Running head: BUSINESS WRITING PORTFOLIO

Business Writing Portfolio XCOM 285 April 7, 2013

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Capstone Checkpoint Reflection Norma Durant XCOM 285 April 7, 2013 Candice Dorsey

Running head: CAPSTONE CHECKPOINT REFLECTION

Capstone Checkpoint Reflection

Business writing has prepared me for future by planning, brainstorming, gathering information as well as writing and speaking clear and concise. As a supervisor, I need to conduct quarterly safety meeting with my technicians. I prepare myself a week in advance. I print out all materials needed for this meeting. I organize in what order or method the meeting will start. I usually use an outline on what subject and discussion will occur. In planning a meeting, I need to analyze the issue, define my reason also know the audience you are speaking to. Brainstorming the information and objections also helps me organize my thoughts and prepare to combine in the document. Combining all the information needed helps avoid any missed items or points. Another way this class as prepared me is to use a type of organization such as an outline, or list, and writing down headings. Then bring your thoughts together by adding in paper or screen. You can write a stream-of-consciousness, or draft. After putting down my thoughts evaluate my work and look at the length of my goals and requirements on certain situation and audience. Reviewing my draft as if someone else wrote it, then ask if it is clear and concise or convincing. Have someone else review the work and check if the organization pattern is appropriate, and check for spelling errors. Complete revision by correcting, adding, deleting or even substituting. Make sure I am writing for the correct audience. Proofread final work for any errors. I have found after discussing the business resources to effectively communicate, methods of communications, including roles that it plays in our daily life and ideas along with how to use them. It is nice to know how to reach a certain audience and its

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characteristics in order to reach the audience effectively. Learning how to communicate by using the cross culture communications matrix, give me a better understanding of the diversification in the world.

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References Locker, K., & Kienzler, D. (2013). Business and Administrative Communication (10th edition).New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

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Checkpoint: Graphic Organizer

Brain storming & Planning Writing Revising Editing Proofreading

Look over task and your audience, research information needed, gather a list of task, think of different thoughts without judgment.

Write down your thoughts freely for approximately 10 minutes, and continue the process until there is a positive draft from the information written down, gather your ideas and use them to build a body. Focus on the internal and external audience you are writing to. Recognize the social and political association.

Write clear and concise such as understandability and legibility. Check the suitability for your audience, and efficiency. View the attitude, positive emphasis, style, tone, and bias languages. The message must show politeness and kindness. Avoid using jargon. Think of the layout

Print out and revise document, look over information, phrases, grammar, spelling , verify any amount or figures.

Have someone else proofreading your document including yourself. Proofread carefully and check for any mistakes. Look over introduction, body, conclusion of the document

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Associate Level Material

Norma Durant
Appendix D

E-mail Etiquette

Read the following e-mails. For each e-mail:

Describe any content and formatting errors found. Determine if the content is appropriate for a workplace setting. If it is, explain why. If not, identify the errors made and rewrite the e-mail, to be appropriate.

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E-mail One To: Tom Subject line: Talent Reallocation

Tom,

This e-mail is in reference to the two employees who are going to be terminated Friday. We have determined that they are Nicole Stone and Lorenzo Torres. As we discussed yesterday, their performances are not on par with those of other employees in the accounting department; interventions with these employees have not been successful in helping them improve their performance. Lets plan to meet with them individually in the conference room between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m.

Thanks,

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Andrea

Responses to questions 1 and 2.

I dont see any errors on this email I do believe it is an appropriate and shows professionalism, because it is address to only one person. I dont see any ethical issues here.

Rewrite e-mail if necessary

E-mail One

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To: Subject line: No need to

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E-mail Two To: Manager Subject line: doc u wanted

Dear Manager, Attached to this e-mail is the doc you wanted with the info on that lake project. I hope everything in it is str8 and the way U want it!!!!

