Industry Project Home Page

PURPOSE

Classroom Group Projects are assignments designed to allow students to strengthen skills in the areas of Critical thought, research, organization, literacy synthesis, oral communication, ethics and advocacy, teambuilding, and problem solving, as well as various career skills and current event awareness.

INDUSTRY/FIRM PROJECT REQUIREMENT/CONTENT

1. This Micro Project may be completed on an individual or group basis.

2. Professional completion of all portions of the portfolio and presentation are expected.

3. The assignment is NOT to discuss the industry/firm, but rather to discuss the economic impact of the industry/firm in the past, present, and future.

a. This discussion will take place in written (portfolio) and verbal (professional presentation) form.

b. Specific graphic organizors and other forms are provided as required guidance.

4. At least four economic graphs need to be accurately utilized to achieve satisfactory evaluation – a passing grade of C.

a. Exceptional performance will require at least 6 accurately utilized economc graphs. A group may have as many graphs as desired and as they can timely present.

5. See rubric for grade evaluation specifics.

PRESENTATION PROCEDURE

Each student will actively participate in a short individual or group presentation. The presentation is to be informational in style and should provide the audience with economic information on the past, present, and future economic circumstance and impact of the industry/firm chosen. Economic graphs are required in the information delivery process.

Prior to the start of the class period

1. Individuals/Groups are to arrive to the classroom early and download their presentation to the classroom computer.

During the Presentation

1. All group members are required to participation in a portion of the presentation.

2. Group members may speak from the podium or move around the classroom as desired.

3. Professional audiovisuals may be used at any time, including, but not limited to, handouts, flipcharts, transparencies, slides, audio and videotapes, etc.

4. Presentation should demonstrate career professionalism in all areas including attire, presentation etiquette, powerpoint, visuals, verbiage, and portfolio.

INDUSTRY/FIRM PROJECT SEMANTICS

Groups: Each group should consist of 4 to 5 students. Students will form their own groups.

Topics: Students choose their own industry/firm.

Time: All porfolios are due on the first day of presenations. Presentation days will be assigned randomly by the professor.

Presentation Format: Professional appearance and delivery is expected. Introduction of group members, background on industry/firm, economic graphs indicating market changes including explanations of those changes, and a conclusion should all be utilized surrounding and complementing a prominent storyline of the students choice. Time limit of 7 minutes.

SWOT/Venn Diagram: Use these graphic organizers to assist you in your research and to guide you in developing your story line, graphs, presentation, and summary. The SWOT Analysis may be used in the presentation to provide background information if desired.

Story Line: Each presentation should present a story line. At minimum a Past-Present or Present-Future storyline should be utilized. Please use a more creative storyline if rsearch of your industry/firm provides one.

Graph Pages: Use these pages to draw the required graphs and provide explanations of the curve shifts within the market depicted. Remember, the graphs used should be economic graphs that you learned this semester. You may use additional tables, charts, or graphs to provide statistics that relate to your industry in the presentation. However, these will not count toward the required economic graphs and should not appear on the graph pages.

Research Summary: 2-3 page summary of research describing economic concepts and/or theories supporting your description of the past, present, and future impact of the industry/firm chosen. Be sure to include economic bullet points of the main points in your presentation, as well as the graphs - depicting shifts and reasons. References to graph numbers on the graph pages may be used in leau of retyping graphs. (Use 12 pt font in Times New Roman double spaced.) Summary formats will vary. Suggestions include: 1) Intro, graphs, conclusion; 2: Intro, firm summary, econ summary, conclusion; 3) any other format that fits well with chosen storyline.

Research: Any printed documents. URL’s for all other sources in a works cited format.

Rubric: This is a table depicting the various requirements of the Industry/Firm Project and the points assigned for each based on quality and level of completion. It is wise to consider the rubric while researching and planning the presentation and portfolio components.

Group Evaluation Forms: Each group member is to confidentially complete and turn in an evaluation of their group members on the provided form. A group grade will not be assigned until an evaluation form from each group member has been received.

Participation: All group members are expected to participate in the research, development, and presentation of the industry/firm project. Preparation will require substantial library research. Each participating group member will receive the group grade unless unanimous indication on the group member evaluation forms shows a need for grade adjustment. If a students grade needs to be adjusted it will be adjusted down by no less than 15 points and up by no more than 1o points.

Rehearsal: Time spent rehearsing will directly correlate with the groups grade. Without rehearsal it will be impossible to adequately and professionally deliver a polished presentation that effectively communicates the economic impact of the industry/firm.

Portfolio Turn-In: Each group will submit a folder organized in an orderly fashion containing the items listed on the Industry/Firm Project Cover Page in the order indicated.

