Bad News message Written assignment Activity brief BCO113 -Written Communication Skills Online
Description Write one of the two bad news emails below: This activity must meet the following formatting requirements: Option 1: Your company has occurred a large debt due to poor profits during the pandemic and you need to let some employees go (make them redundant). You will be dismissing 100 employees of your 1000-strong workforce before the end of the year. Workers made redundant will receive 2 months’ salary, as well as one year of placement services with HRC Recruitment, Inc. Write an email to inform your employees of the bad news. ”””’Option 2: Your mobile phone company Blue Net normally contributes to food expenses for business trips. Unfortunately, this year the covid-19 pandemic has meant that the company’s profits have dropped sharply. Because of this, you will not be able to pay food expenses for your staff attending the Mobile World Congress. Write an email to inform your employees of the bad news. Font Arial or Calibri; size 12 Left aligned 250-300 words (Body of the letter) Use indirect approach Word format only Use positive language and the you viewpoint Email format Option 3: A member of staff’s application for a promotion in the company to Team Leader has not been successful as there were other applicants with more experience. Write an email to inform your employee of your bad news. Option 4: Your company has struggled financially due to Covid-19 and profits have dramatically decreased so they cannot afford any pay rise until early 2022. Write an email to inform your employees of your bad news. Goal(s) To be able to write an appropriate bad news email message. Due date Date: Tuesday, 6th July 2021 Time: 14:00 CEST To use adequate tone and format for effectively communicating negative news. Weight towards final grade This activity has a weight of 20% towards the final grade. Assessment criteria See rubric below To show effective writing skills to achieve the purpose. Learning outcomes ”’Demonstrate familiarity with different writing formats in business communication and apply this in practice. Understand the difference between academic and business writing. To show knowledge of correct email writing. Rubric: Bad news message Criteria/Level Content 30% Accomplished (A) The message covers The message covers all almost all the points of the points of the task. The task. The writer has made writer has clearly followed a good attempt to follow the instructions. the instructions. The structure and format of the message is optimum and the writing Structure/Format/Organization is of the required length. 20% All elements of the chosen format are evident and appropriate. Language 20% Proficient (B) Uses precise language which is adequate for the audience and purpose. Writer shows superior Proficient (C) The message covers most points from the task. The writer has attempted to follow the given instructions. The structure of the The structure of the message message is is appropriate and the generally fine and the word message is well-organized. length has been met. All The word length has been elements are present met. All elements of the although some may be chosen format are evident inappropriate. and appropriate. The language used is very accurate and appropriate for the audience and purpose. Borderline (D) Fail (F) The message does The message only fulfils a not fulfill the task small part of the task. The requirements. The writer has writer has not followed the not made an attempt to majority of the instructions. follow the instructions. The message is not written using the required format. The structure is very weak The structure is unclear and and makes the message in general the writing I difficult to follow. Several disorganized. The message elements of the format are does not meet the required lacking or inappropriate. word length. Most elements are lacking or inappropriate. The language used is The language used is The language used is correct and generally mostly inappropriate for the inappropriate for the appropriate for the audience audience and purpose. audience and purposeand purpose. understanding of the language. Spelling /Grammar/Punctuation Spelling, grammar and 20% punctuation are correct. Purpose achieved 10% The purpose of the message would be successfully achieved, given the above. Spelling, grammar and Spelling, grammar and punctuation are mostly punctuation have some Spelling, grammar and correct, with some minor errors, but these do not punctuation have many errors which do not impede impede the main meaning of inaccuracies. meaning. the message. Spelling, grammar and punctuation are inaccurate The message would likely The message may achieve The message is unlikely to The message would not achieve its purpose, given its purpose, given the achieve its purpose, given achieve its purpose. the above. above. the above.

Mastering the Art of Online Learning: Your Guide to Acing Online Courses

Introduction

In recent years, the popularity of online courses has skyrocketed, offering learners the flexibility to acquire new skills and knowledge from the comfort of their homes. However, succeeding in online courses requires a different approach compared to traditional classroom settings. To help you make the most of your online learning experience, this article presents essential strategies and tips to ace your online courses.

1. Set Clear Goals and Plan Ahead

Before embarking on an online course, establish clear goals and objectives. Determine what you hope to achieve by the end of the course and break down your goals into manageable milestones. Create a study schedule that aligns with your other commitments, ensuring you allocate dedicated time for coursework, assignments, and revision.

2. Create a Productive Study Environment

Establishing a conducive study environment is crucial for online learning success. Find a quiet, well-lit space where you can concentrate without distractions. Remove any potential interruptions, such as notifications from social media or email. Organize your study materials and have a reliable internet connection to ensure seamless access to course materials.

3. Actively Engage in the Course

Active participation is key to mastering online courses. Engage with course materials, including videos, readings, and interactive components. Take comprehensive notes, highlighting key concepts and ideas. Participate in discussion boards, forums, and virtual meetings to interact with instructors and peers, fostering a sense of community and enhancing your understanding of the subject matter.

4. Manage Your Time Effectively

Online courses offer flexibility, but it’s essential to manage your time wisely to avoid falling behind. Create a detailed schedule, allocating specific time slots for coursework, assignments, and studying. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable segments to prevent procrastination. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and dedicate focused time to each one, ensuring consistent progress throughout the course.

5. Develop Effective Communication Skills

Online courses often rely on written communication, making it crucial to hone your skills in this area. Be concise and clear in your written responses, paying attention to grammar and spelling. Actively participate in discussions, asking thoughtful questions and providing constructive feedback to your peers. Regularly check your course emails and notifications, ensuring you stay updated with any important announcements or changes.

6. Utilize Available Resources

Take full advantage of the resources provided by your online course platform and instructors. Familiarize yourself with the learning management system (LMS) and explore its features. Access supplementary materials, such as textbooks, lecture slides, and external resources recommended by instructors. Utilize online libraries, research databases, and tutorial services to deepen your understanding of the subject matter.

7. Stay Motivated and Engaged

Maintaining motivation throughout an online course can be challenging, particularly when faced with competing priorities or a lack of face-to-face interaction. Set short-term goals and reward yourself upon their completion. Connect with fellow learners through virtual study groups or online forums to foster a sense of camaraderie. Regularly remind yourself of the benefits and personal growth associated with completing the course successfully.

8. Seek Support and Clarification

Don’t hesitate to seek support or clarification when needed. Reach out to your instructors for guidance or clarification on course material. Utilize online discussion forums to ask questions or engage in collaborative problem-solving. Leverage the support services provided by your course platform or institution, such as technical support or academic advising.

Conclusion

Online courses present unique opportunities for self-paced learning and personal growth. By setting clear goals, creating a productive study environment, actively engaging with course materials, and managing your time effectively, you can maximize your chances of acing online courses. Remember to stay motivated, seek support when needed, and make the most of the available resources. Embrace the flexibility and adaptability of online learning to achieve your educational goals.