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1. COM 295 Apply Week 3 Selecting Source of Research
(June, 2020 Syllabus)
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Refer to the “Evaluating Data Quality” practice activity.
Imagine that you are a marketing specialist at a media company. Over
the past few years, you have been researching how TV viewers use
mobile phones and other devices while watching TV. You want to find
out as much as you can about what other researchers, experts, and
commentators say about trends in this area as you prepare a strategy
brief for your executive team. Specifically, you want to know how TV
viewers use mobile phones, tablets, and other mobile devices while
watching sports events.
True/False: The first step you should take in developing your research-
based report is identifying what decision makers want to accomplish.
True
Correct
True/False: The information you can access through business databases
and other sources at your library is generally most reliable.
True

2. Correct
True/False: As you collect, analyze, and present data to others, you
should provide all the relevant facts, even if they do not fit into
convenient conclusions.
True
Correct
Who will your primary audience be for this business report?
low-level workers within the company
suppliers of the company
customers of the company
decision makers within the company
When you're evaluating secondary research and how well it can be
revised to address your specific business problem, you are considering
its
biases
reliability
adaptability
relevance
If you were to use a report or guide that generally describes research
about solving a particular issue, particularly one similar to the one you
are encountering, you would be using ____________.

3. scholarly journals
industry publications
business books
white papers
If you were looking for a research source that provides concise, easy to
understand research, which of the following research sources would you
be LEAST likely to use?
business periodicals
white papers
external blogs
scholarly journals
If, during your research, you were only interested in expert opinions on
the topic, which of the following types of secondary sources would be
LEAST helpful for you?
a white paper
a wiki
an industry report
a scholarly journal article
You can usually better assess the usefulness of ____________ than other
secondary sources because of the many online reviews available.
scholarly journals
external blogs

4. business books
industry publications
A drawback of using online databases is that they
provide outdated information
take time to navigate
are more expensive than primary research
are not found in university libraries
To ensure the completeness of a business message once you've compiled
your research and are preparing to deliver your message, you should be
sure to
avoid empty phrases
control paragraph length
be specific
use action verbs
Which of the following is most likely to negatively influence readers'
perceptions of your credibility?
generous white space
inaccurate statements
long paragraphs
passive voice

5. .....................................................................................................................
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COM 295 Apply Week 5 Communication Tools
Comparison (June 2020, Syllabus)
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Your coworker’s office is situated next to yours. One day she comes into
your office and informs you of a huge project that is in the process of
being assigned from upper management to your department’s manager.
Within forty eight hours, your department manager contacts you through
a text message informing you of your inclusion in this
project. Unfortunately, your manager included very minimal
information about project specifics, so you do not know enough to get a
solid start.
Your manager is highly political and does not pay much attention to
detail. Also, he does not like his personnel reaching out to individuals
outside of the department, especially his counterparts. On the other
hand, you do have good relationships with other departmental managers.
You will need to gather information so you can start your project and
determine whether to use traditional or social media communication
tools when you deliver your message.
Your manager dislikes email and texting because he cannot hear the
other person's tone of voice or see facial expressions. His frustration is
related to a lack of

6. •
cues
•
resources
•
constraints
•
control
If, in your quest to gather information, you need to meet with team
members that are in different time zones around the world, which
communication channel is most likely to meet your needs?
•
an electronic discussion thread
•
a videoconference
•
a series of one-to-one phone calls
•
a conference call
If you would like to communicate with everyone in your department, but
it is not necessary for everyone to receive the message at the same time,
which of the following tools would you use?

7. •
a phone conversation
•
a conference call
•
a videoconference
•
an email
When you are ready to schedule a meeting with your department, or if
you have a short, one-to-one or one-to-many message to deliver, which
of the following would be the most appropriate to use?
•
a webinar
•
texting
•
a conference call
•
a blog
You have finished your first draft of the project, complete with several
large files for your team members to review. Several team members are
remote and located in different cities. What is the most efficient way for
you to distribute the files for review?

