You work as a communication specialist at Warby Parker, reporting to co-CEO David Gilboa. Using the skills you’ve been practicing in this course, respond to this challenge: You’re helping Gilboa prepare a report about the company. Gilboa characterizes the report as a ‘public business plan,’ in that it will discuss the company and its objectives, strategies, and operations without disclosing the sort of confidential information that a typical business plan includes. The secondary audience includes potential investors, employees, and business partners. To help overcome shoppers’ reluctance to buy eyewear online, Warby Parker has been test marketing the concept called Home Try-On, in which people in the South Florida test market can order five pairs of frames, keep them for five days at no cost, then decide which pair they would like to order, and which they will send back. This gives shoppers lots of time to try on the frames they are considering and get the opinions of family and friends. On the job (Internal, Unsolicited Proposal) Write a 2-3 page (2 if single-spaced, 3 or more if double-spaced) internal proposal, in memo form, to Mr. Gilboa, with your evaluation of the test market results and your recommendation how the company should proceed with this concept based on that test. Remember to include headings or subheadings for each section in the proposal that explain this program-e.g. Background, Solution, Recommendation, etc. Make sure to correctly identify and analyze your audience, as well as any possible secondary audiences. Remember, Mr. Gilboa, the person to whom you submit your proposal, is in a position to order the implementation of the change recommended. It is important that you develop this memo with your own thoughts and input. You can make the test market experience good or bad, and base your recommendation on that. Make up any information you wish to bolster your case; in the real world, you would have this kind of data and information before you would write this memo. Here is an example: A rough outline for a favorable recommendation: Subject: Home Try-On Market Concept Test Background: As you know…profits down, store rents rising, we are seen as an old-fashion, undynamic company by the general public. Question: is the internet the answer? Marketing came up with concept of Home Try-On, and began test marketing it in South Florida in November of last year. Perceived Risks Prior to Test Market: Concept too confusing for public? What if customers did not return the 4 pair of frames they did not want? What sort of breakage might be expected? Would postage and handling be too costly? Test Market Results: Public seemed to love the concept. Orders very high. 98% return rate on 4 pairs they did not want. Virtually no breakage. Minimal shipping and handling costs, because customer had to agree beforehand to absorb these costs. Recommendation: Expand test market to entire East Coast for an additional 4 months. Prepare to go nationwide if results from that test equally encouraging. Business Proposal Rubric 100 Criteria This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeFormat This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeContent & Organization This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSpelling & Grammar Ratings 20 to >15.0 pts Excellent ‘Proper headings, spacing, paragraph breaks, and margins. 15 to >10.0 pts Good ‘Good headings, spacing, paragraph breaks, and/or margins with minor errors. 40 to >30.0 pts Excellent ‘Fully developed background information, solution and recommendation. ‘Logically developed paragraphs, comprehensive content, and effective transitions. 20 to >15.0 pts Excellent ‘Varied and effective sentence structure; concise, clear, courteous, and correct language 10 to >5.0 pts Fair ‘Inconsistent headings, spacing, paragraph breaks, and/or margins. 30 to >20.0 pts Good ‘Mostly developed or supported background information, solution and recommendation. ‘Fairly effective use of transitions. 15 to >10.0 pts Good ‘Minor errors in sentence structure, spelling, and/or word choice. 5 to >0.0 pts Unacceptable ‘Incorrect headings, spacing, paragraph breaks, and/or margins 20 to >10.0 pts Fair ‘Partially undeveloped or supported background information, solution and recommendation. ‘May use questionable transitions. 10 to >5.0 pts Fair ‘A moderate number of errors in sentence structure, spelling, and/or word choice. 10 to >0.0 pts Unacceptable ‘Unfocused ideas, ineffective paragraphs, incorrect content, and/or nonexistent transitions. 5 to >0.0 pts Unacceptable ‘Poor sentence structure, incorrect word usage, several misspelled words, and/or discourteous language. 0 pts No Submission ‘Author did not include a submission. 0 pts No Submission ‘Author did not include a submission. 0 pts No Submission ‘Author did not include a submission. This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomePunctuation Total Points: 100 20 to >15.0 pts Excellent ‘Evidence of careful proofreading. Errors do not interfere with comprehension and do not negatively influence the reader’s perception of the writer. 15 to >10.0 pts Good ‘Minor errors that may interfere with comprehension or may negatively influence the reader’s perception of the writer. 10 to >5.0 pts Fair ‘A moderate number of errors that may interfere with comprehension or may negatively influence the reader’s perception of the writer. 5 to >0.0 pts Unacceptable ‘Frequent and serious errors that significantly interfere with comprehension and negatively influence the reader’s perception of the writer. 0 pts No Submission ‘Author did not include a submission.

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.