Students
ICOM823 – Corporate Writing
2017 – S1 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Howard Gelman
Y3A190
Monday 11–12pm, Wednesday 12–1pm
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MIntComm or MIntRel or MIntCommMIntRel or MIntBusMIntComm
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit covers writing for business from an international perspective. Students are given instruction in writing for different international audiences. On the one hand, the lectures cover strategies for writing effective business reports, government papers, press releases and public relations documents for a wide range of business and government publications. On the other hand, theoretical enquiry will explore the historical organisational and aesthetic contexts of writing for international business media.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of business writing criteria and how to communicate specific ideas in plain English.
- Apply techniques of interpersonal interviewing and understanding of commercial principles in corporate communication.
- Critically evaluate a range of corporate cultures and apply decision making to specific business situations.
- Research and analyse international corporate communication techniques and apply detailed cultural criteria to each assessment.
- Persuade and convince an audience through individual and group interaction.
- Identify and evaluate the particular forces at work in cross-cultural communication as well as the underlying biases and preconceptions.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Writing assignments in class | 25% | No | weeks 2-12 |
| Presentation and report | 20% | No | week 5-6 |
| Financial institution report | 25% | No | week 8 |
| Corporate Business Report | 30% | No | weeks 12 |
Writing assignments in class
Due: weeks 2-12
Weighting: 25%
From week 2–12 students will complete 250-300 word assignments and participate in class discussions. Each task will cover a corporate writing document and will be assessed as to the writer's ability to understand the format and complete the task on time. Details about tutorials and grading procedures will be provided in tutorial discussions. All in-class assignments must be completed by week 13 and submitted through Turnitin.
Late Assessment Submission: Assessment tasks are aligned to the unit learning Outcomes. Timely submission of assessment tasks is a unit requirement or penalties apply. 10% per day (including weekends) will be deducted for all late submissions unless Disruptions to Studies (including a request for an extension) is approved.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of business writing criteria and how to communicate specific ideas in plain English.
- Persuade and convince an audience through individual and group interaction.
- Identify and evaluate the particular forces at work in cross-cultural communication as well as the underlying biases and preconceptions.
Presentation and report
Due: week 5-6
Weighting: 20%
Students will be assigned an international business newspaper for analysis using research, course readings, and class discussion as a guide. You will be provided with a detailed list of review items to discuss. Presentations will take 10–15 minutes. It will be judged on coherence, conciseness and information given to the class.
Written assignment: Each student will provide a 500 word written summary of their research. The report should analyse the particular business newspaper. You will be assessed on the content, subject area and ability to write grammatically and clearly. Presentations will take place during week 5 and the report is due in week 6 submitted through Turnitin.
Late Assessment Submission: Assessment tasks are aligned to the unit learning Outcomes. Timely submission of assessment tasks is a unit requirement or penalties apply. 10% per day (including weekends) will be deducted for all late submissions unless Disruptions to Studies (including a request for an extension) is approved.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of business writing criteria and how to communicate specific ideas in plain English.
- Apply techniques of interpersonal interviewing and understanding of commercial principles in corporate communication.
- Persuade and convince an audience through individual and group interaction.
Financial institution report
Due: week 8
Weighting: 25%
In keeping with business journalism, and considering what you have learned about the aim and purpose of business news production, you will write a piece of finance journalism detailing the history and current status of one of the world’s financial institutions such as, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the G-8+5, the Euro Bank. You may consider some recent news reports covered in the daily press. The report should present an analysis of the functions of the institution and focus on a recent example from your country of origin in which the agency was involved.
Your report will be assessed on the basis of adequate research on the topic; ability to analyse the effects of the financial institution on your area of focus; and ability to explain in writing the main strengths and weaknesses of the institution. Reports should be submitted through Turnitin.
Late Assessment Submission: Assessment tasks are aligned to the unit learning Outcomes. Timely submission of assessment tasks is a unit requirement or penalties apply. 10% per day (including weekends) will be deducted for all late submissions unless Disruptions to Studies (including a request for an extension) is approved.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of business writing criteria and how to communicate specific ideas in plain English.
- Apply techniques of interpersonal interviewing and understanding of commercial principles in corporate communication.
- Critically evaluate a range of corporate cultures and apply decision making to specific business situations.
- Research and analyse international corporate communication techniques and apply detailed cultural criteria to each assessment.
- Persuade and convince an audience through individual and group interaction.
- Identify and evaluate the particular forces at work in cross-cultural communication as well as the underlying biases and preconceptions.
Corporate Business Report
Due: weeks 12
Weighting: 30%
Choose an identifiable business industry (such as retail clothing, cosmetics, or sporting goods) and analyse at least two corporations or companies involved in that industry. One of the entitites should have an Australian connection. You will discuss the key issues facing the relevant companies. The report should be presented as a news analysis investor feature that could be placed in a business publication as discussed in tutorial. The report will be based on independent research drawn from a variety of primary and secondary sources including interviews. The report will contain a bibliography.
Your writing will be assessed on your ability to put into practice the knowledge of formats you have used during the semester, such as, executive summaries, charts and graphs, the use of up-to-date financial data and grammatically correct writing. The report is due in week 12 and submitted through Turnitin.
