East West University

School of Business
[MBA-506 & MBM-504 : Business Communication]

"Remember not only to say the right thing at the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave
unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment"-- Benjamin Franklin

SUMMER-2020

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I. CLASS AND INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
Class Time : Sundays 6:30-9:30p.m.
Class Location : Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/qbo-ccbn-ejv
Instructor : Mr. Sayedul Karim
Office Location : Usually MBA Faculty Lounge; Summer 2020: Email, Google
Meet
Email : [email protected] or [email protected]
Consultation/Office Hours : Sundays at Google MEET During/After Class Time and by
appointment.

II. COURSE DESCRIPTION

The course builds on communication theory applied to business and professions. Learners will
achieve a comprehensive view of communication, its scope and importance in business, and the
role of communication in establishing a favourable outside the firm environment, as well as an
effective internal communications program. Various types of business communication media
are covered. Emphasis is given on effective writing; presentation of written and oral case
solutions, letters, memoranda, reports and employment applications; consideration of business
ethics, technology, and intercultural communication. The course also emphasizes barriers to
effective interpersonal and organizational communication and overcoming them, and
developing effective communication networks for simple and complex organizational
structures.

III. LEARNING OBJECTIVES

The backbone of this course continues to be written, oral, and employment communication skills.
1. This course helps build and cement the necessary for communication success through quality-
tested documents, text examples that compare and contrast effective and ineffective writing,
practical writing tips features, document writing exercises and cases and class discussion.
2. Through excerpts of speeches, planning outlines, and speaking notes, meeting agendas, and
meeting minutes, this course reinforces effective oral communication in public speaking and oral
presentations and in collaborative, small group settings.
3. This course develops interpersonal skills that contribute to effective and satisfying personal,
social and professional relationships through electronic presentation software.

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3. Students can learn the information and skills they need to find their first job from step by step
personal and job market analysis, sample resumes and cover letters, employment interview
strategies, and job search tools, all of which are examined in this course.

IV. INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Write text messages, emails, memos, business letters , and business reports with
different tones and for different purposes
2. Understand the importance of being an effective business communicator in today’s
changing workplace
3. Communicate effectively with colleagues by employing individual strengths and
implementing knowledge of different working styles
4. Deliver professional oral presentations
5. Write a polished resume and cover letter and effectively prepare for and participate in
interviews

V. LEARNING RESOURCES

 Core / Required Reading:

Lesikars Business Communications: Connecting in a Digital World: 13th Edition
Authors: Kathryn Rentz, Paula Lentz
13th Edition or any earlier edition
 Recommended Reading:
Contemporary Business Communication
Author: Louis Boone, David Kurtz & Judy R Block
Publisher: Prentice-Hall International, Inc.
2nd Edition

VI. COURSE FORMAT

This is mainly a classroom-based course. However, we will be relying, Google Meet, EWU email
account and Google Classroom heavily in Summer2020. Topics will be covered through real life
examples that encourage students to work with authentic documents. Written and oral
responses to those documents will be used to facilitate discussion and ground theory in real
world examples. The instructor will aim to keep the course material interactive and varied. In
order to cater to variety of learners, lectures using video, print visuals, audio will be employed.
Email and frequent internet access are an important part of this course. The instructor will
communicate through email.

VII. GRADING ( TO BE CHANGED FOR SUMMER-2020; AWAITING INSTRUCTIONS)

Usually,
1. Class Attendance and Participation (5%):
In accordance with university rules, and out of courtesy to your fellow students, eating drinking or daily
newspaper reading is not permitted in the classroom. As a courtesy to your instructor and to your fellow
students, please plan to stay till the end of class. If you must leave early, please avoid disturbance to
your fellow students. Also, it is imperative that the noise in the classroom be minimized, particularly in
the back. Please be considerate of other students and your instructor in this regard. During both class

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and examinations, turn off your cellular phone or you may set it to vibration mode. As asking questions
and responding to questions are keys to better learning, please feel free to raise your hand and
participate. Remember, it is your class too!
2. Final Group Presentation (5%)
Students will get the opportunity to show their ability to do research work, negotiate and do
oral presentation on assigned topics by sharing ideas and concepts amongst group members.
3. Quizzes (10%)
Two quizzes are designed to prepare student better for the midterm and final examinations.
Each will contribute 5% to the final grade.
4. Midterm (40%)
Two midterm exams will demonstrate student’s abilities to apply key course concepts.
5. Individual /Group Project/Term paper/Case etc. (10%)
All assignments, individual and group, are due at the beginning of class on assigned date.
Students are allowed to work in groups (groups will be determined by the instructor or chosen by
the students) to complete the homework, but it is essential that you yourself are ready to be tested
on the material. Solutions will be discussed in class on the day after homework is due.
6. Final Exam (30%)
The final exam is somewhat cumulative in nature. It will demonstrate student’s proficiency in
the course material.
This table will change and you will be informed accordingly.

