TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: COMM 2293 Students COMM 2293 Instructors October 4, 2021 Assignment 3 Instructions For Assignment 3, write a direct response memo with a graphic. Who you are: the office coordinator at Lawn & Order (refer to case scenario) Who your reader is: Sayed Abir, Lawn & Order owner and manager Background: Mr. Abir has given you recent customer survey data, as well as analytics data from Lawn & Order’s website and Facebook page. He has asked you to create a graphic based on some of the data, and to recommend a promotional strategy based on the information illustrated in your graphic. Your task: 1. Write a direct response memo to Mr. Abir that presents a graphic illustrating some of the data he gave you. 2. Select data from one of the tables to create your graphic. You may introduce or refer to other given data in your analysis. Don’t use all of the data provided; select only data that is relevant to your recommendations. Don’t include the data table(s) in your message. Create the graphic in Excel, and then copy it into your memo in a Word file. 3. Use the information illustrated in your graphic (and any other relevant information from the data tables) to recommend one promotional strategy Lawn & Order could implement to increase business. 4. Save and submit your assignment to Turnitin as a PDF file by 11:59 p.m. on the due date listed in your course schedule. Do not copy content from any sources you might consult, including this handout, and other COMM 2293 instructional materials; use your own words. Do not work with other students on this assignment. Unauthorized collaboration and/or plagiarism will be reported to the Academic Integrity Officer. Use the checklist on the next page to evaluate your own assignment. Evaluate your own assignment using this checklist. Message follows the three-part direct strategy ? uses informative subject line ? begins with a direct response opening ? presents complete information in the body section: o introduces the graphic with a label o correctly labels all parts of the graphic o analyses the data in the graphic o recommends a logical, specific action to help promote the business ? ends with a complete, forward-looking close Message uses a professional business style and presentation ? follows all the grammar and business style points assigned so far ? maintains goodwill throughout message ? uses correct memo format ? uses full block format, with 2.5 cm margins on all sides, single spaced, readable 11- or 12point font, and a left-aligned margin Assignment 3 Data Customers Surveyed March – August 2021 How did you hear about Lawn & Order? Google/Internet search From friend or family member Radio or TV advertisement Bus/Bus stop advertisement Other 39% 27% 8% 18% 8% Internal Web Traffic Data Unique visits to www.Lawn&Order.ca in Q1-Q2 2021 January 587 February 605 March 692 April 976 May 1021 June 993 Total 4874 Facebook Analytics Data Unique visits to Lawn & Order’s Facebook page Q1-Q2 2021 January 132 February 187 March 232 April 456 May 539 June 593 Total 2139 Customers Surveyed March – August 2021 Customer location in Halifax Regional Municipality Halifax Peninsula 5% Mainland Halifax 20% Dartmouth 30% Cole Harbour 20% Bedford/Sackville 7% Eastern Passage 8% Enfield/Elmsdale 7% Lawrencetown 0% Middle Sackville / Upper Sackville 3% Prospect 0% Tantallon 0% Facebook Analytics Data Post engagement on Lawn & Order’s Facebook page Q1-Q2 2021 January 61 February 68 March 77 April 103 May 166 June 187 Total 662 Our Time Line Today ?Assignment 3 Introduction ?Memo format ?Direct response messages ?Graphics that Tell a Complete Story Chapter 11, p. 297-304 Functions of graphics List three reasons why you use graphics in your reports and powerpoint slides. Copyright © 2010 Nelson Education Ltd. Ch. 12, Slide 3 Illustrating Data Functions of graphics ? ? ? ? To clarify data To create visual interest To condense and simplify data To make numerical data meaningful Copyright © 2010 Nelson Education Ltd. Ch. 12, Slide 4 Your Graphic Assignment: Introducing and Creating Graphics ? ? ‘Introduce a graphic meaningfully’ (p.304). Create a chart that matches purpose(p. 298) and tells a complete story. Assignment 3 Checklist Evaluate your own assignment using this checklist. Message follows the three-part direct strategy ? uses informative subject line ? begins with a direct response opening ? presents complete information in the body section: o introduces the graphic with a label o correctly labels all parts of the graphic o analyses the data in the graphic o recommends a logical, specific action to help promote the business ? ends with a complete, forward-looking close Message uses a professional business style and presentation ? follows all the grammar and business style points assigned so far ? maintains goodwill throughout message ? uses correct memo format ? uses full block format, with 2.5 cm margins on all sides, single spaced, readable 11- or 12point font, and a left-aligned margin For discussion in your group: When do we use memos? How is memo format different from email format? Assignment 3: Memo format Tab MEMO DATE: TO: FROM: SUBJECT: October 5, 2021 Your manager’s name (first and last), job title Your name (first and last), job title Informative Subject