business week 3

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. Explain the influence of sentence length on readability and keeping readers' interest.

2. List and discuss four techniques that can be used to improve readability of messages.

3. List and briefly describe the nine techniques for editing for clarity.

4. List and explain the four techniques for making documents more concise.

5. Rachel's team handles the internal communication for Miranda Management Systems. Before any message is sent to the recipients, it must go through three levels of quality checks. Each reviewer adds his or her views and suggestions to the original document. The document is then sent back to the author for rework. The team previously used printed versions of the documents to make the changes, but Rachel has decided to move the process online. What software can the team use to follow its revision process online?

6. Identify four software tools that can help you revise messages, and explain the risks of using them.

7. List and explain the four principles of effective design.

8. Tamara is the editor of her company's newsletter. For years, the newsletter has used a drab style that is not very reader-friendly. How can Tamara change this into a style that is easier to read using typeface choices and margins? Explain Tamara's options in terms of typefaces and margins and explain which she should choose to achieve this.

9. List at least three tips for effective proofreading.

10. List four factors that influence the distribution of a message. Explain how each factor has an influence on the choice of medium.

11. The CEO of ATS Infrastructure—a large multinational company involved in turnkey infrastructure projects around the world—believes that using e-mail for internal communications is a thing of the past and wants to adopt IM as the primary mode for communication within the organization. As an expert in business communications, what course of action would you recommend the CEO take and why?

12. List the nine compositional modes for electronic media. Assume that you are a corporate communications executive at D-Max, a large manufacturer and retailer of a wide range of clothing, furniture, and home decor. Which of these modes would you use to outline your company's history on the company website? Would you use the same mode when offering your new Summer line of clothing, furniture, and decor on the website? If not, which mode(s) would you use for this purpose? Explain your answer.

13. How do companies use social networks to gather market intelligence, for marketing communication, and for recruiting employees and connecting with contractors and suppliers?

14. Describe the use of user-generated content sites and community Q&A sites for business messages.

15. William has drafted the following e-mail message to the HR manager of Hi-Tech Systems, enquiring if the company has a position open for Software Developer. Analyze the message and point out errors that will likely reduce the effectiveness of the communication. Redraft the e-mail by following the tips for effective e-mail messages.

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

Subject: Need help

Hi Lily,

Thank you for your time. I am a graduate in Computer Engineering from the Sydenham College of Technology, Lawrenceville, GA. I am presently looking for a job as a software developer and am interested in working for Hi-Tech Systems.

I have been following the company for several years now, and IMHO, it is the best place for a fresher in the industry to learn and grow. Hi-Tech Systems has distinguished itself as the company to have filed for the HIGHEST NUMBER OF PATENTS in 2010! It has also been selected as EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR by leading business magazines for four years in a row. I mean, what's not to like?

I passed with honors at Sydenham and received the "MOST PROMISING STUDENT OF THE YEAR" prize at our graduation. I am a good team player and was voted leader of my student team.

PFA my résumé. Please let me know if you have a suitable position open for me.

I hope to hear from you soon.

Regards,

William Chandler

16. How can the three-step process be adapted for successful IM?

17. Describe four important elements of business blogging.

18. When following the three-step process in developing blogs, what is involved in completing your blog?

19. Compare and contrast the concept and use of blogging and microblogging for business communication.

20. How can the three-step process be adapted to podcasting?

PART II: REFLECTIONPAPER