In this article, an educational project is described that was formulated with the aim to give master's students in business communication the opportunity to experience how theory could be applied to shape practice. A 4-week project was developed in which students were urged to use communication theory and linguistic theory to manage the…

Business writing instructors work diligently at raising the level of student writing performance in business communication classes. Some students, however, need additional motivation to apply writing concepts and perform to their highest level. Typically, business students are confronted with hypothetical writing situations, such as claim letters,…

The topic of selection interviewing lends itself well to experience-based teaching methods. Instructors often teach this topic by using a two-step process. The first step consists of lecturing students on the basic principles of effective interviewing. During the second step, students apply these principles by role-playing mock interviews with…

The millennial generation embraces new technologies as a natural way of accessing and exchanging information, staying connected, and having fun. YouTube, a video-sharing site that allows users to upload, view, and share video clips, is among the latest "cool" technologies for enjoying quick laughs, employing a wide variety of corporate activities,…

Introduces a special issue of this journal that presents strategic cases for use in business communication classes to help students understand both the context and the strategies for communications about business and management. Discusses instructional challenges and opportunities of teaching with cases. (SR)

Argues that a basic understanding of the experiential learning process (D. Kolb's Process-of-Learning Model) and the nature of cases and simulations as experiential activities will help instructors of business communication develop, evaluate, and use these tools more effectively. Discusses these activities within the context of business education.…

Describes an extended writing assignment used in a business communication class that combines a case study and original student research, thus defining a realistic business situation needing action and requiring students to research a business situation and apply the findings from their research to decide exactly what course of action is…

Presents a case study for use in business communication classes to help students understand and learn both the context and the strategies for communication with business and management. Deals with a situation in which an executive wants to close down the company's fitness center but is open to arguments by one of its avid users. Includes two…

Presents and discusses a case used in a business communication class that centers on an interstate highway extension in southern Indiana. Describes the rationale for teaching the case, and student responses. Notes that, in confronting these issues, students learn to see that facts yield to different interpretations based on differing perspectives…

Presents a do-it-yourself case that has the double advantage of giving students practice in formulating questions for a specific company (not just a list from a book or assignment) and of giving them valuable field experience without involving faculty in lining up local companies and screening projects. Describes an example payroll project in an…

Describes a detailed case study on wetlands in Oregon that the author has mounted as a Web site for business communication courses. Notes that the case itself is complex and multifaceted offering seemingly limitless opportunities for adaptation to individual business communication courses. (SR)

Presents a case study for use in business communication classes to help students understand and learn both the context and the strategies for communication with business and management. Deals with communications gone wrong between a company and a very important potential client and what might be done salvage the contract. Includes correspondence…

Presents a case study for use in business communication classes to help students understand and learn both the context and the strategies for communication with business and management. Deals with responding to a customer complaint, including customer service philosophy, specific product information, and the fine line between sympathy with the…

Argues the importance of presenting ethics and communication as twin concepts in the management communication class. Presents two cases useful in the classroom that address two contemporary issues (harassment in the workplace and the consumption of alcohol by pregnant women) that have implications for business professionals and allow students to…

Describes how the case method can be used in business communication classes to help students develop crucial abilities. Notes that it is most productive when students are actively involved in individual analysis, group and class discussions, and group report writing. Defines criteria for selecting a case, and outlines a step-by-step approach to…