Business Communication and Professional Development

Draft Syllabus: MGT 3003.003 [Internet], SpringSemester 2018

Business Communication and Professional Development

(Updated Mar 14, 2018: All Dates & Times are Central Time Zone)

NOTE: (1) Only the online version of this syllabus is current. (2) Both PC and Mac users should use the Mozilla Firefox or Chromebrowsersfor full access UTSA to Web sites,to Blackboard-based assignments/exams, and to McGraw-Hill Connect-based assignments/exams. (3) In the event of conflicting assignment information and/or associated deadline dates with this syllabus or anyother documentation/schedule, the information in this syllabus takes precedence. Find Blackboard Learnat

BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (B.B.A.) DEGREE PROGRAM GOALS

COMMUNICATION PLAN AND CONTACTS

COURSE DESCRIPTION...... 2

COURSE PREPARATION…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….3

REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS

STUDY RESOURCES

TECHNICAL SUPPORT …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 4

COURSE FORMAT...... 5

GRADING INFORMATION

COURSE SCHEDULE

COURSE COMPUTER ACCESS POLICIES...... 10

GRADED ACTIVITIES………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 11

COURSE GRADING & SUBMISSION POLICIES…………………………………………………………………………………………. 12

EXTRA-CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..15

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ).9

ATTENTION: You must complete many assignments in the course online. Because of their unreliability, using Wi-Fi computer connections are highly discouraged for completing course assignments. You do so at your own risk, without any assignment “do-overs.” Wi-Fi reliability increases when you open your connection in a “stable” environment that is quiet, stationary, free of distractions, and away from multiple users (dormitories, apartment complexes, etc.2). Better yet, use a hardwired computer, modem, and router, or a reliable Ethernet cable connected to your laptop. See below section on “Important Notes Regarding Online Assignment Connectivity.”

You probably remember the classic book and movie, The Wizard of Oz, in which Dorothy laments to her pet dog: “Toto, I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.” This course will take you out of “Kansas,” a metaphor for your experiences prior to entering the “real world” of professionalism. In doing so, it will challenge your time-management skills in order to complete time-sensitive assignments prior to their deadlines. Effective time management skills are valued and critical skills, both in this course and in the real world of work.

Course Instructor: Dr. Bennie Wilson

Website:

Office Hours:TR: 12:30pm-1:30pm and by appointment

BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (B.B.A.) DEGREE PROGRAM GOALS

Students will be able to communicate, verbally and in writing, information and ideas pertinent tobusiness decision-making. (This course directly supports thisgoal.)
Students will be able to use quantitative analysis and quantitative and non-quantitative reasoning to effectively identify and solve businessproblems.
Students will be able to use current information technology to support businessdecision-making.
Students will be able to incorporate a global perspective in businessdecisions.
Students will be able to identify ethical and legal issues in a business context and find alternatives that demonstrate ethicalvalues.

COMMUNICATION PLAN AND CONTACTS

COURSE TEAM / EMAIL ADDRESSES / PHONE / OFFICE HOURS
Professor
Dr. Bennie Wilson / Email :

Point deductions
Online Writing Lab (OWL)

/ Email Message preferred / Wed.: 12:45 – 1:45pm
Thur.: 2:15 – 3:15pm
and by appointment
Teaching Assistant (TA)
Dania Al-Rasheed / Email:

Miscellaneouspoints

/ Email Message preferred / Wed.: 12:45 – 1:45pm
Thur.: 2:15 – 3:15pm
and by appointment
Tech Support
McGraw-Hill
Blackboard course / McGraw-Hill tech support; (800) 331-5094 (toll-free): Text, "Connect"

UTSA Office of Information Technology (OIT) Tech Support:

Blackboard issue report form: Blackboard course navigation issues

COURSE DESCRIPTION

(3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: COM 1043 or COM 1053, WRC 1023, and classified as a pre-business or declared major in the College of Business or approval of Department Chair and Dean of the College.

This course examines basic interpersonal communication processes within written and oral channels, with practical applications for the business environment. We will focus on three areas: 1) planning, researching, organizing, writing, editing, and revising business-related documents; 2) planning, organizing, and delivering oral presentations in a business setting; and 3) preparing for professional success in the business world, including career planning, networking, job searching, résumé preparation, and job application and interviewing. The preparation of a resume is required. (Formerly MGT 3043; Credit for both MGT 3003 and MGT 3043 is not authorized.)

