.

Question 11. Question : (TCO 1) Revise: We are happy to announce that we are offering for sale an empty parcel of land at the corner of Mission and High Streets. We will be selling this parcel for $62,000, with a minimum down payment of $13,500. We have had it rezoned M-2 for student housing.

Question 12. Question : (TCO 1) List the instances of biased language in this report:

Question 13. Question : (TCO 1) Revise: While a few nearby residents initially opposed our expansion plan, we think we have their support to proceed as scheduled.

Question 14. Question : (TCO 1) Revise this passage by inserting logical transition words.

Columbia is widening its lead over Kraft in the computer-magazine war.

Its revenues increased 27% last year, whereas Kraft’s increased only 16%.

Its audited paid circulation increased to 600,000, compared to 450,000 for Kraft.

Kraft was able to increase both the ad rate and the number of ad pages last year.

Question 15. Question : (TCO 1) Revise: The major benefits our organization offers include annual leave and sick leave, insurance for group life and medical expenses, and a private retirement fund.

week 3



Objectives | Guidelines | Grading Rubrics

Objectives

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A large percentage of the writing we do in the workplace involves writing routine, neutral, and/ or goodwill messages. Routine and neutral messages cover a wide range of topics, from the ordinary (e.g., sending colleagues a reminder to attend a meeting) to the more detailed (e.g., updating a supervisor about a project). This week your division manager at E227 Global Solutions has directed you to write a memo sharing some ideas in response to a particular problem that developed. You will then share your memo with your team, and together deliver an analytical report that will be due next week (Week 4).

Start this process by listening to the voice mail your division manager left for you.

Read the trucking supervisor's email.

Guidelines

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To Complete the Routine Message Assignment:

1. Listen to the voice mail for the subject matter of the message you will write.
2. Refer to the trucking supervisor's email for additional information about the problem underlying this week's assignment. (NOTE TO STUDENTS: you will use this material again in Week 4.)
3. Complete the Week 3 Routine Message Planning Questionnaire found in Doc Sharing. Insert your responses directly into the questionnaire.
4. Write the message in the appropriate document format your division manager specified in his/her voice mail.
5. Add the written message to a new page on the Planning Questionnaire and submit as ONE Word document. (To add a new page at the end of your questionnaire, place your cursor after the last item on the questionnaire and press CONTROL and ENTER.)
6. Submit the completed Planning Questionnaire and your written message to your Dropbox by the due date/time.

Specific Content Guidelines for the Routine Message

The written response will be formatted as a memo with headings/subheadings, bullets, tables, etc. in the body of the message for easy readability. The following items are to be included in the memo:

• Paragraph briefly introducing the issue
• Your ideas to address the problem
• Team identity – members’ names and contact information (phone numbers and email addresses). Identify the team leader or project facilitator and documentation coordinator.
  A list of all individual-specific tasks (not just the major deliverables) needed to complete the project, including due dates for each task, and personnel responsible. Present this information in table format.
• Concluding paragraph

Teams who are clear on the norms and expectations of the group, as well as individuals being clear on their specific responsibilities and due dates for deliverables, are more likely to be successful and less likely to experience negative conflict.

A Successful Message will include the following:

• The message written in the proper document format.
• Accurate and thoughtful responses to each planning question.
• Evidence the writer fully and firmly grasps the purpose/goals of the message.
• Full and complete original text that reflects audience needs in relation to the message.
• Proper use of formatting and style (e.g., bullets, headings, lists, etc.).
• An awareness and proper use of all ten writing conventions for professional writing (as appropriate) covered in Week 2.
• Use of proper grammar, spelling, punctuation, and capitalization.

week 5


Negative or Bad News Message
Objectives | Guidelines | Grading Rubrics

Objectives

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You have been navigating the waters at E227 Global Solutions quite nicely these past few weeks, and you are feeling confident that you can handle any writing task that comes your way. Then, you learn of a delicate situation involving one of the company's long-time friends and supporters. Your writing skills are going to be tested as you are asked to craft a response refusing the request made by our corporate ally. This is no ordinary refusal, since a valuable corporate relationship is at stake. You must approach this message with care and plan accordingly.

View the scenario which will provide the background you need to proceed with the message.

Guidelines

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To Complete the Negative News Assignment:

1. View the negative message media piece for the scenario surrounding the message you will write.
2. Complete the Week 5 Negative Message Planning Questions found in Doc Sharing. Insert your responses directly after each question.
3. Write the message in the appropriate document format indicated in the scenario.
4. Add the written message to a new page on the planning questionnaire, and submit as ONE Word document. (To add a new page at the end of your questionnaire, place your cursor after the last item on the questionnaire and press CONTROL and ENTER.)
5. Submit the completed planning questions and written message to your Dropbox by the due date/time.