8. •
through a site such as Dropbox
•
in the body of an email
•
as an email attachment
•
on a social media site
One possible negative effect of the text you received from your
department manager is that
•
instant messages do not work for group conversations
•
instant messages cannot convey meta messages
•
the brevity of messages can make them sound bossy
•
instant messaging is an inherently serious channel
If you wanted to develop a personal brand, which social media tool
would be most effective?
•
a blog

9. •
a social bookmarking page
•
a wiki
•
a discussion forum
One advantage of using social media in the workplace is that social
media
•
discourage self-promotion and opportunism.
•
create a clear demarcation between professional and private lives.
•
improve productivity when used constantly.
•
ensure quicker access to business expertise and knowledge.
While working with your team on the project, you decide to utilize a
shared file platform. When doing so, it is important to
•
discuss protocols for co-editing files
•
keep comments general

10. •
create a single, shared login
•
grant each user access to all documents
Once you finish your project, you want to present it in a forum where
your audience is able to hear your tone of voice and see your nonverbal
cues, such as facial expressions, gestures, and posture. The method of
communication that would best accomplish this is:
•
email
•
text message
•
videoconference
•
face-to-face conversation
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COM 295 Practice Week 5 Identifying Constraints of
Communication Channels(June 2020, Syllabus)
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11. Identifying Constraints of Communication Channels
Strategically selecting a communication channel means that you choose
the communication channel that is best able to meet your work
objectives. This process involves evaluating three qualities of
communication channels: richness, control, and constraints. Richness
involves two considerations: the level of immediacy and number of cues
available. Control refers to the degree to which communications can be
planned and recorded, thus allowing strategic message development.
Constraints refer to the practical limitations of coordination
and resources.
You will evaluate communication channels in terms of richness,
control, and constraints.
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COM 295 Practice Week 5 Moving toward the Social
Age(June 2020, Syllabus)
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Moving toward the Social Age

12. In the past several decades, major shifts in workplace culture have
occurred. These shifts have been identified with labels such as the
Industrial Age, the Information Age, and the Social Age.
You will notice overlapping dates for these eras since the dividing lines
between these areas are blurry. Currently, most companies operate in a
culture associated with the Information Age. However, some companies
still operate with values more aligned with the Industrial Age, and many
companies are more aligned with the values of the emerging Social Age.
So, you should be familiar with these various value sets and know how
to adapt to each one.
In this exercise, you will identify characteristics associated with the
Industrial Age (mid-1700s to 1985), the Information Age (1970 to
2025), and the Social Age (beginning around 2005 in some companies).
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COM 295 Week 3 Practice Evaluating a Routine Email
(June 2020 Syllabus)
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EVALUATING A ROUTINE EMAIL

13. Email continues to be the most common type of written
communication is most businesses. You can follow a variety of
Principles to use it effectively: (1) use it for the right purposes, (2)
ensure ease of reading, (3) show respect for others’ time,(4) protect the
privacy and confidentiality of others, (5) respond promptly, (6) maintain
professionalism and appropriate formality, (7) manage emotion
effectively, and (8) avoid distractions.
Typically, as you write an email message, you should do the
following: (1) provide a short, descriptive subject line, (2) use greetings
and closings effectively, (3) keep your message brief yet complete, (4)
clearly identify expected actions, (5) provide a descriptive and
professional signature block, and (6) use attachments wisely.
Routine messages should be direct and front-loaded. The primary
message should have ten words or fewer, and you should typically place
it in subject line of your email to immediately capture attention,
Furthermore, the primary message should appear in the first sentence or
two of the message and again in the closing if your message is several
paragraphs long.
In the body of the routine message, you should provide short
paragraphs with related details. To make sure your message receiver will
comply, include all needed information. As you draft the message, aim
for a helpful, professional, and readercentered tone. Focus on making the
message easy to read . Readers expect to understand your primary
message in less than 10 to 15 seconds, so use short sentences and
paragraphs. Paragraphs should generally be between 20 and 80 words.

