Assignment Descriptions and Checklists for Success
This one-stop document provides a detailed description of each assignment. After the description, you
will see the checklist for success for that assignment. The checklist will highlight some of the factors
your instructor will be considering in scoring that particular assignment.
On all assignments, "No" will be checked on the checklist only if that is an item that was not completed
successfully.
Individual scores and deductions will reflect student performance relative to peers (i.e., excellent, good,
average, below average).
Fundamentals of Business Communication
Introductory Memo Assignment
This is the first assignment you are receiving from your new boss at BusComm Consulting. Here are the
instructions you receive.
I am making a request of all new BusComm Consulting employees. I want to provide you with a chance
to achieve two of the purposes of communication: informing and generating goodwill. You are to create
a memo introducing yourself to me. It should include:
some biographical information
how you chose your college
why you chose to study business
achievements of which you are proud
o NOTE: For those, you might want to answer the following questions:
What skills or knowledge did I use?
What personal traits did I exhibit?
What about this accomplishment makes it personally satisfying to me?
your ultimate career goal
your personal goals for life
three things you have to offer us as your new employer
o NOTE: This list will be expanded during your time with us to help you fine tune cover
letters and resumés for internal promotion opportunities.
You may also add other topics to help me get a sense of you as a person, not just a name on a
departmental roster.
In one entry of your BusComm Consulting journal, you will reflect on your list of accomplishments. Think
about what you’ve learned about yourself in the process of considering your achievements. Discuss the
patterns you’ve seen. Are there certain skills you seem to use often? Is there a pattern to the types of
achievements that were personally satisfying? Is there a pattern in the personal traits you’ve
demonstrated through your achievements? What has made you successful so far –and how do you
expect this to help you become successful in business?
I look forward to reading your memo and learning more about you.
Assignment Descriptions and Checklists for Success, Fall 2015 (8-22-2015)
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Fundamentals of Business Communication
Checklist for Success – Introductory Memo Assignment
+=Exceeds Expectations; [Blank]= Meets Expectations; √=Does Not Meet Expectations
Name ____________________________________Class Time: ____________ Score __________/100
Category, Points Available and Evaluation Criteria
+/[Blank]/√
Deduction
Purpose
Is the memo informative?
Does the open establish the purpose?
Does it include the expected information?
(Background, interests, achievements, goals, benefits to
prospective employers)
Audience
Is the information geared to the audience? (Will the
instructor have a sense of the student after reading it)
Does it have a clear close that indicates the writer is finished
and that helps to build a relationship with the audience?
Context
Does it use the appropriate tone and consider the
relationship between writer and reader? (Friendly but not
too informal)
Execution
Is the assignment well executed in terms of presenting the
information?
Is it the correct format and are all memo elements correct?
(No salutation, no complimentary close)
Is it attractively designed?
Does it use headers to divide the content and make it easier
for the audience to read?
Does the writing flow and have transitions to link thoughts
from section to section and point to point?
Proofing — 5 per error (maximum deduction of 30)
Is the memo proofed and error free?
An additional five points will be deducted if you do not include a checklist with your assignment.
Assignment Descriptions and Checklists for Success, Fall 2015 (8-22-2015)
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Fundamentals of Business Communication
Informative Memo Assignment
Your boss, Jean-Louis DuBois (jldubois@buscomm.com), is requesting a memo. Here are the instructions
you received. A list of potential resources is provided on the next page to help you in completing the
request.
We are in the initial phase of deciding where our newest manufacturing plant should be located. We
have narrowed down our options to Brazil, the Czech Republic, Thailand and South Africa. In order to
help us make a final decision, we need you to provide some data. Specifically, for each of those
countries, I want you to research four factors:
Literacy rate
Wage rates
Infrastructure
Government corruption
Your memo will be reviewed by our international location development team, not all of whom speak
English as a first language. As a result, I expect you to include several visuals to help make the
information you provide understandable and accessible to all.
We have not determined the weight of the factors yet so it is not as simple as plugging information into a
formula. For that reason, I want you to include your thoughts on the ramifications of the data you
uncover.
