1.Business Writing Basics

1.1 Business Writing:Know Your Readers and Your Purpose

Overview/Description

To write effective and appropriate business messages,you need to know your readers.Are you addressing multiple readers or a single reader?How much knowledge do your readers have of your subject,and what issues concern them most?These are just some of the questions to consider before you start writing your message.Closely tied with knowing your readers is knowing your purpose for writing.Do you need to inform customers about a new policy,or do you need to persuade employees to adopt a new business practice?Knowing your purpose will focus your message,making it clear to readers why it is important to them.In addition,identifying who your audience is and what your purpose is will guide you in selecting an appropriate tone for your business message.Tone is a significant element in writing–one that affects how the reader will respond to your message.Tone refers to the writer's attitude toward the reader and subject matter as expressed in the way the message is written.Have you ever received a memo that annoyed you by its tone?For example,it might have been patronizing or too familiar.The key to controlling the tone of your writing is to put yourself in the place of your reader.And you need to carefully choose the words that will create the right tone for your message.When you know who your readers are and what your purpose is,you can tailor your tone to suit them.This will help you create more effective business messages.This course addresses ways to identify your readers and to create messages that convey the appropriate tone for different reader roles.It also outlines how to write effectively for the three most common reasons for writing a business document–to inform,respond,or persuade.

Target Audience

Individuals,at any level in an organization,who want to refresh or refine their basic business writing skills

1.2 Business Writing:How to Write Clearly and Concisely

Overview/Description

People who have no problem communicating clearly when they speak sometimes struggle to make themselves understood when they write.That's because the ability to write clearly and concisely is a skill that requires effort to master.Acquiring this skill gives you the tools to create effective business documents for readers who lack the time or the patience to search for essential information buried in long,rambling e-mails or reports.Writing clearly also entails organizing content logically and appropriately for the subject and reader.Clear and concise sentences get you part of the way.But you need to organize these into coherent paragraphs that convey the relevant information in the most effective way.This course describes ways to make your writing more clear.Specifically,it covers the importance of using short,familiar words,appropriate connotations,concrete and specific language,and transitional words and phrases.The course also discusses ways to be more concise and explains some best practices for organizing content logically and appropriately.

Target Audience

Individuals,at any level in an organization,who want to refresh or refine their basic business writing skills

Lesson Objectives

Business Writing:How to Write Clearly and Concisely

·recognize sentences that reflect the techniques of clear writing

·recognize how to apply the techniques of concise writing to a given sample of business writing

·identify ways to organize content to increase reader understanding

1.3 Business Writing:Editing and Proofreading

Overview/Description

When it comes to business writing,most individuals don't really appreciate the importance of editing and proofreading a document before sending it.But have you ever distributed a document or message only to find later that you forgot to include a key point or correct an embarrassing spelling error?Reviewing is a crucial stage in the writing process.It entails editing for clarity,tone,accuracy,and completeness,and also proofreading for spelling mistakes and grammatical errors.Carelessness reflects badly on you,your work,and your organization.Taking the time to edit and proofread your writing will help you produce more focused,polished,and effective business documents.This course highlights the importance of editing and proofreading your business documents.It describes some key areas to consider when editing–like tone,structure,clarity,and accuracy.You will also explore ways to proofread effectively.In particular,you will find out about some of the most common grammatical,punctuation,and spelling mistakes that people make.

Target Audience

Individuals at any level in an organization who want to refresh or refine their basic business writing skills

Lesson Objectives

Business Writing:Editing and Proofreading

·distinguish between editing and proofreading

·identify general techniques that help you edit and proofread effectively

·recognize the types of errors made in a given business document

·recognize mechanical errors in a given business document

2.How to Write an Effective Internal Business Case

2.1 Preparing a Business Case

Overview/Description

Why put time and effort into preparing,writing,and presenting a business case for new projects?Why not just talk to the manager and get his approval for the project?The answers to these questions lie in the fact that organizational budgets for new projects are typically very tight and,as such,your project will be competing against other projects for funding.Without a written business case,your chances of persuading decision makers within your organization to implement your new project idea,instead of a competing project,stand little chance.This course prepares learners interested in the development of effective business cases.You will learn what a business case is and when one is used,what research you need to do before you start to write a business case,and what information should be included in your business case.Finally,you will learn how to plan and position your business case to maximize its effectiveness.

