essay

HW1: Progress Report ( double space 2 -3 pages)

1. Look at the sample progress report in Figure 21.5. This report is not as sophisticated as the report you are about to write, but it demonstrates the proper format. Pg373-376 ( must read the book!!!)

2. Go to the "Polishing Your Prose" section at the end of Module 11. Parallel structures are important when writing headings or bulleted lists. Review this section so that you get these right!

Tips for Completing the Progress Report

Follow these guidelines below for writing the draft of your Progress Report.

1. You will be writing about one of your own current projects from school, work, home, or community. Your topic must be something that you are able to show progress on, such as working on your college career, job, building a house, applying for a loan, starting a soup kitchen for the homeless, volunteering in your community, etc. These are just a few of the topics students in the past have written about. You may use one of these, or create your own based on one of your current projects.

2. Your report must have at least three headings. More are fine.

3. Your report may be written for an internal audience (in memo format) or an external audience (which requires a letterhead). You may use your own information in the letterhead such as: your name, address, email address and phone number.

4. The report will be several paragraphs with 3-5 sentences in each paragraph. Each paragraph should begin with a topic sentence.

5. In your report, show how you have overcome some obstacles; explain how far you have come (or, how much has been completed), and how far you have left to go before completion. Do not just make up a list of courses you have completed and count this as a paragraph.

6. Use visuals that relate to your subject: pictures, charts, graphics, etc.

7. End with a positive paragraph that focuses on the future.

8. Be specific! Details about dates, costs, names, measurements, etc. are key.

9. Proofread for errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc.

10. Show your audience why you chose this topic and its importance to you.

Progress Report Assignment and Criteria:

1. Your report must cover a project your are currently working on from school, work, home, or community.

2. Three or more headings required: Work Completed, Work Underway, Work Not Started, Conclusion. These will vary depending on your progress.

3. Use memo format for this progress report and address it to either your instructor or the most logical person.

4. The report will be several paragraphs with 3-5 sentences in each paragraph. Each paragraph should begin with a topic sentence. This report should be about two pages or more.

5. Show how you have overcome some obstacles; explain how far you have come (or, how much has been completed), and how far you have left to go before completion. Do not just make up a list of courses you have completed and count this as a paragraph.

6. Use one or more visuals. Don't make them too large and place them where they go with the text.

7. End with a positive paragraph that focuses on the future.

8. Be specific! Use numbers, costs, dates, proper names, measurements, etc. 

9. Proofread for errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc.

10. Show your audience why you chose this topic and its importance to you.

HW2: Research Proposal Topics ( double space 1-2 pages)

-You are preparing to write a research proposal that will lead to a short research report. The topics you can use for this report should come from the textbook that deal with diversity in the workplace and the subsequent issues. This is a proposal that will also feed into the short research report and presentation coming up. Look at this as educating your "office" on some important topic related to the workplace, workers, clients, etc. Your report will be educational while making recommendations for improvement and/or change.

· Review the Introduction and Objectives page.

· Review Module 21 in preparation for writing a proposal using the memo format.

· Read Module 22 about finding source materials to support research.

· Complete the Learning Activities page.

· Review the list of potential diversity topics on page 39.

The research proposal is an overview of the subject you plan on exploring for your short research report.  You can define your subject, discuss your personal experiences related to that subject, list myths and misconceptions, explain what you need to research, discuss the impact on business, look at ways to educate on this topic, etc.

1. Write your research proposal following the basic memo format.

2. Write about one topic that is mentioned in the textbook.

HW 3: Research Report: (4-5 pages double space)

· You will have two weeks to work on your short research report. Read the Introduction and Objectives page.

· Read Module 22 & 23 in your textbook. Your short research report will be 2 or more pages, memo format, with three or more sources following the MLA style outlined in Figure 22.7.

· Read Module 25 - Using Visuals. You will need to include at least one graph, table, chart, or picture in your report.

· Review Module 5 & 9.

Short Research Report Notes

Informational, Problem-Solving or Recommendation Reports (Short)

· Define and explain your topic.

· Describe the organizational problem.

· Show why easier or less expensive solutions will not solve the problem.

· Present your solution impersonally.

· Show that the disadvantages of your solution are outweighed by advantages.

· Summarize the action you need.

· Ask for the action you want.

