Memo: Positive Message Assignment: As the Human Resources Manager at XYZ Industries, Inc., it is your pleasure to announce the addition of annual performance-bases bonuses for mid-level managers and above. These bonuses will require annual performance reviews to discern the amount of the bonuses. Draft a memo explaining this scenario to this specific group of employees. Format: See email with General Memo Format. Body of memo should be single-spaced, with an empty line between paragraphs. All paragraphs should be left-justified, without any indenting at the beginning of each paragraph. Address the memo to all mid-level managers and above at your company. Recommended Organization Header: Begin your memo with the four standard memo heads (Date, To, From, Subject). The Subject should be the positive message. Body/Discussion: Remember that memos do not begin with greetings or salutations. This is a direct approach announcement of positive news, so begin your first paragraph with the news. Then go on to explain what factors led to this new program (e.g. increased sales, rising stock price, market share gain, etc.) and why the decision was made to reward employees with the surplus funds. Go on to assure the employees that they deserve this reward, and thank them for their contributions to the company’s success. The following paragraph is where you explain that the amount of bonus each employee will receive will be based on performance reviews, and tell then what department will conduct these reviews, when they will begin and when they will be finished, when employees will learn how much they will receive, and when it will be paid to them. The final paragraph is where you explain that the company looks forward to continuing this bonus program in the future, commensurate with company performance. Thank the employees again for their outstanding contributions, and conclude the memo by indicating how the reader may contact you if he/she has any questions. 104 Unit 2: The Three-Stop Writing Process 5: Completing Business Messages 105 Use Lists and Bullets to Clarify and Emphasize An effective alternative to using conventional sentences is to set off important ideas in a -a series of words, names, or other items. Lists can show the sequence of your ideas, heighten their impact visually, and increase the likelihood that readers will find your key points. In addition, lists simplify complex subjects, highlight the main point, ease the skimming process for busy readers, and give them a breather. Consider the difference between the following two approaches to the same information: Narrative Owning your own business has many advantages. One is the ease of establishment. Another advantage is the satisfaction of working for yourself. As a sole proprietor, you also have the advantage of privacy because you do not have to reveal your information or plans to anyone. List Owning your own business has three advantages: ‘Ease of establishment ‘Satisfaction of working for yourself ‘Privacy of information When creating a list, you can separate items with numbers, letters, or bullets (a general term for any kind of graphical element that precedes each item). Bullets are generally preferred over numbers, unless the list is in some logical sequence or ranking, or specific list items will be referred to later on. Lists are easier to locate and read if the entire numbered or bulleted section is set off by extra space before and after, as the preceding examples demonstrate. Furthermore, when using lists, make sure to introduce them clearly so that people know what they’re about to read. Bibliography: Courtland L., B., & John V., T. (2007). Completing Business Messages. In D. Parker, R. Butera, & M. Boos (Eds.), Business Communication Essentials (3rd ed., pp. 104105). Upper Saddle River: Pearson Prentice Hall. 1Lists are effective tools for highlighting and simplifying material. Criteria Ratings Pts Format 15 to >10.0 pts Good 10 to >5.0 pts Fair 20 to >15.0 pts Excellent ‘Proper headings, spacing, paragraph breaks, and margins. ‘Good headings, spacing, paragraph breaks, and/or margins with minor errors. ‘Inconsistent headings, spacing, paragraph breaks, and/or margins. 5 to >0.0 pts Unacceptable ‘Incorrect headings, spacing, paragraph breaks, and/or margins O pts No Submission ‘Author did not include a submission. 20 pts Content & Organization 20 to >15.0 pts Good 15 to >10.0 pts Fair 25 to >20.0 pts Excellent ‘Cogent ideas, logically developed paragraphs, comprehensive content, and effective transitions Mostly developed or supported background information, solution and recommendation. ‘Fairly effective use of transitions. Partially undeveloped or supported paragraphs. May 10 to >0.0 pts Unacceptable ‘Unfocused ideas, ineffective paragraphs, incorrect content, and/or non- existent transitions O pts No Submission ‘Author did not include a submission. 25 pts use questionable transitions. Spelling/Grammar 15 to >12.0 pts Excellent ‘Varied and effective sentence structure; concise, clear, courteous, and correct language 12 to >9.0 pts Good ‘Minor errors in sentence structure, spelling, and/or word choice. 9 to >6.0 pts Fair ‘A moderate number of errors in sentence structure, spelling, and/or word choice. 6 to >0.0 pts Unacceptable ‘Poor sentence structure, incorrect word usage, several misspelled words, and/or discourteous language. O pts No Submission ‘Author did not include a submission. 15 pts Punctuation 12 to >9.0 pts Good 15 to >12.0 pts Excellent ‘Evidence of careful proofreading. Errors do not interfere with comprehension and do not negatively ‘Minor errors that may interfere with comprehension or may negatively 9 to >6.0 pts Fair ‘A moderate number of errors that may interfere with comprehension or may negatively 6 to >0.0 pts Unacceptable ‘Frequent and serious errors that significantly interfere with comprehension and negatively influence O pts No Submission ‘Author did not include a submission. 15 pts inArance the inaoneet inarance the the roadan.

