Sam Houston State University

College of Business Administration

Department of General Business and Finance

 

GBA 461 – Design and Presentation of Business Projects

Spring 2006

 

CID: 3427       Sec: 1

Class meetings: Mondays and Wednesdays, 11:00 a.m.-12:20 p.m.

Location: 204 SHB

 

Instructor: Geraldine E. Hynes, Ph.D.

Office: 210H SHB

Phone: 936-294-4149

Fax: 936-294-3074

E-mail: hynes@shsu.edu

Office hours: Mondays 12:30-4:00 p.m. at SHSU

Tuesdays 11:00-2:00 p.m. at SHSU

Wednesdays 12:30-4:00 p.m. at SHSU, 5:00-5:45 p.m. at TUC

                        Thursdays and Fridays by appointment

 

Textbook:

Hamilton, Cheryl. Communicating for Results: A Guide for Business and the Professions, 7th Ed.  Wadsworth, 2005.

 

Course Description:

This course focuses on the design and presentation of business information using current technology to enhance communication.  Theory and principles are studied as they apply to the development of competency in formal business speaking. 

 

Course Objectives:

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

  • Understand basic principles of business and professional communication
  • Understand and appreciate the principles of designing and delivering business presentations
  • Analyze and adapt presentations to audiences’ interests and knowledge levels
  • Understand the most common purposes of business presentations—to inform, convince, and cause action
  • Understand how to design and deliver special occasion presentations in business
  • Differentiate between effective and ineffective delivery methods and techniques
  • Use computer graphics software to support presentations
  • Critically listen to and evaluate presentations
  • Understand the ethical responsibilities of business presenters

 

Course Requirements:

1.      Regular and punctual class attendance.  Any unexcused absence beyond two grace absences will cost 5 course points.  Two tardies or early leaving of class equal one absence.  
 
Section 51.911(b) of the Texas Education Code requires that an institution of higher education excuse a student from attending classes or other required activities, including examinations, for the observance of a religious holy day, including travel for that purpose, without penalty. University policy 861001 provides the procedures to be followed by the student and instructor. If you plan to be absent due to observance of a religious holy day, you must notify the instructor in writing by January 27, 2006.

 

2.      Preparation for class.  You are expected to have read the assigned material before the class during which it is discussed.  PowerPoint® slides for each textbook chapter are available on the Blackboard course site.

 

3.      Participation in all class activities. Class sessions provide opportunities to practice your communication skills.

 

4.      Computer proficiency, especially in the use of PowerPoint® graphics software and the use of the Internet in conducting research.  All written assignments are to be word-processed.

 

5.      Timely completion of all course assignments.  Late written assignments (exams, reports, homework) will cost 5 points per day. Late oral assignments (presentations, interviews, listening exercise) will cost 5 points per class meeting.  If you are absent from class when an assignment is due, you will avoid the late penalty by submitting your work early. The last date any late work will be accepted is Wednesday, May 3, 2006.

 

6.      Appropriate academic conduct.  Unprofessional, disruptive, or disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated.  Plagiarism (submitting others’ work without appropriate citation or allowing others to submit your work without citation) will not be tolerated. 

 

7.      Computer and cell phone use in class.  Personal use of cell phones during class is prohibited.  Using computers for any purpose other than the assigned task or for taking lecture notes will cost 5 course points for each misuse. 

 

Students with Disabilities:

SHSU adheres to all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students with a disability that affects their academic performance are expected to register with the SHSU Counseling Center and to notify the instructor the first week of the semester so that reasonable accommodation can be arranged, ensuring that participation and achievement opportunities are not impaired.  For more information contact the Director of the Counseling Center, chair of the Committee for Continuing Assistance for Disabled Students, at 936-294-1720.

 

Summary of Course Assignments:

                                                                                                                        Points

4 exams over the reading assignments (non-cumulative) @ 25 pts each    100

Impromptu                                                                                                           25

Listening exercise                                                                                                  25

Audience analysis                                                                                                 25

Informative presentation                                                                                      100

Group problem-solving discussion                                                                         50

Team sales presentation                                                                                      100

Interview                                                                                                              75

 

Total possible points                                                                               500

 

Graduate/Post-Graduate Students must also write a 2-page report describing and evaluating an observed business presentation.  (25 points)

 

 

 

Grade Distribution (undergraduates):

 

450-500 pts = A (90%)

400-449 pts = B (80%)

350-399 pts = C (70%)

300-349 pts = D (60%)

below 300 pts = F

 

 

Grade Distribution (MBA/Post-Graduates):

 

472-525 pts = A (90%)

420-471 pts = B (80%)

367-419 pts = C (70%)

below 367 pts = F

 

All cut-offs are firm.  Grades will not be curved.

 

NOTE: The proper time to challenge a score on an assignment is immediately after receiving your score, not at the end of the semester.

 

Weekly Schedule:

Date

Topic/Assignment

Reading

Wed. Jan 11

Introduction to course & assignments

The communication process

 

 

Ch.1

Wed. Jan 18

Organizational communication

 

Ch. 2

 

Jan 23 & 25

(M) Speaking anxiety

Impromptu speaking principles

(W) Impromptu due

 

Pp. 128-134

Pp. 273-274

 

Jan 30 &

Feb 1

(M) Listening, audience awareness

(W) Exam 1, Listening exercise due

 

Ch. 4

 

Feb 6 & 8

Job interviews & performance appraisal interviews

 

Ch. 7, 8

Feb 13 & 15

Interview due

 

 

Feb 20 & 22

(M) Gathering supporting materials, choosing language

(W) Exam 2, Creating notes, rehearsing

 

Ch. 12

Feb 27 &

Mar 1

Creating visual aids, using PowerPoint®

 

Ch. 13

Mar 6 & 8

Nonverbal communication, delivery styles

 

Ch. 5

Mar 13 & 15

No Classes – Spring Break

 

 

Mar 20 & 22

Introductions and conclusions

Informative speaking

 

 

Ch. 11

 

Mar 27 & 29

(M) Exam 3, Informative Presentation due

(W) Informative Presentation due

 

Apr 3 & 5

Small group communication, problem solving

 

Ch. 9, 10

 

Apr 10 & 12

Group Problem Solving Discussion due

 

 

Apr 17 & 19

Principles of persuasion

 

Ch. 14

 

Apr 24 & 26

 (M) Exam 4

(W) Making team presentations, Audience analysis due

 

 

Pp. 356-358

May 1 & 3

Team Sales Presentation due

(W) Observed Presentation Report due (grad students)

 

 

 

Mon. May 8

Team Sales Presentation due (5:00-7:00 pm)