Team Topic Report and Presentation
Requirements
Format and Content Instructions:
Purpose: Develop research and critical thinking skills, apply theories and material from course,
develop writing skills, develop skills to prepare short report, understand the use and value of
appendices, develop skills to deliver professional presentation, and learn how to write and present a
clear, concise, and substantive short report.
Task: Write a short topic-based report and present the key findings in a short team video-recorded
presentation using MS Teams. Submit both the written report and presentation by the due date. For
the presentation, submit the URL to the presentation in Canvas.
Produce Written Report
1. As a team, write a 3-4 double-spaced page report on a course related topic (plus cover page,
references, and appendices) in Microsoft Word (see Start Here page for example of a cover
page). Please note, reports less than 3 pages or more than 4 pages will lose points.
2. Research: Use legitimate sources (published articles, reputable web sites, course textbook (in
a limited way) and recognized print and online news organizations); there should be at least 4
references and multiple in-text citations. Theories from the textbook can and probably should Write a 3-4 double-spaced page report in Microsoft Word on a course-related topic (plus cover page, references, and appendices) as a group (see Start Here page for an example of a cover page). Please keep in mind that reports that are less than 3 pages or more than 4 pages will lose points.
2. Research: Use legitimate sources (published articles, reputable web sites, course textbook (in a limited way), and recognized print and online news organizations); at least four references and multiple in-text citations are required. Textbook theories can and should be used.
be incorporated as a relevant source, but additional information should be included from
other sources.
3. Choose one course topic from any of the course material. It should be substantive enough to
allow for a written report and a meaningful presentation.
4. Specifically, identify and thoroughly discuss the topic (this is a suggested outline):
• Introduction. What is the topic and why is it important to the reader?
• Define and explain the topic. What is it in more detail? This should be substantive
enough to clearly articulate the topic and its components (or any that will be
discussed).
• Relevance. Where does it fit within management? Why is it important to
organizations and stakeholders? Address the impact on organizations and
stakeholders. It is okay to focus on just key stakeholders.
• Issues. What are its strengths and weaknesses or any concerns related to this topic?
• Application. What are some practical applications or real-world examples of this
topic? If possible, using current examples would be particularly relevant, but
historical examples are okay too.
• Conclusion/Recommendations. What are 3-5 recommendations regarding this topic
that organizations and managers should consider. Are there specific actions that
management should take to efficiently and effectively consider regarding this topic
area or these recommendations?
5. It is critical that you provide sound reasoning to support your statements (e.g., research
articles, books, reputable online sources, textbook, etc.).
2
Style Instructions for written report:
1. The assignment will be graded based on content.
2. The report should be presented in a professional manner (e.g., 1” margins, page numbers,
spacing, headers, etc.) and have no apparent grammar, punctuation or spelling errors.
3. Word choice is extremely important. Students are expected to use relevant business
terminology in this report. The textbook will highlight some key business terms.
4. Submit the assignment as a single Microsoft Word document (1 file only).
5. Use the Grading Rubric for Assignments for further guidance.
6. Everything must be clear, concise, and thorough. Each word matters! Edit, edit, and edit.
Written Report Outline:
1. Cover page (see Start Here page for example)
2. Body of report (suggested outline) will likely be 3-4 double-spaced pages:
1. Introduction: briefly explain the purpose of the report (why is this important) and
what should the reader gain from reading it (in general terms). Here, list the topic
being reviewed, its importance and relevance. Please note that the report will include
a video presentation of key aspects of the report (1 paragraph).
2. Body of Report: (2-3 pages).
1. It might be advisable to use some adjusted version of the outline provided in
the “produce written report” section (e.g., List key topic, Relevance to ….,
Concerns and Issues, and Practical Implications).
2. Note. While tables and graphs are most likely going to be placed in the
appendices, there may be a very helpful graph or table that could be included
in the report. This would vary across topics, but should be limited to one, if
any. And this probably means the report is closer to 4 pages than 3 pages.
