BUCO 533: MANAGING COMMUNICATION IN ORGANIZATIONS



-76200-18097500BUCO 533 MANAGING COMMUNICATION IN ORGANIZATIONS Fall 201315183R: Tues./Thurs., 12:30 – 1:50 p.m., BRI 202 15182R: Tues./Thurs., 2:00 – 3:20 p.m., BRI 202Professor: Daylanne Markwardt, Ph.D.E-mail: markward@marshall.usc.eduOffice: ACC 228Phone: 213-740-2803 Mailbox: ACC 400Skype: daylanne.markwardtOffice Hours: Tues./Thurs., 9:30 a.m. to noon, or by appointmentClass Communication: TEXTS AND MATERIALSRequired Barrett, Deborah. Leadership Communication. 3rd ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Irwin, 2011.Articles and handouts as assigned and posted on Blackboard.RecommendedAlred, Gerald J., Brusaw, Charles T., & Oliu, Walter E. The Business Writer's Handbook. 10th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2012. COURSE DESCRIPTIONManaging Communication in Organizations is a web-facilitated course in which you will take classroom learning and apply it working as consultants with an organization of your choice. This section is designed specifically to meet the needs of accounting graduate students. Three major themes run through this course. The first is Team Communication and the importance of understanding the processes of team formation and how communication can be used to ensure optimal team performance. As a web-facilitated course, it will also explore issues related to working in virtual teams.The second underlying theme of this course is Problem Solving in a Project ManagementSituation through Communication. You will have the opportunity to consider situations and problems as they have to do with project management, decide how you would handle them, and practice related communication skills. The focus will be on developing your ability to work productively in small teams and to manage projects within an organizational context.The third underlying theme of this course is effective Oral and Written Communication as it is practiced in a team environment. This will include preparing and delivering effective presentations and honing your professional and collaborative writing. Our short-term goal is to prepare you to be successful in the career recruiting and interviewing processes. Longer term, our goal is to improve your management communication skills to increase your success during the first two years of your professional career, and throughout your life in both personal and business situations.LEARNING OBJECTIVESThe overall objective of this course is to give you exposure to and practice in a set of managerial and group communication challenges common in business organizations and team settings today. From these experiences, you will learn more about your personal strengths and about the skills and strategies you need to develop further to reach the level of success you envision for yourself as a team player and leader.The managerial and group communication challenges you will experience and learn about include the following:Team formationTeam structurePower and influence within teamsConflict and conflict resolution in teamsTeam performanceTeam decision-makingTeam leadershipPlanning and running meetingsProposing, planning, and completing a client projectPreparing and delivering effective presentationsHoning your business writing and collaborative writing abilitiesLEARNING OUTCOMESThe specific outcomes for this class will include the following:Identify a potential consulting project and persuade that organization to engage your teamWork with external advisors and team members to clearly and accurately scope a projectDevelop a proposal or engagement letter that clearly defines expectations, enhances your professional image, and begins to build a credible, positive relationship with your clientDevelop a detailed project management plan that provides clear expectations to the client as well as the team regarding group and individual expectationsSuccessfully complete a consulting project that enhances your understanding of team, management, and organizational communication issuesImprove your communication skills in team situations by demonstrating leadership, collaboration, and conflict-management skillsImprove your ability to enhance group decision-making processes and practicesPractice leadership communication skills, particularly in the area of nonverbal communication, using the oral presentation channel of deliveryPractice effective persuasive communication and the ability to create a credible professional image using the written channel of deliveryWrite effective follow-up letters that help to cinch your professional image and cement goodwillEvaluate your team and provide continuous feedback to help each member reach his or her communication potential as a leader, depending upon his or openness to learn and grow as a management professionalTo summarize, these activities will provide you the opportunity to enhance your business and management communication skills, using a range of channels or media. More specifically, you will be presented with the opportunity to enhance your business writing skills, business presentation skills, and your team and interpersonal communication skills. The result, as with all endeavors, depends upon your willingness to proactively engage with the materials and take advantage of the opportunities presented to practice the provided management communication techniques. EXPECTATIONS, EVALUATION AND GRADINGStudent ExpectationsAttendance, critical engagement with assigned readings, active participation, and a positive attitude are required for successful completion of this course. Many sessions involve group activities, and I plan and