14. Design your message so that readers can find information in just
moments. Use bullets, numbering, special formatting, and external links
to relevant information to highlight key ideas.
Read the case below and answer the question that follow.
SUBJECT: Proper Submissions
Hey,
[Sentence 1]Thank you for travelling to our recent event “Marketing to
Senior Citizens,” [Sentence 2] All of the following expenses will be
reimbursed: air travel (up to $500 for coach-class airfare), meals (for up
to $25 per meal), travel to and from the airport (for up to $75 per taxi
ride), and some incidentals (up to $20 per day).
[Sentence 3] Reimbursement will be sent to you after the following steps
are completed. [Sentence 4] An itemized spreadsheet of expenses must
be received by October 15. [Sentence 5] A date, an explanation, and an
expense amount should be included on the spreadsheet of expenses.
[Sentence 6] Additionally,a single file with copies of all receipts(in .pdf
form is best) muct be attached in order for your reimbursement to be
processes. [Sentence 7] The spreadsheet and copy of expenses should be
sent to the following email address: teri@slpconsulting.com. [Sentence
8] The phrase “reimbursement for Sept 15 Marketing Event” should be
written in the subject line.

15. Best,
Jack Manning
SLP Consulting, Principal
Email: jack.manning@slpconsulting.com
Skype: slp.manning
Which of the following subject lines would be best for this email?
• Please Submit Your Expenses before October 15
• In Order to be Reimbursed promptly, Please Remember to
Submit Your Expenses within Four Weeks
• Thank You for Attending the “ Marketing to Senior Citizens”
Event

16. This email lacks a focus on the future. Which of the following calls to
action ouldbe the best focus on the future?
• Feel free to contact me any time about developing campaigns to
attract senior citizens.
• Hurry and get your receipts in so you can get you reimbursement
right away!
• Good luck reaching your marketing goals!
Overall, Which statement about the address block is most accurate?
• It is professional and complete.
• It is unprofessional and complete.
• It is professional and incomplete.
Before I write routine messages, Imake sure I’ve gathered all of the
relevant information.
• Rarely/Never
• Sometimes
• Usually
• Always

17. Before I write routine messages, I spend a significant amount of time
analyzing and piecing together the information
• Rarely/Never
• Sometimes
• Usually
• Always
Before I write routine messages, I learn as much as Ireasonably can
about the needs of the message receiver(s)
• Rarely/Never
• Sometimes
• Usually
• Always
As I write routine messages, I think about how the message receiver(s)
will feel while reading the message.
• Rarely/Never
• Sometimes

18. • Usually
• Always
As I write routine messages, I think about how the message receiver(s)
will respond.
• Rarely/Never
• Sometimes
• Usually
• Always
As I write routine messages, I think about how quickly the message
receiver(s) will be able to read the message.
• Rarely/Never
• Sometimes
• Usually
• Always

19. Before sending a routine message, I place myself in the position of the
message receiver(s) and reread the message imagining how the message
will be interpreted.
• Rarely/Never
• Sometimes
• Usually
• Always
Before sending a routine message, I carefully double-check the entire
message to make sure it is appropriate and accurate.
• Rarely/Never
• Sometimes
• Usually
• Always

20. Before sending a routine message, I frequently ask people I trust to read
the message or ask them how they would handle the communication.
• Rarely/Never
• Sometimes
• Usually
• Always
Before sending a routine message, I use a spell-checker.
• Rarely/Never
• Sometimes
• Usually
• Always
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COM 295 Week 4 Evaluating the Needs of an Audience
(June 2020, Syllabus)
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21. Evaluating the Needs of an Audience
Understanding the needs of your audience is one of your first tasks as
you develop your presentations. As you do your homework about the
audience, answer the following questions to the degree possible:
How will audience members benefit from the product, service, or ideas I
am proposing? This is the single most important question you can use to
guide you as you design your presentation. In particular, focus on
benefits that fulfill an unmet need.
What communication styles will your audience respond to based on their
motivational values? Identify the motivational value systems (MVSs) of
your audience and how you might appeal to the following MVSs: blue
MVS, red MVS, green MVS, and hubs.
What is the learning style of your audience? Most people fall into one of
three major learning styles: visual, auditory, or kinesthetic.
Read the case below and answer the questions that follow.