Target Audience

Managers and experienced business professionals

Lesson Objectives

Preparing a Business Case

·identify the benefits of writing a good business case

·identify the purposes of developing a business case

·identify the features of a business case and its development that are influenced by corporate culture

·recognize why it is important to research your business case

·determine the scope of a business case in a given scenario

·identify the benefits of defining the scope of the business case

·distinguish between the potential benefit types of a proposed project in a given scenario

·effectively manage stakeholders in a given scenario

·identify the benefits of correctly identifying the decision makers

·identify the methods you should use to convince decision makers

·identify the advantages of dividing a business case into clearly identifiable sections

·recognize examples of appropriate project titles

·recognize the information that should be included in the executive summary

·identify examples of mission statements that contain all the recommended elements

·identify appropriate objectives to be included in the business case for a given scenario

·identify the information that should be included in the main body of the formal proposal

2.2 Writing a Business Case

Overview/Description

Which would you rather do:prepare a business case for your latest project or go to the dentist?Given the choice,many of us would tend to choose the latter.Whether you want to invest in product development or reinvent your business processes with new marketing channels,it is now more important than ever to have a business case that is carefully planned,written,and presented,especially when you consider that corporate investments are being subjected to increased scrutiny.Writing a good business case will help you justify resource allocation to key decision makers and secure funding for your project.Otherwise,you may be eaten alive by the competition!In this course,you will learn how to plan,write,and present a business case to persuade key decision makers in your organization that your proposal is a winning initiative.This course will show you the principles for preparing an effective business case,and it will guide you through the writing process,from defining your business need and gathering relevant information,right through to assessing the financial impact of your solution.The course will conclude with practical advice on how to concisely present your business case to connect with your audience and key decision makers.

Target Audience

Managers and experienced business professionals

Lesson Objectives

Writing a Business Case

·identify the benefits of writing a good business case

·recognize the functions of a business case

·recognize the elements of a business case

·recognize the marketing components that should be included in a business case

·identify the processes that will help to make a business case effective

·recognize the importance of researching your project and aligning it with business processes

·apply the methods used to research background information for a given business case

·recognize what needs to be researched before writing a business case

·determine whether a proposed project aligns with corporate strategy in a given scenario

·identify the steps used to determine the best angle for a business case

·address the concerns of decision makers for a business case,in a given scenario

·recognize the importance of good writing and design

·recognize who should be involved in writing a business case

·analyze a business case using document-design principles

2.3 Presenting Your Case

Overview/Description

Have you ever attended a presentation that failed because the presenter was ill prepared or ineffective in his approach?A successful presenter must possess the proper skills to plan and deliver an effective business case presentation and employ strategies to establish and maintain the audience's attention.This course examines the careful planning and delivery of a business case presentation.It focuses on the use of visual aids and handouts in a presentation,the structure and development of a presentation in light of audience needs,and the elements involved in successfully delivering the presentation to that audience.

Target Audience

Managers and experienced business professionals

Lesson Objectives

Presenting Your Case

·recognize the benefits of a well-prepared business case presentation

·analyze an audience prior to giving a presentation in a given scenario

·identify questions to ask about your audience prior to the presentation

·identify specific elements of a well-planned presentation

·apply a structured approach to the preparation of a business case in a given scenario

·match methods of generating ideas with their corresponding descriptions

·match specific presentation aids with their appropriate use

·recognize the benefits of knowing how to deliver an effective business case presentation

·identify methods of reducing stress before giving a presentation

·identify ways to practice and rehearse before delivering a presentation

·apply methods of optimizing the environment prior to giving a presentation

·maintain a rapport with the audience in a given presentation scenario

·identify ways a presenter can establish and maintain good audience rapport in a given scenario

·identify methods of managing questions and answers after a business case presentation

·effectively close a presentation in a given scenario

3.The Effective Business Meeting

3.1 Planning an Effective Business Meeting

Overview/Description

If you are in a business that has meetings,you know how much time is spent in them.A recent survey of 2000 business leaders indicated that managers spend over fifty percent of their time in meetings.That same study indicated that managers felt that about one third of those meetings were unproductive.This course will present you with information that will help you improve the quality of your meetings.It will help you develop strategies necessary for preparing effective business meetings,by carefully considering the importance of all the components of the meeting,including people,place,purpose,time,agenda,and atmosphere.