organize them assuming that all students will be present. Professional expectations extend to this course, which means that you should advise me by e-mail or in person prior to your absence if you are unable to attend any class or exercise. Partial credit for missed classes or activities, such as ELC exercises, is at my discretion and may not be possible depending on the activity and timing. As graduate students and present or future leaders, you are expected to take personal responsibility for your learning. We will not always cover all the assigned materials in class as might be expected in an undergraduate course; therefore, you will be expected to raise questions and address elements of the reading that you find compelling or worthwhile for discussion as a class, that you disagree with, or that you would like to elaborate upon based on your professional experiences. You will be responsible for knowing the information presented in the readings, lectures, and class activities, so you are advised to take advantage of class discussion time to address issues you don’t understand or that you would like to see more fully discussed with peers to add to your insights and understanding.Faculty Expectations I will provide course materials and varied opportunities for learning through discussion times, exercises, and assignments. You can expect to receive timely assessments of your learning as well as prompt feedback on graded assignments and exams. I will also make myself available during my office hours and at other scheduled times for individual consultations or discussion of course materials or assignments. If, at any time, you are unsure about your progress in the course, please don’t hesitate to come speak with me.Evaluation and GradingYour final course grade will be composed of the following elements: Grading ComponentPoints PercentageConsulting Project and Final Presentation (Team)50050%Project Status Report and Presentation (Individual)15015%Team Member Feedback and Teamwork Assessments (Individual)505%ELC Exercises, Discussions, and Classroom Participation (Individual)10010%Midterm Exams (Individual)20020%TOTAL1,000100%These grading components are described briefly below. Assignment instructions will include grading criteria, with detailed grading rubrics to be posted to Blackboard and additional details discussed in class.Consulting ProjectWorking with a team of classmates, you will develop a consulting project to be completed over the course of the semester and then deliver a final report and presentation to leaders of the client organization. Elements of this project include:A team charterClient emailA consulting project engagement letter/proposalA project management planProject status reports (four total, one from each member of your team)A final presentation to managementA final report and follow-up letter Additional elements of the assignment are intended to help your team develop an effective group dynamic and aid each member in enhancing his or her team leadership skills. This element will be addressed through group exercises and periodic project status reports to the class.ELC Exercises, Discussions, and Classroom ParticipationWithin the safe confines of the Experiential Learning Center, you will participate in exercises designed to give you practice in specific skills: problem solving across an organization, reaching consensus, handling difficult people, and resolving conflict. In addition, classroom activities that require your attendance will contribute to this part of your grade. Participation in class discussions, post-ELC exercise debriefs, critiques of peer impromptu presentations, and online discussion boards will also be included here.Midterm ExamsThe course includes two midterm exams, spaced equally throughout the semester, based on your consulting project, experiential learning, course readings, lectures, and discussions. TeamworkIn the interest of fairness, a peer evaluation of each team member’s participation in and contributions to the consulting project will constitute a portion of your final grade.Late PolicyAssignments that are submitted after the assigned due date and time will be assessed a 10 percent per day late penalty.Web-Facilitated Course DeliveryThis is a web-facilitated course, which means that you will be expected to be involved in web-based activities and delivery methods. These include conventional expectations, such as accessing reading materials provided and participation in class discussions through Blackboard, as well as using GoogleDocs as the primary method of collaboration among team members. You should also include your professor as a member of your team in GoogleDocs so that she can evaluate your collaborative writing skills.ACADEMIC STANDARDS AND UNIVERSITY POLICIESAcademic StandardsAcademic integrity is a critical value of the University Community. Integrity violations destroy the fabric of a learning community and the spirit of inquiry that is vital to the effectiveness of the University. This course is subject to the Marshall School of Business Academic Standards and USC Academic Integrity Standards, as detailed in SCampus (). Please refer to and become familiar with these standards. I will work with you to maintain an atmosphere conducive to personal integrity, intellectual honesty, and ethical behavior.Students with DisabilitiesAny student requesting academic accommodations based on a disability is required to register with Disability Services and Programs (DSP) each semester. A letter of verification for approved accommodations may be obtained from DSP. Please deliver the letter to me as early in the