Writing for Information Systems Management
95-717
Units: 6
Description
Communication in written form is an essential element of management. Writing for business-focused, industry-specific contexts differs from academic writing. Accordingly, this course focuses on teaching transferable, career-enhancing writing skills: developing essential and persuasive content, applying logic, organizing information, targeting diverse audiences with varying levels of expertise and roles, addressing feasibility, ensuring clarity, controlling tone, maintaining format norms and designing documents for readability. The course challenges students to meet readers’ needs by conveying critical thinking via anticipating the perspectives of stakeholders in professional situations. Coursework emphasizes precise, concise phrasing in actionable communications. Digital tips and strategies for collaborative writing will be discussed. Writing resources and sample documents will be provided.
Learning Outcomes
A. Differentiate the format and style of professional writing from personal and academic writing
B. Determine the purpose and scope of the message
C. Distinguish between essential and non-essential information
D. Target writing to particular readers, rather than preparing generic material
E. Demonstrate writing as a tool to build and maintain professional relationships
F. Communicate complex, data-heavy topic accurately using specific, plain language
G. Maintain a logical structure through calculated organizational methods
H. Format headings, lists, data, citations and visuals with a focus on precision and consistency
I. Create efficiently phrased, actionable communications for use in a workplace
J. Edit documents thoroughly prior to distribution
Prerequisites Description
This course assumes proficiency in English grammar. Numerous resources for improving written English skills are provided via Canvas.