Since I will be sharing your memo with a number of people invited to follow up conversations, I need you
to provide the following information as part of your document:
Discussion of the options will take place at various times in Conference Room C
Meeting times are:
o Thursday, October 8 from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m.
o Monday, October 12 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
o Wednesday, October 14 from 11:00 to 12:00
o Tuesday, October 20 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Please include language that informs everyone that they are not permitted to attend more than one
session. And also please explain that they should RSVP their preferred session to me via email no later
than end of day on Monday, October 5 so that I can add them to the attendance list for that session.
I look forward to your findings.
Assignment Descriptions and Checklists for Success, Fall 2015 (8-22-2015)
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Fundamentals of Business Communication
Potential Research Resources:
http://www.portal.euromonitor.com/portal/account/login
http://www.countrywatch.com/
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/
https://www.transparency.org/
Assignment Descriptions and Checklists for Success, Fall 2015 (8-22-2015)
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Fundamentals of Business Communication
Checklist for Success – Informative Assignment
+=Exceeds Expectations; [blank] = Meets Expectations; =Does Not Meet Expectations
Name _______________________________________Class Time: _________ Score __________/100
Category, Points Available and Evaluation Criteria
+/[blank]/
Deduction
Purpose
Does the open clearly indicate the purpose of the message?
Does the communication provide the information needed to meet the
purpose?
Does the communication give accurate information to the receiver?
Audience
Is the information geared to the audience?
Does the information take into consideration other audiences?
Context
Does it use the appropriate tone and consider the relationship between
sender and receiver? (Friendly but not too informal)
Execution
Is the assignment well executed in terms of presenting the information?
Is there clear evidence of consideration for PACE and 5Cs?
Is it the correct format and are all memo elements correct?
Does the writing flow and have transitions to link thoughts from section
to section and point to point?
Does the close support the purpose of the communication?
Is the information digested and communicated in your own words?
Proofing — 5 per error (maximum deduction of 30)
Is the memo proofed and error free?
An additional five points will be deducted if you do not include a checklist with your assignment.
Assignment Descriptions and Checklists for Success, Fall 2015 (8-22-2015)
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Fundamentals of Business Communication
Persuasive Communication Assignment
Today you will be writing a letter that represents a potential new initiative for the University of
Pittsburgh’s College of Business Administration. To increase the percentage of admitted students who
actually attend and to build a better sense of community among CBA students, Dean Audrey Murrell is
pairing up existing CBA students with those who have been accepted. You have been selected as a
mentor for the student to whom you will be writing. Your goal in this letter is to talk about CBA and
convince the admitted student to actually make the commitment and attend Pitt and CBA. You will write
the letter as an individual. The recipient of the letter will be:
Genessa Washington
86 Morton Street
Susquehanna, PA 18874
As part of the process, you have been provided with some facts about Genessa.
She is graduating in the top 15% of her high school class
She plays the trumpet in the marching band
She is a member of the swim team
She has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity through the youth group at her church
She has a brother who is two years younger than she is
Her father attended Penn State University
Her mother’s family is from New Castle, PA
She has been accepted to Penn State, Slippery Rock, Drexel and SUNY Binghamton. She has
been offered a modest scholarship from SUNY and a larger one from Drexel.
Assignment Descriptions and Checklists for Success, Fall 2015 (8-22-2015)
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Fundamentals of Business Communication
Checklist for Success – Persuasive Assignment
+=Exceeds Expectations; [Blank]= Meets Expectations; √=Does Not Meet Expectations
Name _______________________________________Class Time: _________ Score __________/100
Category, Points Available and Evaluation Criteria
+/[Blank]/√
Deduction
Purpose
Is the letter persuasive?
Does it have an attention getting open that effectively gains
the attention of the prospective student
Does it make a strong and effective case for attending CBA?
Audience
Is the information geared to the audience?
Does it focus on reader benefits?
Does it work to overcome potential objections?
Does the close generate goodwill while requesting action?
