Draft Syllabus: MGT 3003 (Sections 001 & 002), spring 2016
Business Communication & Professional Development
Section.001 (Course #21763): MW 10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m., BB 2.01.06 (“The Pit”)
Section.002 (Course #22869): TR 2:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m., BB 2.01.06 (“The Pit”)
Office Hours: MW 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., and TR 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Dr. Wilson’s Web site: http://faculty.business.utsa.edu/bjwilson
(Last non-substantive or clarifying editing update: February 17, 2016)
NOTE: Only the online version of this schedule is current. Both PC and Mac users should use the Mozilla Firefox browser to access UTSA Web sites and Blackboard Learn. Access Blackboard Learn at http://learn.utsa.edu/.
Table of Contents
Important Contacts ……………………………………………………… 2
Professor’s Welcome ……………………………………………………… 3
Description/Prerequisites/Goals
Required Course Materials
Computer Software & Hardware ……………………………………………………… 4
University Services/Policies
Study Resources
Technical Support ……………………………………………………… 5
Course Guidelines & Policies ……………………………………………………… 6
Assignments & Examinations
Junior Achievement [Optional] ……………………………………………………… 13
Extra Credit ……………………………………………………… 18
Course Grading and Attendance ……………………………………………………… 21
Frequently Asked Questions ……………………………………………………… 26
Hyperlink to Section 001 Class Schedule
Hyperlink to Section 002 Class Schedule
Important Contacts
COURSE TEAM / EMAIL ADDRESSES / PHONE / OFFICE HOURSProfessor / BB 4.04.29
Dr. Bennie Wilson / Blackboard message or email
§ Documented emergency absence
§ Online Writing Lab (OWL)
§ Miscellaneous points
§ Point deductions / Blackboard
Message preferred / MW: 11:30 am.-12:30 pm
TR: 1:30 pm- 2:30 pm
And by appointment
Teaching Assistant / BB 4.04.29
Chris Pratt / Blackboard Learn message or email
§ Quizzes, final
§ Résumé Grading (non-CAP students)
§ RSO/Toastmasters / Email / MW: 11:30 am.-12:30 pm
TR: 1:30 pm- 2:30 pm
And by appointment
College of Business Center for Student Professional Development (CSPD) BB 2.01.08
University Career Center (UCC) UC 2.02.04
Julio Joey Ramos
(CSPD) /
§ Career Action Program (CAP)
§ Résumé Grading (CAP students) / Email
preferred / 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., MTWRF
Veronica Rodriguez
Denise Gates /
§ Résumé Guest Lecturer
§ Résumé Reviews / UCC: 458-4589
CSBP: 458-4039 / 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., MTWRF
Morris Ellington /
§ Interviewing Skills Guest Lecturer
§ Etiquette Dinner
§ Group Mock Interviews (non-CAP students) / Email preferred / Located in University Career Center, room UC 2.02.04
Junior Achievement (JA) Coordinators 403 E. Ramsey, Ste. 201, San Antonio, Texas 78216
Veronica Avila
VP Partnerships /
§ To discuss classroom JA issues / 490-2007x119 / 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Monday - Friday
Bernadette Byrd
VP Programs /
§ To discuss classroom JA issues
§ To discuss JA Finance Park / 490-2007x106
Felicia Breaux
Sr. Program Mgr. /
§ To discuss classroom JA issues / 490-2007x116
Sheila McDonald
Program Mgr. /
§ To discuss classroom JA issues / 490-2007x108
UTSA International Student Services, Office of International Programs MB 1.210
Courtney Balderas
Assistant. Dir. /
§ Questions re: approval for JA Program / 210-458-7202
McGraw-Hill Text and “Connect”
Angie Foster
Publisher Rep. /
§ Questions regarding “Connect”
WELCOME TO THIS COURSE: 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 work. In doing so, it will challenge your time-management skills, meaning you will have to do advance planning regarding completing assignments prior to their deadlines, particularly the “Connect” quizzes and writing assignment, and the Online Writing Lab (OWL) quizzes. Effective time management and meeting deadlines in a timely manner are valued and critical skills both in this course and in the real world of work.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: We will examine basic interpersonal communication processes within written and verbal channels, with practical applications in the business environment. We will discuss issues regarding cross-cultural communication, and ethical considerations in business. The course emphasizes three major areas: (1) planning, organizing, writing, editing, and revising business documents; (2) planning, organizing, and delivering business presentations; and (3) preparing for professional success in the business world, including career planning, networking, job searching, résumé preparation, and job application and interviewing. Written assignments and oral presentations are required.
