LinkedInDr. Laura PohopienRUBRIC APPLIED BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONTopicLinkedIn0-4 points5-8 points9-10 pointsEvaluation ItemDoes Not Meet ExpectationsMeets ExpectationsExceeds ExpectationsScreen Shots Part 1Default or casual/unprofessional photo, minimal headline with limited editingIncludes personal photo and headline, missing details which heighten headline interestIncludes business professional looking photo, and completed edited headlineScreen Shots Part 2Lists CPP but not a proper tag, may miss degree pursuit and/or graduation date, adds many JC degrees adds high school Includes CPP, missing tag, degree pursuit, and/or expected graduationIncludes proper CPP tag, degree pursuit, and expected graduationScreen Shots Part 3Includes some work/and or relevant volunteer experience with no or limited explanationIncludes work and/or relevant volunteer experience with duty driven explanationIncludes work and/or relevant volunteer experience with a focus on accomplishmentsOverallLimited effort in design, content and editingDesign, content, and editing approaching completenessDesign, content, and editing resemble a fully professional account Chapters 1, 2, 3 QuestionsDr. Laura PohopienRUBRIC APPLIED BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONTopicChapter Review Questions0-2 points3-4 points5 pointsEvaluation ItemDoes Not Meet ExpectationsMeets ExpectationsExceeds ExpectationsAnswersMissing textbook information and personal examples. Missed answering questionsProvides answers with limited textbook information and personal examples.Provides clear answers with textbook content related. Incorporates personal examples within to all the assigned questionsFormat and ContentSloppy editing with a lack of attention to detail, did not add the question and/or numbered responses.Limited editing and some sentence/grammar errors. Adds the question before the answer and is numberedEdits for typos, sentence structure and grammar, has 2 or more sentences in the answer, adds the question before the answer and is numberedOverallDemonstrated limited knowledge through answers and incomplete.Used some book knowledge and personal examples. Responses were brief Utilized book knowledge and lecture notes along with personal examples to provide complete responses. Business CorrespondenceDr. Laura PohopienRUBRIC APPLIED BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONTopicBusiness Correspondence0-4 points5-8 points9-10 pointsEvaluation ItemDoes Not Meet ExpectationsMeets ExpectationsExceeds ExpectationsDirect and Indirect PlanDemonstrates little understanding in the use of both plans vis a vis the 3 message types and does not follow the format for each given message.Demonstrates decent understanding in the use of both plans vis a vis the 3 message types and somewhat follows the format for each given message.Demonstrates clear understanding in the use of both plans vis a vis the 3 message types and follows the format for each given message.Scenario InterpretationDemonstrates little understanding of the scenario by providin ...

1. LinkedInDr. Laura PohopienRUBRIC APPLIED BUSINESS
COMMUNICATIONTopicLinkedIn0-4 points5-8 points9-10
pointsEvaluation ItemDoes Not Meet ExpectationsMeets
ExpectationsExceeds ExpectationsScreen Shots Part 1Default or
casual/unprofessional photo, minimal headline with limited
editingIncludes personal photo and headline, missing details
which heighten headline interestIncludes business professional
looking photo, and completed edited headlineScreen Shots Part
2Lists CPP but not a proper tag, may miss degree pursuit and/or
graduation date, adds many JC degrees adds high school
Includes CPP, missing tag, degree pursuit, and/or expected
graduationIncludes proper CPP tag, degree pursuit, and
expected graduationScreen Shots Part 3Includes some work/and
or relevant volunteer experience with no or limited
explanationIncludes work and/or relevant volunteer experience
with duty driven explanationIncludes work and/or relevant
volunteer experience with a focus on
accomplishmentsOverallLimited effort in design, content and
editingDesign, content, and editing approaching
completenessDesign, content, and editing resemble a fully
professional account
Chapters 1, 2, 3 QuestionsDr. Laura PohopienRUBRIC
APPLIED BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONTopicChapter
Review Questions0-2 points3-4 points5 pointsEvaluation
ItemDoes Not Meet ExpectationsMeets ExpectationsExceeds
ExpectationsAnswersMissing textbook information and personal
examples. Missed answering questionsProvides answers with
limited textbook information and personal examples.Provides
clear answers with textbook content related. Incorporates
personal examples within to all the assigned questionsFormat
and ContentSloppy editing with a lack of attention to detail, did
not add the question and/or numbered responses.Limited editing
and some sentence/grammar errors. Adds the question before
the answer and is numberedEdits for typos, sentence structure