22. Assume that you work in a human resources department. Recently, a
small earthquake struck near the headquarters of your company.
Although there were no injuries and little damage, your company
president thinks that all employees should be more prepared for a major
earthquake. In her words, “You never know when we’ll get the big one.”
She has asked you to promote some earthquake preparedness
workshops. The company president is holding an employee town hall
meeting for approximately 100 employees this week. She has given you
ten minutes to describe and promote the upcoming earthquake
preparedness workshops. The workshops will run for two hours and
involve expert training. Attending the workshops is entirely voluntary.
You have scheduled five workshops to allow as many employees as
possible to fit a workshop into their schedules.
Now, you need to think about how best to use your ten minutes to
promote the workshops.
Which of the following is most likely an obstacle to employees attending
a two-hour workshop on emergency preparedness?
Multiple Choice
•
fitting a workshop into their busy schedules
Correct
•
skepticism that an earthquake will occur during their lifetimes
•
security in the fact that their home insurance plans will cover any
earthquake damage

23. •
distrust in company leadership
Explanation
Two hours is a big commitment for most employees, especially when
it’s voluntary. This would likely be the primary obstacle for nearly all
employees. They would not be skeptical that an earthquake might occur
in their lifetimes; after all, they just felt an earthquake recently. There’s
no reason to believe they feel secure in their insurance plans and distrust
company leadership. If anything, these workshops show that the
company’s leaders are interested in the well-being of their employees.
You plan to explain to the employees that the workshop will be
engaging. It will include a variety of activities, including short videos,
simulations, and hands-on activities. You will emphasize that the
workshop will move quickly from activity to activity. This will most
appeal to what type of learner?
Multiple Choice
•
kinesthetic learners
Correct
•
visual learners
•
auditory learners
Explanation

24. This format of training appeals most to kinesthetic learners, those who
like to be actively involved and need a change in activities fairly
frequently.
As part of your ten-minute pitch about the workshops, you plan to show
several diagrams and charts. One diagram depicts the procedures in
place at your workplace. One chart shows the dramatic reduction in risks
to homes that can be achieved with simple preventative measures. This
approach most appeals to what type of learner?
Multiple Choice
•
visual learners
Correct
•
kinesthetic learners
•
auditory learners
Explanation
Charts and diagrams clearly appeal most to visual learners.
With the company president’s permission, you’ve thought of a variety of
incentives to get employees to attend the workshops. Which of the
following would not be an effective incentive?

25. Multiple Choice
•
a food storage starter kit for only $99
Correct
•
a free meal
•
a $100 company donation to the Red Cross in the name of each
employee who attends the workshops
•
a free emergency preparedness guidebook
Explanation
Any time you’re asking employees to attend voluntary events, you will
need to think of some good incentives to attend. Most employees would
never pay for anything related to a workshop, especially a workshop that
most employees would consider non-urgent. On the other hand, most
employees are attracted to free items and services.
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COM 295 Week 4 Practice Case Analysis Establishing
Credibility as a Presenter (June 2020, Syllabus)
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Establishing Credibility as a Presenter
One of your first presentation strategies should be to establish
credibility. Without appearing self-serving, find ways to increase your
perceived credibility. Use the presentation to show your thorough
understanding of a business issue. Frame your ideas in ways that show
clear benefits to your company, its employees, and its stakeholders. In
every way, display honesty and openness.
During the presentation, you establish your competence by showing that
you know the content well. You show your caring by connecting
emotionally with audience members and adapting to their needs. You
show your character by being open and honest. After your presentation,
following up as appropriate with audience members shows your caring
and character as well. Some audience members may raise issues for you
to look into or ask for additional information. Comply with these
requests promptly and you will establish a reputation for responsiveness.
In this exercise, you will evaluate how your actions and statements build
your credibility in terms of competence, caring, and character.
Read the case below and answer the questions that follow.

