Template for Outline: Assignment 1 Name: Date: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Description: a. What is your challenge or opportunity? b. Why is this professionally important to you? Goal: a. What goals or outcomes do you want to achieve with this communication? i. Is the communication goal clear, concise, and actionable? Audience: a. Who is your target audience? i. What are the professional positions of the audience members? ii. What demographic characteristics will the audience comprise? iii. What is your relationship to the audience? iv. What background knowledge and expertise does the audience have? v. What does the audience know, feel about, and expect concerning this communication? vi. What preconceptions or biases do you possess that might prevent you from building rapport with your audience? b. What information is available about your audience? i. What research or sources will you use to obtain information about the audience? ii. What conclusions have you been able to draw about the audience? c. What tone will you use to convey your message? i. Is the setting casual or formal? ii. Is the communication personal or impersonal? Key Message: a. What is the primary message you must convey to your audience? i. Is the message compelling and memorable? ii. Is the message clear and concise? iii. Is the message aligned with your audience’s goals and needs? Supporting Points: a. What three or four points, reasons, or justifications support your message? i. What research or sources will you use to obtain facts and data about your message? Channel Selection: a. What communication style will you employ (tell/sell or consult/join) and why? b. What channels will you use to deliver your message, and why will they be the most effective? c. What purpose is served by each style and channel you have selected? Action Request: a. What is your action request? b. Is the action request you are making to your audience clear, concise, and easily actionable? COM510 Week 2 Explore Graded Activity Template Use the prompts below to submit your proposal topic and audience analysis to your instructor for review. Save your document with your last name_first initial_Week2_COM510 (example: Smith_J_Week2_COM510). My topic is: My topic is internal promotions in the workplace. This concept contemplates promoting members of a particular organization so long as they qualify for that job rather than opting for people from the external market. This approach ensures that whenever a vacancy arises in the organization, employees in the current workforce submit their names for consideration as candidates suitable for holding that particular position. It is important because The topic’s importance is that it discusses an aspect of human resources that most organizations tend to overlook. It lays bare the external and internal dynamics in the market as employers strive to fill different positions in their ranks. The employment market is never static as people opt out of their current employment positions to pursue further education or even seek greener pastures elsewhere. Turnovers are common occurrences in any workplace, and while they happen for different reasons, the expected outcome is that the employer must devise mechanisms to address such situations. Therefore, probing the topic helps employers appreciate internal promotions’ significance in filling different roles and guaranteeing business continuity amid transitions at different levels. It serves as a trigger for the organization to invest in elaborate mechanisms designed to facilitate a competent rollout of internal promotions. It solves the following problem(s) Beyond merely identifying a concept and interpreting its significance, one must establish the practicality of embracing the recognized approach. Internal promotion is a viable aspect in practical employment scenarios because it solves challenges that an organization faces during transitions. The loss of a single employee creates a rather tough situation for any organization because it must find another individual to take the mantle and perform similar duties. The challenge with hiring people outside the company is that they take a lot of time to fit into the organizational culture. Similarly, they take a significant amount of time settling into their new responsibilities, understanding the scope of their job, and its significance in the broader © 2020 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. Page 1 of 2 COM510 organizational setup. Therefore, investing in internal promotions helps the organization avoid significant delays in operations by having people who can step up and fill in such vacancies. Its benefit(s) is (are) The practice of internal promotion has immense benefits for any organization that implements it. First, the approach benefits the organization through its time-saving effect and cost-friendliness. Replacing a qualified person, especially one who has discharged that role for a significant period, is no easy task. The typical approach of hiring employees from outside the company requires extensive planning and advertising to help the organization cast its net as wide as possible. The hiring process usually takes a lot of time as the organization vets the candidates to get the best fit. The organization must allocate extensive resources to have people tasked with receiving applications, verifying that the candidates meet the set criteria, and interviewing them. On the contrary, internal promotion helps the entity save time because it understands the employees well. It does not have to conduct extensive background checks because it already undertook such processes at first instance. Therefore, the internal promotion shall save the organization time and money. Internal promotion reduces the risks that hiring processes create for an organization. External hiring bears the likelihood that the chosen candidate may not be the best fit for the job or be misaligned with the organization’s values. Therefore, the internal promotion allows the organization to pick an individual from candidates whose work ethic and personal values it understands. This aspect is more crucial in a high-ranking managerial position where a mismatch could lower productivity. Internal promotion also motivates employees by providing them with a clear path for career progression. Consequently, employees are more productive and take a keener interest in learning different facets of organizational operation. My audience is The presentation shall be delivered to the CEO, the board, and top executives in the company. It is vital to ensure that such presentations are made to people who can implement the recommendations and reshape organizational policy. The identified stakeholders play a critical role in the entity’s human resource approach. The top leadership creates the vision that guides the organization hence the need to convince them about the massive potential that internal promotion bears for the company’s future. © 2020 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. Page 2 of 2

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.