business week 2

Directions: Please answer each of the following questions. Please ensure that your responses are at least 1 to 2 paragraphs in length. When using outside resources, please be sure to use proper APA format. Please visit the Academic Resource Center for concise APA guidelines.

1. Describe the three-step writing process.

2. Briefly explain the activities involved in the planning step of the writing process.

3. Briefly explain the activities involved in the writing step of the writing process.

4. Describe the activities involved in the final step of the writing process.

5. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of oral and written media and give examples of instances in which you would use each form of media.

6. Discuss the advantages of visual messages in cross-cultural communication.

7. Briefly describe at least four factors to consider in choosing a medium for your message.

8. Your organization decides to switch its top-down decision-making structure with a participatory approach, in which all employees have a say in decision-making. Draft the message using first the direct and then the indirect approach. Describe the type of audience for each approach and explain why that particular approach is necessary.

9. The authorities at a university are about to introduce tough new security measures to prevent crime on campus. Students will have to carry identification at all times and some activities will be restricted. Draft a message explaining the new rules using either the direct or indirect approach. Explain which approach you think the university should use to communicate with the students and why.

10. Using an example, explain the advantages of the storytelling method in business communications.

11. Rewrite the following paragraph using the "you" attitude: Highstreet Shoes has the best products for the best prices in town. We offer shoes for every possible activity, from casuals to formals, for work or play. Our customers consistently report the highest satisfaction levels. The salespeople at our stores are familiar with the entire range of shoes and can help our customers choose the best option for them. We are located at most major malls and shopping centers and even have an online store, for customer convenience. Our returns policy allows product returns within 90 days of purchase, in their original packaging. Kindly note that no returns will be accepted after 90 days.

12. Biased language has no place in business communication. Discuss the various types of biases and methods to avoid these.

13. Brad wants to set up a catering business from his home. He needs to publicize his business and build his credibility with potential customers. Explain how Brad can build his credibility with the help of concrete examples.

14. Janie is new to a job in a large company in which most work interactions take place via e-mail. She needs to know how to decide the tone and structure for her e-mails. What advice would you give Janie about business e-mails? Explain what she can do to improve her e-mails, and what she should avoid.

15. James Sharp has to write a formal e-mail to Mark Simpson, his manager, explaining that he has to take a few days' leave. He must also send an e-mail to Joan Sanders, his colleague, discussing what has to be done and the tasks that need to be completed during his absence. In what way will the two e-mails be different? Discuss the differences in tone between the two and how James can achieve this.

16. Rewrite the following passage in the passive voice: The library committee has decided to allot 35 percent of the library's yearly grant to the purchase of new computers and computer hardware. The committee decided to increase its purchase of new technology as these facilities are popular among its patrons. Approximately 75 percent of library patrons use the surfing and e-mail facilities. Borrowing rates for books, magazines and DVDs have decreased sharply over the past few years. The library committee has therefore decided to focus on new technology to attract the new generation.

17. Joanna is the Sales Manager for Amco Products. Andrew, one of the salesmen reporting to her, has not met his targets for the month. Joanna must send him an official e-mail asking him to explain his poor performance. She doesn't want to sound accusatory, but hopes that the e-mail will encourage him to improve. Write the e-mail using either the active or the passive voice and explain your choice.

18. Read the following paragraph and add transitions to connect ideas and sentences:

The world is getting smaller every day. Most people use electronic gadgets for communication. Distances between countries are shrinking daily. Travel is easier than ever before. Road and rail transit is too slow for modern travelers. Air travel is quick and easy. Cultural and social boundaries are blurring. Ideas, languages, and popular culture spread across the globe almost instantly. National cultures are making way for a unified global culture. Technology has played a major part in globalization.

19. List four methods of using transitions to help make paragraphs coherent.

20. Briefly describe at least four word processing capabilities that can help business writers shape their writing.

PART II: REFLECTION PAPER