Introduction:

· Use the Direct Pattern

· Tell your audience why you are writing

· Define your subject

· Show the seriousness of the problem/issue

· Give a brief overview of what caused the problem

Problem:

· Give specifics of the problem

· Tell who/what is responsible in an unbiased way

· Tell who/what is negatively impacted by this problem

· Use statistics to show why the problem has worsened

· Use a fairly formal style, without contractions or slang

· Avoid the word you

· Include in the report all the definitions and documents needed to understand the recommendation

Solution:

· Provide solutions: policy changes, education, training, assessment, etc.

· Show how benefits outweigh costs

· Overcome counterarguments, the opposition

· Elimination of alternatives

· How difficult this is depends on how hard it would be to implement the action, how much opposition there will be to the recommendation, and how willing the organization is to accept recommendations from subordinates.

· Use source support (cite sources within text using MLA format)

Conclusion:

· Future looking-does not summarize what has already been said

· Show how the solution after implemented has a positive effect

· May show growth as an organization, team, individual motivation, profits, customer base, etc.

. Complete the prewriting for the short research report:

· Prewriting prepares you to write and helps you organize your ideas.

· You may print the lesson and jot notes for yourself on the paper, or you may write notes on your own.

· You do not have to submit prewriting for any points, but don't skip this important step!

2. Complete a draft of the short research report.

· Use a memo style header for your report along with headings throughout the paper.

· Use two or more sources that should include the textbook. Here is the works cited entry for our textbook. Make sure you format the entry correctly. Locker, Kitty O. and Stephen Kyo Kaczmarek. Business Communication-Building Critical Skills. 6th ed. Boston: The McGraw-Hill Companies, 2013.

· When using source material in your report, just simply write something like, "Kitty Locker states that sexism..."

· The report should end up being two to three pages in length.

· There is a sample draft report from a student in this week's folder--LOOK AT IT!

HW4 : Negative Message Letter ( close 1 page single space)

· Review the Introduction and Objectives page.

· Read Module 11 in your textbook.

· Look at Module 9 for an example of a Modified Block Letter for this assignment. See Figure 9.3 and 9.4. The formatting different is the use of indentation for the date, paragraphs, and closing.

· Focus on LO 11-2, "Giving Bad News to Customers and Other People Outside Your Organization." Remember, do not disclose information that hurts the company and does not help the customer.

·

· Read the case from Exercise 11.20. Write a letter in modified block format and address the letter to the customer based on the information in the business case. Remember, the store is in Chicago and the customer must live in that area.

·

· Determine: the bad news before you start writing, but remember the bad news will go in your second paragraph.

· Think about the most positive way you can present the bad news.

·

· First Paragraph  Brainstorm and Write: explanations for the bad news. In this paragraph, you want explain so the reader will accept the news. Since you're focusing on negatives, it's okay to use passive voice verbs. You never want to emphasize negatives.

· Make your explanation clear and specific, and avoid placing blame or fault. Also, don't refer to company policy. Think about your own reaction when you hear that "it's not policy" as an excuse. Remember, you want your readers to accept the bad news. They will be more likely to accept your news if they understand the reasons why instead of referring to policy.

·   Second Paragraph Write: the bad news and alternatives. You may use a passive voice verb in the sentence that gives the bad news. State the news clearly and compactly. You do not need to apologize. Next, discuss alternatives in detail. Use action verbs when writing the alternatives since these offer positives for the reader.

·

· Third Paragraph Write: A goodwill ending. Sentences such as "I look forward to doing business with you," or "Please contact us if you need more assistance," seem insincere. After all, you have just given bad news! Instead, write a forward positive statement. Use your imagination and best judgement!

. Complete a draft of the negative message letter:

· Read the case, Exercise 11.20. Write a modified block letter. Refer to Figure 9.3 and 9.4 in Module 9 for more information. You will have three paragraphs: 

· Paragraph 1: explain the problem or situation. Make this paragrph 5-7 lines in length.

· Paragraph 2: give the bad news and present alternatives. Make this paragraph 5-7 lines in length.

· Paragraph 3: give a sincere goodwill ending. This paragraphy only needs to be 2-3 lines in length.

HW 5: Persuasive Sales Letter ( close one pages single space )

· Review the Introduction and Objectives page.

· Read Module Module 12: Persuasive Messages.

· 1. Follow the appropriate checklist for your message: Figure 12.9 or Figure 12.10.

· 2. Also, look at the "Polishing Your Prose" section at the end of the module. Your personality and enthusiasm needs to be conveyed in a persuasive letter because that may be what sells your product or service.