Context
Does it use the appropriate tone and consider the
relationship between writer and reader? (Respectful and
professional but still friendly)
Execution
Is the assignment well executed in terms of presenting the
information?
Is it the correct format and are all letter elements correct?
(Recipient address, sender address, date, salutation,
complimentary close)
Is it attractively designed?
Does the writing flow and have transitions to link thoughts
from section to section and point to point?
Proofing — 5 per error (maximum deduction of 30)
Is the letter proofed and error free?
An additional five points will be deducted if you do not include a checklist with your assignment.
Assignment Descriptions and Checklists for Success, Fall 2015 (8-22-2015)
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Fundamentals of Business Communication
Bad News Communication Assignment
You are an intern at BusComm Consulting. Your mentor and boss has been exceptionally pleased with
your work and asked you to continue next semester. That is not possible, though, because you will be on
Study Abroad in London. Here are the instructions your receive for this project.
As you know, because BusComm is so pleased with the work you have done for them, we asked you to
be part of the selection process for the intern who will replace you when you leave for the UK. The
preferred qualifications for the internship remain:
Entering Junior Year
Declared as an HR major
Experience in a service business
Experience working in teams
From all of the candidates whose files you reviewed, we have now narrowed it down to two finalists for
the job. One met all of the requirements and interviewed strongly. The other finalist, J.J. Nasser, doesn’t
meet the preferred requirements but interviewed well in the first round. Unfortunately, the follow up
interview did not go well. As a reminder, J.J. is entering sophomore year and is strongly considering an
HR major but remains undeclared at the moment. J.J. offers some experience in service businesses
during high school, which also involved working in teams. In addition, J.J. was a student athlete in high
school, playing varsity basketball for three years.
Because you are contemporaries and we allowed you to review the notes from the final interview, I am
asking you to write the letter informing J.J. that the internship has been offered to a student entering
junior year and already a declared HR major.
Here is J.J.’s contact information:
J.J. Nasser
97 Dawson Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
412-555-1763
jjnasser@pitt.edu
Assignment Descriptions and Checklists for Success, Fall 2015 (8-22-2015)
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Fundamentals of Business Communication
Checklist for Success – Bad News Assignment
+=Exceeds Expectations; [Blank]= Meets Expectations; √=Does Not Meet Expectations
Name _______________________________________Class Time: _________ Score __________/100
Category, Points Available and Evaluation Criteria
+/[Blank]/√
Deduction
Purpose
Does the assignment present the bad news while working to
maintain goodwill?
Does it open with a neutral buffer and no mention of the bad
news?
Does it clearly explain why the decision has been made?
Audience
Is the information geared to the audience?
Does it include potential alternatives for the audience?
Does it work to overcome objections to the bad news?
Does the close generate goodwill?
Context
Does it use the appropriate tone and consider the
relationship between writer and reader? (Respectful and
professional)
Execution
Is the assignment well executed in terms of presenting the
information?
Is it the correct format and are all letter elements correct?
(Recipient address, writer address, date, salutation,
complimentary close, full contact information)
Is it attractively designed?
Does the writing flow and have transitions to link thoughts
from section to section and point to point?
Proofing — 5 per error (maximum deduction of 30)
Is the letter proofed and error free?
An additional five points will be deducted if you do not include a checklist with your assignment.
Assignment Descriptions and Checklists for Success, Fall 2015 (8-22-2015)
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Fundamentals of Business Communication
Cover/Unsolicited Application Letter Assignment
Cover/Application Letter:
You are to create a prospecting letter. Remember that a prospecting letter means you do not know
whether or not the organization has any open positions. That means you will need an attention-getting
open to make your letter stand out from the rest of the mail the recipient receives. While it will not be
graded, if you would like feedback on your resumé you may submit it as well. You may use a real or
fictitious company when you address the letter. Be sure to consider how you can incorporate your
StrengthsFinder results in the letter.
