Business Communication 1Laajuus (3 ECTS)

Objective

By the end of the course, students will:
- understand the essential principles of audience-centred business communication
- be able to produce accurate, clear and well-written business messages in a variety of media and for various audiences
- be able to adapt style and tone according to the various communication patterns, channels and styles used in companies and real-life situations
- know how to structure and deliver effective audience-centred business presentations.

Content

The course introduces students to the importance of effective communication in a business context. Students will be given opportunities to develop their professional and interpersonal communication skills both orally and in writing. The main focus of the course and methodology is combining theory with practice in and out of the classroom and for both oral and written business communication. Students will learn theory in class and apply this in practice by completing several business writing tasks, taking part in an office simulation and delivering an audience-centred presentation which is filmed for evaluation purposes. Written tasks can be included in the student’s personal professional development portfolio.
Writing for business (Routine written messages and documents, internal and external communication)
Writing for academic purposes (portfolio), writing process
Communication process, verbal and non-verbal communication, introduction to intercultural communication, oral skills, communication topics
Presentation skills
Giving and receiving feedback
Self-analysis & document critique techniques

Qualifications

English Language Proficiency

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Sufficient performance: has completed basic requirements to pass the course and has made an attempt to apply and articulate concepts and information both verbally and in writing but has not made enough effort overall, the presentation task and/or portfolio are weak and require further input. The student has demonstrated little effort, interest and motivation for class activities and course assignments.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Good overall performance: shows can apply and articulate concepts and information well both verbally and in writing, certain areas of the presentation task and/or portfolio require further attention; shows appropriate level of interest and motivation in all class activities and course assignments.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Excellent performance in all elements of the course: shows interest and motivation in all class activities and course assignments, fully applies and clearly articulates concepts and information both verbally and in writing. The student’s individual course portfolio and presentation analysis are highly professional, complete, show originality and fully demonstrate the student’s motivation and ability to write clear and effective business messages. The student follows the instructions and is able to support his/her argument with references to the recommended reading and lecture content. Excellent presentation delivery and analysis.