3. Conclusion/recommendation: summary of key ideas about the topic, important
strengths and/or weaknesses, practical implications, and primary recommendations or
actions managers should take (1-2 paragraphs). In this section, you want to bring
everything together from broad topic to primary recommendation or actions, with a
few key ideas between them so it flows smoothly.
4. References (separate page)
5. Appendices (separate pages); this might include graphs, tables, etc.
Written Report Grading:
1. The report will be graded based on the following (review the Report Writing Guidelines
handout posted on the Start Here page in Canvas):
2. Grammar/punctuation/word choice, spelling, sentence and paragraph structure, using active
voice, avoiding pronouns (I, me, you, we), being direct and concise, and the overall writing.
Every paragraph, sentence and word should be chosen to clearly communicate your points.
3. Presentation (does it look professional): follow APA (margins (1”), page numbers, etc.),
include a cover page, and references (should be in APA format)—see web links for a list of
web sites for help; the only exceptions are that I don’t require a running head.
4. Correctness of the assignment (did student follow directions).
5. Content (depth and thoroughness) and clarity of writing.
6. Final report (submitted through Canvas Assignment Turnitin link).
7. For specific details of grading criteria see the Grading Rubric for Assignments
3
Team Video Presentation using MS Teams
Task: Prepare and produce a short video presentation using MS Teams that summarizes the key ideas of
the report. This must be completed by the due date. Recordings will be automatically saved in the team’s
MS Teams folder. Upload the final video version to the GoReact link in the assignment tab in Canvas.
Produce Professional PowerPoint Presentation:
1. As a team, record a 3–4-minute professional presentation that highlights the key ideas from the
report. This probably means that each member should present for about 30-45 seconds. Team
videos that are less than 3 minutes and over 4 minutes will lose points, regardless of the size of
the team.
2. Prepare professional slides that follow best practices as noted in the presentation videos. They
should be consistent, easy to see (font not too big or too small), slide numbers, headers/footers,
appropriate graphics and animation (don’t overuse the animation), and just enough graphics and
animation to aid the viewers. As a note, it is generally not a good idea to simply read the slides. In
fact, the slides should have the key ideas, but not full sentences or paragraphs.
3. Teams must use MS Teams to record their presentation.
4. Save report as follows: Team # presentation.
Presentation Outline:
1. There should be a title slide that includes the course name/number, instructor, topic, team
number, and team members full names that participated in video.
2. The few slides in between the introduction and conclusion slides, should highlight the topic, key
findings, and important recommendations. The presentations will not cover everything in the
written report, but must note the core ideas. And, if supporting information is needed, then that
could be on the slide but only (very) briefly mentioned.
3. There should be a summary/conclusion/recommendation or final comments type of slide where
the team briefly summarizes the key idea and any final thoughts on the topic. The team is
providing closure to the presentation—no new information should be provided in the summary
slide, but the team can suggest next steps and recommendation, if appropriate.
Grading:
1. The presentation will be graded based on the following (review the team presentation grading
rubric):
1. Content: The material was very well-developed and organized.
2. Content: Familiarity and comfort with material.
3. Displays very effective eye contact and body language, including posture and gestures.
Effectively engages the audience and kept within the time limit.
4. Voice inflection, pronunciation and pacing: Voice inflection, projection, pronunciation,
and pacing are consistent.
5. Use of visual aids, or technology and/or situational awareness: Uses visual aids and
technology to enhance the presentation experience for the audience.
A few things to consider:
• Practice: The team will want to practice the presentations numerous times and recording multiple
versions to ensure that they are delivering a professional presentation. Think about the video
being shared with all stakeholders in your organization, so delivering a short professional
presentation is critical. It is important that the presentation doesn’t sound rushed. Because there
are only a few minutes to present, it is critical to focus on key ideas, flow of topics, and pace.
• Flow: Think about the flow. It may be that the person who presents the introduction also provides
the close. Or you may feel that another configuration works better.
