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Saint Leo University


MKT 345
Social Media Marketing
Fall l 2020
August 24 – October 11, 2020

Instructor: Dr. Janis McFaul


Phone: 352-596-2088 TEXT ONLY at 248-504-0561
Office Hours: Daily from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. EST
Email: janis.mcfaul@saintleo.edu
Course Description:
This course covers the key techniques and methods on how to manage
marketing operations online. It focuses on presenting cutting-edge
business strategies that generate value by applying and adjusting
marketing techniques in the online environment and utilizing social media.
The purpose of the course is to prepare the students to expand a
company’s marketing activities online and to coordinate both traditional and
social media marketing strategies in a way that maximizes a company’s
long-term competitive advantage.
Course designed by Dr. Baglione, Stephen

Prerequisites:

MKT 301  and COM 140 

Textbooks:

Barker, A., Barker, D., Bormann, N., Zahay, D., & Roberts, M. (2017).
Social media marketing: A strategic approach (2nd ed.) Cengage Learning.
ISBN: 978-1-305-50275-8
Cite as (Barker, Barker, Bormann, Zahay, & Roberts, 2017).

ONLY USE THIS SYLLABUS FOR THIS SEMESTER.

Learning Outcomes:
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1. Explain how the Internet impacts consumers, businesses, marketers,


and society by offering significant benefits as well as challenges.

2. Identify and analyze the critical factors affecting social marketing,


including infrastructure, software availability, political and legal
environment, cultural values, and social attitudes toward technology.

3. Design marketing programs for social media by identifying and selecting


the most appropriate methods given the company’s external environment
and internal resources.

4. Identify and implement social media strategies for identifying and


targeting online customers.

5. Identify the key social media strategies used for selling online.

6. Describe and utilize the most effective integrated marketing


communications (IMC) tactics online.

7. Identify key social media metrics and apply them for assessing the
efficiency and effectiveness of social media marketing activities.

8. The core value for this course will be “community” and it will be
evaluated based on the quality of all written assignments and particularly
the project, as well as in a separate discussion in module #6.

Core Value:

Community

Saint Leo University develops hospitable Christian learning communities


everywhere we serve. We foster a spirit of belonging, unity, and
interdependence based on mutual trust and respect to create socially
responsible environments that challenge all of us to listen, to learn, to
change, and to serve.

Evaluation:
Assignment Points Weight
Discussion/Participation (8) 240 10%
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Group Project 200 35%


Project Report 250 25%
Midterm Exam 200 15%
Final Exam 200 15%
Total 1090 100%

No PDF Files accepted. All work is graded once. You submit what you want
graded. NO resubmissions stating that you did not understand the directions or
requirements. Everything you need to know is here. Once you submit a paper
it is part of the course history and no resubmissions are allowed. All papers
must have a cover page.

Discussions
NEW FOR 2017
Class:

As you probably noted, that the new classroom as a grading rubric built into the discussion
board area.  Instructors MUST use these.

The new criteria states that in order to earn 100% - you have to use two AUTHORED
outside references that are properly cited within the posting itself and recapped in APA
format at the bottom of the posting. ONE OF THE SOURCES MUST BE YOUR BARKER,
BARKER, BORMANN, ZAHAY, & ROBERTS textbook!

Worth 20% of your Discussion Board Grade:  Includes 2 or more AUTHORED outside
sources to support and enrich the discussion. Sources are properly cited in APA format. If
you do not, the best you can do is 60%.

An authored source is simply one that is associated with a human(s) NAME.   For example,
your textbook is an authored source.  The United States Census Bureau is not an authored
source.  But it is fine to use as long as you ALSO use an authored reference source.

No videos, blogs, tweets, wikis, interviews, podcasts, prezis, encyclopedias, or dictionaries


allowed – use an authored reference.

If you earn 90% - it is probably because you only cited and recapped in perfect APA ONE
outside reference and that all other components of your posting were well done.
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If you earned 80% - it is probably because you did not use one reference, but that all other
components of your posting were well done.

If you earned 60% it could be because you did not use any references for your INITIAL
posting.

References for your replies are optional – they are NOT required.
Dr. McFaul

Only postings made during the active week count. Once the week is
concluded – late discussions are never accepted. Each module will include
a discussion assignment (Module 1 will also include an additional
“Introduction” topic). For each discussion topic, you are required to post an
initial response to the question, as well substantial responses to at least
two classmates. Activity in the discussion board requires that you post
your original response by Thursday and respond to two other student’s
work by Sunday midnight. Each week the discussion board activity
demonstrates your class engagement and is considered as participation in
the class. Your grade will be based on the rubric in the classroom –
remember two replies to others AND at TWO outside references to earn
100% - 200 words minimum required for initial posting.

Do not post early - remember that the dates must be within the active
Module only

Individual Assignments:
There are a total of five assignments in this course. Assignments
will vary dependent upon module expectations. Details for each
assignment are located within the module pages in which the
assignment is due. All assignments are due no later than Sunday
11:59 PM EST/EDT within their respective module. All
TEMPLATES for these papers are under CONTENT & then
DOC SHARING – you must use the templates provided. When
we say use the template, that means to use it strictly – do not
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remove the subject headers – they are an essential part of


the template as they provide organization.

LATE POLICY:
No late discussion board work is ever accepted! Late written
assignments are accepted with an explanation via email ONLY.
There will be a 10% off per week that an assignment is
submitted LATE up to TWO weeks – after two weeks, a late
assignment will NOT be accepted.
TWO MAIN DELIVERABLES THIS SEMESTER BEYOND
EXAMS & DISCUSSION BOARD work – an INDIVIDUAL WEB
SITE THAT YOU CREATE AND A GROUP PAPER!
These are two separate and distinct projects.
1. DEVELOP A WEB SITE - INDIVIDUAL

 Week One go to Wix.com (or another free site


you prefer). Start your web site.
 Then in Weeks 3, 5, & 6, add your BLOGS and
visuals there too! You have to have this completed
by WEEK SEVEN as you will FIRST post it in the
Week Seven Discussion Board. Add Tweets too.
 Read frequently asked questions about having to a
Twitter account, etc. – no problem!

2. WORK AS A GROUP ON A PAPER

 Week One ENGAGE with your group. Deliver the


Week One Group paper idea – use the template.
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 Throughout the semester, work closely with your


group and complete this paper early!
 In Week Six, ask for a pre-review of the paper –
OPTIONAL BUT SMART! Send to instructor via email
by Sunday of Week Six.
 In Week Seven, using the template and reading the
grading rubric closely submit your final group paper!
 Remember EVERYONE submits in Week Seven too!

For papers this semester: Use authored outside references. Zero points given
for non-authored web sources. You may use a brand web page too, but you still
need an authored source too. Recap your reference in APA format only at the
bottom of your posting. Your reference must be clearly cited in APA format
within your posting to count. Always provide the exact web site address for this
course in your recap of references for full credit.
Research always beyond the materials provided to ADD to the discussion. An
authored source is simply one that is associated with a human(s) NAME.   For
example, your textbook is an authored source.  The United States Census
Bureau is not an authored source.  But it is fine to use as long as you ALSO use
the required number of authored reference source.
No videos, blogs, tweets, wikis, interviews, podcasts, prezis, encyclopedias, or
dictionaries allowed – use an authored reference.
APA SUPPORT WEB SITES

If you need help with putting your references in APA format on your reference page, please see
this web site (select APA at the top of the web page) http://www.calvin.edu/library/knightcite/

Remember, APA requires that the second & subsequent lines of the references are indented five
spaces and that your references are in alphabetical order. The first line must be aligned to the left
1” margin. First names are NEVER written out for the reference page per the APA Manual. Times
New Roman 12 font must be used. Finally, remember that the reference page and citations must
match exactly – it is considered a serious academic error if they do not.
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Please check out http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/ for a proper format in APA.