Important Note: If you are a management major, you must earn a grade of “C-“ or better in MGT 3003 in order to stay in that major. Otherwise, you must either retake the course or change majors. If you are not a management major, please check the UTSA Course Catalog regarding similar provisions for this or other courses.

COURSE PREPARATION

Access Course Blackboard site
Perform a browser check (see “Browser Checker” in upper right-hand corner)
Watch my welcome video! (Click on “COMMUNICATIONS” in the left-hand pane)
Purchase and access your text through Blackboard using the instructions below under “Required Course Materials,” and the “Register for Connect Through Blackboard” link on the left panel of the course Blackboard site
Access and become familiar with the “OWL: Online Writing Lab” links on the left-hand panel of the course Blackboard site, including the OWL PowerPoint presentation.

REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS

Text #1: Business Communication: Developing Leaders for a Networked World, 3rd ed., by Peter Cardon, McGraw-Hill Publishing, in one of the followingformats:

Combination Loose-Leaf with Connect Access Card for McGraw-Hill “Connect” Learning Management System (cost approx. $149.00): ISBN−9781260240085 - available in the Universitybookstore.

The Pre Pack includes:

A hard copy, loose-leaf version of thetext
Access to thee-Book
An access code to “Connect,” an online (via the course Blackboard site) study and assignmentsystem required for thiscourse.

Connect Access Card Purchased via UTSA Bookstore (cost approx. $114): ISBN: 9781260232219 – available in the bookstore (you will need the Connect code to access the online study modules including the eBook and Connect/LearnSmart content)
Access to thee-Book
An access code to “Connect,” an online (via the course Blackboard site) study and assignmentsystem required for thiscourse.

Online Blackboard Connect Access Purchase (cost $90.00): The direct student purchase through Blackboard includes: Access to e-Book and Connect (no printed book), an online study and assignment system required for this course. (NOTE: Do not purchase Connect access online through the McGraw-Hill web-site, or you will not have access to Connect assignments via Blackboard. See the “Register for Connect through Blackboard” link on the left side of the course Blackboard site for a tutorial on how to do this.)

Text #2: Strengths Finder 2.0, by Tom Rath (cost approx. $20.00 purchased through UTSA bookstore): ISBN: 9781595620156 (includes an access code for the VMock résumé preparation program).

COMPUTER SOFTWARE & HARDWARE: Ensure you have plug-ins Firefox 35+ and Java SE7 and SE8. The primary software requirement for accessing UTSA networks is Microsoft Windows 7, 8, or 8.1. If you use a MAC computer, you must be able to produce documents that are compatible with Microsoft Office 2010 or 2013. (NOTE: Do not submit documents as zip files or files that are not compatible with Microsoft Office 2010 or 2013, e.g., Google docs, etc.)

Wireless Internet connections are inherently unstable and spotty, particularly in public locations. Never use Wi-Fi connections for any of the assignments—online or otherwise—in this course. You should access your assessments at home or work locations with a stable high-speed Internet connection, and with a physical wire running from the router directly to your computer's Internet port. An Ethernet cable is one of the most popular forms of network cable used on wired networks--they easily connect from your laptop to wired computers located in libraries, hotels, etc. in many metropolitan areas.

STUDY RESOURCES

Study and LearningAssistance

McGraw-Hill “Connect”: This interactive eLearning and assignment program is available at the course Blackboard site, located at the links on the left side of each Blackboard page. It provides many extensive study and evaluation tools to assist your success in reading and understanding chapter materials in the text. These include practice chapter pre- and post-quizzes, simulation exercises, etc. In addition, this program is required to access Connect-based assignments. “Connect” also includes accessto the following optional learning tools:
LearnSmart “SmartBook”: An adaptive reading system that creates a personalized reading process whereby the student’s text reading continuously adapts by highlighting content based on what the student does and does not know.
LearnSmart “Achieve”: An adaptive learning system that improves writing editing skills.

Tomás Rivera Center (TRC): Learning Assistance Services for Undergraduate Students at the TRC provides one-on-one Academic Coaching, which can assist with many educational concerns, such as time management, overcoming procrastination, reading strategies, note taking, and study skills. Visit the TRC website ( for more information.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT:Follow the instructions belowimmediately if you believe there has been a systemic network outage affecting your access to Blackboard and/or McGraw-Hill Connect.

