21878 Studies in Business Communication

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular semester, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

UTS: Business: Management
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks


There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.

Handbook description

This subject is designed to develop students' skills in academic and business communication. The subject introduces students to basic theoretical and commonsense conceptions of communication in the 21st century. It provides foundational understanding and skill development in academic and business writing and introduces students to techniques of academic and business research. Critical interpersonal skills such as assertiveness, oral communication, listening and understanding as well as non-verbal communication are experientially taught. The subject is also designed to provide students with an understanding of the principles of argumentation and reasoning and interrogates the impact of new communication technologies. The content is embedded within intercultural communication in a global society.

Subject objectives/outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

1. evaluate the factors contributing to effective communication in business and academic contexts
2. produce oral presentations and written documents suitable for academic and/or professional audiences
3. engage in effective communication within a business context
4. examine the use and implications of different forms and styles of communication for effective leadership in building commitment to organisational strategic goals.

This subject also contributes specifically to the following Program Learning Objectives:

• be able to convey information clearly and fluently, in high quality written form appropriate for their audience (PLO 3.1)
• demonstrate effective oral presentation skills for academic and professional audiences (PLO 3.2)
• be able to interact effectively with others in order to work towards a common outcome (PLO 3.3).

Contribution to course aims and graduate attributes

This subject contributes to the MBA through the development of students' communication and reasoning skills. Students develop an understanding of the requirements of effective communication within both academic and business contexts. The impact of technology and other contextual factors, including organisational culture and strategic purpose, on notions of effective communication is examined. By developing students' skills in effective communication, this subject provides a foundation for enhanced performance in other studies.

Content

1. Communication theory and its application in the context of postgraduate study and in a business organisation
2. Research and writing skills
3. Oral, listening and understanding skills
4. Intercultural communication
5. Communication within a contemporary organisational context
6. Communication to support leadership, change and innovation
7. Effective use of communication technology

Assessment

Assessment Item 1: In-class Essay (Open Book)

Objective(s):	This addresses Subject Learning Objectives: 1, 2, 4. This addresses Program Learning Objective: PLO 3.3.
Weighting:	30%

Assessment Item 2: Oral Presentation (Debate)

Objective(s):	This addresses Subject Learning Objectives 2 and 3.
Weighting:	30%

Assessment Item 3: End-of-semester Formal Exam (Closed Book)

Objective(s):	This addresses Subject Learning Objectives: 1, 2, 4. This addresses Program Learning Objective: PLO 3.1
Weighting:	40%

Minimum requirements

Students must achieve at least 50% of the subject’s total marks.

Required texts

Eunson, B. (2008). Communicating in the 21st Century (2nd Ed.) Wiley.

Indicative references

Adler, R & Elmhorst, J 2008, Communicating at work: Principles and Practices for Business and the Professions, 9th Edn, McGraw-Hill, New York.

Bailey, S 2003, Academic Writing: A Practical Guide for Students, Routledge/Taylor & Francis, London.

Bar-On, R & Parker, J (eds) 2005, The Measurement and Appraisal of Emotional Intelligence in Adults: A Handbook on Evaluation and Assessment, Jossey-Bass, San Francisco.

Becker, E & Wortman, J 2009, Mastering Communication at Work: How to Lead, Manage and Influence, McGraw-Hill, New York.

Browne, M and Keeley, S 2009, Asking the Right Questions: A Guide to Critical Thinking, 9th Edn, Prentice Hall, New Jersey.

Buhrig, K & Thije, J (eds) 2006, Beyond Misunderstanding: Linguistic Analyses of Intercultural Communication, John Benjamins, Amsterdam.

Fisher, A 2001, Critical Thinking: An Introduction, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge UK.

Guirdham, M 2005, Communicating Across Cultures at Work, 2nd Edn, Palgrave Macmillan, New York.

Jandt, F 2007, An Introduction to Intercultural Communication: Identities in a Global Community, Sage, Thousand Oaks CA/London/New Delhi

O’Dochartaigh, N 2007, Internet Research Skills: How to Do your Literature Search and Find Research Information Online, Sage, London/Thousand Oaks/New Delhi.

Rasmussen, R 2009, Business Communication and Technologies in a Changing World, Macmillan, Melbourne.

Silverman, D 2011, Qualitative Research, 3rd Edn, Sage, London.

Strunk, W & White, EB 2008, The Elements of Style, Longman, New York.

Ury, W 1991, Getting Past No: Negotiating with Difficult People, Business Books, London.