For best results, refer to the APA Manual – 6th Edition.

This is a stellar video on APA citations…

Whenever you use a source, you must have an in-text citation and a reference citation. They're a
matched pair--like shoes or gloves. What are the differences between an APA in-text citation and an
APA reference citation? How do the two work together? See this video:

VIDEO on citations in APA =

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbyJdMz-Ato

FIVE PAPERS DUE FOR WEB PROJECT


Week One Individual Paper – This ASSIGNMENT does NOT
have to be one page – focus on exceeding the word count.

Week One – Individual Proposal % %


POSSIBLE EARNED
Substance of Paper - Minimum 300-words. 70
Submitted with a MICROSOFT WORD document.
Delivered content assigned that week. This can be
more than one page of course! No PDF files.
Include at least one visual reflecting your career
choice (worth 10 points). Student followed criteria
provided for Written Assignments – see syllabus.

TEMPLATE USED 20
APA formatted paper with cover page. 10
Reference page optional. Times New Roman
12 font, 1" margins, double-spacing, etc. and
followed criteria provided for Written
Assignments Requirements
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Total Points Earned 100

Weekly Updates in Weeks 3, 5, & 6 – THESE ASSIGNMENTS


DO NOT HAVE TO BE ONE PAGE

Weekly Updates for Individual Web Project % %


POSSIBLE EARNED
Substance of Paper - Minimum 300-words – solid MARKETING 70
content. Submitted with a MICROSOFT WORD document.
Delivered content assigned that week. Use subject headers for
organization, like Introduction, Conclusion and specific tasks to be
delivered. Include Visuals in your word document too that you plan
to add to the web site (MINUS 10 POINTS IF NOT INCLUDED). Do
not include a video! Just a picture please. Student followed
criteria provided for Written Assignments – see
syllabus.
AUTHORED Outside Reference (textbook may be 10
used) that adds to your learning for the tasks that are assigned –
include in your Introduction or Conclusion paragraphs. An authored
source is simply one that is associated with a human(s) NAME.   For example,
your textbook is an authored source.  The United States Census Bureau is not an
authored source.  But it is fine to use as long as you ALSO use an authored
reference source. Bottom-line, if the source is not cited in the paper – it does
NOT count. Source must be listed in the reference page AND have an in-text
citation within the paper in APA format.

TEMPLATE USED 10
APA formatted paper with cover page and 10
reference page, Times New Roman 12 font,
1" margins, double-spacing, etc.
Total Points Earned 100

The reference you use should be used in the Introduction or Conclusion sections of your
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paper and should be from an authored source that helps you learn more about best
practices for web site development OR blogs or twitter accounts.

REMINDER – TEMPLATES under DOC


SHARING!
DID YOU SUBMIT AN ASSIGNMENT LATE?
If so, make sure to email your instructor and I will grade it
quickly for you!
In addition to your papers each week, you should be working
on your web site. Integrate the blogs into your web site.
They must be there so that I can grade your overall web site
in Week Seven / Eight.
Do not use another system like Blogger.
If in the future you plan to use this web site, then you can
delete the blogs that you do not want to have within the web
site. Wix.com website builder does provide web site
templates that includes blogs and in the past that is what
most students used.
Dr. McFaul

Week Eight – FINAL Individual Paper

WEEK EIGHT for Individual Web Project % %


POSSIBLE EARNED
Substance of Paper - Minimum 500-words – 70 70
10

solid MARKETING content. Follow template


strictly. Include Visuals of your web site – NO
VISUALS = MINUS 10 POINTS.
AUTHORED Outside Reference (textbook 10 10
can be used) that adds to your learning for
the tasks that are assigned – include in your
Introduction. Take this seriously – minus 10
points if you do not use an authored reference to
help support your write-up. An authored source is simply one
that is associated with a human(s) NAME.   For example, your textbook is an
authored source.  The United States Census Bureau is not an authored source.
But it is fine to use as long as you ALSO use an authored reference source.

TEMPLATE USED 10 10
APA formatted paper with cover page and 10 10
reference page, Times New Roman 12 font,
1" margins, double-spacing, etc. and followed
criteria provided for Written Assignments
Total Points Earned 100 100
The assignment is to design a personal web site that will be used as a tool to promote your
career. Have THIS ready by WEEK SEVEN – THURSDAY and post in the DISCUSSION
BOARD for that week’s assignment. You are also expected to post to social media sites
(Twitter) and monitor responses and feedback from your posts. You do not have to post to
Twitter – you may include in your papers what you WOULD SAY if you were tweeting – some
students do not feel comfortable ‘tweeting’ due to privacy issues and this instructor supports
their desire to only include it in their papers.

Group Project:

This is a group (team) project, where the class will be divided by the instructor in teams
consisting between two and four students. Each team should think of themselves as a
marketing consulting company that has been contracted by this organization to help them with
their social media marketing activities.

APA SUPPORT WEB SITES


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If you need help with putting your references in APA format on your reference page, please see
this web site (select APA at the top of the web page) http://www.calvin.edu/library/knightcite/

Remember, APA requires that the second & subsequent lines of the references are indented five
spaces and that your references are in alphabetical order. The first line must be aligned to the left
1” margin. First names are NEVER written out for the reference page per the APA Manual. Times
New Roman 12 font must be used. Finally, remember that the reference page and citations must
match exactly – it is considered a serious academic error if they do not.

Please check out http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/ for a proper format in APA.

Using the APA Manual 6th Edition as the final verification for APA compliance is important.

APA helps in attribution of sources in academic work. Similarly, since your discussion work is an
academic exercise, the expectation is that you cite and recap references in the discussion board.
It is important to recap the references cited in the posting at the bottom of your posting as you
would with a paper. As you know, in an academic paper, your ‘Reference’ page is a recap of all
sources cited in the paper. It tells the reader that the following sources are attributed somewhere
in the paper. A reference does not count if it is cited (but not recapped) or recapped, but not cited
in the paper. Both steps must appear. In other words…It is important that all references cited
match 100% the reference RECAPPED at the bottom of the posting or it is considered a serious
academic error.

How to do well in this course:


Read the ANNOUNCEMENTS. Read the grading rubrics.
Follow them closely. Before you submit your paper(s) re-
review the grading rubric again to ensure you have 100%
compliance.

Unique Offer This Semester...


Optional Pre-Reviews Available - send to me via email by Wednesday
of the week the Written Assignment is Due.
One of the nice things that I like to do for you is I offer to pre-review
your written assignment papers PRIOR to grading. 
Those that do the best in this course, take advantage of this 'free' offer!
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You have ONE opportunity to take advantage of this offer per


semester/student.

    
Remember, if you want your paper pre-reviewed - I will be open to do
so for you IF you submit it to me by WEDNESDAY of week your
assignment is due.
That gives me 24-hours plus to pre-review your work as well AND time
for you to respond to my input.
  
All Pre-Reviews of your Papers must be sent via EMAIL only.  
Dr. McFaul 

Exams:

There are a total of two written response/essay exams in this course, a Midterm and Final,
occurring in Modules 4 and 8. Complete each essay no later than Sunday 11:59 PM EST/EDT.

This should be delivered like a formal APA academic paper in a Microsoft Word
Document – only the word document submitted will be graded.

TEMPLATES FOR BOTH MID-TERM & FINAL ARE UNDER DOC SHARING – you must use
these.

Both exams require three references and must be 1000-words minimum. They are worth
15% of your grade. READ AND FOLLOW THE GRADING RUBRIC CLOSELY!