Below is the sample format for the assignment and tips for completing the Sales letter.

Company Name Address City, State Zip Phone Number

March 7, 2015 (use the date you will turn in the letter)

Chris Thomas (create the name of a person, title, company name and address) Director of Marketing  Adco Corporation 1987 Carillion Parkway Suite 104 Dayton, OH 45444

Dear Chris Thomas: (use the full name if you don t know the gender of the person. If it s to a woman, use Ms., NOT Mrs. or Miss)

Gain attention, arouse reader interest. Do this by telling a short anecdote or mini-story. Another effective technique states provocative facts and/or statistics. One If you wanted to sell home security systems, for example, you could begin the letter with a sentence that gives statistics on breaking and entering incidents in the reader's neighborhood. If you wanted to sell a cleaning service, you could tell an anecdote that might begin with "Imagine coming home to a sparkling clean house." You can also combine stories and statistics. Conclude your paragraph by telling the reader what, exactly, you want to sell. Remember to use "you-attitude." Avoid phrases like "I have come up with great idea," or "I have researched for years," and so forth. Focus on what the reader will received. (Make this paragraph 5-7 lines.)

Develop your assertions about your product or service. Describe the product or service in detail. If you're selling a cleaning service, state exactly WHAT gets cleaned. State HOW, WHERE, and WHEN. If you're selling a product, give colors, sizes, dimensions and so forth. (Make this paragraph 5-7 lines.)

Explain the benefits of your product and service. Remember, these are benefits to the reader. Use a bulleted or numbered list to make your points stand out. Make sure you have at least two sentences and then begin your bulleted list. Be sure the items listed are parallel; that is, begin each bullet with the same kind of word with the same structure. (This paragraph should be at least 5-7 lines. Count each bullet or number as a line, so you need at least two sentences above and three bullets above to make five lines.)

· Explain why customer needs the product.

· Explain what product offers.

· Use a bulleted or numbered list or some kind of graphical highlighting to make your points stand out.

Notice on the above bulleted list, each item begins with a verb that is in present tense. Make sure your bullets are also parallel. You don't have to begin with verbs, but do make sure each bullet begins with the same kind of word.

Make your readers act. This is where you state WHEN and WHAT the reader should do. Offer specific dates and times; tell them how they can contact you. (This paragraph should be 2-3 lines.)

Sincerely, (4 spaces under the Sincerely, enough space to hand write your name.)

Dim Carcrashian (type your name)

Note: Remember the "forbidden words! Use precise words throughout this letter. Limit the use of passive voice verbs (is, are, was, were, be, been, being, am) to no more than ONE per paragraph.

Print your letter and examine it closely. If the letter uses two pages, that's okay, but don't leave the "Sincerely," and your name hanging alone on page two. (That just looks strange.) If you need to, adjust the top and bottom margins of the letter to fit on one page, or you can put the final paragraph along with the closing and your name on page two.

2. Complete a draft of the persuasive sales letter:

· It's your chance to sell that amazing product or service! Instead of choosing an exercise from the book, you'll sell your own product or service. Be creative and sell that barking cat toy!

· Your letter will contain four paragraphs:

· Paragraph 1: get the attention/arouse the interest of your reader. Make this paragrph 5-7 lines in length.

· Paragraph 2: describe the product in detail. Make this paragraph 5-7 lines in length.

· Paragraph 3: reader benefits. Include a bulleted list of three items as a portion of your paragraph. Make this paragraph 5-7 lines in length.

· Paragraph 4: motivate the reader to act. Make this paragraph 2-3 lines in length.

Hw 6 : Job Application/Cover Letter ( close 1 page single space)

· Review the Introduction and Objectives page.

· Complete the Learning Activities page.

2. Complete a draft of the application/cover letter:

· Read the job opening below and write your letter based on that job posting.

Position: Executive Administrative Assistant at Sinclair Community College. Requires high school diploma or equivalent and some college. Primary duties are customer service, professional writing, research, and basic computer skills. Apply by submitting a cover letter and resume to Janet Jones, Director of Human Resource, 444 West Third Street, Dayton, OH 45402, no later than Sunday.

· You decide whether to use full block or modified block letter style.

· Follow an appropriate structure: introduction, body, and conclusion.

Use specifics that speak to the job.

·

Gathering and Organizing the Information for Your Resume

· Write: the job you want.