Late Assessment Submission: Assessment tasks are aligned to the unit learning Outcomes. Timely submission of assessment tasks is a unit requirement or penalties apply. 10% per day (including weekends) will be deducted for all late submissions unless Disruptions to Studies (including a request for an extension) is approved.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of business writing criteria and how to communicate specific ideas in plain English.
- Research and analyse international corporate communication techniques and apply detailed cultural criteria to each assessment.
- Identify and evaluate the particular forces at work in cross-cultural communication as well as the underlying biases and preconceptions.
Delivery and Resources
This seminar is conduced in a computer laboratory with each student at a console and network hook-up to the instructor's computer. There are currently 23 computers available in Y3A Lab 2 for ICOM 823.
Unit Schedule
REQUIRED READING
The required text for the unit is Everyone Can Write, H. Gelman, 2014, Exisle Publishing. Week 1 to 4 read pp.1–79 in Everyone Can Write.. It is recommended that you bring this book to class as it will be used to complete weekly writing tasks. It can be purchased at the Coop.
An ICOM823 reader with relevant weekly articles (as listed below) is available online:
Week One
McLuhan, E and Zingrone, F (1995), Essential McLuhan, London, Routledge, pp 149-51.
Week Two
Hartley, Peter and Bruckman, Clive (2002) Business Communication, London, Routeledge, pp 69-89.
Bennett, Roger (1999), International Business 2nd edition, London: Financial Times Management, pp.1-25.
Week Three
Petelin, Roslyn and Durham, Marsha, (2001) The professional writing guide, Sydney, Business and Professional Publishing, pp. 1–13.
Week Four and Five
In-class newspaper reports.
Week Six
Views of Public Relations.
Cadzow, Jane, “The hidden persuaders”, The Sydney Morning Herald, 26 May 2001,
Week Seven
Barass, Robert (2002). Writing at Work–Say it without words, London and New York: Routledge Study Guides, pp 81–98.
Marsen, Skye, (2003), Professional Writing, Hampshire Palgrave, pp. 134–164.
Week Eight
White, Sally (1996) Reporting in Australia, “The Interview”, Sydney, Macmillan pp. 74-88.
Week Nine
Applegate, Ed. (2005), Strategic Copywriting. How to Create Effective Advertising, Rowman & Littlefield, Inc. pp. 55-66.
Marra James L. (1993), Advertising Copywriting, NJ: Prentice Hall, pp. 191-229.
Week Ten
Rozakis, Laurie, The literate executive, Sydney: Mcgraw-Hill, pp 59–70.
Iacone, S. G. (2003), Write to the Point, Castle Books, pp. 23-35.
Week Eleven
Watson, Jane (2002), Business writing basics, Canada, Self-Counsel Press pp. 96-116
Week Twelve
Wilson, Ian (2000), The new rules of corporate conduct, Quorum Books, pp. 137-152.
RECOMMENDED READING
Strunk, W and White, EB (2008). The Elements of Style. Seventh edition. Boston, Allyn and Bacon.
Tredinnick, Mark, (2010), The Little Black Book of Business Writing, Sydney, UNSW Press.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html
Disruption to Studies Policy (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html
Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Additional information
MMCCS Session Re-mark Application http://www.mq.edu.au/pubstatic/public/download/?id=167914
Information is correct at the time of publication
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative
Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Apply techniques of interpersonal interviewing and understanding of commercial principles in corporate communication.
- Critically evaluate a range of corporate cultures and apply decision making to specific business situations.
- Persuade and convince an audience through individual and group interaction.
- Identify and evaluate the particular forces at work in cross-cultural communication as well as the underlying biases and preconceptions.
Assessment tasks
- Writing assignments in class
- Financial institution report
- Corporate Business Report
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of business writing criteria and how to communicate specific ideas in plain English.
- Identify and evaluate the particular forces at work in cross-cultural communication as well as the underlying biases and preconceptions.
Assessment tasks
- Writing assignments in class
- Corporate Business Report
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Apply techniques of interpersonal interviewing and understanding of commercial principles in corporate communication.
- Research and analyse international corporate communication techniques and apply detailed cultural criteria to each assessment.
Assessment tasks
- Writing assignments in class
- Presentation and report
- Financial institution report
- Corporate Business Report
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Apply techniques of interpersonal interviewing and understanding of commercial principles in corporate communication.
- Research and analyse international corporate communication techniques and apply detailed cultural criteria to each assessment.
Assessment tasks
- Presentation and report
- Financial institution report
- Corporate Business Report
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of business writing criteria and how to communicate specific ideas in plain English.
- Apply techniques of interpersonal interviewing and understanding of commercial principles in corporate communication.
- Research and analyse international corporate communication techniques and apply detailed cultural criteria to each assessment.
- Persuade and convince an audience through individual and group interaction.
- Identify and evaluate the particular forces at work in cross-cultural communication as well as the underlying biases and preconceptions.
Assessment tasks
- Writing assignments in class
- Presentation and report
- Financial institution report
- Corporate Business Report
PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens
Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Critically evaluate a range of corporate cultures and apply decision making to specific business situations.
- Identify and evaluate the particular forces at work in cross-cultural communication as well as the underlying biases and preconceptions.
Assessment task
- Corporate Business Report