Line Opening: Direct Response Opening (one sentence) Body: Sentence that introduces your graphic by number + observation + one completely labelled graphic Your recommended promotional strategy based on your analysis. (one to three sentences) Closing: Forward-looking closing (one to two sentences) 8 Direct Response Opening Here is… Here is…. you asked for Here is…you requested. As you requested, here is…. ‘Responds to / acknowledges Sayed’s request ‘Announces what this document contains ‘Doesn’t announce channel (that document is a memo) ‘Save your specific recommendation for later. Closing ‘Some closing thought is useful to avoid ending abruptly ””Request feedback / Indicate a Refer to the information provided and next steps If further action is required, help Sayed with specifics Offer to support or help implement… ‘Use a fresh close. Avoid closing with these over-used phrases: ‘If I may be of further assistance, don’t hesitate to… ‘Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have questions about… Identifying Stories in Our Data ? 1. Note a relationship or trend that stands out and deserves special emphasis. ? Should be a piece of information you want your reader to remember. 2. Choose a chart that matches your purpose. See p. 298 Our Time Line Today ?Part 2: Graphics ? How to incorporate graphics into your document and interpret them for your readers effectively Tuesday ?Assignment 3 Workshop ?Submit drafts to Brightspace folder at class start (or before) Chapter 11, p. 297-304 Your Graphic Assignment: Introducing and Creating Graphics ? ? ‘Introduce a graphic meaningfully’ (p.304). Create a chart that matches purpose(p. 298) and tells a complete story. Assignment 3 Checklist Evaluate your own assignment using this checklist. Message follows the three-part direct strategy ? uses informative subject line ? begins with a direct response opening ? presents complete information in the body section: o introduces the graphic with a label o correctly labels all parts of the graphic o analyses the data in the graphic o recommends a logical, specific action to help promote the business ? ends with a complete, forward-looking close Message uses a professional business style and presentation ? follows all the grammar and business style points assigned so far ? maintains goodwill throughout message ? uses correct memo format ? uses full block format, with 2.5 cm margins on all sides, single spaced, readable 11- or 12point font, and a left-aligned margin Assignment 3: Memo format Tab MEMO DATE: TO: FROM: SUBJECT: October 5, 2021 Your manager’s name (first and last), job title Your name (first and last), job title Informative Subject Line Opening: Direct Response Opening (one sentence) Body: Sentence that introduces your graphic by number + observation(s) + one completely labelled graphic Your recommended promotional strategy based on your analysis. (one to three sentences) Closing: Forward-looking closing (one to two sentences) 5 Identifying Stories in Our Data ? 1. Note a relationship or trend that stands out and deserves special emphasis. ? Should be a piece of information you want your reader to remember. 2. Choose a chart that matches your purpose. See p. 298 Matching Graphics to Objectives Bar Charts Compare Related Items 600 528 500 400 Number of Students 300 200 100 67 39 33 42 79 43 8 0 Source: Saint Mary’s University, 2013 26 24 Line Charts Show Changes Over Time and Highlight Trends 1000 Figure 1: Increased Enrolments from China at Saint Mary’s, 2008-13 China 900 Number of Students 800 700 600 500 400 300 India 200 Saudi Arabia 100 0 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 Source: Saint Mary’s University, 2013 2011-12 2012-13 If purpose is to show increasing enrolments… Enrolments from China 1000 900 800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 1 2 3 4 5 Pie Charts Show Parts-towhole Relationships * Creating and Integrating your Chart: Three major steps Step 1: Label Step 2: Position ‘Label, number, and title every graphic. ‘Place the graphic in the right spot. ‘Source where the data comes form. ‘Close to the text that introduces it. Step 3: Introduce and Interpret ‘Introduce every graphic by Figure number. ‘Introduce your graphic before analysing it. ‘Interpret what the chart shows for your reader. Formal Chart Informal ‘Spot’ Chart Informal Spot Chart Types of information in this title? A Good Title Tells a Complete Story Answers the 5Ws Possible Title or Caption for Chart Who: Maple Leaf Foods Maple Leaf Food’s Annual Sales in Canada, 2010-20 What: Annual sales Where: Canada When: 2010-20 Why (optional): For comparison Tells a Complete Story with a Descriptive Title Source: Saint Mary’s University, 2013 Create a Descriptive Title for Your Chart Answers the 5Ws Who: What: Where: When: Include a Source Acknowledgement Located under chart towards the left. Source: Statistics Canada, 2018 Must include this label followed by a colon. When name of data source is a company, organization or agency Source year Include a Source Acknowledgement Located under chart towards the left. Source: Internal, 2020 Must include this label followed by a colon. When source is internal to company Source year Include a Source Acknowledgement Located under chart Source: Business Insider Report, 2019 Must include this label followed by a colon. When source is a publication Report’s publication year Creating and Integrating your Chart: Three major steps Step 1: Label Step 2: Position ‘Label, number, and title every graphic. ‘Place the graphic in the right spot. ‘Source where the data comes form. ‘Close to the text that introduces it. Step 3: Introduce and Interpret ‘Introduce every graphic by Figure number. ‘Introduce your graphic before analysing it. ‘Interpret what the chart shows for your reader. Pattern A for Introducing Graphics in Body 1. Introduce Figure by number with general description. 