If Unable to Access Blackboard-based assignment (including the OWL): Email OIT Tech Support at , and me at , and provide the following information:

Your name, email address, banner ID/Username
Details of your problem, giving the name/numerical nomenclature of the specific assignment issue
The date and time you attempted to access the assignment
The type of internet/computer connection you used, e.g. Wi-Fi? Hard-wired computer, etc.
Phone number where you can be contacted
Your course and section number, and the name of your professor
Your computer’s operating system & version number, e.g. Mac OSX, Windows 7, Windows XP, etc.
The name and version of internet browser in which you are using blackboard, e.g., Safari version 5.1.2, Internet Explorer version 8, Mozilla Firefox version 12, etc.
If you used a UTSA-owned computer, provide your computer’s inventory/asset number

If Unable to Access Connect Quiz or LearnSmart: First, access to check the compatibility of your browser and verify that you have Flash Player software to enhance your connection to the McGraw-Hill Connect system. Phone or email McGraw-Hill technical support. Be sure to inform them that you registered on “Connect” via Blackboard, not via the McGraw-Hill Web site.

Call Tech support at (800) 331-5094 during below times (Central Standard Time):

Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.
Monday thru Thursday: 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 a.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Email Tech support by accessing

Complete “Your Information” on the form.
Select “Connect” under “Product Name.”
Click “Submit Question”

Identify specifically which course and section you are in

Tell them the specifics of your problem and the date and time of your issue.

Ask if there was a systemic Connect systems outage, and the date/times thereof.

Record the incident reference number they provide you.

Ask them to notify your professor of their findings at his/her email address

Whether or not McGraw-Hill tech support is able to resolve the issue, contact our McGraw-Hillrepresentative, Melissa Lowry, at , and me at , and provide both of us the technical support incident reference number they provide, and the user ID and password you use to access Blackboard.

COURSE FORMAT

Except for extra-credit opportunities, this course will be taught entirely online through McGraw-Hill Connect and Blackboard Learn. There will be no class meetings on campus; however, voluntary extra-credit opportunities will be conducted outside of class. See the course calendar and plan below for details.

Course Navigation Instructions: When you log in to Blackboard, you will arrive at the Course Content page. Use the course menu on the left side of your screen to go to other locations in the course.

Required Assignments / Contribution to Semester Grade
Final Exam / 100 pts
Resume Assignment (VMock) / 100 pts
OWL Writing Assignments / 200 points total
(4 core, 4 supplemental)
Module Tests / 11 @20 pts each = 220 pts
Challenge Cases / 10 @25 pts each = 250 pts
LearnSmart Lessons / 50 points total
Connect Quizzes / 50 points total
Exercises / 3 @ 10 pts each (Modules 3, 5, 6)
Total / 100% [based on 1000 possible points]

GRADING INFORMATION: Your semester grade will be based on a combination of a final exam, resume assignment, module tests, challenge cases, practice sets, checks for understanding, and short activities/exercises.

Course Grade Determination
(Based on Max 1000 Assignment Points plus Extra-Credit Points)
Course Letter Grade / Grade Points / Course Points Between
A+ / 4.00 / 966.33 / 1000+
A / 4.00 / 933.00 / 966.32
A- / 3.67 / 899.66 / 932.00
B+ / 3.33 / 866.33 / 899.65
B / 3.00 / 833.00 / 866.32
B- / 2.67 / 799.66 / 832.00
C+ / 2.33 / 766.33 / 799.65
C / 2.00 / 733.00 / 766.32
C- / 1.67 / 699.66 / 732.00
D+ / 1.33 / 666.33 / 699.65
D / 1.00 / 633.00 / 666.32
D- / 0.67 / 599.66 / 632.00
F / 0.00 / 0 / 599.65

Final grades will be based on students earning the following points out of a possible 1000+ points.

COURSE SCHEDULE

The table below shows a combined schedule with LearnSmart readings/activities, quizzes, exams, OWLs, and the resume assignment.