27. You are a marketing specialist at a media company. Over the past few
years, you have been researching how TV viewers use mobile phones
and other devices while watching TV. You have found that viewers
increasingly expect to engage via mobile devices with TV shows and
their audiences while watching TV.
About one month ago, you and your colleagues gave a presentation to
executives at your company regarding some of your survey results. The
executive team members were generally impressed with the information,
but they also seemed skeptical that your company needed to make any
major changes. These executives made various statements referring to
using mobile devices while watching TV as "largely a fad" or simply
"nonmonetizing." They also expressed concern about making major
changes to cater to the youngest viewers (under 25 years old), who they
feel are not their most important demographic. However, they were
impressed with your presentation enough that they wanted you to dig
deeper into the data and come up with some recommendations.
After a month of deeper analysis of your data, you have found even
stronger evidence that viewers under 40 use their mobile devices
frequently while watching TV. You thought these data helped bolster
your argument that younger TV viewers expect an interactive experience
while watching TV programs—using mobile devices to interact with TV
hosts, actors, and other viewers; to participate in contests and games;
and to interact in other creative ways with the programming.

28. With more and more TV viewers recording shows and watching
commercial-free later, you thought that adopting an interactive approach
to many programs could counteract this trend and get viewers excited
about watching programs live. In fact, you think there is currently a
great opportunity to develop a new business model that embraces
interactive programming.
Now, you've returned to make a presentation to this same group of
senior vice presidents (SVPs): Katie O'Harrah, SVP of marketing; Jake
Ecksberg, SVP of programming; Sam Clawson, SVP of interactive;
Marco Feinstein, SVP of communications; and Peter Orwell, SVP of
business development. You know most of these executives are skeptical
of major changes to the current business model, but you also expect
them to listen objectively to your views. You will recommend that the
company aggressively pursues programming with an interactive
component. In particular, you will suggest pilot-testing interactive
features for three shows that are most popular with your 31- to 40-year-
old demographic.
Which of the following statements is most likely to raise your credibility
through competence?
Multiple Choice
•
"We've provided the original data from the survey on the corporate
intranet so you can access it yourselves."
•
"I do think we should let our creative teams worry about that."
•

29. "In addition to these survey results, we've found from many sources—in
our viewer labs, with focus group research, and with interviews of
dozens of industry experts—that viewers expect more interactive TV."
Correct
•
"We've done all of this research to help us gain a competitive
advantage—to gain insights about where the market is going so that we
can focus our efforts in the right direction."
Explanation
The correct statement most emphasizes the reliability of you and the
data. It emphasizes your ability to gather research well and form
thoroughly analyzed conclusions. It also emphasizes reliability through
many sources of information. In short, this statement emphasizes your
ability to approach your business problem well and get the job done.
By showing a thorough understanding of your survey results, organizing
your content in a clear manner, and generally showing you are prepared
for this presentation, you are most demonstrating what aspect of
credibility?
Multiple Choice
•
caring
•
character
•

30. competence
Correct
Explanation
By coming prepared with well-analyzed and well-organized content, you
are primarily demonstrating competence. You inspire confidence that
you know what you're talking about.
Before introducing the results of your survey, you explain in detail how
you collected the data and the possible limitations of this survey. You
also tell the SVPs where they can access all of the raw data on the
corporate intranet. What aspect of credibility are you most
demonstrating?
Multiple Choice
•
character
Correct
•
competence
•
caring
Explanation
You are primarily demonstrating character. You are focusing on
transparency by opening up the survey process and data to the SVPs. It's

31. unlikely they will have time to go through your data, but they are likely
to now place more trust in your character and assume that you will not
manipulate the data for your own personal agenda.
After the presentation, you discover that you provided some inaccurate
figures. In a few cases, you inadvertently overstated by more than 50
percent the use of mobile devices while watching TV. You immediately
email the SVPs with the correct figures and explain what you think this
implies about your recommendations. What aspect of credibility are you
most demonstrating?
Multiple Choice
•
character
Correct
•
competence
•
caring
Explanation
In this case, the best choice is character. You've made a mistake and you
do not want to hide it. You are living up to high moral and ethical values
by fixing the mistake and ensuring transparency.