COURSE PREREQUISITES: COM 1053 or COM 1043 (Business and Professional Speech), and WRC 1023 or ENG 1023 (Freshman Composition II).
BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (B.B.A.) DEGREE PROGRAM GOALS:
· Students will be able to communicate, verbally and in writing, information and ideas pertinent to business decision-making. (This course directly supports this goal.)
· Students will be able to use quantitative analysis and quantitative and non-quantitative reasoning to effectively identify and solve business problems.
· Students will be able to use current information technology to support business decision-making.
· Students will be able to incorporate a global perspective in business decisions.
· Students will be able to identify ethical and legal issues in a business context and find alternatives that demonstrate ethical values.
REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS
· Text: Business Communication: Developing Leaders for a Networked World, 2nd ed., by Peter Cardon, McGraw-Hill Publishing, in one of the following formats:
o Printed text plus access card for McGraw-Hill “Connect” Learning Management System (cost approx. $143.00): ISBN−1259758729, available in the University bookstore. The Pre Pack includes:
§ A hard copy, loose-leaf version of the text
§ Access to the e-text
§ An access code to “Connect,” an online (via the course Blackboard site) study and assignment system required for this course.
o McGraw-Hill “Connect” Learning Management System access card (cost approx. $85.00): ISBN−1259755835, available in the University bookstore. The access code also provides access to the e-text.
o Approximately 20 copies of ParScore test form number X-101864-PAR-L (50 questions per side), to be used for recording class attendance and for completing the midterm and final examinations.
COMPUTER SOFTWARE & HARDWARE: 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.)
IMPORTANT UNIVERSITY SERVICES/POLICIES: For easy access to University policies and information on the following important subjects, please go online to http://provost.utsa.edu/syllabus.asp:
· Counseling Services
· Student Code of Conduct and Scholastic Dishonesty
· Students with Disabilities
· Transitory/Minor Medical Issues
· Supplemental Instruction
· Tutoring Services
· The Roadrunner Creed
STUDY RESOURCES:
· Study and Learning Assistance
o 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. To schedule an Academic Coaching appointment at either the Main Campus or the Downtown Campus, call 210.458.4694 or email t the TRC website (www.utsa.edu/trcss) and the UTSA LearnAssist Facebook page for more information on any of these services
o 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 quizzes and writing assignment.
§ Register on Blackboard for “Connect” by accessing the “Connect” tab at the course Blackboard site, using the instructions at http://highered.mheducation.com/olc2/dl/866234/Connect_Blackboard_FDOC_First_Day_ofClass_814.pdf. You must register for “Connect” via Blackboard only using an access code that came with your hard copy text or that you obtained by purchasing access to the text e-book via the Blackboard “Connect” link. (NOTE: Access and register “Connect” only at the course Blackboard site—do not register for “Connect” via a McGraw-Hill web link.)
§ “Connect” also includes access to:
Ø LearnSmart “SmartBook”: An adaptive reading experience designed to change the way students read and learn. It creates a personalized reading experience by highlighting the most important concepts a student needs to learn at that moment in time. The student’s text reading continuously adapts by highlighting content based on what the student does and does not know. This ensures that the focus is on the content he or she needs to learn, while simultaneously promoting long-term retention of material.
Ø LearnSmart “Achieve”: Improves writing editing skills and empowers students to put responsible writing into practice. It is an adaptive learning system to help students learn faster, study more efficiently, and retain more knowledge. It pinpoints concepts the student does not understand and maps out a personalized study plan. Based on students’ self-diagnoses of their proficiency, it provides students with a series of adaptive questions. This provides students with a personalized one-on-one tutor experience.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT: Follow the following instructions immediately if you believe there has been a systemic network outage affecting your access to Blackboard, the OWL, or McGraw-Hill Connect.
· If Unable to Access Blackboard: First, access the UTSA Office of Information Technology (OIT) public alert web page at https://utsacloud-public.sharepoint.com/alerts, which has a history of Blackboard outages and what time they occurred. Notify me if you believe a Blackboard outage affected you.