The UTSA academic calendar can be found at

*Bb – an abbreviation for Blackboard

Week / Module/ Section / Title/
Activities / Points / # Questions / Time Limit / Date Available
Monday
12:00 AM CT / Due Date
Sunday
11:59 PM CT
Week 1 / OWLs: Part I (Bb)
OWL English Mechanics Quiz
OWL Cover Letter Quiz
OWL Résumé Quiz
OWL Writing Composition Quiz / 100 (Averaged) / 20
10
10
20 / 10
5
5
10 / Jan. 8, 2018 / Jan. 14, 2018
Week 2 / Module 1: Employment Communications | Part 1
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4 / LearnSmart Chapter 16 (Connect)
Quiz Chapter 16 (Connect)
Introduction: Résumé Project (Bb/VMock)
Module Test (Bb) / 5
5
–
20 / –
10
–
20 / –
5
–
20 / Jan. 15, 2018 / Jan. 21, 2018
Jan. 21, 2018
Feb. 18, 2018
Jan. 21, 2018
Week 3 / Module 2:Establishing Credibility
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4 / LearnSmart Chapter 1 (Connect)
Quiz Chapter 1 (Connect)
Challenge Case (Connect)
Module Test (Bb) / 5
5
25
20 / –
10
7
20 / –
5
15
20 / Jan. 22, 2018 / Jan. 28, 2018
Week 4 / Module 3: Interpersonal and Team Communication, and Difficult Conversations
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5 / LearnSmart Chapters 2 & 3 (Connect)
Quiz Chapters 2/3(Connect)
Exercise (Bb)
Challenge Case (Connect)
Module Test (Bb) / 2.5 ea.
5
10
25
20 / –
10
1
6
20 / –
5
10
15
20 / Jan. 29, 2018 / Feb. 4, 2018
Week / Module/ Section / Title/
Activities / Points / # Questions / Time Limit / Date Available
Monday
12:00 AM CT / Due Date
Sunday
11:59 PM CT
Week 5 / Module 4: Communicating across Cultures
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4.4
4.5 / LearnSmart Chapter 4(Connect)
Quiz Chapter 4(Connect)
Exercise (Bb)
Challenge Case (Bb)
Module Test (Bb) / 5
5
10
25
20 / –
10
10
7
20 / –
5
5
15
20 / Feb. 5, 2018 / Feb. 11, 2018
Week 6 / Module 5: Résumé Project
5.1 / Résumé Project Video and Instructions / 100 / – / – / Jan. 15, 2018 / Feb.18, 2018
Week 7 / Module 6: Creating Effective Business Messages
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5 / LearnSmart Chapters 5 & 6 (Connect)
Quiz Chapters 5/6 (Connect)
Exercise (Bb)
Challenge Case (Connect)
Module Test (Bb) / 2.5 ea.
5
10
25
20 / –
10
10
6
20 / –
5
10
15
20 / Feb. 19, 2018 / Feb. 25, 2018
Week 8 / Module 7: Email, Social Media, and Other Tools for Business Communication
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4 / LearnSmart Chapters 7 & 8(Connect)
Quiz Chapters 7/8(Connect)
Challenge Case (Connect)
Module Test (Bb) / 2.5 ea.
5
25
20 / –
10
6
20 / –
5
15
20 / Feb. 26, 2018 / Mar. 4, 2018
Week 9 / Module 8: Employment Communication | Part 2
8.1
8.2
8.3 / Online Articles (Bb)
Challenge CaseParts I & II (Bb)
Module Test (Bb) / –
25
20 / –
6
20 / –
5
20 / Mar. 5, 2018 / Mar. 11, 2018
Week 10 / SPRING BREAK / Mar 12, 2018 / Mar. 18, 2018
Week / Module/ Section / Title/
Activities / Points / # Questions / Time Limit / Date Available
Monday
12:00 AM CT / Due Date
Sunday
11:59 PM CT
Week 11 / Module 9: Routine Business Messages
9.1
9.2
9.3
9.4 / LearnSmart Chapter 9(Connect)
Quiz Chapter 9 (Connect)
Challenge Case (Connect)
Module Test (Bb) / 5
5
25
20 / –
10
8
20 / –
5
15
20 / Mar. 19, 2018 / Mar. 25, 2018
Week 12 / Module 10:Bad News Messages
10.1
10.2
10.3
10.4 / LearnSmart Chapter 11(Connect)
Quiz Chapter 11(Connect)
Challenge Case (Connect)
Module Test (Bb) / 5
5
25
20 / –
10
7
20 / –
5
15
20 / Mar. 26, 2018 / Apr. 1, 2018
Week 13 / Module 11: Persuasive Messages
11.1
11.2
11.3
11.4 / LearnSmart Chapter 10(Connect)
Quiz Chapter 10(Connect)
Challenge Case (Connect)
Module Test (Bb) / 5
5
25
20 / –
10
7
20 / –
5
15
20 / Apr. 2, 2018 / Apr. 8, 2018
Week 14 / Module 12: Planning Presentations
12.1
12.2
12.3
12.4 / LearnSmart Chapters 14 & 15 (Connect)
Quiz Chapters 14/15 (Connect)
Challenge Case (Connect)
Module Test (Bb) / 2.5 ea.
5
25
20 / –
10
7
20 / –
5
15
20 / Apr. 9, 2018 / Apr. 15, 2018
Week 15 / OWLs: Part II (Bb)
OWL Email Quiz
OWL Critical Thinking Quiz
OWL Presentation Quiz
OWL Writing Style Quiz / 100 (Averaged) / 10
20
10
20 / 5
10
5
10 / Apr. 16, 2018 / Apr. 22, 2018
Week 16 / Final Exam (Bb) / 100 / Date Available
May 4, 2018
Friday / Due Date
May 6, 2018
Sunday