PROJECT RUBRIC	Levels of Performance					Possible Points
Criteria	F: Inadequate	D: Weak	C: Average	B: Above Average	A: Exceptional	100	?
Research · Evidence of in-depth research · Clear understanding of topic and position · Number of concept points utilized · Ability to respond to rebuttals · Use of examples and facts	Research is extrememly weak or nonexistant. Group has difficulty presenting concept points and demonstrates below average knowledge on the topic. Examples and facts are used infrequently if at all	Research is not apparent. Few group members demonstrate an understanding of the topic. Group presents 1 to 2 concept points and demonstrates below average understanding of the industry/firm economic impact. Examples and facts are used infrequently.	Some group members demonstrate an understanding of the topic. Group presents 2 to 3 concept points and demonstrate average understanding of the industry/firm economic impact. Examples and facts are used infrequently.	Most group members demonstrate a profound understanding of the topic. Group presents 3-4 concept points and demonstrates above average understanding and knowledge of industry /firm economic impact. Some examples and facts are cited.	All group members demonstrate a profound understanding of the topic. Group presents 4 to 5 concept points and is obviously knowledgable on topic. Numerous examples and facts are cited along with their economic impact.	10
Presentation: Professionalism · Career ready presentation · Correct usage of powerpoint · Attire of group memebers	Powerpoint is not utilized or exhibits no signs of accurate preparation. No members are dressed in appropriate attire.	Powerpoint is used but is not adequate for a collegiate assignment. A few members are dressed in professional attire.	Powerpoint is used but not ready to be shown in a career setting. Many members are dressed in professional attire.	Well done powerpoint with minor grammar errors. All except one group members are dressed in professional attire or appropriate themed attire.	Exceptional powerpoint utilizing transitions, graphics, correct sizing, 7 word/7 line rule, etc All group members are dressed in professional attire or appropriate themed attire	5
Presentation: Etiquette · Verbal Communication · NonVerbal communication · Maintain audience attention	Group members are not adequately prepared. Numerous presentation guidelines are not followed. Inappropriate Verbal and Non-Verbal manners are embarrassingly frequent. Audience was disassociated due to chaotic presentation.	One member appears to be ‘carrying’ the group. Other group members are not adequately prepared. An outburst occurs during the presentation or many presentation guidelines are not followed. Inappropriate Verbal and Non-Verbal manners are often. Audience is falling asleep.	Two to three members are / arenot well prepared. Other group members are somewhat prepared. Most presentation guidelines are followed. Inappropriate Verbal and Non-Verbal manners are utilized infrequently. Audience’s attention may be spotty despite the group’s best attempts.	Most members are well spoken and the group appears to be working together. All presentation guidelines are followed. Verbal and Non-Verbal manners are mostly acceptable. Group is energized and maintains the audience’s attention through most of the presentation.	All members are well spoken, the group presents itself as a well oiled machine. All presentation rules are followed and the process is smooth and effective. Verbal and Non-Verbal manners are acceptable for a ‘real world’ career related presentation. Group is enthusiastic and maintains the audience’s attention throughout the presentation.	5
Presentation: Organization and Clarity · Evidence of rehearsal · All members participate · Clear, well thought out presentation outline	Group is disorganized and it is difficult to determine dynamics. Two or more group members do not present. Material is unclear and near impossible to understand.	Group appears disorganized in most areas. One or more group members do not present. Material is unclear and difficult to understand.	Group appears disorganized in no more than two areas. One group member may not present. Some of the material is unclear but one can follow the presentation with little effort. Mostly evident storyline.	Group may have rehearsed. Most group members are at least moderately aware of the process and material. All group members present. Presentation is delivered in a fairly organized fashion. Evident storyline.	Group rehearsals are obvious. All members participate in the presentation and are polished presenters. Entire presentation is delivered in a superbly clear, appropriate, and orderly fashion. Evident storyline.	10
Presentation: Economic Content · Economic Graphs correctly utilized · Economic terminology · Accurate usage of economic concepts, theories, terms · *The same market should only be used one to complete minimum graph requirements	An economic graph is not correctly applied to the presentation material or the same type of graph is utilized numerous times. Arguments are either inaccurate or not economic in nature. Group is unprepared to present and explain their research. Group struggled with economic content. Opening/Conclusion are not prepared ahead of time. All sections are spottingly delivered with several areas being inadequate. Few concept points made are relevant. Evidence is not provided in main concept areas. A story line is not present. Members are not able to make an economic connection in their research. Audience is confused and disconnected.	Two to three economic graphs are correctly applied to the presentation material. Concept points are not always accurate or economic in nature. Group is underprepared to present their research. Most information is not economic in nature. Group struggled with economic content. Opening/Conclusion are not prepared ahead of time. All sections are delivered spottingly with no more than one area being inadequate. Few concept points are relevant. Evidence is not provided in main concept areas or the same concepts are repeated often. A story is undetectable or poorly prepared. Members are not able to make an economic connection in their research. Audience is confused as to the members response.	