GRADING RUBRIC USED FOR FINAL AND MID-TERM Points Total POINTS EARNED:
POSSIBLE
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Use the template as provided. Minus 20 points if you do 150


not.
This is really a formal APA academic paper versus a
traditional paper. Substance of essay exam – Minimum
1000-words (only counted from Introduction to
Conclusion), posted by due date. If subject headers are
missing – minus 20 points. If you miss including an APA cover
page with your name on it – minus 10 points. This is a formal
academic paper and should be presented as such.
If Turnitin Score is over 25% - 35% - minus 20 points.
If Turnitin Score is over 35 – 49% - minus 40 points.
If Turnitin Score is over 50% - zero points will be recorded.
Do not write out questions – minus 20 points if you do so. Spelling /
grammar does matter – this is a formal academic paper.
No visuals in paper – minus 10 points if included. Follow ALL Written
Assignment Requirements – lost points for not adhering to
requirements like no bullet points, no extra blank lines between
sections and more.
THREE AUTHORED Marketing Outside Reference 30
cited/quoted and recapped in APA format at the bottom of
the paper – note, students have lost all 30 points here
because their reference page was not in APA format and
thus their citations and reference page did not match.
Sources must be SOCIAL MEDIA references – the
purpose is to integrate more learning on our topic this
semester. Your textbook can be used as one of three
sources. Sources must be cited correctly in APA format to
count towards your three sources. No dictionaries or
encyclopedias, blogs, and no wikis. An authored reference
is one that has a human’s name associated to it. A n
authored source is simply one that is associated with a human(s)
NAME.   For example, your textbook is an authored source.  The
United States Census Bureau is not an authored source.  But it is fine
to use as long as you ALSO use an authored reference source.
No videos, blogs, tweets, wikis, interviews, podcasts, encyclopedias,
or dictionaries allowed – use an authored reference. An authored
source has a first and last name.

APA format: APA SUPPORT WEB SITES 20


If you need help with putting your references in APA
format on your reference page, please see this web
site (select APA at the top of the web page)
http://www.calvin.edu/library/knightcite/
Remember, APA requires that the second & subsequent
lines of the references are indented five spaces and that
your references are in alphabetical order. The first line
must be aligned to the left 1” margin. First names are
NEVER written out for the reference page per the APA
Manual. Times New Roman 12 font must be used.
Finally, remember that the reference page and citations
must match exactly – it is considered a serious academic
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error if they do not.


Please check out
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/ for
a proper format in APA.
For best results, refer to the APA Manual – 6th Edition.
TOTAL 200

For FINAL & MID-TERM – ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS AND USE SUBJECT HEADERS

MKT345 Midterm exam – use TEMPLATE provided under DOC SHARING


MID-TERM - You are planning to open a new bakery in a medium size town of
about 200,000 people in the US. Your bakery will be 100% organic. It will be the
first organic bakery in town (there are no organic super markets in the town,
although some super markets offer selective organic products but no organic
baked goods or desserts). You will be offering organic as well as gluten -free
bread, bread-related ingredients, pies, muffins, doughnuts, and other types of
desserts. Given that organic ingredients are more expensive your prices are
going to be about 20% higher than your competitors’ prices. You have limited
resources and you cannot afford to spend a lot of money in traditional
promotional methods. Instead, you need to utilize social media to create
awareness among your target audience.
1.1 Identify your target market(s)
1.2 What is the key positioning of your bakery relative to the competition?
Describe a desirable brand image that the bakery should pursue. You should
also come up with a name for the bakery that captures the brand image,
1.3 You want to generate as much publicity as possible for your grand opening.
How are you going to utilize the social media to maximize exposure and
attendance? Provide a detailed list of the social media you will use, as well as
how you will use them. For example, if you decided to use Twitter, then you
should provide a sample tweet message. Listing all possible social media is not
a good answer. You may list several, but I would like to see how you will rank
the ones you will use based on their importance for this particular situation.
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1.4 In addition, you want your social media strategy to generate long-term
interest for your bakery beyond the grand opening. Provide a detailed list of the
social media you will use, as well as how you will use them. Listing all possible
social media is not a good answer. You may list several, but I would like to see
how you will rank the ones you will use based on their importance for this
particular situation. Keep in mind that some of the social media may be ranked
higher for generating “buzz” for the opening, but may be ranked lower in terms
of their role for generating long-term interest for the bakery.
1.5 Describe the key elements of the web site to maximize awareness,
attendance to the grand opening, and long-term interest.
1.6 What metrics (both in terms of web analytics and non-web metrics) should
you use to assess (a) the success of the grand opening, and (b) the
effectiveness of your website and social media marketing

MKT345 Final Exam – use TEMPLATE provided under DOC SHARING


ZEN PATH is a Zen Buddhism monastery near Coos Bay, in Oregon. It is
located in a beautiful spot, overlooking the ocean with breathtaking scenery. The
monastery is built in the traditional Japanese temple style and has been
operating for over 50 years. There are 23 full time monks living there and
depending on the time of the year and the activities another 10-15 people may
be present. Most of the funding for ZEN PATH comes from wealthy sponsors
who are attracted to the philosophy and values of Zen Buddhism. However, the
monastery has been forced, during the last 5 years to rely on the tuition they
charge for week-long Zen meditation retreats that target upscale white collar
professionals who are seeking ways to relieve the stress of modern life and who
want to explore spirituality based on the traditions of the Far East. ZEN PATH is
facing budgetary problems. The two main methods proposed are to either try to
attract more sponsors through fundraising, or to expand the meditation seminars
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and workshops. Both methods have some limitations and advantages.


Fundraising will minimize the impact of the outside world on the monastery, but
given the economic conditions the potential sponsors are very few. The demand
for the meditation seminars is high, but this would distort the monastery’s
mission as being “beyond the material world” and create the danger that it may
end up as a commercial enterprise. What method or combination of methods
should ZEN PATH select?
1. Outline the pro and cons of either method. Identify in detail the metrics ZEN
PATH’s management should use to assess which one is the best. You are not
supposed to select a method, just compare them and provide ALL relevant
information that you will need to make a decision.
2. Who are the key stake holders for ZEN PATH?
3. Let us assume that ZEN PATH chose to offer meditation seminars as the
main source of additional income. They will still try to get sponsors, but the
seminars will be the main source of new funds. What is the image that the
monastery should project to the diverse stakeholders given the new changes?
Describe it in a short statement (20-word limit).
4. What social media should be used and how should they be structured to help
ZEN PATH deal with its financial constraints given the choice of offering
seminars? Provide a detailed list of the social media they should use, as well as
how they should use them. Be as specific as possible. For example, if they were
to use Twitter, then you should provide a sample tweet message. Listing all
possible social media is not a good answer. You may list several, but I would
like to see how ZEN PATH should rank the ones they should use based on their
importance for this particular situation.
5. Describe the key elements of the web site to maximize awareness, and
attendance to the services (meditation training) as well as to make ZEN PATH
more attractive to sponsors.
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6. Once ZEN PATH started offering more meditation seminars, a philosophy


professor at a local university sent a sarcastic twitter message claiming that ZEN
PATH should change its name to DOLLAR PATH since they had become very
commercialized. The message has been re-twitted a lot. How should ZEN PATH
use reputation management techniques and social media to defend themselves
from a message that may soon go viral?
7. What metrics (both in terms of web analytics and non-web metrics) should
ZEN PATH use to assess (a) the success of the offering of meditation seminars,
(b) the effectiveness of the modified brand image to attract more sponsors, and
(c) the effectiveness of their activities to limit the reputation damage from the
philosopher’s tweet?
Follow the grading rubric in this syllabus, not the one in the PDF provided. This
syllabus supersedes all requirements – remember, I worked hard to put
everything in ONE spot as this course was not designed that way.

