Communication Management Program
Class of 2005

Project/Portfolio and Final Examination Requirements

As capstone experiences, each student will will complete two assignments. These constitute the Plan B project and common final examination to fulfill requirements of Colorado State's Graduate School.

• Both projects are due Wednesday, June 22 at 5:30 p.m. at the Denver Center.

Please carefully review each component. Details for submitting your exam and portfolio are outlined at the end of this document.

Each student will compile an academic portfolio of materials produced in the program.

The portfolio is intended to enable students to demonstrate proficiencies in five core competencies addressed in the program:

• Communication Processes
  -- Understanding of how communication works from general behavioral and societal perspectives, including communication theory, legal and political constraints and the influence of technology.
  Courses: 501, 560, 550, 614, 690 (Legal), 640,
• Research and Analysis
  -- Ability to conduct research using quantitative methods (and qualitative methods, as appropriate) and to interpret research findings.
  Courses: 500, 560, 550, 614, 661
• Planning
  -- Organization of communication activities into a coherent, integrated program or campaign designed to achieve specified objectives.
  Courses: 372, 500, 544, 560, 614, 650
• Implementation
  -- Proficiency in message production, including understanding of communication genres and effective writing and production.
  Courses: 372, 544, 614, 550, 661,690 (Writing)
• Evaluation
  -- Assessment of the effectiveness of communication efforts at the program and individual message levels.
  Courses: 500, 501, 560, 614, 550, 661

Instructors are aware of this requirement and are responsible for assuring that one or more of these designated competencies are emphasized in each course and in course projects. The courses listed above are only the suggested classes from which projects might be culled. Projects produced in any course can be submitted, provided that the project is relevant to the core competency it represents.

Each student will submit six sample projects, including one for a each competency. Each student will submit one Additional sample project of his or her choosing. The same project can be used to demonstrate two different competencies, but six projects must be are submitted--as second or third "Additional" papers.

Because projects were completed during the program, students may make corrections/revisions, based on instructor feedback. However, revisions of papers are not mandatory; students may submit original copies with instructor grades and comments, if desired. Instructor grades, if indicated, will not be taken into consideration in assessing the portfolio.

In addition to compiling these six documents, students will complete a take-home essay examination that addresses their knowledge of each of the core competencies outlined above.

This paper should be about 15 pages (an average of 3 pages per question). Number each question. Your answer should be be a thoughtful, integrative and reflective discussion that demonstrates your command of the ideas learned in the program. Use the list of pertinent courses outlined above as a reminder list of potential ideas that you might wish to include.

• Assume you are interviewing for a position as the communications manager for the largest and most prestigious organization in your field. Or, assume you are interviewing for a major promotion within your own firm. Assume your duties include responsibility for the full gamut of organization-wide communications. You are being interviewed by the chief executive officer, who is refreshingly knowledgeable and insightful about communications issues, and is interested in your ideas.

  Note: There are no "correct" answers to these questions. You should also be candid, and not be concerned that your answer might jeopardize your getting the job. Tell it like it is!

1) Communication Processes. How can organizational communication be explained as the management of human behavior? Do you think, in fact, that communication can be "managed"? Why or why not? How are organizational communications (internal and external) constrained by factors such as corporate culture, legal and regulatory concerns, and technology?

2) Research. Why is research important to developing a communication program? In formulating your response, consider how both theoretical research and practical research can provide useful insights.

3) Planning and Analysis. What role does planning have in communication management? What are some possible ways or alternative levels at which planning might occur?

4) Implementation and Quality Control. What are some key issues in the day-to-day execution of a communication program that should be of particular concern to managers? Why is quality of message production important? How can the quality of messages be assessed?

5) Evaluation. What are some useful approaches for assessing the impact of communication management efforts in organizations? Which are most frequently used? Which are most effective? Are these the same? Why or why not?

Binder. Students will package all materials in a black, vinyl, 1-1/2 inch black binder (provided). Do not affix a label to the binder. The binder and contents remain property of the Department of Journalism and Technical Communication. Portfolios will not be returned. Be sure to retain copies of your materials, especially your exam.

Title Page. The portfolio should include a title page with your name, followed by two divider pages (colored paper is sufficient). The first divider will provide space for your exam. The second divider should list the six papers you are submitting for the portfolio. Use additional blank sheets (white or colored) to separate each paper. The projects should then be labeled Processes, Analysis, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation, and "Additional," respectively. You may provide a brief one-paragraph commentary on the importance or relevance of the paper (optional).

Deadline. Your exam and portfolio are due on the date specified. Extensions will be permitted only under extraordinary extenuating circumstances.

Grading. Your exam will be graded and will constitute the 80% of your letter grade for the JT690 Capstone Workshop. Your portfolio will be graded as Completed/Not Completed. Completion is a requirement for the master's degree.

Oral Defense. No oral defense will be required. Your written submission will constitute the required examination and project.

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Updated May 15, 2005