INSTRUCTOR Dianne Anderson Instructor SCSC Consultant dianne.anderson@ttu.edu. Office: RCOBA 031B Office Hours: 7:45-8:45 a.m. M and W; 2 4 p.m. Tuesday; or by appointment CLASS Section: 009 Days: M-W-F Time: 9 a.m. Room: RCOBA 015 REQUIRED MATERIALS McGraw-Hill Education Pack: ConnectPlus with ebook bundled with printed reference manual You are required to purchase the package listed at the bookstore. It contains two products: The Gregg Reference Manual and Connect Plus Access Card. This package is available at only the following four bookstores in Lubbock: TTU Barnes & Noble Varsity Bookstore Neebo Bookstore Red & Black Bookstore MGT 3373-009 MANAGERIAL COMMUNICATION, FALL 2014 CATALOG DESCRIPTION The application of oral and written communication principles to managerial situations; an overview, simulation, and analysis of the communication process in the business environment. This course fulfills the TTU Oral Communication Core Curriculum requirement, which states, Students graduating from Texas Tech University should be able to develop ideas and express them clearly, considering the effect of the message, fostering understanding, and building the skills needed to communicate effectively" (2014-2015 Texas Tech University Catalog, p. 58). Prerequisites: Junior standing, ENGL 1301 and 1302 with a grade of C or better, and a 2.75 GPA. This is a writing intensive course. According to the 2014-2015 Texas Tech University Catalog (p. 57), a fundamental objective for this type of course is for students to write often and receive critical review from the instructor. Writing will reinforce the student s learning, and the student s written work should analyze, integrate, and synthesize as well as communicate. COURSE OBJECTIVES At the end of this course, students should be able to do the following: 1. Understand the importance and complexity of communication in business. 2. Analyze situations and audiences to develop effective communication strategies. 3. Use appropriate grammar and punctuation for professional written communication. 4. Determine the most appropriate writing styles for various communication situations. 5. Understand the benefits of different channels of communication. 6. Prepare and deliver effective presentations. 7. Effectively use technology and social media to communicate in business. EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES Systematic thinking: Demonstrate systematic thinking about effective organizations, teams, and people at work. - Method of Assessment: Achieve a minimum grade of C on exams and on assignments that include both group and individual requirements. Strategic and competitive analysis: Demonstrate understanding of the relationship between organizations and external environments, and conduct a strategic and competitive analysis. - Method of Assessment: Achieve a minimum grade of C on exams and performance on activities and assignments that focus on external audiences. Leadership and interpersonal challenges: Recognize leadership and interpersonal challenges at work, and propose alternative approaches for addressing them. - Method of Assessment: Achieve a minimum grade of C on exams, group activities, and group assignments that focus on audiences, tone of messages, and appropriate channels of communication. Professional Communication: Demonstrate ability to write and present effectively, considering both audience and purpose. - Method of Assessment: Achieve a minimum grade of C on writing and speaking assignments based on professional, real-life situations. Ethical issues and decision making: Recognize ethical issues and propose alternative approaches to ethical decision making. - Method of Assessment: Achieve a minimum grade of C on a course ethics assignment. ACADEMIC HONESTY The following statement can be found on p. 64 of the 2014-2015 Texas Tech University Catalog: It is the aim of the faculty at Texas Tech University to foster a spirit of complete honesty and a high standard of integrity. The attempt of students to present as their own any work that they have not honestly performed is regarded by the faculty and administration as a serious offense and renders the offenders liable to serious consequences, possibly suspension. Students engaging in any form of academic dishonesty will receive an F for the course. All materials produced for MGT 3373 must be created/developed during the current semester for this particular course.