Grading Scale - Grades are NEVER rounded up. You earn what you earn.

Grade Score (%)


A 94-100
A- 90-93
B+ 87-89
B 84-86
B- 80-83
C+ 77-79
C 74-76
C- 70-73
D+ 67-69
D 60-66
F 0-59

Final Grades are not rounded-up.


Assessment of the Learning Outcomes:

Course Assessment Method


Learning Module
Outcome
1, 2, 7 1 Discussion, Group Project, Assignment 1
3, 4, 7 2 Discussion, Web Assignment
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3, 4, 6, 7 3 Discussion, Assignment 2
4, 5, 7 4 Discussion, Midterm
4, 5, 6 5 Discussion, Assignment 3
4, 5, 6, 7 6 Discussion, Assignment 4
4, 5, 6, 7, 8 7 Discussion, Group Project Report
7, 8 8 Discussion, Final Exam, Assignment 5
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Course Schedule:

Week 1 – AUGUST 24 - 30, 2020


You MUST start this class in full speed! In Week One on one assignment alone you earn
10% of your final grade…your group project proposal paper! Some last semester
missed this assignment and earned zero points. Therefore the best that they could do
was a 90% in the course IF they earned 100% on everything else. Do not put yourself in
that position! Reach out to your team members and decide on a consumer product /
brand to focus on this semester by FRIDAY at the latest.

Module 1 Social Media Marketing

Objectives At the conclusion of this module, you will be able to:

 Describe the Social Media Marketing Planning Cycle.


 Explain the 7 myths of Social Media Marketing.
 Describe the difference between on-site and off-site web analytics

Assignment Overview
Items to be Completed: Due No Later Than:
Thursday 11:59 PM
Post an introduction to the class
EST/EDT
Read the assigned material
Thursday 11:59 PM
Post an initial response to the discussion question
EST/EDT
Sunday 11:59 PM
Post responses to at least two classmates
EST/EDT
Sunday 11:59 PM
Submit the Individual Web Page Assignment
EST/EDT
Sunday 11:59 PM
Complete the Web Assignment
EST/EDT
Submit the team Group Project proposal – worth 10% of
Sunday 11:59 PM
your GRADE this semester!!! All team members must
EST/EDT
submit to earn points.

Dr. McFaul (352-596-2088) Office Hours 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET


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Week 2 – August 31 – September 6, 2020

Module 2 Social Media Target Audiences and Rules of Engagement

Objectives At the conclusion of this module, you should be able to:

 Explain the Personal Development Cycle.


 Compare the differences between Permission and Interruption
Marketing.
 Describe the rules of engagement.

Assignments Items To Be Completed: Due No Later Than:

Read the assigned materials

Post an initial response to the discussion Thursday 11:59 PM EST/EDT


question

Post responses to at least two classmates Sunday 11:59 PM EST/EDT

Questions? Contact Dr. McFaul at 248-504-0561

Discussion Board’s INITIAL post must have two


authored references each week. One reference must
be your TEXTBOOK and the second is one that you
found via research on the topic for that week.

Week 3 – September 7 - 13, 2020


Module 3 Blogs, Podcasts, and Webinars

Objectives At the conclusion of this module, you should be able to:

 Identify the marketing benefits of blogging.


 Describe the tips for successful blogging.
 Explain how companies can integrate Webinars and Podcasts in their
marketing strategies.

Assignments
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Items To Be Completed: Due No Later Than:

Read the assigned materials


  Post an initial response to the discussion Thursday 11:59 PM EST/EDT
question

Post responses to at least two classmates Sunday 11:59 PM EST/EDT

Submit Assignment 2 – TEMPLATE ATTACHED Sunday 11:59 PM EST/EDT

Complete the web assignment Sunday 11:59 PM EST/EDT

Questions? Contact Dr. McFaul at 248-504-0561 via TEXT


Discussion Board’s INITIAL post must have two authored references
each week. One reference must be your TEXTBOOK and the second
is one that you found via research on the topic for that week.

Week 4 – July 20 - 26, 2020


Module 4 Social Publishing

Objectives
At the conclusion of this module, you should be able to:

 Describe the methods for publishing online.


Items To Be Completed: Due No Later Than:

Read the assigned materials

Post an initial response to the discussion Thursday 11:59 PM EST/EDT


question

Post responses to at least two classmates Sunday 11:59 PM EST/EDT

Submit the Midterm Exam – TEMPLATE Sunday 11:59 PM EST/EDT


ATTACHED

 Explain how companies can market their products using articles, E-


books, and white papers.
 Explain the concept of bounce rate.

Assignments
22

Questions? Contact Dr. McFaul at 248-504-0561 via TEXT


Discussion Board’s INITIAL post must have two authored references each week.
One reference must be your TEXTBOOK and the second is one that you found via
research on the topic for that week.

Week 5 – September 14 - 20, 2020


Module 5 Videos and Photos in Social Media

Objectives At the conclusion of this module, you should be able to:

 Describe the benefits of marketing with online photos.

 Describe the best methods for creating effective videos.

 Identify the benefits of marketing with online videos.

Assignments
Items To Be Completed: Due No Later Than:

Read the assigned materials

Post an initial response to the discussion Thursday 11:59 PM EST/EDT


question

Post responses to at least two classmates Sunday 11:59 PM EST/EDT

Complete the web assignment Sunday 11:59 PM EST/EDT

Submit Assignment 3 Sunday 11:59 PM EST/EDT


23

If you have a team member that is NOT participating in the TEAM


 

member - contact your professor TODAY - do not wait until Week


Seven when the assignment is due.
Dr. McFaul 

BE PREPARED TO SUBMIT YOUR INDIVIDUAL


CONTRIBUTION TO THE GROUP PAPER TO YOUR
INSTRUCTOR VIA EMAIL BY SUNDAY OF WEEK SIX – WORK
ON THIS IN WEEK FIVE TO PREPARE FOR YOUR
ENGAGEMENT WITH YOUR GROUP.

Week 6– September 21 – 27, 2020


Module 6 Social Networks

Objectives At the conclusion of this module, you should be able to:

 Explain the benefits of marketing with a social network.


 Identify the pro and cons of creating a white label social network.
 Identify the best tips for brand building with Twitter.

Assignments
Items To Be Completed: Due No Later Than:
Read the assigned materials
Post an initial response to the discussion Thursday 11:59 PM EST/EDT
question
Post responses to at least two classmates Sunday 11:59 PM EST/EDT
Post an initial response to the Ethics discussion Thursday 11:59 PM EST/EDT
question
Post responses to at least two classmates’ Sunday 11:59 PM EST/EDT
Ethics question
Complete the web assignment Sunday 11:59 PM EST/EDT

SEND INSTRUCTOR via EMAIL YOUR Sunday 11:59 p.m.


individual GROUP PARTICIPATION for a
validation of team participation by Sunday of
Week Six – if you miss this – minus 20 points on
TEAM PROJECT
Submit Assignment 4 Sunday 11:59 PM EST/EDT
24

