Short Report Scenario The company you work for is growing but lacks a digital presence. Employees have recommended to your company’s chief operating officer (COO) that starting a company blog is a necessary next step in your company’s expansion. The COO agrees that a blog would allow collaborative creation of web content to update the public about your company and increase familiarity with your brand. The COO noted that another advantage would be allowing a variety of employees to manage, modify, and organize this content without requiring expert technical skills. So, the COO approved the idea and asked you (the manager of the purchasing department) to recommend a content management system (CMS) that would best suit the company’s needs. Your recommendation should be based on the following criteria (established by the COO): Price should not exceed $30/month, (not including the cost of a domain name) Customization must include a wide variety of themes/templates, ability to customize with CSS code, and collaborative editing for multiple authors Compatibility must support google analytics and free apps for mobile access on iOS and android devices Domain must allow for a custom domain name through the site or a 3rd party, must include ownership over site content Ecommerce must be supported and secure You can consider additional criteria you think are important to make your decision. Your assistant has located research conducted by The Balance Small Business, a reputable online business publication, and provided summarized their top 5 CMS systems for you. Using the assistant’s summary (below), write a report recommending a CMS to your COO for final approval. WordPress (Business plan) costs $25/month, includes unlimited themes and plug-ins and customization with CSS, allows multiple site authors from set-up, has a Google Docs add-on that eliminates the risk of overwrite in collaborative editing, works with Google Analytics, has free apps for both iOS and Android devices, makes a custom domain available from WordPress (free for the first-year) or through third-party, ensures site content is owned by user; supports ecommerce Squarespace (Commerce plan) costs $26/month, includes around 100 themes, allows additional editors to be invited, restricts some template customization with CSS, works with Google Analytics, has free apps for both iOS and Android devices, makes a custom domain available from Squarespace (free for the first-year) or through third-party, ensures site content is owned by user, supports ecommerce Tumblr is free, charges more for most themes which are ‘premium’ and must be paid for individually, can be customized with CSS, allows additional editors to be invited as admins or members, works with Google Analytics, has free apps for both iOS and Android devices, allows a free ‘tumblr.com’ domain or custom domain through 3rd party, site content is not owned by user and can be suspended by Tumblr, ecommerce is supported only by third-parties which may pose security risks Blogger is free, has limited customization and does not support CSS, allows additional editors to be invited, works with Google Analytics, has a free app for Android devices, has a paid app for iOS devices, provides a free ‘blogspot.com’ domain, ensures site content is owned by user, ecommerce is supported only by third-parties which may pose security risks Weebly (Performance plan) is $26/month, includes around 40 templates and customization with CSS, collaborative editing is available but restricted, works with Google Analytics, has free apps for both iOS and Android devices, makes custom domain available from Weebly (free for the first-year) or through third-party, ensures site content is owned by user, ecommerce is securely supported by Squarespace Assignment Write an informal, analytical report in a memo format to your COO using the Direct Approach. Refer to Appendix B, Figure B-1 in the textbook for memo format but be aware that the content is not relevant to your assignment. You have the flexibility to choose the name of the company and officers. In no more than two pages, organize the information you researched and recommend one product to your COO. Your report should contain an introduction, recommendation, and appropriate analysis incorporating some kind of table or visual aid to display the relevant data that supports your recommendation. Be sure to end the memo with a concluding paragraph and any necessary elements such as a clear statement of action desired and contact information. Introduction Section Your introduction should include the following elements: authorization, source, problem, purpose, scope, and plan of presentation. Recommendation Section Your recommendation section should recommend one app. Do not compare applications in this section; compare them in your analysis. Facts & Analysis Section This section(s) should include all information you feel is required to explain how you evaluated and compared the various options to arrive at your decision. Include the details your audience will want to know to feel comfortable authorizing your recommendation. You should define any necessary terms or rating criteria and summarize the products’ offerings. You must use at least one computer-generated table or visual aid. Headings Use appropriate section headings (not the headings in these assignment instructions) to separate your content for the reader. Your section headings should be more descriptive than ‘facts or analysis.’ Headings take a lot of space in a report so consider how they could be phrased to add more context for your reader. Do not use a heading for your ‘Introduction’ unless it exceeds one paragraph. Submission Instructions Your report is due based on the schedule your instructor provided in Canvas. Be prepared to complete a peer-review of classmates’ work. The report is worth 100 points, and online ‘reviewing’ efforts are worth 25 points.

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.