Mastering the Art of Online Learning: Your Guide to Acing Online Courses

Introduction

In recent years, the popularity of online courses has skyrocketed, offering learners the flexibility to acquire new skills and knowledge from the comfort of their homes. However, succeeding in online courses requires a different approach compared to traditional classroom settings. To help you make the most of your online learning experience, this article presents essential strategies and tips to ace your online courses.

1. Set Clear Goals and Plan Ahead

Before embarking on an online course, establish clear goals and objectives. Determine what you hope to achieve by the end of the course and break down your goals into manageable milestones. Create a study schedule that aligns with your other commitments, ensuring you allocate dedicated time for coursework, assignments, and revision.

2. Create a Productive Study Environment

Establishing a conducive study environment is crucial for online learning success. Find a quiet, well-lit space where you can concentrate without distractions. Remove any potential interruptions, such as notifications from social media or email. Organize your study materials and have a reliable internet connection to ensure seamless access to course materials.

3. Actively Engage in the Course

Active participation is key to mastering online courses. Engage with course materials, including videos, readings, and interactive components. Take comprehensive notes, highlighting key concepts and ideas. Participate in discussion boards, forums, and virtual meetings to interact with instructors and peers, fostering a sense of community and enhancing your understanding of the subject matter.

4. Manage Your Time Effectively

Online courses offer flexibility, but it’s essential to manage your time wisely to avoid falling behind. Create a detailed schedule, allocating specific time slots for coursework, assignments, and studying. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable segments to prevent procrastination. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and dedicate focused time to each one, ensuring consistent progress throughout the course.

5. Develop Effective Communication Skills

Online courses often rely on written communication, making it crucial to hone your skills in this area. Be concise and clear in your written responses, paying attention to grammar and spelling. Actively participate in discussions, asking thoughtful questions and providing constructive feedback to your peers. Regularly check your course emails and notifications, ensuring you stay updated with any important announcements or changes.

6. Utilize Available Resources

Take full advantage of the resources provided by your online course platform and instructors. Familiarize yourself with the learning management system (LMS) and explore its features. Access supplementary materials, such as textbooks, lecture slides, and external resources recommended by instructors. Utilize online libraries, research databases, and tutorial services to deepen your understanding of the subject matter.

7. Stay Motivated and Engaged

Maintaining motivation throughout an online course can be challenging, particularly when faced with competing priorities or a lack of face-to-face interaction. Set short-term goals and reward yourself upon their completion. Connect with fellow learners through virtual study groups or online forums to foster a sense of camaraderie. Regularly remind yourself of the benefits and personal growth associated with completing the course successfully.

8. Seek Support and Clarification

Don’t hesitate to seek support or clarification when needed. Reach out to your instructors for guidance or clarification on course material. Utilize online discussion forums to ask questions or engage in collaborative problem-solving. Leverage the support services provided by your course platform or institution, such as technical support or academic advising.

Conclusion

Online courses present unique opportunities for self-paced learning and personal growth. By setting clear goals, creating a productive study environment, actively engaging with course materials, and managing your time effectively, you can maximize your chances of acing online courses. Remember to stay motivated, seek support when needed, and make the most of the available resources. Embrace the flexibility and adaptability of online learning to achieve your educational goals.