If you have a team member that is NOT participating in


 

the TEAM member - contact your professor TODAY -


do not wait until Week Seven when the assignment is
due.
Dr. McFaul 
NOTIFICATION TO ALL CLASS MEMBERS – WEEK SIX ASSIGNMENT
My clear expectation to each and every one of you is that you must deliver a
portion equal to three pages or more (whatever is needed to meet the page
count) of the final paper AND you must prove to me that you have done so! By
the end of week six, I want you to send me your contribution VIA email. This is
done individually. Then your group will have Week Seven to edit and prepare
your final paper.
Let us be clear – by the end of Week Six EMAIL me YOUR INDIVIDUAL
contribution to the group. The benefit for you is that I will correct any APA,
spelling, or other errors that you might have to help you achieve a good final
group grade! And THIS is worth up to 20 POINTS. If you submit later than
Sunday of Week Six (June 14, 2020). After June 15, 2020 – zero points earned.
Again, send me 3 to 3.5 pages of the final paper and you must submit at least
two authored sources. Divide the paper up and build in redundancy of assigning
sections so that you are ensured that all sections will be completed. If you get
down to two members (which some groups may) you are then expected to
deliver five pages each.
Last semester I had one student (out of 25) thought they were done with the
group project after they emailed me their Week Six Pre-Check. They never did
any more further work. That student earned ZERO points on their final group
project!
25

Your final grade will be based on your contributions. Not all group members will
get the same grade if it is obvious that they did not take this assignment
seriously and contribute MORE than their share. This is not a group project that
you can rely on others to do YOUR work!
Remember, I am here to help if you have any questions or need help generally
with the assignment – I want to see you succeed!
Dr. McFaul

Week 7 – September 28 – October 4, 2020


Module 7 Social News and Location Marketing

Objectives At the conclusion of this module, you should be able to:

 Describe the discussion board Netiquette.


 Explain how to market products using location-based social networks.
 Identify and explain the key metrics for website visitor tracking using
web analytics.

Assignments
Items to Be Completed: Due No Later Than:

Read the assigned materials THURSDAY OF WEEK SEVEN

WEB SITE MUST DONE SO YOU CAN POST


IN THE DISCUSSION BOARD

Post an initial response to the discussion Thursday 11:59 PM EST/EDT


question

Post responses to at least two classmates Sunday 11:59 PM EST/EDT

Complete the web assignment & POST IN THURSDAY


THE DISCUSSION BOARD BY THURSDAY

Submit the group project report – Sunday 11:59 PM EST/EDT


EVERYONE submit the same FINAL GROUP
PAPER – ZERO POINTS IF you do not
26

Questions? Contact Dr. McFaul at 248-504-0561 via TEXT


27

Week 8 – October 5 - 11, 2020


Module 8 Social Media Plans and Metrics

Objectives At the conclusion of this module, you should be able to:


 Describe the key metrics for analyzing traffic sources.
 Describe the key metrics for analyzing website content.
 Explain the Social Media Plan Cycle.

Assignments

Items to Be Completed: Due No Later Than:

Read the assigned materials

Post two initial responses on two other group Thursday 11:59 PM EST/EDT
project reports

Post at least one response to your classmates’ Sunday 11:59 PM EST/EDT


comments on your team’s group project report

Web Assignment Sunday 11:59 PM EST/EDT

Submit the Final Exam Sunday 11:59 PM EST/EDT

Questions? Contact Dr. McFaul at 248-504-0561 via TEXT


28

MKT345 - Individual Web Page and Twitter Social Media Assignments


The assignment is to design a personal web site that will be used as a tool to
promote your career. Yes, you will design a web site! In today’s world, with jobs
changing all the time, as well as companies assigning projects to outside teams
that consist of individual consultants (project outsourcing), it is unlikely that many
people will start and end their careers with the same organization. One approach
is to think of you as a one-person consulting company. During different times of
your career you may be steadily employed as a full-time employee for a company,
and/or take on projects on a client-by-client basis. Either way, you need to think
of you as a brand. This assignment is designed to get you started on utilizing the
internet and social media to establish a brand image for you and to promote it.
The idea is that this web site should be the hub of all social media marketing
activities for your personal brand. Using the traditional communication model,
you are the sender. Your target audience consists of all potential employers who
are interested in hiring people with similar skills as the ones you have.

The web site, as well as all other social media tools that you are using and are
linked to the site are the message you are sending, encoded in the language of
internet marketing. The responses you want for the audience of your web site is
to: 1. Perceive you along the personal brand image you are promoting 2. Find the
web site interesting, and visit it again 3. Spread positive information about you,
and your web site. 4. If they have no job available for you at the time, to keep you
in mind for the future. 5. If they have a job available for someone with your skills,
to invite you for an interview. The specific design of the web site is your decision.
You can use any software you want for the design. Some of the tools are
discussed in more detail in the power point presentation by Dr. Toole which can
be found in the AVP of module #1. Here is a quick summary of the things you
want to keep in mind:

1. Your web site should be easy to navigate

2. The purpose of your web site should be clear to the audience

3. It should be aesthetically pleasing


29

4. It should include your contact information

5. It should include your resume

6. It should have links to all social media that can add to your qualifications (for
example LinkedIn).

7. It should have a blog. In the blog you need to have at least 3 blog entries for
professional purposes. We will discuss them below.

8. It should have a section that displays some evidence of your skills and
accomplishments. This section is essentially a portfolio and testimony of
achievements.

9. You can add any other section(s) that may cover personal hobbies, activities
and interests, as long as they do not contradict or distract from the brand image
you are trying to promote.

If done properly, such a section can add to the brand image. The information can
be any combination of text, video, pictures or audio that gets the job done. There
are no restrictions.

Assignment deadlines: By the end of module #1 (Sunday midnight)


you need to submit a short document that includes the following:

1. An identification of the industry and type of job you want to focus


on. Essentially it is a description of the career path you want to pursue
or are already pursuing.

2. A detailed description of the personal brand image that you are


trying to promote via the web site. What are the impressions,
thoughts, and images about you that a visitor to your web site should
take away after exploring it? After the submission, your instructor will
provide you with some feedback to clarify any questions, or issues
that may arise.
30

By the end of module #3 (Sunday midnight) you need to submit a


document including the text of your first blog and tweeter message.

By the end of module #5 (Sunday midnight) you need to submit a


document including the text of your second blog and tweeter
message.

By the end of module #6 (Sunday midnight) you need to submit a


document including the text of your third blog and tweeter message.
You will receive feedback on all of them. This feedback is designed to
help you revise them and improve them so by the time you include
them in your web site they will be more effective in promoting your
personal brand image.

You are free to select any topic you want for your blog. Ideally you want
a topic related to the career you are pursuing, because your audience
will be interested in that. Your blog should demonstrate that: 1. You are
someone who has deep knowledge about the industry/career you are
focused on.

2. You are someone you is keeping up with the latest developments

3. You are someone with critical thinking who can look at events or
issues, and go deep into them and provide original and creative
insights.

4. You are a good writer and can communicate very well both in a
medium length format such as a blog, or a very short one such as
twitter. Ideally, you would like your web site visitors to become
engaged with your blogs.
31

1. At the most basic level you want the readers to go beyond the title
and actually invest the time to read the blog

2. At the second level of engagement, you want your readers to have


a positive experience and to feel that they got some valuable
information, something they can use directly or trade as social capital.
If the second level has been achieved, the readers are very likely to
return to the blog.

3. At the third level you want your readers to actually pass on the link
to your blog to their friends and acquaintances via social media.

4. Finally, at the highest level of engagement, they will do all three


previous levels, but they will also invest time to respond to your blog
and participate in discussions.

Some of the things you want to keep in mind when you write your
blogs are:

1. Start with an attention-capturing title

2. Provide a brief summary of the topic you will be discussing. Do not


try to deal with multiple topics in a single blog. Stay focused.

3. Provide a brief explanation why this topic is relevant to your


audience. In other words, why should they care?

4. Describe briefly how this topic has been dealt up until this point.

5. Provide your original thoughts, critiques, interpretations, and


solutions to the issue at hand. This is where you should be providing
original, innovative, and valuable content.
32

6. Finally, invite comments, be polite and courteous, and update your


blog frequently. Your tweeter messages should capture the essence of
the topic you discussed in your blog, and make it likely that people
will respond and re-tweet. The essence is a cool title and creativity in
the selection of every single word.