A Successful Message Will Include the Following:

• The message written in the proper document format.
• Accurate and thoughtful responses to each planning question.
• Evidence the writer fully and firmly grasps the circumstances surrounding the message.
• Evidence the writer fully and firmly grasps the purpose/goals of the message, including selecting the appropriate organizational approach.
• Full and complete original text that demonstrates an awareness of audience needs in relation to the message.
• Proper use of formatting and style (e.g., bullets, headings, lists, and so forth).
• An awareness and proper use of all ten writing conventions for professional writing (as appropriate), covered in Week 2.
• Use of proper grammar, spelling, punctuation, and capitalization.

week 6 and 8

Print

Objectives | Guidelines | Grading Rubrics

Objectives

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Good news! The negative press from the trucking situation in Indonesia has been successfully mitigated. Upper management now recognizes that E227 Global Solutions has long talked about being green, but has not made any major efforts toward reducing the company’s carbon footprint on a global scale. With operations in the U.S. and abroad, E227 Global Solutions has seen generally successful localized initiatives to reduce energy consumption, reduce or eliminate chemical by-products, and minimize office waste.

Management at E227 Global Solutions is now challenging the entire company to adopt “green” strategies and reduce the company’s carbon footprint by 25% in the next year. Recognizing that great ideas come from all levels of the company, E227GS is challenging you, its employees, to generate ideas for going green and achieving, and possibly exceeding, the goal of reducing our carbon footprint.

Starting this week, you are being asked to prepare a formal proposal recommending ways the company can go green. The proposals may offer specific strategies (e.g., reducing printer waste such as paper and ink; phasing in an energy efficient fleet of vehicles; installing solar panels or wind turbines to power the office building, and so forth), or they may suggest general areas (e.g., IT, operations, production, researching and designing energy efficient electronic/robotic devices) in which sustainable initiatives have been successful for other companies (e.g., Google has been a leader in exploring numerous ways to reduce its carbon footprint such as installing Bloom Boxes at its data center in 2010; other major companies have since followed Google's lead in this area). The goal of the proposal is to generate sustainable green strategies the company can adopt in the short- or long term.

Guidelines

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Your assignment this week is to write your formal proposal’s table of contents and introduction, using formal formatting. To complete this assignment, you will need to have a good plan in place for your formal proposal. You are encouraged to use the three-step process we’ve been studying this session. (The formal report is due in its entirety at the end of Week 8. In Week 6, only the Table of Contents and Introduction are due.)

This week your assignment should include the following:

• A Table of Contents using formal proposal formatting. (Note that page numbers are not necessary this week, as you will not have written the actual report yet. Page numbers should be added next week, though, when you complete the report.)
• The Table of Contents should include first- and second-level headings, as explained on page 411 in Chapter 15.
• Include an introductory section featuring the following four parts (see page 427 in Chapter 15 for an example).
  • Background of the Problem: (Provide an overview of the problem/situation or its importance. This is a critical section. It should cover threeaspects of the problem/situation:
    1. The future — what will happen if the problem is not addressed.
    2. The past — how did this problem develop
    3. The present — what is the current situation that demands action
  • Statement of Purpose: (Remind all readers why you are submitting the proposal. The statement of purpose is essentially the same as a thesis statement for an essay or paper. It only needs to be a sentence or two long.)
  • Sources and Methods: (Discuss the research material selected to support the proposed solution and how the material will be used in the proposal.)
  • Report Organization: (Provide an overview of the various sections of the report so the reader is aware of the direction and organization of the report to follow.)

• Identify at least six credible sources you will use in your proposal in the “Sources and Methods” section (66% of your sources — i.e., four of six — must come from the University library). Discuss how you will use these sources in the proposal. NOTE: A Reference Page is not due this week.
  
• Use formal report formatting.
• Be free of grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.

A successful assignment will include the following:

• The Table of Contents and Introduction sections are properly formatted with at least two heading levels.
• The Table of Contents is complete and provides a clear outline for how the proposal will flow.
• The Introduction includes all four sections with fully developed original text appropriate for each section.
• Evidence the writer fully firmly grasps the purpose/goals of the proposal assignment to include selecting the appropriate organizational approach.
• Proper use of formatting and style (e.g., bullets, headings, lists, and so forth).
• An awareness and proper use of all 10 writing conventions for professional writing (as appropriate) covered in Week 2.
• Use of proper grammar, spelling, punctuation, and capitalization.

Grading Rubrics

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Print Objectives | Guidelines | Grading Rubrics

Objectives

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In Week 6, you planned the formal proposal and wrote the Table of Contents and Introduction. This week, you will complete the Formal Proposal by adding the content and research to support the content. (You may need to revise the Table of Contents and Introduction based on the feedback you receive from your professor.) Your final Formal Proposal is due by midnight (MT), Thursday of Week 8.

