COMM 1047: Assignment One

“Selecting the Right Communication Approach”

Due: October 6th at the beginning of class

Instructions:

· This is an individual or partnered assignment. Please choose your partner carefully if you want to go that route.

· In class, read the following case study and select the best communication approach (either a memo or a phone message (416-415-5000 ext. 6186).

· Read the facts and decide what exactly it is that you need to communicate to the other managers.

· Create a rough draft of your memo or phone message. This draft must be approved by me before you can hand in your final copy.

· The final copy must be accompanied by a marking rubric.

Case Study One:

Sous Chefs (place your names here) are in the kitchen discussing the events of the executive meeting they have just come from. The General Manager of the Ultimate Spa and Resort has given them the responsibility of making sure that all of the Department Managers at the resort know about the staff party so that they can pass it on to their staff. Last year’s party was well organized but it was poorly attended due to miscommunication.

The Facts:

· There are 13 Department Managers at the Ultimate Spa and Resort:

1. Food and Beverage Manager

2. Executive House Keeper

3. Front Desk Manager

4. Head Porter

5. Manager of Outside Operations

6. Golf Course Superintendent

7. Executive Chef

8. Spa Manager

9. Entertainment Manager

10. Human Resources Manager

11. Marketing Director

12. Controller

13. Chief of Maintenance

· Last year, two phone messages and an email were sent out to all the Department Managers asking that they tell their staff about the party.

· 5 of the 13 departments stated that they did not receive those messages since their departments’ main form of communication was not by phone or email (for example, the Executive House Keeper was used to picking up her written instructions in her mailbox (like all of the other Department Managers) and did not check her phone and email messages until well after the party).

· The party’s date is October 16, 2008 in the Alpenrose Room. It will begin with a cocktail reception at 5:00pm.

· Last year, the bar ran out of beer well before last-call.

· There is no charge for staff. Staff may bring ONE guest. Guest tickets are $7:00 each.

· Dinner will be served at 6:00pm and will be followed by a dance. Last year, no one danced. What’s wrong with people???

· The bar will close at 1:00am. Taxis will be available for $10:00 for any trip within town limits.

· Rooms will be available for $49.00 total (maximum 4 per room).

· Last year, the resort sold 14 rooms.

· Each Department Manager should somehow confirm that they received the party information from the Sous Chefs.

· The Sous Chefs also have to come up with an appropriate menu for the party.

· The Sous Chefs should probably find out at the next Executive meeting who is in charge of security for the party.

· The resort and spa is thinking of redecorating the main dining room but this has yet to be confirmed.

· The kitchen will be changing its menu significantly for the winter season.

COMM 1047 Grade Rubric

Selecting the Right Approach Assignment

Format and Formula

Your communication approach is appropriate based on the facts given. / Yes No
Your communication approach is clear. / Yes No
Your communication approach is concise. / Yes No
Your communication approach is courteous. / Yes No
Your communication approach is correct. / Yes No
Your communication approach and assignment is complete. / Yes No
Your communication approach follows the correct format / Yes No
Your communication approach follows the appropriate formula. / Yes No

Grade

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