By the Thursday midnight of module #7 you need to submit the brief


document about the goals of your website and the link to your
website as part of the discussion for module #7. The idea is that you
will use the feedback of your class mates to improve your website
when you submit it at the end of the semester. Essentially the other
students in the class function as a test market for your website.

By the end of module #8 (Sunday midnight) you need to submit a


document including the following:

1. An identification of the industry and type of job you want to focus


on. Essentially it is a description of the career path you want to pursue
or are already pursuing. This would be an updated version of the
document you submitted at the end of module #1 based on your
instructor’s feedback.

2. A detailed description of the personal brand image that you are


trying to promote via the web site. What are the impressions,
thoughts, and images about you that a visitor to your web site should
take away after exploring it? This would be an updated version of the
document you submitted at the end of module #1 based on your
instructor’s feedback.

3. A description of how you designed your web site, and why you
think that the design and content you provided will generate the
33

desirable personal brand image perceptions among the target


audience. Your instructor will obviously look at your website, but this
part of your document explains your thought process on why you
made the particular choices that show up on the website.

4. The link to your website. Your website at this point should include
the updated blogs and tweeter messages based on the instructor’s
feedback.

5. Your cell phone contact in case your instructor needs to reach you
due to any technical difficulty with accessing your website.

Templates provided under DOC SHARING & ANNOUNCEMENTS &


EMAILED TO YOU IN WEEK TWO for Individual Papers.

Part 3 of the final document = 15 points - The points will be given


based on the clarity of communicating the ideas as well as how solid
are the arguments between the content and style decisions that the
student made and the goals of the website that these choices are
supposed to achieve.

Aesthetic aspects of the website: 10 points - The points will be given


based on how elegant and stylish the website is. It should be pleasing
to the eye without being excessive.

Ease of navigation, contact information and call to action: 10 points. -


Points will be assigned based on how easy it is to access all
information, and how it is structured visually. Visitors should be able
to grasp with a quick look all relevant information.
34

Relevance of content of the website, and creativity of presenting it: 15


points - This captures all professional testimonials, portfolio, skills and
accomplishments, but also any other additional personal information
that may reinforce the brand image. It focuses both at the content
and the creativity of presenting it.
35

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ):


Question # 1 - I have been asked 'Do we really create a web
site this semester?' 
Yes, you will be sharing it THURSDAY of Week Seven with the
entire class in your Week Seven Discussion Board. Make sure
you include all of your BLOGS and TWEETS in the final web
site you deliver.
Question # 2 - Do you really need to tweet and blog
NO.   But part of your papers are as IF you did, what would you
say to get attention via social media about your web site. They
are added to your web site each week that you prepare your
papers. This is obviously so you have several weeks to build
this web site and you do not do it only in Week Seven! Again,
NO – you do not need to create a Twitter account if you do not
have one! BUT YOU DO INCLUDE THESE IN YOUR WEB
SITES!
Question # 3 – Google Analytics.
There is NEVER an assignment requirement for Google
Analytics in this course – period! The course designer
mentions this because they want you to be aware of what this
technology does. BUT you do not need to use it.
Question # 4 – Group Responsibility
36

You are going to be assigned a team this semester. You must


work with your team, however, READ your syllabus and the
announcements – you are responsible for these. For example,
last semester a ‘lead’ of a team told their members that they did
not have to submit the Week Seven paper – those people that
listened to their team leader, lost points. You ALL must be
engaged the entire semester and only YOU are responsible for
YOUR work.
Question # 5 – Team Paper – United States Only
This is a United States only focused SOCIAL MEDIA
MARKETING PLAN. Yes, we understand that others will be
active globally. But for the purpose of this course, focus
primarily on target markets and other aspects for the United
States Market only.
Question # 6 – Team Paper – Can I complete this alone?
Ask for permission by Week ONE Friday! It is NOT fair to others
on your team to not know that you are not participating with only
a few weeks left in the semester. If you ask later the penalty is
minus 25 points. If you decide to complete the paper ‘solo’ –
you are still held to the requirements for this final paper. NO
SCOPE REDUCTION! Understand this clearly! Side note,
teams typically get the higher grade! Why? Because many
eyes on a project helps to identify errors. When you rely solely
on yourself to complete project, that sometimes works our very
well (you can depend on you) and it sometimes does not.
37

Question # 7 - I already have a web site for a business I am in –


can I just use that? 
No, sorry! It has to be new and created only for this course. It
is great that you are already established in a business! But
think about what you might want to do in addition to the
business? Perhaps you would save animals that were
abandoned after a crisis like a hurricane or just simply in your
community. Maybe you would start a non-profit for something.
Make your web site for that.
38

MKT345 Group Project


This is a group (team) project, where the class will be divided by
the instructor in teams consisting between two and four
students. Remember, all team members should
contribute equally to the team project - if you had a
member that did not contribute DO NOT PUT THEIR
NAME ON THE COVER PAGE - they will earn zero
points for the Week One and Final Paper. You must be
able to prove to your instructor via emails that YOU as a
team member contributed work to this effort. If you
cannot and there is a dispute…your team members say
you did not contribute anything that was worthy for the
final paper and you say that you did…you will have to
prove it…so DOCUMENT everything!
Choose a REAL existing physical consumer product that you
can create a social media plan for. Like the Tesla Model S
Model car OR Casper Mattresses.
In Week One submit a proposal. Include a cover page with ALL
GROUP member names on it AND each group must submit the
SAME document to demonstrate that you are working together.
You earn zero points if your document is different. Choose a
consumer product / brand that you plan to focus on this
semester. The subject headers within the paper should be:

Introduction
Team Members
39

Consumer Product / Brand Chosen & Why


Current Social Media Environment
Conclusion
ALL STUDENTS MUST SUBMIT THIS PROPOSAL TO EARN
CREDIT FOR IT and ALL TEAM MEMBERS must submit the
SAME document for credit. Use the template provided under
Doc Sharing. The paper must be submitted to the classroom.
GROUP PROJECT – WEEK 1 PROPOSAL % %
POSSIBLE EARNED
Substance of Proposal – consumer product chosen. 60
All subject headers included. Minimum 350-words.
Appendix with web site visual is worth 10 points. Do
not include questions written out.
Follow Written Assignment Requirements rules.
One AUTHORED REFERENCE listed in reference 10
page and cited in APA format
TEMPLATE USED UNDER DOC SHARING 10
APA formatted paper with cover page and reference 20
page, Times New Roman 12 font, 1" margins,
double-spacing, etc. and followed criteria provided
for Written Assignments
Total Points Earned 100
This is worth 10% of your grade – so spend some time in this
with your group members.
Once approved, start working on your Week Seven Group
Paper!
Do not write as a group or an individual person. This is an
academic paper with facts reported only. If there is only ONE
40

person left on the team in Week Seven, then that person is


STILL responsible for submitting the final GROUP paper!
Again, (I know I am repeating myself) – you earn ZERO points if
you do not submit this assignment in Week One – you
personally! Do not think because another team member
submitted the group paper you are covered! Consider this an
INDIVIDUAL group paper – focus on your contribution and
submissions INDIVIDUALLY…Get it? If not call me.

By FRIDAY, the team leader only must email instructor notifying


me of who will be the LEAD for your team and key person to
communicate with. If you have not heard from a team member
by FRIDAY, the leader must also communicate with the
instructor the specific name(s) of those that have not engaged.
Do not put the name of any student that did not participate on
your cover page in Week One!