2. Show (your chart) 3. Interpret and analyse Pattern B for Introducing Graphics 1. Introduce Figure by number with general description. 2. Interpret and analyse 3. Show (your chart) Sequence for introducing and analysing what your chart shows G ‘Introduce chart with a brief (General) summary statement: ‘Figure 1 shows our annual sales this year. E ‘Example of a Specific Finding E ‘Exception ‘After presenting the figure, give one or more supporting examples that call audience’s attention to your key findings or observations. ‘Our sales increased by 20 percent after the second quarter, as Figure 1 shows. ‘Give an exception to the general trend or findings, if there is one. ‘However,….’ 1. Introduce your chart by number even if only one chart. 2. Tell reader what to notice; point out something significant. Weak reference and interpretation: The chart below shows students’ study habits. Instead write: As shown in Figure 1, students’ library use increases by 50 percent during final exams. As Figure 2 shows, two thirds of students prefer to study at home instead of at school. Note how the highlighted phrases express a relationship or memorable (noteworthy) point about the data. Interpret your chart for your reader. Make a point. Avoid an obvious restatement of data: Emphasize your main points, what’s noteworthy: When asked to identify the causes of ineffective meetings, 10 % of employees blamed poor communication skills, 8 % cited egocentric behavior by attendees, 7% attributed nonparticipation, and 6.5% said the discussion became sidetracked. As Figure 1 shows, the most cited reason for ineffective meetings is poor communication skills, while issues related to poor interpersonal communication skills were also identified. Your analysis can Include summary statements about the data that highlight trends, relationships, and other memorable observations. Mention data from the tables you didn’t chart. Translate your findings into a logical recommended action. Weak Figure references ””The chart below shows… The pie chart below illustrates… The bar chart above highlights… Highlighted in the line graph… Labeling your chart as Figure 1, 2, 3 means you don’t have to tell your reader where to find it or tell them what type of chart you used. Strong Figure references ‘Refer to your chart by number. ‘Use the active voice ””Figure 1 highlights… As Figure 1 shows… As shown in Figure 1… We sold the most units …as Figure 1 indicates. Capitalize nouns followed by numbers in a series Numbered items in a series are expressed as numerals: ””Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3 As shown in Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 3 Flight 25, Gate 4 Assignment 1, Assignment 2, Assignment 3 The Visual Display of Quantitative Information, by Edward R. Tufte, provides practical advice on creating graphics. At their best, graphics are instruments for reasoning about quantitative information. Often the most effective way to describe, explore, and summarize a set of numbers—even a very large set—is to look at pictures of those numbers. Furthermore, of all methods for analyzing and communicating statistical information, well-designed data graphics are usually the simplest and at the same time the most powerful. Graphical excellence is that which gives to the viewer the greatest number of ideas in the shortest time with the least ink in the smallest space. Who you are: the office coordinator at Lawn & Order (refer to case scenario) Who your reader is: Sayed Abir, Lawn & Order owner and manager Background: Mr. Abir has given you recent customer survey data, as well as analytics data from Lawn & Order’s website and Facebook page. He has asked you to create a graphic based on some of the data, and to recommend a promotional strategy based on the information illustrated in your graphic. Your task: 1. Write a direct response memo to Mr. Abir that presents a graphic illustrating some of the data he gave you. 2. Select data from one of the tables to create your graphic. You may introduce or refer to other given data in your analysis. Don’t use all of the data provided; select only data that is relevant to your recommendations. Don’t include the data table(s) in your message. Create the graphic in Excel, and then copy it into your memo in a Word file. 3. Use the information illustrated in your graphic (and any other relevant information from the data tables) to recommend one promotional strategy Lawn & Order could implement to increase business. 4. Save and submit your assignment to Turnitin as a PDF file by 11:59 p.m. on the due date listed in your course schedule. Purchase answer to see full attachment

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.