ADMN 233 — Assignments
Two graded assignments worth 20% of the final mark combined.
Assignment 1 — Writing Assessment (5%)
Type: Diagnostic email
Word count: 150–250 words, 4–6 paragraphs
Due: Week 1 (before coursework begins) — used to identify writing strengths and weaknesses
Scenario: You are Assistant Store Manager at Peak Fashion. Two recent shipments from long-time supplier Signs of the Times arrived with damaged signage (bent signs, torn corners, scuff marks). Your boss wants you to resolve this while maintaining the relationship.
Task: Write a professional email to Anita Lee ([email protected]), Account Representative, that:
- Opens with a clear topic sentence stating the purpose
- Explains the situation with relevant context
- States a desired course of action
- Closes with contact details
Graded on: Content, Organization, Mechanics & Grammar, Writing Style, Presentation & Formatting — see WritingRubric
Sample — Submitted Assignment 1 (Joshua Nolet, Aug 2, 2025)
Subject: Recent Sign Orders - Quality Concerns
Dear Ms. Lee,
I am contacting you regarding damaged signage received in Peak Fashion’s two most recent orders from Signs of the Times, including bent signs, torn corners, and scuff marks.
Over the past eight years, Peak Fashion has been ordering from Signs of the Times due to your competitive rates and reliable service. Until recently, we have been greatly satisfied with the quality of your work and the professional results it helps us achieve in-store.
However, our two most recent shipments have arrived with visible damage. Although we were able to display the signage, its condition does not meet the standards of the professional image we wish to present to our customers.
To resolve this, our company Peak Fashion would appreciate either a credit or replacement for the damaged signage. Additionally, we ask for your confirmation of the packaging or quality control steps your team will take to ensure similar issues will not arise in future orders.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. If you have any questions, concerns, or require further details, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly.
Sincerely, Joshua Nolet Assistant Store Manager, Peak Fashion
Techniques visible in this sample:
- Paragraph 1: topic sentence naming problem clearly without hedging
- Paragraph 2: relationship context before escalating the complaint (credibility + goodwill)
- Paragraph 3: problem statement framed around professional image, not just inconvenience
- Paragraph 4: two-part resolution request (remedy + prevention) — specific and actionable
- Close: courteous, open invitation to follow up
Assignment 2 — Formal Business Report (15%)
Type: Analytical business report
Word count: 750–1000 words (excludes title page and references; includes personal reflection)
Based on: Ametros simulation scenario — failure of Regency III diversity-algorithm at Monarchy Technology (see ADMN233-Simulation)
Required structure (in this order):
| Section | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Title Page | Descriptive unique title; name and job title |
| Introduction | Background on the problem; 1–2 paragraphs / 3–5 sentences |
| Findings and Analysis | Logically arranged facts with analysis; use subheadings |
| Conclusion | One paragraph, 3–4 sentences |
| References | APA style, only if sources quoted |
| Personal Reflection | 4–6 sentences on professional/prior experience with reports + what was learned |
Content scope: Summary of situation + possible causes + potential effects of Regency III failure. Analytical, not just descriptive. No recommendations required. Can quote simulation platform using APA:
Ametros Learning. (2023). Communication for business [Computer software]. https://student.ametroslearning.com/
Presentation: Professional template (Word or Google Docs), 1.5 line spacing, 2.5 cm margins, 10–12pt font, letter-size.
Grading emphasis: Writing quality above all — clarity, organization, analytical flow, professional conventions. Technical accuracy of Regency III analysis is secondary.
Assessment Rubric (Both Assignments)
See WritingRubric for the full breakdown. Summary:
| Category | What’s tested |
|---|---|
| Content | Completeness, audience targeting, originality, APA |
| Organization | Structure, flow, transitions, intro/conclusion |
| Mechanics & Grammar | Spelling, punctuation, grammar, syntax |
| Writing Style | Tone, voice, clarity, conciseness |
| Presentation & Formatting | Layout, headings, whitespace, professional appearance |