Assignment Due Date: This assignment must be submitted by


one person from each group to the Dropbox no later than
Sunday 11:59 PM of EST/EDT of Module 7. (This Dropbox
basket is linked to Turnitin.)
41

Not all students will receive the same grade for the
final paper. It is based on their group engagement /
contribution.
If someone on the team decides to submit their paper
on their own, notify the instructor. You still must
submit everything required by the group – no
reduction in the scope of the assignment .

APA SUPPORT WEB SITES

If you need help with putting your references in APA format on your reference page, please see this web site (select
APA at the top of the web page) http://www.calvin.edu/library/knightcite/

Remember, APA requires that the second & subsequent lines of the references are indented five spaces and that
your references are in alphabetical order. The first line must be aligned to the left 1” margin. First names are
NEVER written out for the reference page per the APA Manual. Times New Roman 12 font must be used. Finally,
remember that the reference page and citations must match exactly – it is considered a serious academic error if
they do not.

Please check out http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/ for a proper format in APA.

Part of your paper’s grade is always about the attribution of sources:

APA helps in attribution of sources in academic work. Similarly, since your paper is an academic
exercise, the expectation is that you cite and recap references in the paper itself. It is important
to recap the references cited in the paper in the reference page. As you know, in an academic
paper, your ‘Reference’ page is a recap of all sources cited in the paper. It tells the reader that
the following sources are attributed somewhere in the paper. A reference does not count if it is
cited (but not recapped) or recapped, but not cited in the paper. Both steps must appear. In
other words…It is important that all references cited match 100% the reference RECAPPED at the
bottom of the posting or it is considered a serious academic error.

For final paper – not all students earn the same group grade. It is based on your contribution & submissions (Week
Six and Week Seven).
42

WEEK SEVEN - GROUP PROJECT Points Total Points:


Assignment Possible:
A ten page minimum paper delivered 160
using the template provided (% deducted
for each page short). Group # on front
page with full names of all participating
members – minus 5 points if missing.
Visuals including web site visuals should
go in an Appendix. TEMPLATE MUST
BE USED exactly as provided.
Content – from Introduction to Conclusion must be ten
full pages minimum (it is fine to go over) follow
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT REQUIREMENTS noted
later in the syllabus. This includes: Organizations
Goals & Business Model - A detailed description of the
organization’s goal and current business model.
Identify the key target audience/customers for the
company’s key brand. Since the company is likely to
have many products in several markets, select one of
the most important brands for this company. For
example, if you have selected the Coca Cola
Corporation, then either regular Coke or Diet Coke
would be the most appropriate brand to select.
Identify a specific demographic cohort like Millennials,
Gen Xers, Baby Boomers, or other. Everyone is NOT
a target market! Identify the organization’s main
competitors for the selected brand.
Use table format and review the 4Ps and Social Media
for TWO competitors against your brand. Table must
be SINGLE spaced – minus 5 points if not.
Identify and evaluate the company’s online marketing
activities with regard to the selected brand. You should
describe and evaluate all social media activities,
including videos, blogs, twitter messages, Instagram,
gamification activities, and any other social media tool
that the company is using to promote the brand. You
also need to evaluate the effectiveness of the
company’s overall corporate web site as well as the
company’s specific website(s) for the selected brand.
Presumably, the company must attempt to improve the
brand’s competitive advantage(s) over the competition,
while reducing the perceptions of any advantages that
the key competitors have over it. You need to assess
43

to what degree the online marketing activities are


appropriate in achieving these goals. Put visuals in
the APPENDIX if you include them.
Provide recommendations on how the above activities
can be improved. Even if some of them are very
successful, you are expected to find ways to make
them even better. This is where you will show your
creativity in applying the key concepts. Among your
recommendations (but not limited to these) you should
propose improvements: a. to the web sites, b. write a
sample blog that will generate interest and
engagement with the brand, c. write a twitter message
for the brand (it should generate a lot of retweets) d.
describe the content of a YouTube video about the
brand that should go viral
THIS IS A UNITED STATES ONLY SOCIAL MEDIA
MARKETING PLAN.
References – TEN (10) AUTHORED 40
outside references minimum. The sources
MUST be cited in the paper to count & if you use an
online source, the reference will be verified and thus
no points if the link is not accurate. An authored
source is one where the person’s name is associated
with the work. It is absolutely okay to use web sites for
the brand or sites like the United States Census
Bureau – but you still must have at least TEN authored
sources – your textbook may be one of those sources.
If there are sources listed in the reference page and
NOT cited in the paper – minus 20 points…make sure
that the reference page and citations match
EXACTLY. If you present a fact, you must cite the
source where that fact came from.
No videos, blogs, tweets, wikis, interviews, podcasts,
encyclopedias, or dictionaries allowed – use an authored
reference. An authored source has a first and last name.

APA Format used 25


Writing Style follows all components of 25
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT
REQUIREMENTS – in syllabus &
classroom announcements. Grammar
and Spelling count. Do not use “I”
statements in this final group project –
44

minus 10 points if used. No visuals


allowed in paper – put in Appendix if
needed.
Each Team Member must SEND EMAIL to instructor (20)
in WEEK SIX with their contribution of the paper. If
they miss this deadline – minus 20 points on final
paper grade for their final team grade alone (this
will NOT impact the final grade for the paper for the
team – just for that individual). This is done as
proof to instructor of their engagement and team
participation in the group paper. 20 points earned
IF you submit three original pages and two
authored references – reduced from there if you do
not!
If not submitted on Sunday of Week (10)
Seven in classroom – each person
MUST submit. Penalty given to
grade during Week Eight once you
do submit!
TOTAL 250

The group project is worth 35% of your grade. You are responsible for doing your share
of the final team paper. If there are two people in a group – then you must prove to me
that you completed 50% of the paper!

If you have any problems with a team member participating – do not wait until AFTER the
project is over! Your complaints will be invalid. Call your instructor EARLY in the
process so that your professor can put that person on notice that their name WILL NOT
BE ON THE COVER PAGE and that they will receive they will receive zero points.

If only one student remains on the team in Week Seven – the entire
paper is still due which meets all of the above requirements. In Week
Seven each student on the GROUP PROJECT must submit the SAME
final group paper. Only one group paper is graded and only those
that submit that group paper are graded!

In Week Six you must send me via email THREE PAGES minimum and
TWO authored outside references as proof of your engagement in the
group process.
45

APA SUPPORT WEB SITES

If you need help with putting your references in APA format on your reference page, please see
this web site (select APA at the top of the web page) http://www.calvin.edu/library/knightcite/

Remember, APA requires that the second & subsequent lines of the references are indented five
spaces and that your references are in alphabetical order. The first line must be aligned to the left
1” margin. First names are NEVER written out for the reference page per the APA Manual. Times
New Roman 12 font must be used. Double-space. Finally, remember that the reference page and
citations must match exactly – it is considered a serious academic error if they do not.

Please check out http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/ for a proper format in APA.

For best results, refer to the APA Manual – 6th Edition.