BTW, did you see Last Comic Standing last night? I was totally ROFL at the bald dude!! :-}

B Cool, Employee X

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Responses to questions 1 and 2

This email has some grammar and abbreviation that are seen in text messages only. This email is not recommend to use in a work place. This email show unprofessionalism by using personal statements. Rewrite e-mail if necessary

E-mail Two To: Manager Subject line: Lake Project,

Please note the attached requested document. If you have any questions or concerns, please dont hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

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Norma Durant Service Supervisor

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E-mail Three To: Cubicle Neighbor Subject line: COURTESY

Dear Cubicle Neighbor, I really do not appreciate it when you talk loudly on the phone. It is hard for me to think straight and get my work done. YOU ARE NOT MORE IMPORTANT THAN ANYONE ELSE AROUND HERE!!!!! You should be more considerate of the fact that we are in an open workspace. THANKS for what I assume will be an improvement that is NEEDED.

Your neighbor

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Responses to questions 1 and 2

The errors are the use of capital letter is inappropriate in a working environment and it give the impression of yelling or aggressive as well as disrespectful. The email is not appropriate in a business environment. This individual should have spoke or submitted their complaint to a manager or supervisor. The person should have politely mention that it was distracting. Rewrite e-mail if necessary

E-mail Three To: Cubicle Neighbor Subject line: Courtesy

I would like to ask you to, please lower your voice on the phone. It has been a distraction for me to do my work when you speak so loudly. I dont want to cause any conflict between us. I am asking you directly, rather than asking your superior.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this matter.

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Sincerely,

Your Neighbor

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E-mail Four To: All company employees Subject line: URGENTYour reply needed TODAY

Employees, About 25% of you have not let me know whether or not you plan to attend the company cookout Saturday. We have to provide the caterer with a final number TODAY, so I need those of you who have not let me know to e-mail me ASAP and tell me if you are coming and how many family members you are bringing. This is urgent, so please dont delay in responding.

Thanks, Carol Director

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Responses to questions 1 and 2

Coming from a director, it maybe ok to use capital letters. But in an email you can use explanation mark, rather than the capital letter. Although, I feel it is not necessary to use capital letters but it is an effective way to get your message across if it is an urgency and especially no one really responded to the first request. I would say it is appropriate in a business environment.

Rewrite e-mail if necessary

E-mail Four

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To: All company employees Subject line: Important Your reply is requested.

Employees,

Only a few of you have not let me know whether or not you plan to attend the company picnic Saturday. We have to provide the caterer with a number of those who are attending. Please, email me today, as soon as possible. Let me know if you are coming and the amount of family members you are bringing. This is urgent, so please dont delay in responding.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this matter. I hope to see you there.

Sincerely,

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Carol Director

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Assignment Store Operation Messages Norma Durant XCOM 285 March 10, 2013 Candice Dorsey

Running head: TUITION REIMBURSEMENT IMPLEMENTATION

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Assignment Store Operation Messages

March 8, 2013 Durant Clothing Customer 245 River Street Little Falls, New Jersey 07424 Dear Valued Customer: Starting March 8, 2013 the Durant Clothing Store has new hours of operations. Please make a note of hours you will be able to shop: Monday-Friday: 10:00 am -10:00 pm Saturday: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Sunday Closed This change of operation hours demonstrate that we will be unlock 1 hour later and close 1 hour sooner Monday on through Saturday. Also to this change in hours, please be advised the store will be closed on Sundays. The adjustment in hours is mainly to do with our efforts to combat current economic conditions. Though its been and has always been our goal to provide excellent service to you our customers, we find the change is unavoidable. Durant Clothing Stores has been servicing customers for over 100 years. Our customer excellence service will not change as our staff wait for your arrival. Also we are excited to announce there will not be any store closing as every Durant Clothing store will stay open. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and thank you for your continuous support. If any questions or concerns, contact the customer service department via e-mail at Durantclothcustomerservice@gmail.com or telephone at 1-867-555-6875. Sincerely,