Target Audience

Business professionals who want to develop effective facilitation skills,members of boards or committees,meeting participants,executive assistants,and individuals who want to prepare themselves for a business environment.

Lesson Objectives

Planning an Effective Business Meeting

·identify the benefits of being thorough when planning a business meeting.

·identify whether a meeting is needed,in a given example.

·recognize the appropriate type of meeting,in a given scenario.

·choose who should attend a meeting based on the meeting type,in a given scenario.

·identify the most effective time to have a meeting,in a given scenario.

·choose an ideal location for a business meeting,in a given scenario.

·identify the benefits of preparing an effective agenda.

·identify the effective objective,in a given scenario.

·choose the best agenda for a meeting,given a scenario.

·identify the benefits of preparing the meeting's site,participants,and follow-up.

·recognize three ways to prepare participants.

·choose the ideal meeting environment in a given scenario.

·identify the items that should be prepared in advance to aid in the follow-up.

3.2 Leading an Effective Business Meeting

Overview/Description

Since there are more than 11 million meetings held every day in the United States,there is a good chance that your life is full of meetings.There is a general agreement among business professionals that most meetings are not well run.They often waste your time,drain your energy,seem to have no purpose,and bear few positive results.Are you tired of attending meetings like this?Are you tired of your meetings ending up like this?This course will teach you how to make your meetings more successful by providing the tools and information that are necessary to lead an effective meeting.

Target Audience

Business professionals who want to develop effective facilitation skills,members of boards or committees,meeting participants,executive assistants,and individuals who want to prepare themselves for a business environment.

Lesson Objectives

Leading an Effective Business Meeting

·recognize the benefits of understanding how to use time effectively during business meetings.

·identify techniques for finishing a meeting on time.

·identify examples of what a leader should say during the phases of a meeting.

·ask appropriate questions to encourage participation during a given meeting.

·match types of questions that encourage participation during a meeting to examples of when they should be used.

·recognize the tips for avoiding groupthink.

·recognize the benefits of understanding how to use tools for leading a meeting.

·identify reasons for using icebreakers during a meeting.

·recognize the importance of rules of order.

·match types of audiovisual equipment to the circumstances under which they should be used.

·recognize the benefits of knowing how to lead various types of meetings.

·identify guidelines for leading a virtual meeting.

·determine the appropriate decision-making technique to use in a given scenario.

·match decision-making techniques to examples of circumstances under which they should be used.

·apply the steps for guiding a group through a problem-solving meeting,given a scenario.

·identify the steps for guiding a group through a problem-solving meeting.

3.3 Participating Effectively in a Business Meeting

Overview/Description

A meeting is a gathering of people to present or exchange information,plan joint activities,make decisions,or carry out actions already agreed upon.Almost every group activity or project requires a meeting,or meetings,of some sort.Knowing how to hold efficient and effective meetings can help make projects successful.In a good meeting,participants'ideas are heard,decisions are made through group discussion and with reasonable speed,and activities are focused on desired results.Good meetings help generate enthusiasm for a project,build skills for future projects,and provide participants with techniques that may benefit them in their future careers.As a chairperson,a secretary,or a group member,it is crucial to your meeting's success to know what your role is during a meeting.By knowing your duties,you can effectively assume one of these roles and help to attain success during your meetings.

Target Audience

Business professionals who want to develop effective facilitation skills,members of boards or committees,meeting participants,executive assistants,and individuals who want to prepare themselves for a business environment.