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT Any student who, because of a disability, may require special arrangements in order to meet the course requirements should contact the instructor as soon as possible to make any necessary arrangements. Students should present appropriate verification from Student Disability Services during the instructor s office hours. Please note: Instructors are not allowed to provide classroom accommodations to a student until appropriate verification from Student Disability Services has been provided. For additional information, contact the Student Disability Services office in 335 West Hall or 806-742-2405. OMBUDS The Ombuds is available to assist students with any conflict or problem that has to do with being a student at Texas Tech University. The Ombuds Office is located in 237 Student Union Building, or you may call the office at 806-742-4791. OBSERVANCE OF A RELIGIOUS HOLY DAY A student shall be excused from attending classes or other required activities, including examinations, for the observance of a religious holy day, including travel for that purpose. A student who intends to observe a religious holy day should make that intention known in writing to the instructor prior to the absence (2014-2015 Texas Tech University Catalog, p. 62). ATTENDANCE The 2014-2015 Texas Tech University Catalog states the responsibility for class attendance rests with the student. Instructors set an attendance policy for each course they teach. The university expects regular and punctual attendance at all scheduled classes, and the university reserves the right to deal at any time with individual cases of nonattendance (p. 63). While attendance will not formally be recorded for MGT 3373, students can expect in-class, graded activities at every class session. These activities MAY NOT be made up in case of absence. Out-of-class assignments can also be expected. Students are also responsible for obtaining any missed course material. Class absences are neither excused nor unexcused, except in the case of an official university function or observance of a religious holy day. Students are responsible for keeping assignment due dates whether or not they are present in class. CIVILITY POLICY MGT 3373 provides an opportunity to practice behaviors that will positively contribute to student career success. Students are expected to assist in maintaining a classroom environment conducive to learning. In order to assure that all students have the opportunity to learn during class, students are prohibited from engaging in any form of distraction. Inappropriate behavior in the classroom shall result, minimally, in a request to leave class. To cultivate professional skills, the following Professional Development & Conduct guidelines must be observed during the course: - Focus exclusively on MGT 3373 content during class. - Bring the needed materials for class, and contribute productively to discussions and in-class activities. - Turn off cell phones and other electronic devices upon entering the classroom. No texting is allowed, and cell phones should be kept out of sight during the entire class period at the instructor s discretion. If a student must make or take an emergency phone call, he or she must step outside the classroom to do so. - Use laptops responsibly. Laptops will be used often for in-class activities; however, they should not be used for anything other than taking notes or doing assigned in-class assignments. - Complete all assignments on time, and keep them until semester's end. - Monitor grades throughout the semester, and seek help as needed. - Approach any grade discussion with professionalism, waiting one class period after the grade has been assigned. Students should use this time to carefully review assignment guidelines as well as the editing marks used in grading. Then students should fairly assess their own effort on the assignment. If students would still like to discuss the graded assignment, contact the instructor as soon as possible during office hours (NOT in the classroom). Arguing or demanding grade changes or a justification for a grade is not acceptable. - Be responsible for all work missed because of an absence, including class notes and handouts. - Be on time for each class, and stay through the entire class. Updated 8/23/14 2
DEADLINE & MAKEUP POLICY The three major writing assignments (Routine message, Negative message, and group Proposal) must be turned in by the beginning of class on the assigned due date unless otherwise specified. They may be turned in early, when necessary. Assignments (including Connect) will be submitted on Blackboard. Late major assignments will receive a grade penalty. Ten points will be deducted from the assignment if turned in on the same day the assignment is due, but after the deadline. Thirty points will be deducted if the assignment is one calendar day late, and 50 points will be deducted if two calendar days late. Instructors will determine the submission method for late assignments. Assignments more than two days late will not be accepted. Presentations must be uploaded or presented on the assigned date. No makeup presentations will be allowed unless there is a documented illness/injury or uncontrollable circumstance. Beyond the excused absences mentioned, make-up tests will be given only for well-documented emergencies, such as the student s hospitalization. Except in extremely unusual circumstances, the student must contact the instructor