ADMN 233 — Assignments
Three graded assignments worth 35% 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 (anitalee@signtimes.ca), 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.
Assignment 3 — Formal Business Proposal (15%)
Type: Formal business proposal
Word count: 800–1100 words (excludes title page and references; includes personal reflection)
Based on: Ametros simulation scenario — lack of gender diversity and inclusion in Monarchy Technology’s development team (see ADMN233-Simulation)
Task: Write a brief formal proposal that presents at least one idea to address the hiring of more women and/or creating a more inclusive environment for female employees at Monarchy Technology. Consider both sides but advocate for your recommended solution.
Required structure (in this order):
| Section | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Title Page | Descriptive unique title; name and job title |
| Executive Summary | 3–5 sentences; high-level, action-oriented summary of the problem |
| Introduction | Background on the problem from Marie’s email; 2–3 paragraphs of 3–4 sentences each |
| Proposed Solution | State solution in 1–2 sentences; then details, implementation, and benefits with subheadings |
| Ethics | 1 paragraph, 2–3 sentences; human/environmental impacts during and after implementation |
| Conclusion | 1 paragraph, 2–4 sentences; positive note restating direct and indirect benefits |
| References | APA style — only if external sources are used |
| Personal Reflection | 4–6 sentences on professional/prior experience with proposals + course learning applied |
Key distinctions from Assignment 2:
- This is a proposal (persuasive, advocates for a solution) vs. A2’s report (analytical, no recommendations)
- Includes an Ethics section — mandatory, not optional
- Exec Summary is explicitly action-oriented (not a neutral intro)
- External research is not required; all ideas should be your own
Presentation: Same formatting specs as A2: professional template, 1.5 line spacing, 2.5 cm margins, 10–12pt font, letter-size, left alignment.
Grading emphasis: Writing skills above all — clarity, persuasive flow, professional conventions. Quality or originality of the proposed solution is secondary.
Concept page: BusinessProposal
Assessment Rubric (All Three 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 |