term as possible. DSP is located in STU 301 (phone 213-740-0776) and is open 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.Professor’s Retention of Graded PapersReturned paperwork, unclaimed by a student, may be discarded one month after the end of the class. Paperwork intentionally not returned to students will be retained until May 2013.Key Dates—Fall 2013 Below are the key dates for Fall 2013 graduate classes in the Marshall and Leventhal Schools. Please see the course calendar for additional information. Classes BeginAugust 26Labor Day HolidaySeptember 2Last day to add a classSeptember 13Last day to drop without a WSeptember 13Last day to drop with WNovember 15Thanksgiving HolidayNovember 27-30Classes EndDecember 6Emergency Information USC Emergencies 213-740-4321 USC Emergency Info Line 213-740-9233 USC Information 213-740-2311 KUSC Radio 91.5 FM DialSyllabus Additions The course calendar should be considered a part of the syllabus for this course. See pages 6-8 for details.COURSE CALENDAR BUCO 533: Managing Communication in OrganizationsFall 2013WeekDayClass Topics/ActivitiesReading/Assignment Due1Tues., Aug. 27Introduction to course & to each otherElevator speechesThurs., Aug. 29Writing skills diagnosticPresentation skills diagnostic Complete: Self-Assessment of Leadership Communication Capabilities & Personal Report of Communication Apprehension (BB)2Tues.,Sept. 3Project Stage One: Select & Contact ClientWriting and presentation skills benchmarkingTeams assigned; begin researching potential clients/advisors Reading: “What Makes an Effective Consultant?” (BB); “Accountants as Communicators” (BB); Barrett, Chapter 1Thurs., Sept. 5 Strategic communication & audience-orientationWriting workshop: cover lettersReading: Barrett, Chapter 2 Bring: cover letter & corresponding job ad3Tues., Sept. 10Review assignment: Team Charter & Client EmailWriting workshop: emailsReading: Barrett, Chapters 3 & 4DUE: Team Charter Thurs., Sept. 12Review assignment: Project Status ReportsFirst impressions: initial client communication, preparing for consulting interviewReading: “Interviews to Gather Information,” “Interviewing Prospective Clients” (BB)4Tues., Sept. 17Interpersonal communication & emotional intelligenceCross-cultural communicationReading: Barrett, Chapters 7 & 8 Thurs.,Sept. 19ELC Exercise: “Crisis in Mantique” (12:30 p.m. in JKP; 2:00 p.m. in BRI)DUE: Client Email5Tues.,Sept. 24Project Stage Two: Group Trust-Building & Goal ClarificationReview assignment: Engagement LetterPersuasive communicationProject Status ReportsReading: “Written Communication: Proposals & Reports” (BB)DUE: Project Status Report 1WeekDayClass Topics/ActivitiesReading/Assignment Due5Thurs.,Sept. 26Small group dynamicsMaking meetings more productive Reading: Barrett, Chapter 9; excerpts from People Styles at WorkAlso complete “People Styles Self-Assessment Inventory” & bring to class6Tues.,Oct. 1Leadership styles/People StylesPreparation for MidtermProject Status ReportsDUE: Project Status Report 2 Thurs.,Oct. 3ELC Exercise: “Desert Survival” (both sections in BRI)7Tues.,Oct. 8Project Status ReportsPresenting with greater effectivenessPresentation slidesReading: Barrett Chapters 5 & 6DUE: Project Status Report 3Thurs.,Oct. 10Midterm Exam 1 (Take Home)(covering course readings, exercises, and lecture materials to date except Barrett Chapters 5 & 6)NO CLASS MEETING TODAY (take-home exam instead)8Tues.,Oct. 15Team trouble-shootingPeer review of Engagement LettersReview assignments: Individual Presentation 2 & Project Management PlanReading: “How to Manage Virtual Teams,” “Leading Virtual Teams,” “Coping with Hitchhikers and Couch Potatoes,” “Project Management 101” (BB)DUE: Draft Engagement LetterThurs.,Oct. 17ELC Exercise: “Dealing with Difficult People” (12:30 p.m. in JKP; 2:00 p.m. in BRI)9Tues.,Oct. 22Project Stage Three: Action Plan DevelopmentProject Status ReportsInstructor consultationsVirtual Discussion 1DUE: Finalized Engagement Letter & Project Status Report 4Thurs.,Oct. 24NO CLASS MEETING TODAYContinue work on team projectsDUE: Project Management Plan (submit to Blackboard by midnight)WeekDayClass Topics/ActivitiesReading/Assignment Due10Tues.,Oct. 29Project Status ReportsInstructor coaching on presentation skills Virtual Discussion 2DUE: Project Status Report 5Thurs.,Oct. 31Meet at ELC: Individual Presentation 2 (12:30 p.m. in JKP; 2:00 p.m. in BRI)11Tues.,Nov. 5Project Status ReportsInstructor consultationsDUE: Project Status Report 6Thurs.,Nov. 7NO CLASS MEETING TODAYVirtual Discussion 3Instructor consultations12Tues.,Nov. 12Project Stage Four: Fulfilling Expectations & BeyondProject Status ReportsInstructor consultationsVirtual Discussion 4DUE: Project Status Report 7Thurs.,Nov. 14Meet at ELC: “Treasure Hunt” (12:30 p.m. in JKP; 2:00 p.m. in BRI)13Tues.,Nov. 19Midterm Exam 2(covering course readings, exercises, and lecture materials since Midterm 1, including Barrett Chapters 5 & 6)Thurs.,Nov. 21Review assignment: Final Project ReportParamedic MethodProject Status ReportsReading: “Editing for Impact” DUE: Project Status Report 814Tues., Nov. 26Meet at ELC: Rehearsal Presentations (both sections in BRI)DUE: Rehearsal PresentationsThurs., Nov. 28NO CLASS MEETING TODAYThanksgiving Holiday15Tues., Dec. 3Final PresentationsDUE: Final Presentation Thurs., Dec. 5Remaining Final PresentationsCourse evaluationWrap-up and final thoughts DUE: Final Project Report & Thank You Letter WeekDayClass Topics/ActivitiesReading/Assignment DueFri., Dec. 6DUE: Emailed Team & Project EvaluationsEnjoy your Winter Break! ................
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