BU.120.601.31 – Business Communication – Kathleen Day – Page 1 of 8

Business Communication2 Credits

BU.120.601.31

Aug. 17, 2015 to Oct. 11, 2015

Fall I, 2015Location: Online

InstructorKathleen Day

Contact InformationKathleen.day@jhu.edu202-236-4109

Office HoursBy appointment. Calls and emails will be answered within 48 weekday hours.

Required Texts & Learning Materials

Required Texts: Browne, M. N. & Keeley, S. M. (2014). Asking the right questions: A guide to critical thinking, 11th Edition. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Pearson/ Prentice Hall. ISBN-13 978-0-205-11116-9

Lehane, Christopher & Fabiani, Mark & Guttentag, Bill (2014). Masters of Disaster: The Ten Commandments of Damage Control. Palgrave Macmillan Trade. ISBN: 978-1-137-27896-8

Munter, M. (2013). Guide to managerial communication, 10th Edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/ Prentice Hall. ISBN-13 978-0-13-297133-1

Reynolds, Garr (2008). Presentation Zen: Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and Delivery. New Riders, a division of Pearson Education.ISBN-13 978-0-321-82020-4

Harvard Case Study course pack: To purchase online go to: https://cb.hbsp.harvard.edu/cbmp/access/37811927 and register.

Available on eReserves:1. Goodman, Peter S. (August 21, 2010). In Case of Emergency, What Not To Do. New York Times

2. Kerpen, Dave. (2nd edition.) Likeable Social Media: How to Delight Your Customers, Create an Irresistible Brand, and Be Generally Amazing on Facebook (And Other Social Networks.) New York: McGraw-Hill. Chapters 1 (pages 13 – 23), 3 (pages 39 – 51) and 6 through 8 (pages79 – 114.)

3. Marcotte, Amanda. (February 10, 2015). Teachers Give Girls Better Grades on Math Tests When They Don’t Know They Are Girls. Slate.com.

4. Munter, Mary (1993, May-June). Cross-cultural communication for managers. Business Horizons.

5. O’Rourke, James (2012). Management communication: A case-analysis approach, 5th Edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. Chapters 1, 6, 7, 10 and 13; and Chapter 2 case study 2-1 Starbucks Coffee Co., pages 37-41 and Chapter 6 case study 6-3 Kraft Foods Inc., pages 176-181; Chapter 10 case study 10-1 Oak Brook Medical Systems Inc. pages 284-285.

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6. Shea, David J. & Gulick, John F. (1997 or latest version) Media Isn’t a Four Letter Word. A publication of the Electronic Industries Association. Chapters 1-3.

7. Trompenaars, Fons, & Hampden-Turner, C. (1998). Riding the Waves of Culture, 2nd Edition. New York: McGraw-Hill. Chapters 1-5.

8. Trompenaars, Fons, & Hampden-Turner, C. (1998). Riding the Waves of Culture, 2nd Edition. New York: McGraw-Hill. Pay-for-performance case on pages 15-16, 30-33, 60-61, 63, 72, 86, 106, 133-134, 154, 184-185.

9. Wheelan, C. (2013). Naked Statistics: Stripping the dread from the data. W.W. Norton & Co., 2013. ISBN 978-0-393-34777-7. Chapters 1 & 2.

10. Ritter, Brad, and Ritter, Janet (2006, December). Crisis communication: Taking center stage with confidence. Government Finance Review.

11. Maniak, Angela. (2005) Tell It to the CEO: How to Write Compelling Executive Summaries and Briefings, Skill-Builders Press, Northport, ME. pp.1-46.

Optional but strongly encouraged:

Huff, Darrell. (1993). How to Lie with Statistics. W. W. Norton & Co. Strunk, Jr., William and White, E.B. (2000, 1979). The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition. ALLYN & BACON, a Pearson Education Company, Needham Heights, Massachusetts.

Truss, Lynn (2003). Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation. Gotham Books, A division of Penguin Group.

Technology Requirements Desktop or laptop computer Broadband Internet access Up-to-date virus protection software Webcam (most laptops have built-in webcams) that can take videos Microphone (most webcams and laptops have built-in microphones)

Course DescriptionThis course refines student’s skills in written and oral communication to internal and external audiences. Through analyses and practice of communication strategies adopted by successful business professionals, students learn to write clearly and concisely, make compelling oral presentations, construct effective arguments.