Assignment Descriptions and Checklists for Success, Fall 2015 (8-22-2015)
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Fundamentals of Business Communication
Checklist for Success – Unsolicited Cover Letter Assignment
+=Exceeds Expectations; [Blank]= Meets Expectations; √=Does Not Meet Expectations
Name _______________________________________Class Time: _________ Score __________/100
Category, Points Available and Evaluation Criteria
+/[Blank]/√
Deduction
Purpose
Is the letter informative and are both persuasive?
Does it have an attention getting open? (letter)
Does the letter make a strong and effective case for granting
an interview by stressing specific accomplishments and
quantifiables?
Does it keep control in the hands of the writer?
Does it ask for/discuss an interview?
Audience
Is the information geared to a recruiter or hiring manager?
Does it incorporate your StrengthsFinder results?
Does it focus on reader benefits?
Does it overcome potential objections?
Does the close generate goodwill while requesting action?
Context
Does it use the appropriate tone and consider the
relationship between writer and reader? (Respectful and
professional)
Execution
Is the assignment well executed in terms of presenting the
information?
Is it the correct format and are all letter elements correct?
(Recipient address, writer address, date, salutation,
complimentary close, full contact information)
Does the writing flow and have transitions to link thoughts
from section to section and point to point?
Is it attractively designed?
Proofing — 5 per error (maximum deduction of 30)
Is it proofed and error free?
An additional five points will be deducted if you do not include a checklist with your assignment.
Assignment Descriptions and Checklists for Success, Fall 2015 (8-22-2015)
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Fundamentals of Business Communication
Peer Feedback Assignment
Peer Feedback 1 – To complete this assignment, you will use the form provided on Courseweb. You will
also be evaluating yourself. The finished form will have a strict deadline for submission through the
assignment option in Courseweb. If the assignment is not time stamped by the deadline, it will not be
accepted for credit. In addition, you must also bring a hard copy to the next class in order for the
credit portion of the assignment to be completed. This assignment will be repeated later in the
semester. Because you have not done this type of assignment before and will not have had as many
interactions with your teammates, the first version of the assignment does not carry as much weight as
the second. This is to help you get a feel for it before completing it for added credit.
Peer Feedback 2 – This is a repeat of the first feedback assignment. As a reminder, you will use the form
provided on Courseweb. You will also be evaluating yourself. The finished form will have a strict
deadline for submission through the assignment option in Courseweb. If the assignment is not time
stamped by the deadline, it will not be accepted for credit. In addition, you must also bring a hard
copy to the next class in order for the credit portion of the assignment to be completed. Remember,
too, that it carries more weight this second time.
During your career, you might get the following instructions from your boss.
It is time once again for all BusComm Consulting employees to complete peer feedback for the
members of your team. Here are some things to keep in mind to help you succeed on the assignment.
We recommend that you print a copy and keep notes on it as you interact with each person throughout
your time working together. Then, when it’s time to provide the performance feedback, you’ll only need
to update your notes and type them in. More importantly, you will be able to give specific behavioral
examples to support your feedback.
You will present this feedback to your teammates during conversations in time allocated by the
company. During that discussion, you will handwrite your notes on the final page of the form to create a
personal development plan before submitting it for a grade.
We are looking for differentiation in numerical scores and correctly completely competency lists
and feedback comments.
Assignment Descriptions and Checklists for Success, Fall 2015 (8-22-2015)
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Fundamentals of Business Communication
Checklist for Success – Peer Feedback One Assignment
+=Exceeds Expectations; [Blank]= Meets Expectations; √=Does Not Meet Expectations
Name _______________________________________Class Time: _________ Score __________/100
Category, Points Available and Evaluation Criteria
+/[Blank]/√
Deduction
Purpose
Is the feedback informative while also working to maintain
goodwill?
Does it include a self-assessment?
Does it provide both positive and corrective feedback for
each team member?
Audience
Is the feedback positively worded and supportive?
Context
Does it consider the interpersonal relationships on the
team?
Execution
Is the feedback thoughtful, specific, and detailed?
Does it focus on competencies in the appropriate area?
Is there differentiation in the quantitative scores across the
team?
Special Scoring Requirement — 100 deduction for failing in either requirement
Was it submitted properly to Courseweb by the deadline?