Second, if no outages occurred, and you still cannot access Blackboard, email OIT Tech Support at and provide the following information:
o Your name, email address, banner ID/Username
o Details of your problem
o Phone number where you can be contacted
o Your course and section number, and the name of your professor
o Your computer’s operating system & version number, e.g. Mac OSX, Windows 7, Windows XP, etc.
o 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.
o If you used a UTSA-owned computer, provide your computer’s inventory/asset number
· If Unable to Access Connect Quiz: 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.
o Call Tech support at (800) 331-5094 during below times (Central Daylight 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.
o Email Tech support by accessing http://mpss.mhhe.com/contact.php.
§ Complete “Your Information” on the form.
§ Select “Connect” under “Product Name.”
§ Click “Submit Question”
Ø Tell them the specifics of your problem and the date and time of your issue.
Ø Ask if there was a systemic Connect systems outage, and the date/times thereof.
Ø Record the incident reference number they provide you.
Ø Ask them to notify your professor of their findings at his or her email address: or .
o Whether or not McGraw-Hill tech support is able to resolve the issue, contact our McGraw-Hill representative, Angie Foster, at , and provide her the technical support reference number and the user ID and password you use to access Blackboard.
· If Unable to Access Online Writing Lab OWL: Send Blackboard course message to the director of the OWL, Dr. Bennie Wilson, at , providing:
o Your course section number
o Details of your problem, e.g., name of module, quiz, etc. you were trying to access, and the date and time your access was denied or terminated.
COURSE GUIDELINES & POLICIES:
· Professional Behavior: Please be respectful of each other at all times. Be on time; be good listeners.
· Laptop and Electronic Devices: Treat these classes as business meetings—do not use laptops, cell phones, and other electronic devices in class. Further, please turn off and remove your cell phones from sight by putting them in your pockets, your purses, etc., or you must leave class. If you are expecting an emergency call, please notify me at the beginning of class—you must respond to the emergency phone call in the hallway outside of the classroom.
· Assignment Submissions &Returns: If you must submit a hardcopy of an assignment by a specific date and/or time, and class is not in session or the professor is not in the office, you may slide the assignment under the office door or scan it and email—on or before the deadline. If you are not present when the TA returns a graded assignment in class, you must pick it up during office hours.
ASSIGNMENTS & EXAMINATIONS:
Summary of Regular Assignments(Blackboard grade book label) / Max.
Points / Section 1
Deadlines / Section 2
Deadlines
OWL Core Modules [average of all four core modules] (”OWL Core”) / 100 / See syllabus chart or class schedule for deadlines*** / See syllabus chart or class schedule for deadlines***
OWL Supplemental Modules [average of designated four supplemental modules] (“OWL Supplemental”) / 100 / See syllabus chart or class schedule for deadlines*** / See syllabus chart or class schedule for deadlines***
Quizzes via “Connect” [total] (”Quiz 1,” ”Quiz 2,” etc.) / 100 / See syllabus chart or class schedule for deadlines*** / See syllabus chart or class schedule for deadlines***
Résumé (“Résumé”) [Non-CAP Students] / 100 / Feb. 12*** / Feb. 12***
Résumé (“Résumé”) [CAP Students] / Feb. 12 ** / Feb. 12**
Midterm Examination (“Midterm”) / 100 / Feb. 22 / Feb. 18
“Connect”-based Writing Assignment (”“Connect”-based Writing”) / 200 / Available Mar. 22
Due Mar. 29*** / Available Mar. 22
Due Mar. 29***
Oral Presentations (”Oral”) / 200 / Mar. 28 – Apr. 25 / Mar. 24 – Apr. 26
Final Examination (”Final”) / 100 / May 4**** / May 5****
Total [excluding extra-credit points] / 1000
Absent from, arriving late, or leaving early for any class / -10ea.
* Due by beginning of class
** Due by 11:59 p.m. via email attachment to
*** Due by 11:59 p.m. via Blackboard
**** Refer to class schedule for time of final exam.
· Important Notes Regarding Online Assignment Connectivity:
o The University drops students from class if they are delinquent in paying University fees (tuition, fines, etc.) by the end of the 20th day of classes (see class schedule). These students cannot attend classes and cannot submit course assignments— in hard copy or online, either in advance or retroactively--during the time dropped from classes, even if eventually the student pays his/her fees.