Prerequisite(s)/Special NotesThis section is for online MBA students only. Students enrolled in the online Flexible MBA program are required to take three weekend residency courses to complete their degree. These weekend residency courses will be held at the Carey Business School’s Harbor East campus in Baltimore, Md. ***NOTE: Residency dates for this course are September 10 - 12, 2015.***

Learning ObjectivesBy the end of this course, students will be able to: 1. Listen, write, speak, and present effectively to improve management and leadership skills. 2. Identify and show appropriate sensitivity to cultural and gender differences to improve management in a global

workplace.3. Recognize, evaluate, limit- - and if possible avoid- - legal and reputational risk by communicating effectively internally

and externally, especially during crises and other evolving business situations.

To view the complete list of Carey Business School’s general learning goals and objectives, visit the Teaching & Learning@Carey website.

BU.120.601.31 – Business Communication – Kathleen Day – Page 3 of 8

Course Policies

A. AttendanceAttendance of synchronous online sessions is highly recommended. This course will have at least two synchronous online sessions, which will be delivered via Adobe Connect. The first will be Aug. 25, Day 2 of Module 2, from 6 pm EST until 7:30 pm EST. The second will be Sept. 22, Day 2 of Module 6, from 6 pm EST to 7:30 pm EST. I will email you on the morning of Day 2 Module 2 and on the morning of Day 2 Module 6 the URL you need to participate.

B. ParticipationOnline class participation is part of each student’s course grade; active participation is required for students to successfully complete the course. Students are expected to participate in all assigned online class activities and assessments. Each course will also include opportunities for group work.

C. CommunicationA Q&A discussion board in Bb has been set up as a place for students to submit questions to the instructor regarding how to navigate the course, including the course content, course assignments, course site, and so on. The online discussion format allows students to see the questions that their classmates have already asked, as well as the answers that have been provided by the instructor. The instructor will check the Q&A discussion board and answer questions at least twice a week, typically on Tuesday and Thursday.

***NOTE: Students who have a question that is urgent, or that is regarding a personal matter (such as grades), should contact the instructor directly at Kathleen.Day@jhu.edu. I will answer emails during regular business hours but typically not on weekends or late at night. Otherwise, students are encouraged to use the course’s Q&A discussion board as their primary method for asking questions. ***

D. Discussion BoardsInteracting with other students via discussion boards (on Bb) is an important part of this course and will require prompt postings and responses. Discussions will occur during specific timeframes designated by the instructor. (See course calendar for specific information.)

Discussion Board RubricTo ensure that all students are contributing in a substantive way to class discussions, the instructor will use the following rubric to grade student participation.

Discussion BoardParticipation Criteria

Not Good Enough

0≤ score ≤69

Adequate70≤ score ≤ 79

Good80≤ score ≤ 89

Excellent90≤ score ≤100

WeightedScore

ContentPostings include: Supporting evidence, where

appropriate Personal experience Application of the course readings,

cases, and other related course materials

x 0.40

QualityPostings are: Relevant to the topics in discussion Logical, coherent, and well-argued Thoughtful and reflective Well-written and free of grammatical

errors

x 0.40

Timeliness Postings are submitted within the

assigned time period.

x 0.20

Maximum Points: 100 Total Score

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E. Exam ProctoringYour instructor may choose to administer exams by employing an online proctoring solution.

The school utilizes Software Secure’s Remote Proctor NOW to ensure the highest level of academic integrity of the exams. Please remember that as a student of the Carey Business School, you have agreed to complete your coursework with integrity.

Remote Proctor NOW requires a webcam and microphone. Information regarding the Remote Proctoring setup and exam conditions will be posted on your Blackboard course site.

Assignments The table below reflects the assignments for the course and their relative weight toward the final grade.