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Norma Durant Public Relation Manager

To: From: Subject: Date:

Durant Clothing Employees Norma Durant, Public Relations Manager New Operating Hours March 8, 2013

Thank you in advance for your hard work and dedication to Durant Clothing Stores. Due to the increase in operating cost, Durant Clothing Store will change the hours of operation. This change will assist the store compensate the additional charges incurred as a result of the current economic conditions. For that reason, effective March 8, 2013, the new operation hours are as follows: Monday Friday: 10:00 am 10:00 pm Saturday: 10:00 am 2:00 pm Sunday: Closed Durant Clothing Stores will open 1 hour later and close an hour sooner Monday through Saturday. The store will close on Sunday until further communicated. Full-time staff will have 10 hour shifts days and four day work week, following the standard 40 hours per week. Part-time employees will work regular hours depending on how many hours per week worked and cannot exceed a three-day work week.

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Even though this changes employee schedules we are delighted to announce that each employee will have his or her job. We do not have plans to close any Durant Clothing Stores in the future. It is our utmost achievement to ensure Durant Clothing Store maintains to excellent service our customers without effecting financial hardship on our employees. Thank you again for your continue confidence. Please dont hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.

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From: Norma Durant To: Louis Ross Subject: New Hours of Operation

Sent: Friday, March 08, 2013

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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Hello Louis;

I would like to take this time to thank you for making some time from your busy schedule to provide sales statistics needed during the fiscal year end conference. There was an increase in gas prices which cause the company to change the store hours of operation effective March 8, 2013. This change of plan is to minimize the operating cost in which we believe the change of store hours will be effective.

The store will open an hour later and close one hour sooner Monday through Saturday. Please be informed that the store will now be closed on Sunday. Below you will find the updated store hours:

Monday Friday: 10:00 am 10:00 pm Saturday: 10:00 am 2:00 pm Sunday: Closed The result of these change operating hours, employee hours will change as well. Full-time employees will have a four day, 10 hour work week. Depending on how many hours worked each week, part-time employees will not go over a three day work week.

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Even though, the change in store hours resulted in change of employee schedules, I am pleased to announce that no one will be laid off and every store will continue to stay open. Thank you again for your cooperation in the meetings. If questions or concerns you may have, please call me. Regard, Norma Durant Public Relations Manager

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Tuition Reimbursement Implementation Norma Durant XCOM 285 March 24, 2013 Candice Dorsey

Running head: TUITION REIMBURSEMENT IMPLEMENTATION

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Tuition Reimbursement Implementation The existing budge provides opportunity to promote tuition reimbursement for their employees. The expansion helps employees to continue their education. This decision to propose tuition reimbursement for workers needing a bachelor degree in business and communication becomes valuable. In the report, I will explain how tuition reimbursement is one of the greatest benefits a business can promote. The following information will provide professional prospects for employees with a business and communication degree, category of careers for employees and earning any possible employees who want to have a degree. This benefit does not end with the employee as the companys retention rate and employees efficiency rate increase as well. Dina Itkins affirms a business major provides assignments in business strategy, statistics, accounting, operations management, and finance giving students skills in quantitative analysis (Itkins, 2008). In order to have a business career, it is important to have a degree in business. Research writing assignments and presentations help increase the students skill to analyze, combined, an d bring forth information. Many times students learn how to work together as groups cooperatively on a project. Employees retaining a business and communications degree often gain knowledge of the fundamentals needed in any position in the existing company. Promotion is often done within the company, so if an employee retains a bachelors degree in business and communication it gives them an opportunity for a promotion. A worker with a business and communication degree will obtain skills which will improve their performance. The improvement in performance and a possible advancement makes the tuition reimbursement for others obtaining a business and communications degree a winning management tool. This tool will help companies a continued success in the business world which is always changing.

