Communication for Executives (Spring 2005)

Due to the compressed nature of the course, you will be graded on both in-class and out of class work.

Case Analyses (350 points total)

These assignments, which will be done in-class and outside of class, ask you to examine a real-world situation where there is a communication need, analyze the situation and produce a written or oral analysis, and produce and evaluate appropriate communication which would create a resolution to the situation. You will work individually and in small-groups to complete these analyses, which may include producing different types of documents as well as writing an analysis memo or giving a short presentation. These analyses and supporting documents will be graded, with points being assigned depending on the amount of work required.

Meetings/Conference Calls (100 points total)

You will participate in leading and participating in meetings and conference calls related to cases (or other appropriate contexts) in class in order to practice appropriate communication strategies within these contexts. Your participation will be observed and graded by the instructor.

Report (200 points total)

You will choose a trend in business communication that you find interesting and appropriate for the type of business that you are currently in or would like to work in. You should identify a practice, procedure, or technology that you feel your company (or a company for which you would like to work) should adopt. You will then write a 6-8 page report that informs employees above and below about this trend and practice, procedure, or technology, explains how it could be implemented and used in your specific corporate setting, and makes a persuasive case for its adoption.

Presentation (150 points total)

In addition to writing a report on this trend, you will also give a 15 minute presentation to the class about this trend in business communication in an attempt to convince the company to adopt this new practice, procedure, or technology. This presentation should include a PowerPoint presentation to complement your speaking as well as handouts for the audience. The class and instructor will play the role of your fellow employees and their feedback will become part of your grade.

Memos to the Instructor (100 points total)

Before each class, you will write a 1-2 page memo to the instructor and submit it via e-mail. This memo will:

• Summarize the major ideas in the readings for class
• Reflect on how those ideas relate to your experiences in business
• Ask questions about ideas or concepts which you need clarified or are curious about

Memos are due before the start of each class. These memos will be graded individually and will be worth 25 points each.

Class Participation (100 points total)

You will also be graded on your participation in class, including your contributions to whole-class and small group discussion.