otes: The Term Research Project Assignment
The Term Research Project is a narrated presentation on a management communication topic of your choosing. You will conduct research and then develop and deliver a presentation. Note: this is NOT a restating or re-sharing of our course textbook; this is research based on new, different expert sources. And note: Our course textbook does not count as a research source. You may present your findings in one of these forms:
1) Capture a live video of you presenting your findings using Powerpoint, Keynote or similar presentation software, and then Convert to VidGrid for upload. Instructions for converting to VidGrid will be provided.
2) Create a Narrated audio presentation using Powerpoint for PC or Keynote for the Mac of your findings. This is the most commonly selected approach for this assignment, and likely the easiest to do. See tips, below). You will then need to Convert your narrated presentation to VidGrid for upload. Instructions for converting to VidGrid will be provided.
Your presentation should be 8-10 minutes and at minimum 4 slides. Your slides should include proper citation of source (research) material.
Is this an Individual or a Team assignment?
You may do the Term Project individually or as a team of up to 4 persons. If you do it as a team, your Powerpoint (Keynote) presentation should be 5-6 minutes per team member and at least 3 slides per person, and you should be careful to review and integrate each others’ work so it flows logically.
Due date: Saturday, end of Week 7, midnight
.
“How to” Tips:
Here are helpful links for producing a narrated Powerpoint presentation:
— YouTube instruction video on how to add narration:
Play Video
— A text file of instructions for adding narration:
Once you have completed your Narrated Powerpoint or Keynote presentation, you will want to upload it to the forum, “Wk 8 Self-assessment – Presentations and Feedback here!”
Be sure to view the instructional video at the top of our eLearning module, “How to upload a narrated presentation…”
– How to Upload a Narrated Presentation to a Discussion Forum:
Choosing a Topic:
Since you will be spending time researching, developing a point of view, and presenting on this topic, please choose something that you are passionate about. There are many options. You may choose from the list below, or you may identify another topic that qualifies. If you select a topic that is not on the list, just seek my approval first.
We’ll discuss the basics of organizing reports and presentations in class, but consider speaking with a Library Research Instruction representative about how to frame and develop your topic. They are an excellent resource and are ready to help you.
You may visit the University Library in person or make an appointment or make use of their excellent online resources, including databases. You can also visit the reference desk, call (415) 442-7244, or email askalibrarian@ggu.edu to consult with any librarian who is on duty.
Term Paper Topics
Communication industry trends and opportunities over the next 3 years.
Exploration of leadership versus management
Managing and motivating change in organizations.
Best practices in team building and team functioning.
Managing and communicating with influence without formal authority
Differences between great management and great leadership
Management By Walking Around (MBWA)
Creating the best resumes on the Internet.
Evaluation of communication styles of Barack Obama and other leaders in areas of leadership, inspiration, consensus-building, and style/approach.
Principles of Non-Violent Communications
Communicating across multiple generations (e.g., Gen Y with Baby Boomers) in the workplace: challenges and opportunities.
The creation of a diversity program.
Trends in workforce globalization and the increase in multi-cultural workforce.
Personality types and how they relate to communication.
New ideas for creating graphics with new technology.
360-Degree Evaluations
Writing and communicating a business plan (How-to), to investors, partners, and organization employees.
Speaking on camera.
Negotiation skills and strategies.
Working and communicating effectively with persons with disabilities.
General Notes on Developing Your Slides and Presentation
Term projects are designed to reflect research as well as demonstrate effective presentation skills, including organization, content and delivery.
There is no one perfect way to present. It is important to harness your strengths and honor your own style.
Brainstorm, outline and organize your presentation (see organization tips in the textbook and further below).
Select a topic, then set up the major subdivisions. Your topic should relate to management communications (see example topics, above).
Remember to support your points, be specific (use examples, statistics, quotes, etc) and reference your sources. Include brief citations in-slide (name and year) and full citations on the Reference List at the end of your presentation.
Feel free to get creative!
If you are doing this as a group, remember to edit and review each others’ work to make sure the slides and presentation (or paper) flows well, transitions logically and uses proper grammar.
Organization of Your Final Product
As you will read in the textbook, there are different ways to organize a presentation and paper, but here is a common one to consider:
Introduction: The key to a good introduction is to introduce the topic briefly and to outline the structure of the presentation or paper.
Start with a grabber like a meaningful story, or a provocative quote or compelling statement, or humor. In other words, make the audience want to hear the presentation. Address the WIFM (What’s In it For Me) question in the audience’s mind.
Purpose of presentation
Organization of presentation
Transition
II. Summary (Background/General)
Set the stage (using 2-3 major points)
Transition
III. Subdivision
Introduce the subdivision topic
Cover all major issues
Summarize
Transition
IV. Subdivision
same, etc.
V. Subdivision
same, etc.
VI. Conclusion/Recommendations
Restate purpose
Synthesize main points
Conclude/recommend
Memorable closing (see the Grabber/Intro for ideas)!!
Be sure to include brief citations on slides and full reference list at end of presentation.
* A note on footnotes: I want to see the sources for your research. There should be an average of at least one Reference Note per slide.
Sources: You should cite at least three different, independent sources for your research. For a source to count towards the minimum three, it must be substantial. Image sources, the dictionary, and google, do not count. Our textbook does not count. You need to cite at least three other sources, which are the core of your research and findings. Remember, this is a research project.