At least four economic graphs are correctly applied to the presentation material. Concept points are present and accurate most of the time. Group is moderately prepared to present their research. Most information is strong but not always economic in content. Group appears to have slight difficulty with the economic content. Opening/Conclusion are prepared ahead of time and adequately delivered. The main points are fairly researched although the delivery may be spotty. Some concept points are are relevant. Evidence is provided in support of an research most of the time accurately. The story line is apparent although it may not be well connected. No more than one member has difficulty making economic connections in their research.	Four to five economic graphs are correctly applied to the presentation material. Concept points are present, accurate, and many are economic related. Group is well prepared to present their research and most information is strong and economic in content. Group does not appear to struggle with economic concepts. Opening/Conclusion are prepared ahead of time and well delivered. The main points are adequately researched and delivered. Most concept points are relevant, effective, and fact based. At least one argument is evidenced utilizing an example, statistics, or graph. Story line is apparent and well thought out. Members appear knowledgeable about topic, support, and graphs.	Six or more economic graphs are correctly applied to the presentation material. Concept points are insightful and accurate. Strong economic explanations are utilized in all circumstances. Group is well prepared to present their research and correctly relate their findings with economic theory. Group appears to have mastered economic comcepts in numerous areas. Opening/Conclusion are prepared ahead of time and well delivered. The main points are well researched and delivered. All concept points are relevant, effective, insightful, and fact based. Most arguments are evidenced utilizing examples, statistics, or graphs. Story line is apparent, creative, and thorough. Members appear exceptionally knowledgeable and are able to make economic connections quickly.	20
Portfolio: Professionalism · Career ready portfolio · Followed directions in organization	Portfolio is nonexistent. The group either did not turn in items or simply threw together a few pages with little effort or attention to the categories listed in the Course Project Document.	Portfolio is poorly prepared and is missing some of the categories listed in the Course Project Document.	Portfolio is adequately prepared but is lacking professional appearance and missing no more than one of the categories listed in the Course Project Document.	Portfolio is adequately prepared and contains all categories listed in the Course Project Document.	Portfolio is professionally prepared: contains all categories listed in the Course Project Document and is separated with dividers.	5
Portfolio: Venn Diagram · Economic Depth of P,P,F concepts within industry · Clearly indicate fact from fiction · Shows relation of graphs to P, P, F’s	Form is not completed	Form is completed but understanding of purpose for the graphic organizer is not apparent	Past, Present, Future or appropriate story line is present. Graphic organizer shows an attempt to organize the direction of the research. Economic terms are sparse.	Past, Present, Future or appropriate story line is present and effective. Graphic organizer shows an attempt to organize the direction of the research. Economic terms are plentiful and accurately utilized.	Past, Present, Future or appropriate story line is present and extrememly effective. Graphic organizer shows clear direction of the research thought process.	5
Portfolio: SWOT Analysis · Economic depth of S,W,O,T’s · Creative and unique thoughts · Shows relation of graphs to S, W, O, T, areas	Form is not completed	Form is completed but understanding of purpose is not apparenet or many items are inaccurate	SWOT is prepared demonstrating some research of topic. Group applies economic concepts to research adequately but not strongly linked to the development of their story line.	SWOT is well prepared demonstrating research of topic. Group applies economic concepts to research in order to develop their story line although creativity with economic concepts proves challenging.	SWOT is well prepared demonstrating indepth research of topic. Group applies economic concepts to research in order to creatively develop their story line.	5
Portfolio: Summary · Grammar · Length · Economic Content · Collegiate level	1-2 full pages, incorrect font, poor quality summary, numerous grammar errors, few economic terms utilized, few accurate economic assumptions	1-2 full pages, incorrect font, high school level summary, many grammar errors, some economic terms utilized, some accurate economic assumptions	2-3 full pages, 12 point Arial or Times font, collegiately prepared summary, Few grammar errors, several economic terms utilized, mostly accurate economic assumptions	2-3 full pages, 12 point Arial or Times font, collegiately prepared summary, Few minor grammar errors, numerous economic terms utilized, all but one accurate economic assumptions	2-3 full pages, 12 point Arial or Times font, collegiately prepared summary, No grammar errors, numerous economic terms utilized, accurate economic assumptions	15
Portfolio: Economic Content · Number of economic graphs · Correct usage of economic graphs · Economic content	No graphs or only one type of graph is utilized. One or no graphs are correctly utilized to support the groups research. Economic terminology is not present. The content is secular, not economic, in nature.	Two or more types of graphs are utilized. Two or more graphs are correctly utilized to support the research. Economic terminology is rarely present. The content is mostly secular.	Three or more types of graph are utilized. Four or more graphs are correctly utilized to support the research. Economic terminology is mostly present. The content is more economic related than secular.	Four or more types of graphs are utilized. Five or more graphs are correctly utilized to support the research. Economic terminology is present often.	Five or more types of graphs are utilized. Six or more graphs are correctly utilized to support the research. Economic terminology is consistently present.	20