Students analyze documentation teams, DOC plans, corporate style guides, government and military standards, and interpersonal work style preferences for their impact on the documentation life cycle. A study of external communications problems associated with the design and development of information products. Examines document design, document maintenance, editing and production problems, desktop publishing, online documentation, and interactive communications systems for their impact on the document life cycle. A presentation of organizational structure and teamwork requirements and their impact on timeline demands of various multimedia designs. Analysis of project objectives for designs and paradigms of interactive formats is conducted for presentations, training, marketing, and kiosks.
Students survey hardware and software options for addressing project needs.
An examination of the various research tools and methodologies used in the communications field to produce a viable thesis proposal. Students are familiarized with methods of content analysis, audience research, needs assessment, and the use of statistical procedures to quantify value and variable measurement. The value of research conducted by others is recognized as a tool in conducting one's own research. Students observe how the changes in national and international business relationships impact the media industries. In addition the ramifications of instant information on communications, and trends such as downsizing, outsourcing, and networking are explored.