2. and grammar, has 2 or more sentences in the answer, adds the
question before the answer and is
numberedOverallDemonstrated limited knowledge through
answers and incomplete.Used some book knowledge and
personal examples. Responses were brief Utilized book
knowledge and lecture notes along with personal examples to
provide complete responses.
Business CorrespondenceDr. Laura PohopienRUBRIC APPLIED
BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONTopicBusiness
Correspondence0-4 points5-8 points9-10 pointsEvaluation
ItemDoes Not Meet ExpectationsMeets ExpectationsExceeds
ExpectationsDirect and Indirect PlanDemonstrates little
understanding in the use of both plans vis a vis the 3 message
types and does not follow the format for each given
message.Demonstrates decent understanding in the use of both
plans vis a vis the 3 message types and somewhat follows the
format for each given message.Demonstrates clear
understanding in the use of both plans vis a vis the 3 message
types and follows the format for each given message.Scenario
InterpretationDemonstrates little understanding of the scenario
by providing a poor response according to the goals of effective
business communication and assertive approach. Could be
aggressive in response.Demonstrates decent understanding of
the scenario by providing a limited response somewhat
bypassing the goals of effective business communication and
assertive approach. Could be passive aggressiveDemonstrates
clear understanding of the scenario by providing a proper
response according to the goals of effective business
communication and assertive approachCreative StyleProvides
little information in strategic areas of the message that would
demonstrates that the student lacks knowledge of the scenario
and its assumptions.Provides little additional information in
strategic areas of the message and demonstrates that the student
used little research to guide their response.Provides thorough
information in strategic areas of the message and demonstrates
that the student used extensive research to guide their

3. response.Grammar and PunctuationSloppy editing with a lack of
attention to detail.Limited editing and some sentence/grammar
errors. Edits for typos, sentence structure and grammar
Business ProposalDr. Laura PohopienRUBRIC APPLIED
BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONTopicBusiness Proposal0-6
points7-13 points14-15 pointsEvaluation ItemDoes Not Meet
ExpectationsMeets ExpectationsExceeds ExpectationsContent
CompletionIncludes some of the required sections for SOW
proposals with minimal graphics and explanations of work. No
statement of contract signing and date dueIncludes most of
required sections for SOW proposals with some graphics and
explanations of work. Finishes with a statement of contract
signing and date dueIncludes all required sections for SOW
proposals with full graphics and explanations of work. Finishes
with a statement of contract signing and date dueCreative
StyleProvides little information in strategic areas of the
message that would demonstrates that the student lacks
knowledge of the scenario and its assumptions.Provides
additional information in strategic areas of the message and
demonstrates that the student used little research to guide their
response.Provides thorough information in strategic areas of the
proposal which demonstrates that the student used extensive
research to guide their response.Persuasive FormatDemonstrates
little understanding in the use of persuasive requests as
discussed in the business correspondence portion of the
course.Demonstrates decent understanding in the use of
persuasive requests as discussed in the business correspondence
portion of the course..Demonstrates clear understanding in the
use of persuasive requests as discussed in the business
correspondence portion of the course.Grammar and
PunctuationSloppy editing with a lack of attention to
detail.Limited editing and some sentence/grammar errors. Edits
for typos, sentence structure and grammar
Video PresentationDr. Laura PohopienRUBRIC APPLIED
BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONTopicVideo Presentation0-2
points3-4 points5 pointsEvaluation ItemDoes Not Meet

4. ExpectationsMeets ExpectationsExceeds
ExpectationsOrganizationIdeas may not be focused or
developed; the main purpose is not clear. The introduction is
undeveloped. Main points are difficult to identify. Transitions
may be needed. There is no conclusion or may not be clear the
presentation has concluded. Conclusion does not tie back to the
introduction. Audience cannot understand presentation because
there is no sequence of information.Main idea is evident, but
the organizational structure many need to be strengthened; ideas
may not clearly developed or always flow smoothly and the
purpose is not clearly stated. The introduction may not be well
developed. Main points are not clear. Transitions may be
awkward. Supporting material may lack in development. The
conclusion may need additional development. Audience has
difficulty understanding the presentation because the sequence
of information is unclear.Ideas are clearly organized,
developed, and supported to achieve a purpose; the purpose is
clear. The introduction gets the attention of the audience and
clearly states the specific purpose of the speech. Main points
are clear and organized effectively. The conclusion is satisfying
and relates back to introduction. (If the purpose of the
presentation is to persuade, there is a clear action step
identified and an overt call to action.)Creative StyleProvdes
little informaion in strategic areas of the message that would
demonstrates that the student lacks knowledge of the
presentation essential format.Provdes additional informaion in
strategic areas of the message and demonstrates that the student
used little of the format to guide their story.Provdes thorough
informaion in strategic areas of the proposal which
demonstrates that the student used the format to create a
story.Audience/Professor AdaptationThe presenter is not able to
keep the audience engaged. Topic selection does not relate to
audience needs and interests.The presenter is able to keep the
audience engaged most of the time. Generally, the speaker
demonstrates audience awareness through nonverbal and verbal
behaviors. Topic selection and examples are somewhat

