Instructions: Please write three separate paragraphs of total three common business situations (as outlined below) Requirements: ‘Writing effectively for your audience, purpose and medium; ‘Designing documents with visual appeal ‘crafting effective sentences and paragraphs ‘communicating across cultures ‘The overall goal is to build positive relationships through communication 1. The first business communication document: Good-News or Neutral Messages Please write a 250-350 words of a ‘good news’ message based on the following background reading. The writing can be: routine inquiry, favorable response, order acknowledgment, thank you message, claims, internal operational messages, etc. Background reading: Parking is tight at your university, especially near certain buildings. The campus has two large parking garages, and both of them are far away and downhill from the University Student Center where your student group is planning to hold a special event featuring a guest speaker. As the president of the student group, you find yourself needing to reserve one of the few surface spaces close to the center. You have invited the guest speaker (a local businessperson, politician, researcher, or other accomplished person) to come speak at the chapter meeting on May 3 from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. This guest will be rushing to the meeting from work and will be carrying a laptop as well as various print materials to distribute. You think it would be impractical as well as rude to force this guest to park in a garage and then trudge up a long hill to get to the event. The parking services website at your school informs you that you will need to submit an online request for your special parking permit, but the form has apparently been designed for campus personnel only (staff with purchase-order numbers and billing addresses). You call parking services to find out how you, a student, can request the special permit you need, and the parking services representative says to send your request to its office using the ‘Contact Us’ email address on their website. Write the message to get permission for the reserved parking space you need. While you’re at it, find out if there will be a charge and, if so, what it will be. 2. The second business communication document: Bad-News Messages Please write a 250-350 words of a ‘bad news’ message based on the following readings. The writing can be: refused requests, adjustment refusals, and negative announcements. Background reading: You are a new hire in the customer service office at the headquarters of a large bookstore that sells both online and in brick-and-mortar stores. Your boss comes into your office to discuss a situation with you. ‘We just got another return and refund request from a customer who has waited too long to get her money back. We try to make sure people know that they have only 14 days to return an item for refund or credit—I mean, the policy is on all our receipts and on our website. And if they ask for the refund within the time limit, they can even return their purchase to a nearby store rather than having to pay for shipping it back to us. But we still get these tardy returns from some people. Then we have to figure out what to do with the returned merchandise. We’ve been giving store credit, which is easier than mailing back the return, but I’ve had it. From now on, when we receive late returns, we’re going to send these customers an email message (if the merchandise was purchased online) or a letter (if we don’t have an email address) saying that they should have read the policy and that we have no choice but either to keep what they sent, for no credit, or to send it back to them with a charge for the return shipping, which will have to be paid in advance by credit card.’ You correctly guess what’s coming next. ‘Will you draft a form letter that we can send to people when this happens? Of course, you should say everything nicely. But they don’t understand that our refund policy helps us save money, which then lets us offer benefits like free two-day shipping for members and discounted products. It’s all been carefully costed out, and absorbing the cost for returns made after 14 days is not part of the plan.’ This task is certainly a challenge—but you believe you’re up for it. Draft a message that will convey the negative news, convince customers that your policy is reasonable, and impress your boss. 3. The third business communication document: Persuasive Message or Proposal Please write a 250-350 words of a ‘Persuasive’ or ‘Proposal’ message based on the following reading. The writing can be: internal or external persuasive messages, sales messages, multimedia sales, solicited & unsolicited proposals. Background reading: You work as an instructional designer at Birchwood Hills, a company specializing in long-term care, memory care, and assisted-living facilities. Your company has over 2,000 full- and parttime employees in 30 locations of various sizes in five states. Your job is to develop and create online learning, training, and continuing education opportunities for the company’s staff. You love almost everything about your job—your fun co-workers, the interesting work, using your creative and technical abilities . . . everything! You love working with content experts such as nurses, administrators, therapists, and physicians to develop training materials. In fact, you spend much of your days talking with these people. Some days, though, all you need is to carve out some quiet time and space to work, but that is not likely to happen in your busy office. Someone always needs you, and it’s convenient for them to stop by your desk for help or for a quick chat. It’s also hard to be working intently on a project and then leave at your most inspired moment to attend a meeting. Upon visiting the Instructional Design Professionals group on LinkedIn, you notice how many instructional designers work full or part time from home; you think this might be just what you need. You could structure your work week to be at the office two days a week for meetings and other face-to-face contact and then spend three days a week working from home to do your instructional design work. Of course, you would be available by phone or email at home, but you would have more control over interruptions with phone and email than you would with interruptions at the office. To pitch your idea to your supervisor, you prepare a proposal. You research the advantages and disadvantages of working from home, figure out the equipment you would need, estimate the cost of setting up a home office and consider how to convince Birchwood Hills to cover it, and determine any other costs your employer might incur. Address why this is a good idea not just for you but for Birchwood Hills as well. Be sure your proposal adequately addresses any resistance your supervisor might have.

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.