Activities % of the Total Assessment

Class Attendance (and Participation) 5%
Final Group Presentation 5%
Quizzes 10%
Mid-term Exam 40%
Group Project/Assignments 10%
Final Exam 30%
Total 100%

Letter grades for the course will be based on the following scale - as specified in EWU
catalogue. For Summer 2020 there may be a new grading policy and you will be informed on
time.

VIII. TOPIC AND ACTIVITY SCHEDULE

Week / Topics Activities& Readings

Session Assignments

Introduction to the Course; Lecture

1 Student Background

Business and Communication Lecture, Mini Individual Chapter 1 & 2

Beyond Year 2000 Presentation
2

3
 2 Communication in the Work Lecture Chapter 1&2
Place
3 Adaptation and the Selection Lecture and Class Assignment Chapter 3
of Words
4 Construction of Clear Lecture and Class Assignment
Sentences and Paragraphs Chapter 4
5 Writing for Effect Lecture, Quiz # 1 Chapter 5

6 Introduction to Messages and Lecture, Class Work Chapter 6:

the Writing Process Text message
& Email
7 Midterm Examination
Midterm Examination
8 Introduction to Messages and Lecture Chapter 6:
the Writing Process Memo,
Traditional
Letter
Introduction to Messages and (Appendix: B)
the Writing Process
9 Directness in Good News and Chapter 7
Neutral Messages Lecture, Assignment Due
10 Indirectness in Bad News Lecture Chapter 8
Messages
11 Strategies in Job Search Lecture, Assignment Due Chapter 9
Process
12 Business Report Writing Lecture Chapter 10,
11, 12
13 Business Report Writing Lecture, Group Presentation Chapter 10,
11, 12
14 Final Examination Final Examination

IX. COURSE POLICIES

1. Instructor’s Expectations of Students:

Students are expected to strive for excellence in acquiring knowledge – through attending all
classes from start to end; participating actively in class discussions; preparing for class lectures
in advance; spending at least two hours for each class-hour on, self-study, completion of
assigned tasks and preparation for class, quiz, exam, presentation, etc.; and completing and
submitting required tasks on-time.

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Students are also expected to maintain a classroom environment conducive to learning, be
respectful of others’ opinions and be completely honest by implementing the highest ethical
standards. It is also expected that students will uphold this principle in all their future endeavors,
including their career activities.

2. Academic Integrity:
Although group-study is encouraged strongly, all students/groups are expected to complete all
assignments individually. As such, one may not share, lend or borrow another student’s
(group’s) work in any manner - either on paper, by computer or by word of mouth. Any
cheating, plagiarism and other forms of scholastic dishonesty or misconduct will result in the
strictest disciplinary action - according to the BRACU regulations.

3. Make-Up:
No make-up quiz/exam will be administered and no late homework, assignment, case or
project will be accepted except for conflicts with official university business or extreme
emergencies. In the former case, please notify the instructor (at least) one week in advance; in
the latter case, please inform prior to the exam/quiz or immediately after. Under both
situations, students are expected to provide appropriate and authentic documentation.

4. “I” and “W” Grades:

A grade of “I“ (Incomplete) will be granted only as a result of most extreme circumstances -
beyond a student’s control and only after stringent verification of the circumstance and
approval. A grade of “I” is not given in lieu of an “F” or any other passing grade. Any student
who discontinues attending class, and who does not officially drop the course/ withdraw from
the university, will receive a grade of “F”.

5. Disability:
Any student who has a disability that prevents the fullest statement of his/her abilities should
contact the instructor personally. All efforts will be made to devise the appropriate
accommodation in order to facilitate student’s successful completion of the course.

X. DISCLAIMER
Every effort will be made to ensure that the information contained in this document is adhered
to, however, it is subject to change. Changes will be notified in class, in advance. Students are
encouraged to check with the instructor if there are any doubts. It is the student’s responsibility
to be informed.