the same day of the test regarding the absence and to schedule the make-up. Failure to do so will result in an automatic 0 for that test. Failure to arrive at the appointed time and place to take the make-up test will result in an automatic 0 for that test. Except in extremely unusual circumstances, all makeup tests must be taken within one week of the original test date (preferably sooner). Make-up tests will not be allowed simply to accommodate the student s work or travel schedules. GRADE DISCUSSION & REVIEW Graded assignments may be discussed with the instructor one class period after the assignment has been returned. If students wish to have a graded assignment reviewed, they must submit a typed memo within one week of receiving the grade. If in the memo a compelling argument is made, the assignment will be re-graded by another instructor, with the possibility of receiving either a higher or a lower grade. BLACKBOARD 9.1 (www.blackboard.ttu.edu) Blackboard 9.1 will be used for dissemination of assignments, course content, and grades. It is the student s responsibility to check the site daily and before class to receive announcements, messages, class handouts, etc. Before messaging the instructor with a question, students should first check the syllabus, and then check the frequently asked questions page on Blackboard. TURNITIN (http://library.ttu.edu/turnitin/turnitin.php) Writing assignments for MGT 3373 are subject to be submitted through Turnitin.com, an originality reporting and editing website. TECHNOLOGY POLICY It is also the student's responsibility to get assistance for technical issues with Blackboard, Connect, and computer equipment in advance of an assignment deadline. The instructor will not accept late assignments due to technical problems. Computers are available in the Library for student use, and RCOBA has printing kiosks available for student use. Do not contact the instructor about technical issues with Connect, your computer, Turnitin, or Blackboard until TTU IT (for Blackboard) and/or Connect Technical Support has been contacted and a case number is assigned. Students can receive technology support in the following ways: Technical Support Blackboard Turnitin eraider Connect LearnSmart http://askit.ttu.edu (IT Help Central: Log in with eraider for detailed explanations & pictures) X X 742-HELP (telephone support) X X www.tltc.ttu.edu/content/asp/blackboard/supportstudent.asp (TTU Blackboard support) X X https://help.blackboard.com/ (official Blackboard help site) X X http://ondemand.blackboard.com/students.htm (on demand learning center for students) X http://mpss.mhhe.com/ (Connect - McGraw-Hill Customer Experience Group CXG Support Center X X (phone, email, Connect online chat) http:// http://connect.mheducation.com/ (homepage information to get started or get help) X X TEAMWORK WEBSITE To assist with team assignments, the CATme website will be utilized. Here is an excerpt from the CATme website: "The CatMe system enhances team learning by teaching students how to contribute effectively to teamwork and creating accountability for team-member contributions. The system facilitates communication among teammates and between students and their instructor." Students will receive an email from CATme to take a survey asking questions about demographics, schedules, psychographics, etc. The system will run the information through its algorithm and create the most optimal teams based on those parameters. Students are required to take this survey the first week of class. Updated 8/23/14 3
COURSEWORK & GRADING POLICIES Grades will be determined through the following elements: Grade Elements % 2 Exams (12% Each) 24% In-Class Participation 10 PRINT 4 Connect Homework 5% 10 Quizzes 5% Individual Presentation Presentation 6% 10 Self-evaluation 4% Major Writing Assignments Routine Message 4% 10 Bad News Message 6% Final Project Group Persuasive Proposal 8% Group Persuasive Presentation 8% 20 Peer Evaluation 4% Communication Development Learn Smart Achieve & SCSC 12 TOTAL 100% Final semester grades will be assigned as follows: Letter Grade % Range Level of Understanding Reflected A 90-100% B 80-89.9% C 70-79.9% D 60-69.9% F 59.9% or less Can synthesize and understand relationships between major principles and theories at a fairly high level of sophistication. Can employ both induction and deduction to analyze situations and cases. Knowledge clearly goes beyond memorization. Can accurately apply and describe the relevance of principles and theories to situations and cases. Understands only basic definitions and relationships. Knowledge is essentially based on memorization. Understands a few basic definitions, but generally does not use theory or principles accurately or effectively. Demonstrates little or no understanding of basic concepts ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTIONS Because assignments often overlap, it is important for students to learn to organize work as