Was a hard copy submitted in class?
An additional five points will be deducted if you do not include a checklist with your assignment.
Assignment Descriptions and Checklists for Success, Fall 2015 (8-22-2015)
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Fundamentals of Business Communication
Checklist for Success – Peer Feedback Two Assignment
+=Exceeds Expectations; [Blank]= Meets Expectations; √=Does Not Meet Expectations
Name _______________________________________Class Time: _________ Score __________/100
Category, Points Available and Evaluation Criteria
+/[Blank]/√
Deduction
Purpose
Is the feedback informative while also working to maintain
goodwill?
Does it include a self-assessment?
Does it provide both positive and corrective feedback for
each team member?
Audience
Is the feedback positively worded and supportive?
Context
Does it consider the interpersonal relationships on the
team?
Execution
Is the feedback thoughtful, specific, and detailed?
Does it focus on competencies in the appropriate area?
Is there differentiation in the quantitative scores across the
team?
Special Scoring Requirement — 100 deduction for failing in either requirement
Was it submitted properly to Courseweb by the deadline?
Was a hard copy submitted in class?
An additional five points will be deducted if you do not include a checklist with your assignment.
Assignment Descriptions and Checklists for Success, Fall 2015 (8-22-2015)
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Fundamentals of Business Communication
Storytelling Presentation Assignment
Your boss has asked you to participate in a speed networking event to help employees improve their
speaking skills while getting to know their colleagues in a more personal way. Here are the instructions
you have received.
More and more of the business literature is talking about how the ability to tell stories is a critical skill for
success. For this reason, all employees are expected to practice their skills in this area and present in
one of our speed networking sessions. I’m asking you to think about a memorable event you have
experienced that taught you an important life lesson. It can be any lesson that has stayed with you and
that you apply in the business world. Because the sessions are limited to 75 minutes and we only have
two sessions available, this will be completed in two sessions for each group of 24 . The timing means
that each of you will have a maximum of 4:00 minutes to tell us your story. We will be having these
sessions in team room 2501; as a result, technology will not be available. You may, however, use other
supporting materials if you wish.
Assignment Descriptions and Checklists for Success, Fall 2015 (8-22-2015)
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Fundamentals of Business Communication
Checklist for Success – Storytelling Presentation
+=Exceeds Expectations; [Blank]= Meets Expectations; √=Does Not Meet Expectations
Name _______________________________________Class Time: _________ Score __________/100
Category, Points Available and Evaluation Criteria
+/[Blank]/√
Purpose
Is the story informative and one that can apply in business?
Does it have an attention getting open that draws in the
audience?
Audience
Does the material engage and hold the interest of the
audience?
Does it have an effective and memorable close that
incorporates the lesson learned to share with the audience?
Context
Is it geared to a group of peers?
Does it tell the story in a way that is clearly understandable?
Does the body provide details that lead logically to the
lesson?
Execution
Is the assignment well executed in terms of presenting the
information?
Does the material flow naturally and seamlessly? (Is it well
structured)
Is the apparel appropriate?
Did the speaker keep attention on the audience? (eye contact
with whole audience)
Did the speaker work from notes rather than a script? (Telling
rather than reading)
Did the speaker demonstrate energy, volume and pace?
Does body language suggest confidence?
Are filler words limited? (um, er, well, you know, like)
Did it finish within the time limit?
Did support materials truly support the content (as opposed
to being distractions)?
Instructor provides the checklist for presentations.
Assignment Descriptions and Checklists for Success, Fall 2015 (8-22-2015)
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Deduction
Fundamentals of Business Communication
Charitable Giving Committee Pitch Assignment
Your boss at BusComm Consulting has another assignment for you. Here are the instructions you
received.
As an employee of BusComm Consulting, I am pleased to inform you that we have created a Charitable
Giving Committee. Kemal Aslan is the chair of that new committee. I am inviting you to participate in a
two-day “pitch” event – the days on which members of the firm can propose a “favorite” charity as a
recipient of support from the first committee allocation. You have been allocated 4:00 on one of the
presentation days to try to get y…
