University of Technology and Applied Sciences – Ibri Sultanate of Oman Business Studies Department Academic Year: 2021 -2022 Semester: I Student Assignment Guidelines to the students: 1. Students should upload the assignments in Moodle through the link (Turnitin) provided by your course lecturer on or before the deadline. 2. Students should submit their assignments in typed format which is accepted by Turnitin. Hand written assignments are not be accepted. 3. The assignment file should be in a Word format and the file name should be: Student ID, Student First Name and Course Name. 4. The submitted assignment should comply with the academic integrity and honesty of UTAS (Academic Integrity and Honesty Policy). Sanctions for high plagiarism (above 25%) are: First offence: Written warning and repeat the work Second offence: Zero mark and suspension for one semester Third offence: Dismissal from the college 5. If a student is found violating rules and instructions or has used tricks to reduce the plagiarism percentage, a disciplinary action will be taken by the Department Council (DC). 6. Student is responsible for the consequences of submitting a wrong file in Moodle. 7. Submission of assignment after the deadline is treated as a late submission and penalties are applied. Below are the penalties for a late submission: Late submission by 1 day 2 days 3 days Reduction in Marks 15% 25% 30% 8. Students are advised to follow Harvard referencing style. A sample of referencing is shown below: ? For Books: Schneider, Z, Whitehead, D & Elliott, D 2007, Find them correct: The right steps for good handwriting, 3rd edn, Elsevier New Zealand, Marrickville, Auckland ? For Websites: Health Council 2019, Causes of bad health, Health 2019, . Council, viewed 2 January ? For Journals Khan I, P 2004, ‘Role of infrastructure in economic development’, Business Standard, vol. 19, no. 6, pp. 4652. Page 1 of 2 ? For Newspaper Articles Norvic, N 2012, ‘Education in pandemic: new mode of education’, The Arabic Education, 30 March, p. 5. Structured Assignment Course Name: Business communication Course Code: Date & Time of Issue: ENGL1208 Level: 24 October 2021 Diploma-1 Deadline (Date & Time): Section No.: 2 09th December 2021 Learning Outcomes Covered in the Assignment: Outcome No. 1 Choose and use communication methods and strategies appropriate to specific business situations including the proper use of telephone, fax and e-mail. Outcome No. 2 Record and summarize information, instructions and ideas to help solve business problems. Outcome No. 3 Apply a variety of communication skills, methods and strategies to communicate effectively in business situations. Outcome No. 4 Work independently and as a member in team Assignment Question(s) (Allotted Marks: 15) Answer All the Questions Q1. Make a list of all the forms of communication that you use on a regular basis. For each form of communication list what forms of technology are required? Each student will research the history of one form of communication technology used in their daily life and submit report on that. Q2. Select any country of your choice and then write a report on that country’s national variables and individual variables that affect business and communication. Your outline may include the following points The Country Page 1 of 2 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Land &Climate Economy Education Transportation Language 6. Religion 7. Methods of greeting 8. Nonverbal Behavior 9. Foods 10. Business Hours Please ensure to remove the above contents before you submit your assignment in Moodle. University of Technology and Applied Sciences -Ibri Sultanate of Oman Business Studies Department Academic Year: 20XX -20XX Semester: X Assignment submitted for the below mentioned course: ‘Course Code & Course Name’ Student ID : Student Name : Section No. : Submitted to: ‘Name of the Course Lecturer’ Page 1 of 2 Student Declaration I am/we hereby declare that my submission of this assignment is a result of my own original work except for source materials explicitly acknowledged by proper citations. I understand that plagiarism is an offense that can lead to a disciplinary action depending on the seriousness of the case. I am also aware of all the instructions and rules related to the submission of the course assignment provided by the course lecturer. I understand that violation of these rules will result in disciplinary actions. Page 1 of 2 RUBRICS – INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT Criterion Discussion & Analysis Creativity Structure / Organizing content Bibliography / References Unsatisfactory 55% None of the relevant assignment tasks were included. Satisfactory 67% Incomplete or excessive discussion of assignment tasks and no significant errors in content. Unable to understand the links between concepts in the given tasks and lack of evidences of reflective and independent thinking. Very weak organisation of the report and logical structuring of the report is completely missing. Able to understand the links between concepts and shows less evidences of reflective and independent thinking. Minor problems with logical organization and structuring of the report. References are completely missing and excessive materials from internet sources. Reference errors are there but evidences of own thinking are present, even though there are some uncited sentences. 70% 10% 10% 5% Good 79% Insufficient discussion and analysis. Slight evidences of tasks required were introduced but with minor errors in content. Understand the concepts clearly and demonstrate reflective and independent thinking moderately. Very Good 89% Sufficient details are provided to support assertions; answer focuses only on issues related to the question; factually correct, deals fully with the question. Excellent 100% Accurate details are provided with clear evaluation of all facts and data and exchanged ideas objectively. Demonstrates evidence of analytical skill and argue the concepts with reason but lacks original thinking. Demonstrates clear analytical skill and evaluates the underlying concepts to form an independent judgement with a new perspective. The report is logically organized with heading, numbering, sections, subsections and paragraphing generally. The report follows logical organization and accepted report layout with proper heading, numbering, sections, subsections and paragraphing in line with the requirements of the course. All references are correctly written but not properly aligned. The report is clearly and logically organised with correct academic layout with proper heading, numbering, sections, subsections and paragraphing in line with the requirements of the course. References are there but there are some errors in following the specified referencing style. All references are correctly written and no errors in the specified referencing style. Page 1 of 2 Writing Quality 5% Major problems with Grammatical /spelling/punctuati on and language mechanics, rambling sentences, repeated ideas, and the focus is substantially detracted from the given tasks. Grammatical /spelling/punctu ation errors with language mechanics, but do not interfere the readability significantly and ideas are focused on the given tasks moderately. Minor errors of Grammatical/s pelling/punctu ation but do not interfere with readability and ideas are substantially focused on the given tasks. Grammatical errors/spelling/ punctuation errors are rare and ideas do not detract from the] focus on the given tasks. The work is free of grammatical/ spelling /punctuation errors, clarity in purpose and easy readability with clear focus on given tasks. 100 % General comments on the assignment: Your answer for the assignment starts here Page 1 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.