· Brainstorm and List: all your skills. Don't limit yourself to just what you've done on the job. Are you good with people? Are you outgoing, or are you quiet and studious? Have you led any teams or been a member of any teams? These types of skills can be useful in a "Summary" section on the resume and can be useful in your application/cover letter.

· List: your places of employment. What is or was your job title? If you had several titles, you can list all of them. What dates did you work? You can use months and years or just years. You do not need to write out complete addresses.

· List: what you did at each job. Look at the job-seeker action verbs handout on the Career Services website. Use some of these verbs in your application/cover letter and your resume.

· List: where you are going and/or went to school. What classes have your taken that are relevant to the job you seek? You can could list these classes in your resume and/or refer to them in your application/cover letter.

· Determine:  what makes you unique and special. How will you stand out from all the other applicants? What do you bring that the others don't?

Tips for Completing A Resume

The following provides an example and an explanation for a combination resume. Adding the "Summary" section at the beginning places attention on your skills and can be useful if you have gaps in your employment history. Even if you don't have gaps, the "Summary" section offers a way to highlight your specific skills. You may choose to do a combination resume, a traditional chronological resume or a functional/skills resume. Many people find the combination resume offers the most flexibility.

Notice how this example uses the white space effectively. The resume contains no large gaps of white space and uses the headings to draw the reader's attention to the items that are most important. Here are some basic tips:

· Do not overspace your resume. Double space is sufficent between blocks of information.

· Try to get the resume to fit on one page unless you have a lot of degrees and work experience.

· Keep the design simple, but your name in the header should stand out--slightly larger font, different font, and/or in bold.

· Remember, a hiring manager needs to read this quickly and understand what makes you a candidate.

Your Name Address Phone Number Email

Summary of Background (optional)

You can also call this "Summary" or some other heading. You can use this to show your employer what kind of worker you are and what special skills you bring to the position. An example might state: "Self-starter with demonstrated achievements in sales and customer service. Dependable and reliable worker. Able to work under pressure and meet deadlines. Proficient in Microsoft Office." Remember, "I" and "my" aren't used. You can write this in paragraph form for use a bulleted list. Use plain bullets.

Education (required)

· Business Administration Major.

· Expected Graduation Date: June, 2010.

· Grade Point Average: 3.80. Dean's List Every Quarter.

You can use something like the above example. List the most recent first. If you are five years or less out of of high school, you can list your high school. If it's been more than five years, leave the high school out. You can vary the format of the information, but do start with the name of the institution and give the dates of attendance. Leave your grade point average out if it's less than 3.00. If you don't know your expected graduation date, you can leave that out. You can also state how many credit hours you've completed and even list courses that you've taken--especially if the courses are relevant to the job.

Work Experience (required)

You can also call this heading "Professional Experience," "Job Experience," or just "Experience." Like the Education section above, begin with the most recent job first and work your way backwards. Generally, you don't need to go back more than 10-15 years. Give the name of the place you worked, the location, and the dates. Then, list your accomplishments. Instead of saying "duties included..." and "responsible for..." use action verbs. You can use something similar to the following example:

Customer Service Representative

· Conduct customer satisfaction surveys.

· Coordinate reports.

· Organize comment cards.

The job title is listed after the company name, location, and employment dates. You can use bold or italics to make it stand out if you want, but don't use bold and italics together as too much emphasis can overwhelm the reader. Notice how the job duties are listed as achievements and each bullet begins with an action verb. Use the job-seeker action verbs handout from the Career Services website to get ideas on verbs you can use. Since This person currently works at Acme, the verbs are written in present tense. When you list jobs you did the past, use past tense verbs.

Skills (recommended)

This section lists skills, talents, education, experiences, and other professional attributes that may not appear under education or work experience. Examples are foreign languages, technical or mechanical skills, computer knowledge, special projects, professional recognition, temporary projects, etc.

References (optional)

You do not need to list references here. Just write "Available upon request" or "Furnished upon request." Do have a list of references available when you interview.

Note: Some like to add headings for awards, special training, and so forth. That's optional, but one tip: Only put these in if they are relevant to the job. The fact that you're a top bowler in the Wednesday league is probably not relevant, unless you're applying at a bowling alley!

The spacing is up to you, but the resume should appear neat and clean without too much white space. A one-page resume is fine; the average resume is two pages, so if you go over a page, that's okay!