5. appropriate for the audience, occasion, or setting. Some effort
to make the material relevant to audience needs and
interests.The presenter is able to effectively keep the audience
engaged. Delivery style is modified as needed. Topic selection
and examples are interesting and relevant for the audience and
occasion.DeliveryThe delivery detracts from the message; eye
contact may be very limited; the presenter may tend to look at
the floor, mumble, speak inaudibly, fidget, or read most of the
speech; gestures and movements may be jerky or excessive. The
delivery may appear inconsistent with the message. Nonwords
(“ums”) are used excessively. Articulation and pronunciation
tend to be sloppy. Poise of composure is lost during any
distractions. Audience members have difficulty hearing the
presentation.The delivery generally seems effective – however,
effective use of volume, eye contact, vocal control, etc. may not
be consistent; some hesitancy may be observed. Vocal tone,
facial expressions, clothing and other nonverbal expressions do
not detract significantly from the message. The delivery style,
tone of voice, and clothing choices do not seem out-of-place or
disrespectful to the audience or occasion. Some use of nonwords
are observed. Generally, articulation and pronunciation are
clear. Most audience members can hear the presentation. The
delivery is extemporaneous -- natural, confident, and enhances
the message – posture, eye contact, smooth gestures, facial
expressions, volume, pace, etc. indicate confidence, a
commitment to the topic, and a willingness to communicate.
The vocal tone, delivery style, and clothing are consistent with
the message. Delivery style and clothing choices suggest an
awareness of expectations and norms. Limited use of nonwords
is observed. Articulation and pronunciation are clear. All
audience members can hear the presentation.
Discussion Board PostsDr. Laura PohopienRUBRIC APPLIED
BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONTopicDiscussion Board Posts0-
1.5 point2-2.5 pointsEvaluation ItemDoes Not Meet
ExpectationsMeets ExpectationsOrganizationIdeas may not be
focused or developed; the main purpose is not clear. Main

6. points are difficult to identify. There is no conclusion or may
not be clear in their opinion.Ideas are clearly organized,
developed, and supported to achieve a purpose; the purpose and
opinion is clear. Main points are clear and organized
effectively. The conclusion is satisfying and relates back to
introduction.Creative StyleProvdes little informaion in strategic
areas of the message that would demonstrates that the student
lacks knowledge of the essential nformation.Provdes additional
informaion in strategic areas of the message and demonstrates
that the student understood the information.Grammar and
PunctuationSloppy editing with a lack of attention to
detail.Edits for typos, sentence structure and grammar
Cal Poly Pomona
BUS 3000
Dr. Laura Pohopien
Chapters 7, 8, 9 Business Communication Scenarios
CHAPTER 7 Positive, Neutral, Goodwill (Direct Plan)
1. 6 months ago, you entered into a 1-year contract with Planet
Fitness. In the past 2 months, much of the equipment has not
been working properly and the A/C is faulty making the gym
hot. You have spoken to the facility manager about receiving a
refund for the unused portion of the contract, but he cannot do
anything to help. Write an email to the corporate office
requesting a refund for the remaining 6 months.
2. As customer service manager for Lean Cuisine Frozen Foods,
respond to a letter you received from Joe Cool, a student at Cal
Poly Pomona. Joe wrote expressing his disappointing
experience with a Vegetarian Lasagna he purchased from the
local grocery store’s frozen food section. Although Joe did not
ask for a refund, his letter was to inform your company about
the poor quality of the frozen dinner. Write a letter to Joe to
help restore his confidence in Lean Cuisine. Encourage him to

7. try another of the many vegetarian options.
CHAPTER 8 Negative (Indirect Plan)
1. 10 months ago, Sara Smile purchased a computerized
embroidery machine online from your company, Sew Sweet
Machines. The machine was sold with a 6-month limited
warranty. Sara asked for a new machine replacement because
the sewing needle is bent and the thread gets tangled. She
raised no concerns during the warranty period. Write a letter to
Sara denying her request for a replacement, but offer a
discounted repair to the machine for $35 at one of your
authorized dealers.
2. You are the owner of Clean Rite Carpet Cleaners, a company
that cleans carpets using a special chemical process. You do
not guarantee success, but you have a good reputation for
getting out stains. Sam Jones is placing his house for sale and
in preparing for an open house asked your company to remove a
red stain that came from the painted wooden chair leg. When
you left after cleaning the carpet, the stain appeared to be gone.
However, you received word that the stain reappeared and Mr.
Jones is requesting one-half the cost of a brand new carpet. Mr.
Jones’s open house is only a week from now, and the stain
could discourage buyers. Write an email refusing the request.
Chapter 9 Persuasive (Indirect Plan for Persuasive Messages)
1. You recently moved to Scottsdale, AZ for a job. Until you
moved to Scottsdale, you had no idea how brutal the sun could
be. One of your colleagues suggested you get your car windows
tinted to reduce UV rays, reflect the sun, and cut the glare. 4
months ago, you had TintU tint your car windows. You were
given a 60-day guarantee on the work, but already the tinted
film on the windows has turned purple and bubbled. Write
Mary Berry, the manager, asking for repair or refund because

8. the job is not quality.