CAUTIONS ABOUT ONLINE ASSIGNMENT CONNECTIVITY

The University drops students from class if they are delinquent in paying University fees (tuition, fines, etc.). These students cannot access Blackboard, McGraw-Hill Connect, and cannot attend classes, submit course assignments or submit course assignments (either hard copy or online), either in advance or retroactively during the time dropped from classes, even if eventually the student pays his/her fees.

Computer systems are notoriously subject to unforeseen and uncontrollable situations that may cause them to crash. Failure to complete online assignments on time due to the following unfortunate events will not be a basis for deadline extensions or “do overs” of any assignments.
Lack of confirmed Connect or Blackboard systemic systems outages at the time assignment access is attempted.

Remember, there is no such thing as a “highly reliable internet connection.” Three of the most important safeguards against faulty computer connectivity include the following prior to attempting to access all online assignment. If you do not know how to do these with your specific browser, then “Google It.”:

Use a hard-wired computer via an Ethernet cable rather than Wi-Fi

Run a browser check to ensure compatibility at at

Periodically clear your cache (pronounced “cash”), which is a form of computer memory designed to speed up computer functions. It can also connect slowly or improperly to online files; thus, clear the cache periodically. Access wikihow.com to determine how to clear the cache associated with your specific browser.

Use compatible browsers; Mozilla Firefox or Chrome.

Turn off pop-up blockers
Clear your browser cache
Start with a new browser session
Use a wired connection; wireless connections can be interrupted by interference from other devices or due to saturation of wireless access points in public areas.
Close all other programs, e.g., movies, music, e-mail, anything not needed to run the test.

Do not use Wi-Fi connections--including Wi-Fi connected routers--for online assignments. Use only hardwired computers such as thosein UTSA computer labs, the library, and elsewhere on campus and in other home and work locations. AirRowdy and other wireless connections--particularly those serving apartment complexes, dormitories, and other high-volume areas--are prone to disconnectingunexpectedly.

Whether or not you use a hard-wired computer, there are serious hazards involved in waiting untilnear the deadline time to complete online assignments. Risky high-volume times to complete assignments that might experience connection issues will not be a basis for a “do-over.” These include, for example:

Attempting to navigate through the assignment with the “Back” and/or “Forward” arrows of your Browser, rather than using the navigation tools within the assignment itself.

Without contrary evidence, wired or Wi-Fi systems connection problemsthat prohibit online access on the assignment deadline date are considered the result of system overload from an inordinate number of students attemptingaccess on the deadline date. Your attempt to complete assignments during this period is at your ownrisk.

Bad weather such as electrical storms and the like may result in computerdisruptions—do not attempt to complete assignments/test during such events.

Depending on the day and time of a computer systems crash, and waiting until the “last minute”to complete your online assignment, there is a high probability that there will likely not be timely support from the Blackboard or McGraw-Hill staffs to assist you with your technicalissues.

Do not set your computer to “time-out” during a level of inactivity that may “time-out” assignments and tests.

During Each Assignment/Test

Do not refresh the page, close the window, or click the browser's "Back" and "Forward" buttons/arrows; use only the navigation links/buttons displayed in the assignment/test.
Do not double-click the Start button while waiting for assignment/test to load, causing multiple instances of it to open.
Avoid using the scroll wheel on the mouse; doing so after clicking an answer choice may inadvertently change your answer selection.

GRADED ACTIVITIES