This is a stellar video on APA citations…

Whenever you use a source, you must have an in-text citation and a reference citation. They're a
matched pair--like shoes or gloves. What are the differences between an APA in-text citation and an
APA reference citation? How do the two work together? See this video:

VIDEO on citations in APA =

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbyJdMz-Ato

WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT REQUIREMENTS


 I expect that ALL papers should adhere to APA compliance...and that includes the following:
 NO PDF FILES - all papers must be submitted in Microsoft Word
 USE THE TEMPLATES UNDER DOC SHARING
 Times New Roman 12 Font
 Double-Spacing
 One Inch Margins
 And more...using the 6th Edition as our guide.
 Your reference list and your citations must match exactly.
 Only work submitted in our classroom will count towards a grade – no emailing of papers – all must be
submitted in the classroom!
In addition, I expect the following in your writing style this semester:
 Use subject headers for all papers - your reader appreciates and expects that level or organization to your
work!
 Two spaces after each period for ease of reading
 Use zero point line spacing with DOUBLE SPACING.
 All online sources MUST include the web link where the exact article can be found! NO HOME PAGES –
minus points if this is not provided in the reference page.
 No extra blank lines between sections – deliver a tight paper.
 No contractions
 Indent the first sentence of a new paragraph five spaces.
 No visuals in the paper itself – include in the Appendix for Final Group Paper & exams
 No “I” statements – do not write in first person
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 Numbers one through nine within your paper should be written out if used within the text of your paper
 Reference page must have a URL for all online sources. Zero points given for sources listed that do not
have this.
 Do not use all caps (all capital letters)
 No numbered lists or bullet points allowed - write formally in full sentences and paragraphs
 Cover page and reference page required for ALL paper submissions
 No abbreviations - if you are referring to the United States of America, write it out...do not write 'US' - this
is not stellar academic writing.
 Use AUTHORED references for your work - No videos, blogs, tweets, wikis, interviews, podcasts,
encyclopedias, or dictionaries allowed – use an authored reference. An authored source has a first and
last name.
 No Visuals allowed in exams or team paper (other than Appendix which is fine). They do not count
towards your page count.
Thank you for your consideration to these important writing expectations this semester. 
Dr  McFaul
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Team Assignments
Group 1 Group 2 Group 3
Brown, Vivian Hockett, Sciotto,
Katie Victoria
Carlson, Bryan Keys, Uberbacher,
Hunter Michelle
Davis, Santamaria, Young,
Lacianna
Manuel Sharon
Fustaino,
Alyssa

The group formations will change from week one to week two potentially due to
drops and adds
‘*’ Group Leader
NOTIFY INSTRUCTOR VIA EMAIL AS TO WHOM IS THE GROUP LEADER by
FRIDAY of WEEK ONE
As long as one member is on the team, the team stays in place. Therefore
please understand from day one of this course that if only one person remains,
that one person must submit the group assignment.
APA SUPPORT WEB SITES

If you need help with putting your references in APA format on your reference page, please see
this web site (select APA at the top of the web page) http://www.calvin.edu/library/knightcite/

Remember, APA requires that the second & subsequent lines of the references are indented five
spaces and that your references are in alphabetical order. The first line must be aligned to the left
1” margin. First names are NEVER written out for the reference page per the APA Manual. Times
48

New Roman 12 font must be used. Finally, remember that the reference page and citations must
match exactly – it is considered a serious academic error if they do not.

Please check out http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/ for a proper format in APA.

For the best work, always refer to the APA 6th Edition APA Manual.
49

Written Assignment Requirements this Semester:


1. 80/20 RULE: No more than 20% of your paper should be quotes or copy and pasted material from sources.
More than 80% of your submission should be your original thoughts and evaluation.
2. DO NOT RE-USE INFORMATION from previous courses. Everything for this course must be written for this
course only. No recycling topics previously written about – period.
3. Only items you quote/cite within your paper should appear in your references – I perform a check on this each
week. There should be a 100% match between citations and reference page. If there is not, this is considered a
SERIOUS academic error.

Reminder...per ANNOUNCEMENT in classroom:

I expect that ALL papers should adhere to APA compliance...and that includes the following:
 NO PDF FILES - all papers must be submitted in Microsoft Word
 Times New Roman 12 Font
 Double-Spacing
 Avoid using "I" statements, APA does not allow first person writing.
 One Inch Margins
 And more...using the 6th Edition as our guide.
 Your reference list and your citations must match exactly - in other words, do not list your reference as Forbes
magazine and then put the author in the citation credit (McFaul, 2011) - put the author's name first in the
reference list too!  Match - match - match!  Otherwise, I might not be able to validate your reference / citation
and you would lose getting credit for that source!

In addition, I expect the following in your writing style this semester:

 Use subject headers for all papers - your reader appreciates and expects that level or organization to your work!
Please do NOT write out questions
 No contractions & No abbreviations - if you are referring to the United States of America, write it out...do not
write 'US' - this is not stellar academic writing.
 Line spacing is double with 0 point spacing.
 Only one citation credit allowed per sentence in this course.
 Indent the first line of each new paragraph five spaces.
 No extra blank lines inserted between sections – deliver a tight paper.
 No bullet points, alphanumeric lists, or numbered list - write formally in full sentences / paragraphs. 
 Numbers one through nine within your paper should be written out
 Cover page and reference page required for ALL paper submissions
 Never use all capital letters
 Use authored references for your research to earn full points. An authored source is simply one that is associated
with a human(s) NAME.   For example, your textbook is an authored source.  The United States Census Bureau is not an
authored source.  But it is fine to use as long as you ALSO use an authored reference source.
 Always include the full URL as to where you found your research online articles - never just the home page
 Avoid wikis, blogs, tweets, videos, dictionaries, and encyclopedias as outside references - use Masters-level
sources like the Journal of Marketing or the Journal of International Business - No wikis, prezis,
slideshares, dictionaries, encyclopedias, videos, interviews, & podcasts allowed
as references – only scholarly written sources from well-respected sources.
50

Dr. McFaul

NOTIFICATION TO ALL TEAM MEMBERS – WEEK SIX ASSIGNMENT


My clear expectation to each and every one of you is that you must deliver a
portion equal to three pages or more (whatever is needed to meet the page
count) of the final paper AND you must prove to me that you have done so! By
the end of week six, I want you to send me your contribution VIA email. This is
done individually. Then your group will have Week Seven to edit and prepare
your final paper.
Let us be clear – by the end of Week Six EMAIL me YOUR INDIVIDUAL
contribution to the group. The benefit for you is that I will correct any
APA, spelling, or other errors that you might have to help you achieve a
good final group grade!
Again, send me 3 to 3.5 pages of the final paper and you must submit at least
two authored sources. Divide the paper up and build in redundancy of assigning
sections so that you are ensured that all sections will be completed. If you get
down to two members (which some groups may) you are then expected to
deliver five pages each.
Your final grade will be based on your contributions. Not all group members will
get the same grade if it is obvious that they did not take this assignment
seriously and contribute MORE than their share. This is not a group project that
you can rely on others to do YOUR work!
Remember, I am here to help if you have any questions or need help generally
with the assignment – I want to see you succeed!
Dr. McFaul
51

Week One Email


Welcome to our course! As you know, there is a LOT to do this first week!
Make sure to read all announcements in this classroom and to check your Saint
Leo University emails often.
There are two papers delivered this week and one of them is a GROUP project
paper. This communication is about that alone. As you know your groups were
included in the last few pages within your syllabus AND posted as an
announcement.
This first week only, you may decide to write your own final marketing plan and
NOT work within a group. YOU MUST NOTIFY me by FRIDAY this week! It is
not fair to your team mates OR to you to wait longer than that! I have been
teaching this course, designed by the Lead Faculty of Marketing at Saint Leo
University, for over ten years! Last year, for the first time, I have allowed
students to opt-out working as part of a group and I allowed them to work
individually. Please note that this means you deliver the entire paper as
assigned. You cannot say ‘that is not fair!’ – you are the one that made the
decision to work alone. And frankly, the students that have decided to do
complete the group paper by themselves, often times do better than the group
papers, because often time they are high achievers that have a very busy
schedule.
By now you have posted your introduction and contact information in the group
area within our classroom. By Friday decide who the group leader is and that
person should email me to let me know.
Any questions, just text, email or phone me at 248-504-0561!
Dr. McFaul
52

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