they would in a workplace setting. All assignments should be treated as ongoing projects and should be managed wisely. Exams (24%): Exams will evaluate students mastery of course material. Each will be made up of multiple choice and true/false questions that emphasize the application of business communication theory and practices. There is no final exam. In-Class Participation (10%): Both group and individual activities can be expected at each class meeting. Each will focus on spoken and written communication skills. In order to receive points for these activities, students must be in class on the day of each activity or on the day the assignment is due. These activities cannot be made up. PRINT Assignment (4%): For no fee, students are required to take a short (10 minute) online assessment called a PRINT survey. After completing the assessment, students will receive two reports (PRINT & Trigger) from their instructor through Blackboard. Both reports should be taken to class when directed. Following a discussion of the assessment, students will be required to complete an assignment to demonstrate how well they synthesize and understand relationships between the PRINT, communication, and management principles. If students have taken the PRINT assessment in a previous class, they will need to provide the instructor proof of the results and will still be required to complete the assignment for credit. Survey access instructions and other information will be provided in class. Connect Quizzes & Homework (10%): Students will be required to complete quizzes and homework assignments for each chapter covered in the book. These assignments will take place outside of class through McGraw-Hill's Connect. The quizzes will test students' comprehension of reading assignments while the homework will allow practical application of the skills learned. Quizzes will be due at class time on the day the chapter is covered. Homework will be due the following Sunday at 11:00 pm. Students are responsible for checking all due dates on Blackboard to ensure deadlines are met. The quizzes and the homework are individual activities, and students should complete all of these assignments without assistance from classmates, friends, or family. Both the quizzes and the homework will be graded activities. Access to Connect should be purchased as part of the required materials noted in this syllabus either through the bookstore or through McGraw-Hill's website. The Connect website can be accessed through Blackboard Individual Presentation (10%): Students will be expected to organize materials and present individually on various business situations and contexts. More information will be provided in class. Major Writing Assignments (10%): MGT 3373 is a writing intensive course. Students will be expected to analyze various business scenarios, audiences, and communication channels to determine the most appropriate responses. Writing assignments Updated 8/23/14 4
will focus on a routine message and a negative message. The persuasive proposal is also a major writing assignment, but percentagewise, it is counted as part of the final project. Final Project (20%): Since MGT is a skills class, students will be required to demonstrate mastery of course objectives by completing a final group proposal and presentation. This final project will be persuasive in nature and will require groups to work together on a communication problem to find a solution. More information will be provided in class. Communication Development (12%): Students will be required to demonstrate mastery of grammar, punctuation, conciseness, and style skills by completing a personalized learning plan called LearnSmart Achieve. This online program will adapt to students' knowledge and abilities, and create a learning plan to cover skills that require mastery. Grades for LearnSmart Achieve are based on completion. This means if students appropriately complete the lesson in each module within the given time frame, they will earn top marks. Students will also be required to utilize the Snyder Communication Skills Center for two assignments this semester to help enhance their communication proficiency. For these assignments, students must schedule the appointments online and attend the consultations. To receive credit for each assignment, please keep the following in mind: - For each consultation, a student must bring a rough draft of a MGT 3373 assignment to earn credit. The rough draft must be an assignment for MGT 3373. Non-MGT 3373 assignments will not be considered for 3373 credit. - No graded assignments will be accepted. - To schedule a consultation, go to the SCSC website, and click on the Schedule an Appointment tab. - Schedule appointments in advance. If the appointment schedule is full before the chosen assignment is due, no accommodations will be made. - Consultations are 15 minutes. If necessary, two consultations can be scheduled consecutively (30 minutes total). Each