Management Principles and Practices for Technical Communicators (Part of the Allyn & Bacon Series in Technical Communication)
R. Stanley Dicks, North Carolina State University

ISBN-10: 0321165233
ISBN-13: 9780321165237

Publisher: Longman
Copyright: 2004
Format: Paper; 272 pp
Published: 07/11/2003

Suggested retail price: $70.80
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Management Principles and Practices for Technical Communicators presents theory and practice in a manner designed to help practicing managers, graduate students, and advanced undergraduates.

The book covers areas of management that are specific to technical communication groups, focusing on how such groups should position themselves within larger organizations and how they should interact and communicate with other groups. These tasks and others are consistently informed by the book's four main premises: that technical communication managers need to conceptualize what they do, that they must understand and participate in the overall goals of their larger organizations, that technical communicators are developers who create products and services and not merely support, and that technical communication managers must educate peers and upper management to the value that their groups add to the development process.

  • For each management task, the book provides insights about how to think conceptually about the task, how to plan for it, and how to perform the steps necessary for completing it.
  • Management Worksheets throughout the text help students and managers think conceptually and plan for specific management tasks.
  • Case studies at the end of each section help students and professors discuss in detail a particular case that highlights different management tasks and relates them to “real world” problems.
  • Writing assignments at the end of each section helps students apply the principles discussed in each chapter by relating them to a “real world” management situation.
  • “For Further Reading” boxes at the end of each section provide key references and resources for additional, in depth study of conceptual and practical subjects.

Each chapter concludes with “The Management Situation.” “The Assignment,” “Helpful Hints,” and “Evaluation Criteria.”

Preface.

Intended Audience.

The Central Premises of the Book.

The Structure of the Book and How to Use It.

Acknowledgements.



1. Management Philosophy Issues Related to Technical Communication.

Introduction.

Principle-and Value-Centered Management.

Four Management Paradigms.

Mission and Vision Statements.

Documentation Development Philosophy.

Organizational Structures.

Where Should Technical Communication be Located?

Conclusion.

References.

For Further Information.

Case 1: Mission Statement, Goals, and Objectives.



2. Technical Communication Personnel Management.

Introduction.

Leadership vs. Management.

Leadership Skills for Technical Communicators.

Technical Communication Employee Levels.

Technical Communication Salaries.

Technical Communication Job Titles.

The Hiring Process.

Hiring Contractors and Consultants.

Training and Development.

Job and Project Assignments.

Performance Evaluation.

Reward and Reinforcement.

Promotions.

Recommendations and References.

Reductions in Force.

Problem Employees.

Teamwork and Collaboration.

Other Technical Communication Personnel Issues.

References.

For Further Information.

Questions for Discussion.

Case 2: Compensation and Rewards Plan.



3. Finance for Technical Communication Managers.

Introduction.

Balance Sheets and Income Statements.

Budgets.

Levels of Quality and Service-Level Agreements.

Estimation.

Value Added for Technical Communication.

References.

For Further Information.

Questions for Discussion.

Case 3: Value-Added Calculation.



4. Management Communication.

Rhetorical Situations.

Communication Modes.

Communication Locations.

Communication Times.

Communication Media.

Communication Contents.

Communication Reasons.

Communicating with Employees.

Communicating with Peers.

Communicating with Management.

Communicating Externally.

Meetings.

References.

For Further Information.

Questions for Discussion.

Case 4: Meeting Agenda, Minutes, and Action Items.



5. Management Training.

Introduction.

General Management Skills.

Technical Communication-Specific Management Skills.

General Technical Skills.

Technical Communication-Specific Technical Skills.

Industry-or Discipline-Specific Technical Skills.

Training Resources.

Is Career Development Your Responsibility or Your Organization's?

References.

For Further Information.

Questions for Discussion.

Case 5: Management and Technical Skills Development Plan.



6. Managing Yourself.

Mentoring.

Management.

Biological Clock.

Delegation.

Setting Objectives and Goals.

Managing Your Life.

References.

Questions for Discussion.

Case 6: Managing Your Time.



7. Managing Your Boss.

Introduction.

Empathize with Your Boss's Situation.

Get Your Own Job Done First.

Develop Credibility.

Become a Problem Solver Rather Than a Complainer.

Present New Ideas Gradually and Prove Their Value.

Accept Criticism Graciously.

If All Else Fails, Leave.

When You Find a Good One, Hang On.

References.

For Further Information.

Questions for Discussion.

Case 7: Problem Solving and Communication.



8. Other Technical Communication Management Responsibilities.

Translation/Localization.

Preparing Proposals and RFPs.

Marketing/Sales.

References.

For Further Information.

Questions for Discussion.

Case 8: Writing a Proposal for Technical Communication Services.



9. Resources for Technical Communication Managers.

Books.

Magazines/Journals.

Training.

Translators.

Indexers.

Organizations.



Index.

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