Lesson Objectives

Participating Effectively in a Business Meeting

·recognize the importance of understanding the role of the chair.

·manage the discussion of issues,in a business meeting example.

·recognize the techniques for managing the discussion of issues.

·use the strategies to manage participants in a simulated business meeting.

·match the strategies for managing people to examples.

·effectively manage time in a simulated business meeting.

·recognize the steps for managing time.

·recognize the benefits of understanding the responsibilities of the secretary.

·identify the activities that the secretary can perform prior to a meeting.

·effectively apply the principles for taking minutes for a simulated business meeting.

·match the principles for taking minutes to their characteristics.

·identify the elements required to effectively prepare the minutes of a business meeting for distribution.

·recognize the importance of understanding the role of the members.

·identify strategies to fulfill the members'role to help keep a meeting on track.

·identify how members should prepare for a business meeting.

·apply effective participation guidelines during a simulated meeting.

·identify the strategies that will help group members to actively participate in a business meeting.

4.Generating Creative&Innovative Ideas

4.1 Generating Creative and Innovative Ideas:Enhancing Your Creativity

Overview/Description

What makes a person creative?Do you consider yourself creative?Certain personal characteristics have been linked with creativity–for example,a willingness to take risks,the ability to connect diverse ideas,and open-mindedness.And most important,perhaps,is believing that you are creative.Many people get stuck because they think'I'm not a creative person.'But everyone has creative potential.Understanding the characteristics you possess that boost your creativity and those that inhibit it can help you enhance your creative output in the workplace.This course explores the essential attributes of a creative person.It also describes barriers to creativity and how to overcome these.In addition,it demonstrates how you can enhance your creativity in the workplace.Materials designed to support blended learning activities aligned with this course are available from the Resources Page.

Target Audience

Any individual who wants to be more creative and innovative at work

Lesson Objectives

Generating Creative and Innovative Ideas:Enhancing Your Creativity

·recognize the importance of various personal characteristics of creative people

·recognize ways to overcome personal barriers to creativity

·match techniques for enhancing creativity with examples of how to execute them

·identify the benefits of being creative

4.2 Generating Creative and Innovative Ideas:Maximizing Team Creativity

Overview/Description

Is creativity within everyone's grasp?Does creativity come naturally within a team,or is this a skill that some learn and others don't?Like anything,creativity and innovation can flourish when cultivated with the right tools.This course discusses how to maximize team creativity.It explores the conditions in the work environment that help encourage team creativity,such as diversity among team members.In addition,it describes team methods for fostering creativity,including such techniques as brainstorming and role playing.Materials designed to support blended learning activities aligned with this course are available from the Resources Page.

Target Audience

Team leaders and any individuals on a team who want to cultivate the creative potential of their team

Lesson Objectives

Generating Creative and Innovative Ideas:Maximizing Team Creativity

·recognize characteristics that foster team creativity in a work environment

·recognize the five steps for brainstorming creative ideas

·facilitate a brainstorming session to generate ideas for a given situation

·recognize how role playing helps teams generate creative ideas

4.3 Generating Creative and Innovative Ideas:Verifying and Building on Ideas

Overview/Description

Generating creative ideas can be a very exciting and stimulating process.This is particularly true during the initial stages of idea generation,when many adopt an'anything goes'approach.Later,however,the workability of ideas needs to be verified,or checked.Ideas are more likely to be relevant and useful when they have been assessed in the context of organizational needs,strategies,and resources.Some techniques that can help verify ideas are getting the opinions of key people and using simulations.Building on ideas continues the process of verifying ideas by helping to make those ideas more clear,relevant,and feasible.This course covers a variety of techniques used to verify and build on creative ideas.It outlines when to use research and when to use simulations to check the workability of an idea.In addition,it discusses ways to build on ideas effectively.Materials designed to support blended learning activities aligned with this course are available from the Resources Page.