takes place only during SCSC hours, but students may log on to schedule an appointment at any time from any computer. - Student groups are required to schedule two consecutive consultations (30 minutes total). - Be on time for the consultations. Late arrivals forfeit their appointments. If consultation appointments cannot be kept, students must cancel online or by calling 742-1944. SCSC Location Phone Website RCOBA Basement 031 (806) 742-1944 http://comskillscenter.ba.ttu.edu Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 8:00-4:00 9:00-5:00 8:00-12:00 1:00-5:00 9:00-5:00 - Like the Snyder Communication Skills Center on Facebook in order to: Learn more about the SCSC s mission, policies, hours, and contact information Receive status updates linking you to professional communication advice, humor, and solutions Find opportunities for extra credit in MGT 3373 8:00-12:00 1:00-4:00 Extra Credit: Extra credit opportunities may be available during the semester at instructors discretion. If these are offered, they will be discussed in detail at a future date. A student cannot receive extra credit while also fulfilling a course requirement with the same activity. IMPORTANT WEBSITES FOR MGT 3373 Name of Website URL Use for Blackboard 9.1 Log in http://www.blackboard.ttu.edu Instructor communication, handouts, grades, Connect, and LearnSmart Achieve RCOBA Media Site http://undergradmedia.ba.ttu.edu Online lectures and recorded presentations Snyder Communication Skills Center http://comskillscenter.ba.ttu.edu Registration for consultation sessions information Turnitin http://library.ttu.edu/turnitin/turnitin.php Submit writing assignments PRINT http://www.paulhertzgroup.com/ttu/regis ter/ CATme https://www.catme.org Teamwork website Connect http://connect.mheducation.com/ Register for PRINT assessment (Available 9/2/14). Access code is TTUBC14 Connect direct website for technical support or information Updated 8/23/14 5
MWF - TENTATIVE SCHEDULE (subject to change at discretion of instructor or university) # Day Date Topic Read HW Quiz Assignment 1 M Aug 25 Syllabus/Expectations/Connect 2 W Aug 27 Teams Register for CATme.org 3 F Aug 29 Teams M Sept 1 LABOR DAY 4 W Sept 3 Establishing Credibility Ch 1 Sept 7, 11:00 p Sept 3, 9:00 a 5 F Sept 5 Establishing Credibility Ch 1 6 M Sept 8 PRINT 7 W Sept 10 PRINT 8 F Sept 12 Interpersonal Communication (Process) Ch 2 Sept 14, 11:00 p Sept 12, 9:00 a M#1 9/14 11 pm 9 M Sept 15 Interpersonal Communication (Channels) Ch 2 10 W Sept 17 Interpersonal Communication (Channels) Ch 2 11 F Sept 19 Email and Social Media Ch 7 Sept 21, 11:00 p Sept 19, 9:00 a 12 M Sept 22 Improving Readability Ch 6 Sept 28, 11:00 p Sept 22, 9:00 a 13 W Sept 24 Improving Readability Ch 6 14 F Sept 26 Creating Effective Business Messages Sept 28, 11:00 p Sept 26, 9:00 a M#2 9/28 11 pm Ch 5 (Audiences) 15 M Sept 29 Routine Messages Ch 8 Oct 5, 11:00 p Sept 29, 9:00 a 16 W Oct 1 Routine Messages Ch 8 17 F Oct 3 Routine Messages Ch 8 18 M Oct 6 TEST #1 Chs 1, 2, 5-8, PRINT 19 W Oct 8 Persuasive Messages Ch 9 Oct 12, 11:00 p Oct 8, 9:00 a 20 F Oct 10 Persuasive Messages Ch 9 Routine Message 9 am M#3 10/12 11 pm 21 M Oct 13 Planning Presentations Ch 14 Oct 19, 11:00 p Oct 13, 9:00 a 22 W Oct 15 Planning Presentations Ch 14 23 F Oct 17 Delivering Presentations Ch 15 Oct 19, 11:00 p Oct 17, 9:00 a 24 M Oct 20 Delivering Presentations Ch 15 25 W Oct 22 Presentations Activity Individual Online Presentation 9 am 26 F Oct 24 Listening, Team Communication, and Difficult Conversations Ch 3 Updated 8/23/14 6 Oct 26, 11:00 p Oct 24, 9:00 a First SCSC Deadline 4 pm M#4 10/26 11 pm 27 M Oct 27 Bad News Messages Ch 10 Nov 2, 11:00 p Oct 27, 9:00 a 28 W Oct 29 Bad News Messages Ch 10 Individual Online Presentation Self Evaluation 11 pm 29 F Oct 31 Bad News Messages Ch 10 M#5 11/2 11 pm 30 M Nov 3 Crisis Communication Ch 11 Nov 9, 11:00 p Nov 3, 9:00 a 31 W Nov 5 Researching for Communication Ch 12 Nov 9, 11:00 p Nov 5, 9:00 a 32 F Nov 7 Researching for Communication Ch 12 33 M Nov 10 Planning Business Reports Ch 13 Nov 16, 11:00 p Nov 10, 9:00 a 34 W Nov 12 Planning Business Reports Ch 13 35 F Nov 14 Work Day 36 M Nov 17 Work Day 37 W Nov 19 Work Day 38 F Nov 21 Test #2 Chs 3, 9-15 39 M Nov 24 Communicating Across Cultures Ch 4 Nov 30, 11:00 p Nov 24, 9:00 a 40 W Nov 26 Thanksgiving 41 F Nov 28 Thanksgiving 42 M Dec 1 Work Day 4 W Dec. 3 Review, Team Presentations; Evaluations; Turn In Reports Negative Message 9 am Group Proposal 9 am Second SCSC Deadline 5 pm F Final Project Schedule Group Project Peer Evaluation
Mon., Dec. 8, 7:30 am-10:00 am 11 pm Students are required to read this syllabus and ask any questions as necessary for clarification. By remaining enrolled in MGT 3373 past the second class day, students are signifying any questions or clarifications about the content have been asked and answered, and the student has agreed to follow the guidelines as outlined in this syllabus. Updated 8/23/14 7