Group Assignment
Unit 6 Group Assignment: Simulated Business Meeting/Project Planning Session
Assignment Description:
For this assignment, your group will create and participate in a simulated business meeting or project planning session. Each group will be given a specific scenario to work on, and you will need to use your professional English skills to communicate effectively. The meeting or planning session will be recorded for review and reflection.
Nota Bene!
These scenarios are subject to change depending on your program.
Scenarios
Project Launch: Your team has been tasked with launching a new product line. Discuss the marketing strategies, target demographics, potential challenges, and set goals for the first quarter.
Crisis Management: A major PR crisis has hit your company due to a product malfunction. Discuss damage control strategies, customer communication, media statements, and preventive measures for the future.
Business Expansion: Your business is planning to expand its operations to another country. Discuss the feasibility, market research findings, cultural considerations, and the legal aspects of international business.
Company Merger: Your company is merging with a competitor. Discuss how the teams can be integrated, potential culture clashes, branding strategy, and how to communicate the changes to stakeholders.
Budget Planning: You are a team of department heads and the CEO, planning the next fiscal year’s budget. Discuss allocations, cost-saving measures, potential investments, and financial targets.
Sustainability Initiative: Your company is looking to implement a new sustainability initiative. Discuss what this could look like, the potential benefits and drawbacks, public response, and long-term implications.
Product Recall: A batch of your product has been found to be faulty, leading to a recall. Discuss the process of the recall, communication to customers, media handling, and quality control measures for the future.
Scaffolding:
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Preparation: Research and prepare for the meeting or planning session based on the provided scenario. Each member should understand their role and the objective of the meeting.
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Meeting/Planning Session: Conduct the session. Ensure everyone participates and communicates effectively.
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Reflection: After the session, review the recording as a group. Reflect on the effectiveness of the meeting and areas for improvement.
Self-Reporting Instructions:
As a group, evaluate the overall success of the meeting or planning session. Be honest and critical. Identify what worked well and where the group can improve.
Reflection Prompts:
- Was our meeting objective clear and were we able to achieve it?
- Did everyone in the group have a chance to speak and contribute?
- How effectively did we communicate with each other?
- Were there any disagreements or conflicts? If so, how were they resolved?
- How could we improve our meeting or planning session in the future?
Grading Rubric:
Categories | Grade A | Grade C | Grade E |
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Preparation | The group came prepared and each member understood their role. | The group was somewhat prepared, but some roles were unclear. | The group was not adequately prepared and roles were unclear. |
Participation | All group members participated and contributed effectively. | Most group members participated, but some contributions were limited. | Participation was uneven, with some group members dominating the discussion. |
Communication | The group communicated clearly and professionally, facilitating effective discussion. | The group mostly communicated effectively, but there were instances of confusion or misunderstanding. | The group’s communication was ineffective, leading to confusion or miscommunication. |
Resolution | Any disagreements or conflicts were resolved in a constructive manner. | Some disagreements were handled constructively, but others hindered progress. | Disagreements or conflicts were not effectively resolved. |
For self-reporting, assign your group a grade as follows:
- Grade A: We strongly agree that our group demonstrated this effectively.
- Grade C: We somewhat agree that our group demonstrated this effectively. There’s room for improvement.
- Grade E: We disagree that our group demonstrated this effectively. Significant improvement is needed.
Remember, the goal of this activity is to improve your professional English communication skills and learn to work effectively in a group. Be honest, be constructive, and focus on the group’s performance as a whole. Good luck!