Describes an assignment on writing instructions for the author's introductory sophomore-level business communication classes: a one-day instruction-writing activity that requires students to teach themselves. Describes the preparation and rationale for this activity, and includes the memo that directs students as they teach themselves during the…

Describes a writing assignment in a business communication class in which students, in previously designated study groups, discover for themselves the complex interaction between a writer and an audience by becoming the president, vice president, and manager of operations of a company, and solve a problem that they can handle only through memos.…

Describes adding lessons on stress management to the business communications classroom. (RS)

Presents a case study for use in business communication classes to help students understand and learn both the context and the strategies for communication with business and management. Deals with a situation in which an executive wants to close down the company's fitness center but is open to arguments by one of its avid users. Includes two…

Describes a project assignment for a business communication course that is the central organizing principle for the course and addresses researching, interviewing, writing and reporting topics, and the inevitable question of why this course is required. (SR)

Describes two assignments conducted during the first few days of class that introduces students to the concept of format, provides a writing sample from each student, and furthers the process of students getting to know each other and the teacher. (SR)

Describes a business communication assignment in which students participate in a formal meeting (on coursework and evaluation) and later analyze the group processes. Notes that written activities from each student include preliminary memos, minutes of the meeting, and comments on group processes. (SR)

Describes a major portfolio project in a business-communication class which both develops students' critical-thinking skills (as they prepare five analyses of different business-communication situations chosen from a list of 10 options) and provides opportunities for their development as writers. (SR)

Describes an exercise for a technical writing course on documenting a problem within a corporate environment, thus giving students experience in appropriate documentation to tackle some of the operational, political, and ethical problems common in the workplace. (SR)

Presents a case study for use in business communication classes to help students understand and learn both the context and the strategies for communication with business and management. Deals with communications gone wrong between a company and a very important potential client and what might be done salvage the contract. Includes correspondence…

Presents a case study for use in business communication classes to help students understand and learn both the context and the strategies for communication with business and management. Deals with responding to a customer complaint, including customer service philosophy, specific product information, and the fine line between sympathy with the…

Discusses an analytical assignment for the business curriculum which helps students obtain knowledge of and practice their communication skills, including interpersonal and team skills. Outlines the skills developed, implementing the assignment, and project outcomes. Lists suggested topics and includes several checklists. (SR)

Discusses performance appraisals in business. Describes a performance appraisal assignment that involves written assignments, role-playing an appraisal interview, and subsequent discussion of issues that arise. Includes several figures describing assignment activities. (SR)

Describes an assignment in a corporate-communications class in which students examine the design and the language of their apartment leases. Discusses how this assignment teaches students about the Plain English laws and the need for plain English in leases and in ethics. (SR)

Presents a case study for use in business communication classes to help students understand and learn both the context and the strategies for communication with business management. Deals with a case requiring difficult negotiation and compromise in a situation where personal beliefs conflict with organizational goals. Includes four assignments.…