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BM 132 Module Outline

The document outlines the Business Communication module at Midlands State University, focusing on developing effective communication skills in various forms such as written, oral, and non-verbal communication. Key objectives include understanding the importance of communication in business, responding to cultural diversity, and developing interpersonal and presentation skills. The module covers topics like communication channels, interpersonal and intercultural communication, professional etiquette, and legal and ethical communication.

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116 views5 pages

BM 132 Module Outline

The document outlines the Business Communication module at Midlands State University, focusing on developing effective communication skills in various forms such as written, oral, and non-verbal communication. Key objectives include understanding the importance of communication in business, responding to cultural diversity, and developing interpersonal and presentation skills. The module covers topics like communication channels, interpersonal and intercultural communication, professional etiquette, and legal and ethical communication.

Uploaded by

Tstorm
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

MIDLANDS STATE UNIVERSITY

P. Bag 9055 Tel: 263 54 227411

Gweru Fax: 260233

Zimbabwe
[Link]

FACULTY OF BUSINESS SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT SCIENCES

BUSINESS COMMUNICATION (BM132)

Lecturer: F Chigwaza
Faculty of Business Sciences
chigwazaf@[Link]

1. SYNOPSES
The module focuses on the development of student’s ability to
communicate effectively and briefly in written, oral and any other
forms of communication. It also considers different styles in the use
of English in business settings, communication skills, letter writing,
note taking, meetings, minutes, summarizing and referencing.

2. OBJECTIVES
The main objective of this module is to model competent
communicators and equip them with knowledge and good
communication skills for success in business.
Upon completion of this course students are expected to:

 Understand the importance of effective communication in a


business setting

1
 Sensitively respond to cultural diversity and issues of cross-
cultural communication

 Have developed good interpersonal skills and be valuable


team players

 Be able to select appropriate communication channels for a


particular situation and purpose

 Have developed good presentation skills in order to develop


professional presentations

 Use polished Standard English in writing and speaking to


enhance professional communication

MODULE OUTLINE

TOPIC 1: GENERAL INTRODUCTION


Definition of Communication
Purposes of Communication
The Communication Process
Communication Context
 Intrapersonal communication

 Interpersonal communication

 Group communication

 Organizational/Mass communication

Barriers to effective communication

TOPIC 2: COMMUNICATION CHANNELS:


FORMAL AND INFORMAL COMMUNICATION
1. Formal communication

 Horizontal/lateral communication

 Vertical communication

 Diagonal communication

2. Informal communication

 Advantages stimulus

 Disadvantages

Communication networks

2
Effective formal and informal communication

TOPIC 3: INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION


 Definitions
 Characteristics of Interpersonal communication
 Relevance of interpersonal communication
 Components of interpersonal communication

TOPIC 4: INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION


 Definition
 Challenges of intercultural communication
 Addressing intercultural communication challenges

TOPIC 5: TYPES/FORMS OF COMMUNICATION

1. VERBAL COMMUNICATION

ORAL COMMUNICATION
Definitions
Advantages and Disadvantages
Presentations/ speeches
 Organizing a presentation
 Methods of delivering presentations
 Presentation skills
Meetings
 Formal & Informal meetings
 Documentation for meetings
 Procedure in meetings
 Running good meetings
 Characteristics of badly run meetings
Interviews
 Types of interviews
 Preparing for interviews
Telephone conversations
 Phone etiquette

2. WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
Definitions
Advantages and Disadvantages
Planning and writing business messages
Organizing a message
Writing good news, bad news, routine and persuasive
messages
Controlling style and tone when writing

Business correspondences: Practical Applications

3
 Reports and report writing

 Memo writing

 Writing a press release

3. ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION
The use of IT in Business
 The intranets and internet

 Electronic mailing

Virtual teams and organizations


Implications to effective communication

4. NON VERBAL COMMUNICATION


Definitions
Forms/Types of non-verbal communication
Importance of Non-verbal communication

5. VISUAL COMMUNICATION

TOPIC 6: PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS ETIQUETTE


What is business etiquette?
Appearance
Networking
Telephone etiquette
Interview etiquette
Meetings etiquette
Email etiquette
Gift giving
Dining etiquette

TOPIC 7: COMMUNICATION IN DIFFICULT SITUATIONS


Crisis communication
Challenges of crisis communication
Crisis communication strategies

TOPIC 8: LEGAL AND ETHICAL COMMUNICATION


 Ethics, law and communication
 Information disclosure practices
 Information Privacy and security

4
RECOMMENDED TEXTS
 Bovee and Thill, (2013) Excellence in business
communication, 10 Edition. Pearson Education, New Jersey
th

 Hartley p & Bruckmam C G (2002) Business Communication,


Routledge, London
 More L.H,(2013) Business Cmmunication: Achieving Results.
[Link]
 Taylor S,(2005) Communication for Business, 4 TH Edition,
 Pearson Education, Edinburgh
NB: Please note that this list is not exhaustive.

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