• Identify team members: Due the length restriction of the presentation (3-4 mins), it might be best
if the facilitator lists the names of the team members on the first slide and announces the
members rather than having everyone introduce themselves.
4
Grading Rubric for Team Assignments
Category No contribution
(0)
Unacceptable
(1)
Needs
improvement
(2)
Meet
Expectations
(3)
Exceptional (4)
Correctness
of the
assignment
Did not follow
directions of
assignment.
Points: 0
Somewhat
followed
directions of
assignment.
Points: 5
Moderately
followed
directions of
assignment.
Points: 10
Generally
followed
directions of
assignment.
Points: 15
Followed
directions of
assignment.
Points: 20
Clarity of
writing
Does not express
ideas and/or
opinions clearly;
no connection to
topic (main idea
of paper).
Points: 0
Unclear
connection to
topic evidenced in
minimal
expression of
ideas and/or
opinions.
Points: 10
Generally unclear
connection to
topic evidenced in
minimal
expression of
ideas and/or
opinions.
Points: 20
Ideas and/or
opinions are
stated clearly
with occasional
lack of connection
to topic (main
idea of paper).
Points: 30
Expresses ideas
and/or opinions
in a clear and
concise manner
with obvious
connection to
topic (main idea
of paper).
Points: 40
Correctness
of writing
4 or more
mistakes related
to the following:
grammar,
punctuation, or
spelling; and no
acronyms; used
business
terminology.
Points: 0
3 mistakes
related to the
following:
grammar,
punctuation, or
spelling; and no
acronyms; used
business
terminology.
Points: 5
2 mistakes
related to the
following:
grammar,
punctuation, or
spelling; and no
acronyms; used
business
terminology.
Points: 10
1 mistake related
to the following:
grammar,
punctuation, or
spelling; and no
acronyms; used
business
terminology.
Points: 15
No errors related
to the following:
grammar,
punctuation, or
spelling; and no
acronyms; used
business
terminology.
Points: 20
Presentation Not professional
presentation
(appearance) and
did not follow
APA.
Points: 0
Somewhat
professional
presentation
(appearance) and
Somewhat
followed APA.
Points: 5
Generally
professional
presentation
(appearance) and
generally
followed APA.
Points: 10
Generally
professional
presentation
(appearance) or
generally
followed APA.
Points: 15
Professional
presentation
(appearance) and
followed APA.
Points: 20
5
Team Presentation Grading Rubric
Teams will be evaluated based on this rubric, but individuals may lose additional points if their
contribution is substantially less than other members.
** See next page for more details **
OBJECTIVES: 0
Lacks contribution
(0)
1
Does not meet
expectations
(50)
2
Meets expectations
(75)
3
Exceeds expectations
(100)
Content: Well developed
(25%)
The material was not
developed or organized.
(0 pts)
The material was
somewhat developed and
organized.
(15pts)
The material was
mostly developed and
organized.
(20pts)
The material was very
well-developed and
organized.
(25pts)
Content:
Familiarity and
comfort with
material
(20%)
The presenter is clearly
not familiar or
comfortable with the
material. As a result, the
presentation is halting at
times and does not flow
at all.
(0pts)
The presenter seems
somewhat familiar with
the material, though the
presentation seems
halting or disjointed at
times.
(10pts)
Overall, the presenter
displays an adequate
level of comfort and
familiarity with the
material. It is clear the
presenter has practiced,
though may not be
perfectly polished.
(15pts)
The presentation flows
smoothly because the
presenter has a strong
familiarity and comfort
with the material. It is
clear the presenter has
repeatedly practiced.
(20pts)
Delivery: Eye
contact, body
language, self awareness, and
time limit
(20%)
The presentation is
severely hampered by
the presenter’s poor eye
contact or body
language. The presenter
is either unconcerned or
unaware of distracting
hand gestures, poor
posture, fidgeting,
wondering eyes, etc. Did
not keep within time
limit (0pts)
The presentation is
hampered by the
presenter’s body
language. At times, the
presenter displays
distracting hand
gestures, poor posture,
fidgeting, wondering
eyes, etc. Did not keep
within time limit (10pts)
Overall, the presenter
displays consistent eye
contact and positive
body language. Most
eye contact and
gestures serve to
enhance rather than
detract from the
presentation. Kept
within time limit.