Guidelines

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In Week 8, your Formal Proposal should contain the following:

• Be formatted as a formal proposal, following the guidelines for formal proposals in the text (including the guidelines for headings and subheadings found on pages 426-439);
• Include appropriate prefatory, text, and supplemental parts.
• The Formal Proposal should contain appropriate prefatory, text, and supplemental parts, including the following: a cover and/or title page; Correspondence of Transmittal; a Table of Contents; the four-part Introductory section from Week 6; appropriately labeled body sections; and Appendices, and list of References. Your Formal Proposal does not need to contain all of these parts, but should contain most of them.;
• Fully explain the “green” strategy you are proposing. (The word count for the intro, body, and conclusion should be 1250-1750 words);
• Include a Gantt chart and at least one other visual aid that presents data or is used to clarify a complicated concept. Visual aids and their inclusion must adhere to the standards we studied in this course, and which are presented in Chapter 9 (specifically refer to Integrating Visuals with Text on page 244);
• Use at least six credible researched sources appropriately and effectively (no more than 33% from Web searches);
• Include proper documentation using APA style (both in-text and end-of-text citations — please check your work using the Dropbox/Turnitin.com); and
• Be free of spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.

A successful Formal Proposal will include the following:

• The revised (as indicated by the professor in the Week 6 graded assignment) Table of Contents and Introduction section.
• The Table of Contents is complete and provides a clear outline for how the proposal will flow.The Introduction includes all four sections with fully developed original text appropriate for each section.
• Evidence the writer fully and firmly grasps the purpose/goals of the proposal assignment, including selecting the appropriate organizational approach.
• Body of proposal is be properly formatted, with at least two heading levels.
• Well-developed content that is written in the student's own words (introduction, body, and conclusions/recommendations should be between 1250-1750 words).
• Sufficient research material to support ideas.
• A Gantt chart and at least one other visual aid that are properly referenced and cited as needed.
• Direct quotes and/or paraphrases of outside material that are properly integrated into the text and cited (in-text and end-of text) per APA guidelines.
• A references page that lists at least six credible sources (with at least 66% of sources coming from DeVry's library).
• Proper use of formatting and style (e.g., bullets, headings, lists, and so forth).
• An awareness and proper use of all 10 writing conventions for professional writing (as appropriate) covered in Week 2.
• Use of proper grammar, spelling, punctuation, and capitalization.

week 4

Objectives | Guidelines | Grading Rubrics

Objectives

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Last week you were introduced to a transportation issue that was going to affect E227 GS's shipping schedule between our manufacturing facility and the shipping and distribution facility in Indonesia. You suggested ways to reach out to the public in an effort to mitigate whatever negative feelings this change in shipping will cause. This week, you will be part of a team that will suggest a strategy the company will implement. Each group member will share their Week 3 document with the team. The team will develop the best of these ideas, and create a single document explaining the strategy the team is suggesting. This week you and your team will write and assemble the informal analytical report your manager is counting on to address the problem.

Guidelines

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The informal analytical report your team will write this week will be organized as a PDR, or Problem, Discussion, Resolution report.

Write this informal analytical report as a memo addressed to your division manager, formatting it to include the following sections (identified with headings):

• Begin the informal analytical report with a sentence or two that introduces the general purpose of the report.
• Problem: State the problem succinctly in a sentence or two, so that anyone reading this memo will understand the purpose of the memo.
• Discussion of Options: In three or four paragraphs (approximately 500 words), discuss the different options the group considered. Explain their relative strengths and/or weaknesses.
• Resolution: Explain what your your team recommends to address the problem. What does the reader need to do to make this happen? Is there a timeline for implementing this solution?
• Conclusion: Should thank the reader for giving the team the opportunity to address the problem.

Start a new page at the end of the informal analytical report to add the group participation memo. The group participation memo is a collaborative document that will report on the participation and contribution of individual teammates. This must explain what each group member contributed to the final report. If there were problems, you are expected to be specific and explain how they were or were not resolved.

ONE student from each group will submit the informal analytical report and group participation memo (both in the same Word document) on behalf of the entire group.

A successful informal analytical memo will:

• be between 800-1200 words in length (excluding the participation memo).
• be formatted appropriately as an informal report with headings identifying each section.
• accurately represent the problem.
• reflect a clear understanding of the factors that affect the situation.
• clearly present a unique resolution that takes all factors into consideration.
• demonstrate that the team fully grasps the purpose/goals of the message.
• include full and complete original text that reflects audience needs in relation to the message.
• include proper use of formatting and style (e.g., bullets, headings, lists, etc., as appropriate).
• reflect an awareness and proper use of all ten writing conventions for professional writing (as appropriate), covered in Week 2.
• Demonstrate proper grammar, spelling, punctuation, and capitalization.
• Include on the final page a collaboratively produced participation memo that evaluates each group member's performance based on the criteria the group established and reported in the Week 3 memo.