1. COURSE DESCRIPTION
MHR 324 Communication for Management (4)
Basic communications objectives of organizations. Types of communication used in decision making, their nature, capabilities and limitations. Using computers for communications. Practice in improving written communications, using the approved style manual. Presentations. 4 lectures-problem solving. Prerequisite: ENG 104 and CIS 101.
2. COURSE OBJECTIVES
It is expected that, upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Understand and apply concepts of communication theory as they affect business organizations and the individuals in them.
- Communicate better, knowing that good communicators make better managers and that communication is a dynamic process basic to individuals and organizational life.
- Improve all communication abilities, including thinking, writing, speaking, listening, and the use of technology.
- Learn techniques and skills of correct business research report writing; learn report writing style using an approved style; and, apply the basics of oral communication in a presentation of a project, including, proper speech, organization, use of graphical aids, and effective non-verbal communications.
- Write effective business letters, memorandums, and case studies.
3. PREREQUISITES
English 104 and CIS 101 (Or Equivalents)
4. TEXTS REQUIRED
Krizan, Merrier, and Jones. Business Communication, 5th. Edition.Cincinnati: South-Western Publishing Company. 2002. (Required.)
Dictionary (Computer and hard copy).
Other: Three or four 3 1/2 inch Double-Sided, High-Density disks. Dictionary, Thesaurus (electronic or hard copy). Intranet account for E-Mail and Internet use. (If you don't have one yet, pick up from 98-B1-208 of the CLA Building, across from the Campus Information Desk or Room CLA 5-13.) The InTRAnet account is necessary for access to privileged files, for your own home page and storage.
ABSENCES AND GRADES
(2 Tardies = 1 Absence)
5. GRADING PERCENTAGES
Grades will be assigned on the basis of the following percentages:
Attendance, attitude, classwork, e-mail & participation 20 Written assignments (homework, exercises, etc.) 30 Term Project and Presentation (10) 10 Mid-Term Examination 20 Final Examination 20 Total 100
6. FORM OF EVALUATION
Class Assignments and Homework. The cases, problems, and exercises assigned are to be done completely, neatly and on time according to the more complete instructions given in class at the time of the assignments. The classwork and assignments must be kept in a notebook that may be checked periodically. The notebook will serve as a cross check against instructor records.
Term-Project Presentation. The research, on an approved management communication topic, will be presented to the class using presentation software. Presentations of the research approximately seven to eleven minutes in length will be made to measure the ability to communicate and clearly inform the audience about the nature of the problem, background, methods, findings, and conclusions of the project. The use of audio-visual aids is MANDATORY during the presentation. Grades will be assigned on the basis of peer and instructor evaluations and Certificates awarded to the presentations judged most effective by the class.
Examinations. The examinations may consist of written communications (letters, memos, etc.), multiple choice, true/false, and essay questions that measure the ability to know and apply principles of good communication. (Be sure to use the Study Guide (password required.) Other types of questions may be included. The questions will cover the lectures, class discussions, activities, videos, exercises, and textbooks. The mid-term and final may include multiple choice questions on the test as well as application exercises (memos, letters, etc.) prepared on the computer and printed.
7. METHOD OF ASSIGNING LETTER GRADES
Grades are assigned based on the evaluations of each student's work compared to others in the class and in previous sections of this class. The percentages indicated in 5, above, and the grading system in the 1999-2001 University Catalog are factors. A system of Stanines (Standard Nine-Point Scale) is used to calculate the value of grades. Letter grades (A, B, C, D, or F) are assigned on the basis of the instructor's evaluation of student work compared with the work of other students completing classwork. An I (Incomplete) grade will be given only if sufficient, but not all, work has been completed for good cause. The I may be changed to a letter grade only when all work is completed according to University Policy.
Bonus Incentive Points (BIPs) may be earned to improve poor test grades, make up for unavoidable absences or late assignments, etc., or to raise the final grade received. Bonus work consists of additional work similar to regular classwork. (Examples include: properly completed end-of-chapter application exercises, questions, message analyses, grammar workshops, arranging a guest speaker, Periodical Reports--Abstract and Analysis with Applications). Up to a maximum of one letter grade may be earned with BIPs. See instructor and web pages for additional details.
8. POLICY ON ATTENDANCE , CLASS PARTICIPATION, AND MAKE-UP EXAMINATIONS
Attendance, attitude, and preparation are important. Positive contributions to the class can provide rich reciprocal learning experiences. The right attitude means: a desire and willingness to study and learn, preparation as directed, and putting forth effort even when it may be inconvenient or difficult. It also means: being ready to answer questions when called upon, volunteering answer to questions or asking questions (even when you feel they may seem a little "dumb"), and actively listening to the instructor and other class members. Carrying too many units, working too many hours, etc., (usually symptoms of poor time management) will not be given much consideration in the determination of the final grade.
Absences (as well as tardies) will definitely negatively affect grades. Make-up exams are exceptions, and only given on the basis of instructor/student agreement for significant and compelling reasons. The total number of absences/tardies, regardless of the reason, determine the grade for this portion of the course. Memorandums to the instructor explaining necessary absences can mitigate their effect and BIPs can help offset the impact of absences. The attendance portion of the grade is calculated as shown below, modified by attitude, classwork, and participation.