(15pts)
The presenter displays
very effective eye contact
and body language. Eye
Contact and posture and
all gestures serve to
reinforce and enhance the
presentation. Kept within
time limit.
(20pts)
Delivery: Voice
inflection,
pronunciation and
pacing
(15%)
The presenter displays
overly distracting, weak,
or even inaudible, voice
inflection, word
pronunciation, and
projection throughout.
The presenter also
speaks too quickly or too
slowly to be understood.
(0pts)
The presenter displays
distracting or weak voice
inflection, word
pronunciation, and
projection at times. The
presenter also
periodically speaks too
quickly or too slowly to
be easily understood.
(5pts)
Overall, the presenter
maintains even voice
inflection and clear
projection.
Pronunciation and
pacing is appropriate
and does not detract
from the presentation.
(10pts)
The presenter is eloquent.
Voice inflection,
projection, pronunciation,
and pacing are
consistently appropriate
and clearly enhance the
overall presentation.
(15pts)
Delivery: Use of
visual aids, or
technology and/or
situational
awareness
(20%)
The presenter clearly
lacks situational
awareness and fluency
with visual aids or
technology. This may
apply to technical
aspects and/or
composition of the visual
aid(s) themselves. (0pts)
The presenter is
somewhat lacking in
situational awareness
and fluency with visual
aids or technology. This
may apply to technical
aspects and/or
composition of the visual
aid(s) themselves.
(10pts)
Overall, the presenter
displays situational
awareness and a level
of comfort with visual
aids or technology. The
visual aid(s) add to the
overall effectiveness of
the presentation. (15pts)
The presenter is clearly
aware of his or her
surroundings and
effortlessly uses visual
aids and technology to
punctuate and enhance the
presentation experience
for the audience. (20pts)
6
Grading Rubric Team Presentation Continued.
Contents: Well-developed (25%)
• Assures that information is fully developed, accurate, and current.**
• Adapts the presentation to meet the audience’s needs.
• Include a few major points with adequate support for each. **
• Presentation effectively organized: effective opening, proper sequence of presentation
(introduction, body, and conclusion), and effective close (with recommendations). **
• Use statistics, anecdotes, quotes, and/or humor appropriately.
Content: Familiarity and comfort with material (20%)
• Presenter has a strong familiarity and comfort with the material.**
• Presentation flows smoothly. **
• It is clear the presenter has repeatedly practiced.**
• Prepare and use easy-to-read notes to prompt recall of the next point.
Delivery: Eye contact, audience engagement, body language and self-awareness (20%)
• Maintain steady eye contact with the audience. **
• Smile genuinely and use gestures naturally to communicate confidence and warmth. **
• Presenter displays very effective body language.
• Posture and all gestures serve to reinforce and enhance the presentation. **
• Keep within the time limit. **
Delivery: Voice inflection, pronunciation, and pacing (15%)
• Use clear, articulate speech and proper pronunciation. **
• Use vocal variety and adjust volume and rate to express and emphasize ideas.
• Avoid irritating verbal filters and other annoying speech habits. **
Delivery: Use of visual aids, or technology and/or situational awareness (20%)
• Paraphrase rather than read the visual line by line. **
• Limit the number of visual aids used to avoid overload.
• Assure visual aids are appropriate for audience and setting.
• Create a standard design for each visual. **
• Include only the major idea the audience is to remember.
• Make the design concise, simple, and large enough to be read. **
• Design horizontal (landscape) visuals for electronic presentation.
• Proofread carefully to eliminate errors. **
• Use the presentation visuals effectively. **
• Setting, background, and environment are appropriate for the presentation.
Note. While all of these are important, I noted some that are extremely important with **.

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