Offers a unit of laboratory instruction for a general technology class that looks at ergonomics--the engineering science that seeks to prevent disorders caused by uncomfortable or stressful working conditions. The activity involves the measurement of body motions. (JOW)

Describes how to use Michael Crichton's novel "Disclosure" and the film based on it for class discussions of such issues as what constitutes sexual harassment, harassment of men, relationship between sexual harassment and power, organizational responses to harassment, and gender differences in career advancement tactics. (SK)

Describes a "Stress Day" that parallels the reality of a workplace and places students under the pressure of a workday. Notes that it provides three stressors: high pressure, short time frame, and tight target job. Describes how students take charge of the class and use emails, memos, voice-mail and letters to arrange for a guest speaker for a…

Presents a weekly schedule of topics and related reading assignments for a social management and technology course focusing on technology, work, and productivity. Broad topics include introduction, historical background, problems of the contemporary workplace, and alternatives. (DC)

Presents a case study and writing assignment used in a business communication class that help students uncover assumptions that may disadvantage both females and males when diversity within and between gender groups is ignored. (SR)

Presents an outline for a half-day seminar on gender differences in workplace communication, which can be modified for a class lecture/workshop in a graduate management communication or an undergraduate business communication course. Appends a role-play activity for use in the seminar. (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 a situation in which diverse internal groups in a company neither understand nor effectively interact with each other. Includes two assignments. (SR)

Proposes a rethinking of what professors should teach technical writing students, based on actual experience with three organizations in Oregon. Discusses how to design assignments for students that simulate the reality of a work environment. Explores types of technical writing skills that are increasingly in demand. Offers several strategies for…

Provides a dialogue between a traditionalist journalism instructor and a "new idea" instructor that represents a work-setting approach to journalism education. (HOD)

Offers research-based advice on how to promote effective collaboration in writing projects: (1) delaying consensus; (2) engaging in substantive conflict while avoiding affective and procedural conflict; and (3) operating in a cooperative rather than competitive climate. Notes three strategies for students and professionals to delay consensus:…

Describes the Ethics Challenge Game (developed by Lockheed Martin Corp. and free to educators), which is a board game based on the Dilbert comic strip character that provides realistic scenarios for discussion of ethical behavior in various business/workplace situations. Describes the game, offers comments on faculty reactions after playing the…

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 multiple problems caused by the rapid expansion of an insurance brokerage, including gender issues, clarification of responsibilities and roles, and…

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 dilemmas of moral and ethics within a company that has gone through downsizing and is considering relocating. Includes two assignments. (SR)

Many of the theories about communicating effectively in corporate structures as well as the accompanying pedagogy do not pertain to changes in corporate structure and communication brought about by Total Quality Management (TQM). TQM creates a work environment in which employees need problem-solving skills and interpersonal skills that allow them…

Describes a student research project in a business communication course in which student researchers practice a wide variety of communication skills (oral communication, research, writing, and professional writing skills) as they manipulate their collected data into a persuasive report. (SR)