Target Audience

Any individual who wants to check the workability of creative ideas and effectively build on those ideas

Lesson Objectives

Generating Creative and Innovative Ideas:Verifying and Building on Ideas

·match each stage of the creative process with the description of its purpose

·determine which method to use to verify the workability of an idea in a given scenario

·identify statements that describe the purpose and activities of the verifying stage of the creative process

·use criteria for evaluating a build to determine the best proposed build for a given idea

·identify criteria-based questions that can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of a suggestion made to build on an idea

5.Managing Your Career

5.1 Managing Your Career:Creating a Plan

Overview/Description

Getting and keeping your career on track takes careful planning.Those who wait for opportunities to come knocking may be left behind.Approaching your career proactively and being able to recognize opportunities to move ahead are key to smart career management.It starts with knowing yourself and what you want to do so that you can align your career moves with your goals.This course guides you through the process of taking stock of your present situation and determining the best way ahead.It starts with taking inventory of your values,interests,skills,and needs.Then based on these findings,you can determine your strengths.This course provides examples of roles in which you could use those strengths.It also provides tips on how to deal with any weaknesses that are holding you back.Materials designed to support blended learning activities aligned with this course are available from the Resources Page.

Target Audience

Employees at all levels who want to advance their career

Lesson Objectives

Managing Your Career:Creating a Plan

·identify the types of questions you should ask to evaluate your career

·determine your main strengths

·recognize ways to deal with weaknesses

·recognize the steps involved in developing a career plan

5.2 Managing Your Career:Getting on the Right Track

Overview/Description

Is your career on automatic pilot?When was the last time you took a look around to see if the direction in which you are heading is really what you want?It's important to take time out to reflect on your current situation to ensure that you're still on the right path and that the current path is the best one for you.This course identifies tips for successfully advancing your career,making lateral moves within an organization,and ways of successfully moving on to a different employer.This course also focuses on the benefits of having a promotion plan and the creation and implementation of an effective promotion plan.How to ask for assignments that will move your career forward is also covered.Because even when you're on the right track,keeping your career moving forward takes work.Materials designed to support blended learning activities aligned with this course are available from the Resources Page.

Target Audience

Employees at all levels who want to advance their careers

Lesson Objectives

Managing Your Career:Getting on the Right Track

·recognize strategies for successful in-house job changes

·sequence the steps for creating and implementing a promotion plan

·recognize the benefits of having a promotion plan

·identify examples of strategies you can use to successfully ask for assignments that will advance your career

·recognize ways to successfully move on to a different employer to keep your career on track

5.3 Managing Your Career:Professional Networking Essentials

Overview/Description

Do you have a strong professional network of people who can help you move forward professionally?Does the thought of networking scare you because you feel uncomfortable in situations where you're expected to be outgoing and make conversation with people you don't know?Regardless of your strengths and weaknesses,situation or occupation,a key factor in advancing your career is using good communication skills to build strong professional relationships and maintain an effective business network of contacts.This course provides you with the essential communication skills required to establish a business network and includes strategies for building rapport with new contacts during networking opportunities.It also covers best practices for maintaining your network so that business contacts can help you achieve your career goals.Materials designed to support blended learning activities aligned with this course are available from the Resources Page.

Target Audience

Employees at all levels who want to advance their career

Lesson Objectives

Managing Your Career:Professional Networking Essentials

·recognize how to employ best practices for establishing a business network

·recognize the importance of learning how to establish a business network

·use strategies for conversing with new contacts during a networking opportunity

·recognize strategies you can use to maintain your business network

5.4 Managing Your Career:You and Your Boss

Overview/Description

Your boss can be the lifeline to your future.Typically,no one has more influence over your immediate and long-term success than the person to whom you report.Not only will you find enjoyment and reward in your current position,but you want your boss to be a source of support when the day comes that you are ready to move ahead with your career.This course teaches strategies for building a strong professional relationship with your boss.It explains various ways you can become aligned with your boss and even how to give your boss constructive feedback.Materials designed to support blended learning activities aligned with this course are available from the Resources Page.

Target Audience

Employees at all levels who want to advance their career

Lesson Objectives

Managing Your Career:You and Your Boss

·recognize ways to build a successful relationship with your boss

·recognize ways to get in tune with your boss

·give feedback to your boss