Assignment Assigned Due Course Learning Objectives

Weight

ParticipationMod 1 – Post bioMod 2 – Discussion: The Federal Consumer Protection AgencyMod 3 – Discussion: Pay-for-Performance Case StudyMod 4 – Crisis Communication Simulation @ ResidencyMod 5 – Discussion / Grp Presentation Critique

*Note: Mod 5 is weighted 3x the normal discussion weight*

Mod 6 – Discussion: Johnson & Johnson Case StudyMod 7 – Discussion: The Use/Misuse of Numbers

Throughout

As noted

1, 2, 3 15%

Business Problem Memo Mod 1 Mod3 1, 3 10%Group Presentation Mod 1 Mod 4 1, 2, 3 15%Mid-Term Exam Mod 4 Mod 4 1, 2, 3 15%Social Media Guidelines Mod 6 Mod 6 1 10%Executive Summary Mod 7 Mod 7 1 10%Communications Playbook Mod 1 Mod 8 1, 2, 3 10%Final Exam Mod 8 Mod 8 1, 3 15%

100% RubricsThe rubric for each assignment is included in the Assignment Overview document available on Bb in the Module when each assignment is assigned (refer to column 2 of table above).

GradingThe grade of A is reserved for those who demonstrate extraordinarily excellent performance. The grade of A- is awarded only for excellent performance. The grade for good performance in this course is a B+/B. The grades of D+, D, and D- are not awarded at the graduate level.

Please refer to the Carey Business School’s Student Handbook for grade appeal information.

Tentative Course Calendar**The instructors reserve the right to alter course content and/or adjust the pace to accommodate class progress. Students are responsible for keeping up with all adjustments to the course calendar.

The schedule below provides an overview of the course and assignments by week. Please remember to check the calendar for specific due dates.

*NOTE: Each course module runs for a period of seven (7) days, i.e., one week. Due dates for readings and other assignments are referred to by the day of the module week in which they are due. For example, if a reading assignment is to be completed by Day 3 and the module started on Monday, then the reading assignment should be completed by Wednesday, the 3rd day of that module.

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Module Dates Topics

AssignmentsThe estimated workload is about 8-12

hours/week. Generally, heavier early in the course and lighter as the course progresses.

Module 1 Mon 08/17/15–Sun 08/23/15

The Value of Effective Communications

Readings:o Syllabuso Ch. 1, 2 & 4: Muntero Ch. 1, 2 & 3: Browne & Keeleyo Ch. 1, 2: Reynoldso Ch. 1, 5: O’Rourkeo Websites as assigned

Participation:o Introductory Bio on Blackboard

Practice:o Grammar Self-Checko Keep It Simple Writing Exercise

Assignments:o Set Up & Test Collaboration Toolso Begin Business Problem Memoo Begin Group Presentationo Begin Communications Playbook

Module 2 Mon 08/24/15–Sun 08/30/15

Argument Structure & Cultural Differences

Attend Synchronous Session Readings:

o Ch. 6, 7, 8, 9: Browne & Keeleyo Ch. 3: Reynoldso Ch. 6: O’Rourkeo Ch. 1, 2, 3: Trompenaarso Websites as assigned

Participation:o Discussion on The Federal Consumer

Protection Agency Practice:

o Dissecting Argumentso Elevator Pitch

Continue working on Assignments:o Business Problem Memoo Group Presentationo Communications Playbook

Module 3 Mon 08/31/15–Sun 09/06/15

Elements of an Effective Presentation

Readings:o Ch. 4-6: Reynoldso Ch. 4, 5: Trompenaarso Munter’s Cross-cultural

Communication for Managerso Websites as assigned

Participation:o Discussion of Pay-for-Performance

Case Study Practice:

o Cultural Self Checko Practice Group Presentation

Assignments:o DUE: Business Problem Memo by

Day 7 of Week 3o Continue working on Group

Presentation Assignmento Update Communications Playbook

BU.120.601.31 – Business Communication – Kathleen Day – Page 6 of 8

Module Dates Topics

AssignmentsThe estimated workload is about 8-12

hours/week. Generally, heavier early in the course and lighter as the course progresses.

