Introduction to Business Communication

1. Use written English competently, accurately and appropriately in a variety of business communication scenarios.
2. Present a variety of data unambiguously in both written and graphical form, bearing in mind the fundamental importance of neatness, clarity and accuracy.
3. Understand the principles of business communication, and be able to use the most suitable medium in given situations.
4. Appreciate what are the most common barriers to successful communication and how they can be overcome.
5. Draft all the usual forms of business correspondence from given data.
6. Understand and appreciate current developments in communications technology and the effect that they have on business.

Programme Content and Learning Objectives:

After completing the programme the student should be able to:

1. Written English:

• Accurate spelling and punctuation. Range of vocabulary, correctly used
• Paragraphing
• Appropriateness of tone.
• Neatness

• Letters, memos, advertisements. Addresses, headings, salutations
• Clarity in describing any situation
• Clarity in stating requests, opinions, etc.
• Common abbreviations.
• Presentation

• Structures within an organisation
• Purpose of communication
• Appropriate channels
• Spoken and written
• Barriers and how to overcome them
• Technical terms
• Presentation of self

• Computers and associated technology
• Use of satellites
• Telephones, pagers, networks
• Awareness of its effect on business
• Applications of technology