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Connie Lewis states, individuals continue their education to boost their careers and paychecks (Lewis, 2005). A business and communication degree will help a will help bring different range of career opportunities and responsibilities. Many others that retain a business degree can work in human resources, accounts payable, marketing, management, general business or finance. An individual with a general business degree can supervise the business communication and technical writing for businesses while enhancing everyday operation. When considering a bachelor of arts in business communication, it needs to include business education management and communication skill. Someone who retains a business communication degree would most likely work as a public relations, marketing, networking, advertising, or management. This particular degree will give a powerful foundation in project management, customer service, including web communication. The businessdegreeonline.net, states individuals with a major in business earn 16% more than the average salary of all majors (Businessdegreeonline.net, n.d.). Someone with a business degree can start earning between mid $30k and a six figure salary. A graduate with a communication degree is helpful toward the success of a business which thrives on communication. Students who have this degree would be perfect in communication management, public relations and technical writing. The education portal website, public relations manager can earn equal to $43,830 for 2004; communication manager earn $71k to $95k and technical writer earning in 2004 equals 53,490. So, the possible earnings for employees with a business and communication degree varies (Educationportal.com, 2011). Even though the objective is to enhance employee retention and work performance, a discussion on safeguarding the company should occur. The company must provide an agreement between the employees will not obtain the degree and leave the company

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before a certain amount of time; this would be implemented in the tuition reimbursement plan. The reason for this agreement is to guarantee the employee will not retain the degree and leave the company before a period of time. If they dont adhere to the agreement it will result in the employee reimbursing the company for their educational expense. An opportunity for advancement is a deciding factor for those seeking to continue their education. So, the business should recognize employees eligible for tuition reimbursement plan and communicate whether the employee is a possible candidate for advancement in the future. Communication that is not relayed whether a promotion is in the future will cause false expectations; causing employees morale to decrease. In conclusion the tuition reimbursement program implementation is beneficial to the employee and employer. The business and communication degree is perfect for careers in public relations, financing, accounting, and business communications including general business. An organization must show powerful skills in their fields to stay competitive in current workforce. Anyone that obtains a bachelors degree in communication and business enhance their knowledge and expertise by increasing work performance. Although, tuition reimbursement program comes with effective risks safeguards like the employee agreements protects the businesses investment toward employees education. This tuition reimbursement plan is a tool to enhance and obtain successful employees required in order to stay competitive in the everyday business life.

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References

Businessdegreeonline.com (n.d.). Would earning a business degree benefit me? Retrieved from http://www.businessdegreeonline.net/benefits-of-a-degree Education-portal.com. (2011). Carrier information for a degree in business Retrieved on March 23, 2013 from http://educationportal.com/articles/Carrier_Information_for_a_Degree_in_Business_Communications.ht ml Itkin, D. (2008). Carrier beginning business majors. Retrieved on March 23, 2013 from: c

on March 23, 2013

communications

http://www.bls.gov/oes/publications.htm

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Lewis, C. (2005). Advanced Degrees Lead to Career Advancement. San Diego Business Journal, 26(35), 16. Retrieved on March 23, 2013 from EBSCOhost. McEwen, T. (Jul/Aug,1998). The impact of type and level of college degree on managerial communication competence. Journal of Education for Business, 73(6), 352-357. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/202819792?accountid=35812 Kleiman, C. (1990). Tuition programs pay off for workers: FINAL EDITION, C. Chicago Tribune, pp. 1. Retrieved on March 23, 2013 from EBSCOhost.

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Associate Level Material

Appendix G

Submission Checklist
Cover page

Reflection

Business Writing Graphic Organizer

Store Operations Messages Business Letter

Memo

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Use the Submission you included every box to mark each item as completed the final version submit the Submission Writing Portfolio.

E-mail

Checklist to ensure that assignment. Click in the complete once you have of each document. You will

E-mail Etiquette CheckPoint

Checklist with the Business

Report

PowerPoint presentation