Module 4 Mon 09/07/15– Sun 09/13/15

Crisis Communication & Residency

***Attend (on campus) Residency on Days 4-5-6 of Week 4***

Readings:o Goodmano Ritter & Rittero Lehane, Fabiani & Guttentago Ch. 5 – Munter (Optional)o Websites as assigned

Participation:o Simulation at Residency

Practice:o Illustrated Case: Burger Town Crisis

Assignments:o DUE: Group Presentation as

assigned at Residencyo MID-TERM EXAM as assigned at

Residencyo Update Communications Playbook

Module 5 Mon 09/14/15– Sun 09/20/15

Meet the Press: A CEO’s Guide to the Fourth Estate

Readings:o Ch. 1, 2, 3: Shea & Gulicko Ch. 13: O’Rourkeo SEC Rules on Fair Disclosureo Websites as assigned

Participation:o See assignments below*

Practice:o Starbuck’s practice problemo Taco Bell/Kraft Foods practice

problem Assignments:

o DUE: Critique Group Presentations (*discussion board format)

o Update Communications Playbook

Module 6 Mon 09/21/15– Sun 09/27/15

Digital Media, Social Media, Announcements

Attend Synchronous Session Readings:

o Ch. 7: O’Rourkeo Ch 1, 3 & 6-8: Kerpeno Websites as assigned

Participation:o Discussion Johnson & Johnson Case

Study Practice:

o Writing Better Press Releaseso Writing Better Tweets

Assignments:o DUE: Social Media Guidelines by

Day 7 of Week 6o Update Communications Playbook

BU.120.601.31 – Business Communication – Kathleen Day – Page 7 of 8

Module Dates Topics

AssignmentsThe estimated workload is about 8-12

hours/week. Generally, heavier early in the course and lighter as the course progresses.

Module 7 Mon 09/28/15– Sun 10/04/15

Executive Summaries, Numbers

Readings:o Ch. 10: Browne & Keeleyo Maniako Ch. 1, 2: Wheelano Huff (Optional)o Websites as assigned

Participation:o Discussion of The Use/Misuse of

Numbers Practice:

o Analyzing the use/misuse of numberso Writing a Summary

Assignments:o DUE: Executive Summary by Day 7

of Week 7o Update Communications Playbook

Module 8 Mon 10/05/15– Sun 10/11/15

The Business Communication Landscape

Readings: Review course reading Participation: None this week Practice: Review for final Assignments:

o FINAL EXAM as assignedo DUE: Communications Playbook by

Day 7 of Week 8

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Carey Business School Policies and General Information

Blackboard SiteA Blackboard course site is set up for this course. Each student is expected to check the site throughout the semester as Blackboard will be the primary venue for outside classroom communications between the instructors and the students. Students can access the course site at https://blackboard.jhu.edu.

Student Technology Resources Personal Support Center (PSC):

o Toll-free: 855-270-4436, Ext. 4 o Local: 410-235-0545, Ext. 4o Email: carey@personalsupportcenter.com

Introduction to Blackboard Introduction to Adobe Connect

Course EvaluationAs a research and learning community, the Carey Business School is committed to continuous improvement. The faculty strongly encourages students to provide complete and honest feedback for this course. Please take this activity seriously; we depend on your feedback to help us improve. Information on how to complete the evaluation will be provided toward the end of the course.

Disability ServicesJohns Hopkins University and the Carey Business School are committed to making all academic programs, support services, and facilities accessible. To determine eligibility for accommodations, please contact the Disability Services Office at time of admission and allow at least four weeks prior to the beginning of the first class meeting. Students should contact Priscilla Mint in the Disability Services Office by phone at 410-234-9243, by fax at 443-529-1552, or by email.

Honor Code/Code of ConductAll students are expected to view the Carey Business School Honor Code/Code of Conduct tutorial and submit their pledge online. Students who fail to complete and submit the pledge will have a registrar’s hold on their account. Please contact the student services office via email if you have any questions.

Other Important Academic Policies and ServicesStudents are strongly encouraged to consult the Carey Business School’s Student Handbook and Academic Catalog and Student Resources for information regarding the following items:

Statement of Diversity and Inclusion Student Success Center Inclement Weather Policy

Copyright StatementUnless explicitly allowed by the instructor, course materials, class discussions, and examinations are created for and expected to be used by class participants only. The recording and rebroadcasting of such material, by any means, is forbidden. Violations are subject to sanctions under the Honor Code.