Number of Absences
9. STUDENT PREPARATION
Students are expected to have all lessons, papers, presentations, etc., prepared on the dates indicated, to come class with the required materials, to take notes, and to read the assignments by the dates due. Assignments turned in late will receive one-half grade lower than they would earn if on time.
10. ADD-DROP POLICY
Detailed information regarding "Add/Drop Policies and the Assignment of Incomplete Grades" is available in the Student Advising Center, Building 6, Room 218, from your Department Office, and from the University Catalog.
11. WEEKLY ASSIGNMENTS--MHR 324 (Subject to Amendment and Change)
Week 1
September 24. Orientation. Introductions. Class Plan and Organization. Purchase Textbook. Make sure Intranet Account Is working. (Check with Computer Commons, CLA 5-13 or Enterprise Computing Help Desk, 98-B1-208). Mail may be checked from other locations at: http://webmail.csupomona.edu:8000 Use of Class Intranet Site. Using the Study Guide.
September 26. Chapter 1--Business Communication Foundations. and Chapter 2--International and Cross-Cultural Communication. Using Search Engines and Directories.
Week 2
October 1. Chapter 3--Communication Technologies and Techniques and Chapter 4--Principles of Business Communication. (Class--Teams, Comprehensive Exercise 1--Page 117.)
Homework--Comprehensive Exercise 2, Pages 117-18. ***The Electronic Database Assignment***
October 3. Chapter 5--Developing Effective and Ethical Business Messages. Examples of Oral Presentations. Class introductions. Class--p. 155, Grammar Workshop. Homework--Review Appendix A, page 618. Written, page 155, Message Analysis. First E-Mail Assignment Due.
Week 3
October 8. Chapter 7--Positive and Neutral Messages. Class--Grammar Workshop and Message Analysis, page 217. Chapter 8--Goodwill Messages. Class--Grammar Workshop and Message Analysis, page 231. Homework Ch 7--p. 214, #7. Homework Ch 8--p. 228, #2 (Block Style for both)
October 10. Chapter 9--Negative Messages. Chapter 7 & 8 Cases Due Today (Printed). A List of Project Ideas from GDSS. Fifty Topics for Oral and Written Reports. Brainstorming Term Project Ideas. Using Forums for Exercises.
Week 4
October 15. Chapter 9 Case Due, p. 259 #7. Chapter 10--Persuasive Messages. Classwork-- p. 289, App Ex. #6. Homework--Ch 9, p. 289, Case #1. (Simplified Style)
October 17. Mid-Term Examination (Chapters 1,2,3,4,5,7,8, 9). You must bring all of these--a Scantron, Number 2 pencils, textbook, and notes.
Week 5
October 22. Persuasive Letter Due, Ch. 10, p. 289, Case #1, Simplified Style. Chapter 11--Business Research and Report Writing. Using the Library and Electronic Databases for Research. Prepare Electronic Database Assignment. Formal vs. Informal Writing Styles. Appendices B, p. 642, and C , p. 647.
October 24. Chapter 12--Proposals, Business Plans, and Special Reports. Format Guide. Classwork p.388 #2 or 389 #8. Writing the Proposal. Homework--Prepare Presentation Proposal (Due by November 7).
Week 6
October 29. Chapter 13--Visual Aids. Powerpoint Assignment. Classwork--p. 423, #4 (discussion). Homework, p. 423, #5a, b (begin in class). 5c, d, e may be done for BIPs.
October 31. Chapter 16--The Job Search and Resume. Chapter 17--Employment Communications and Interviewing. Prepare your own application letter and resume as homework. (Scannable, online, hardcopy) Job-Hunting Resources on the Web. Resumes and Job Search Ideas. Second E-Mail Due.
Week 7
November 5. Resume and Application Letter Due. Class activity--Interview Role Play and Videotaping. Electronic Database Assignment Due. Chapter 14--Listening and Nonverbal Communication. Homework, p. 444, #8 Nonverbal Agenda Video.
November 7. Homework, p. 444, #8, write up your findings. Finalize Presentation Proposal.
Week 8
November 12. Presentation Proposal Due. Nonverbal Homework p. 444, #8 Due.Chapter 15--Oral Communications Essentials. Speaking Effectively to 1 or 1000 (Video). Classwork--p. 474, #1 and #2
November 14. Chapter 6--Interpersonal Communication and Teamwork. Videotaping of Practice Presentations. Classwork--p. 189, #8.
Week 9
November 19. Term Project Presentations.
November 21. Term Project Presentations.
Week 10
November 26. Term Project Presentations. Deadline for All Work and BIPs.
November 28. Term Project Presentations. Third E-Mail Due.
FINAL EXAMINATION. Bring a Scantron, Number 2 pencils, textbook, and notes. Chapters 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 6 primarily covered.
MHR 32403--2:00 p.m. CLASS--Monday, December 4, 11:30-1:30 p.m.
MHR 32404--8:00 p.m. CLASS--Monday, December 4, 8:10 - 10:10 p.m.
Application (case) assignments are to be prepared on the computer, printed, and handed in on the date indicated. Late assignments may be accepted, but the grade will be reduced.
All work, including bonus incentive points, must be turned in not later than the end of the November 28 class period to be counted toward the grade for this quarter. NO EXCEPTIONS.