Aim:

This module focuses on theories relating to current trends in Business Communication including marketing and crisis situations. Through small group working it develops practical communications skills to a "real-time" campaign allowing students to experience the process of a campaign from strategic intent through to delivery in a business environment. Development of campaign themes, key messages, and message consistency provides students of this module with theoretical knowledge and skills set transferable into both pro-active and reactive communications with internal and external audiences.

Brief module description/summary: Business communication and negotiation is one of the key skills needed for people involves with any business activities. This module provides a unique opportunity for students to learn and practice the theories and techniques how to communicate effectively to business partners. This module assists students in exploring and developing perspectives on communication at personal and organisational levels recognising cultural contexts. The nature and importance of management in the organisation will be considered and links between these key areas analysed appropriately.

Learning outcome 1: Describe and analyse the purposes and principles behind different forms of effective organisational communication;
Learning outcome 2: Identify common challenges to effective communication;
Learning outcome 3: Devise and develop strategies for overcoming communication barriers
Learning outcome 4: Evaluate the communication practices at individual and organisational levels

Overview of learning and teaching activities on the module: adapted from the module descriptor/specification, this section explains what is done for each category of class (lecture, seminar, workshop, lab, rehearsal, field trip, placement etc.) in broad terms. It has to be module specific. If specific activities have a cost or specific requirements (e.g. field trips, specific equipment, etc), this should have been highlighted to students in the course handbook in addition to here. Please indicate whether the non-standard activities are optional or mandatory and if optional what the extra costs, if there are any, are likely to be.

1 Introduction
2 Effective business communication principles (including ICT related communications)
3 Assessment 1 review
4 Written business communication and business correspondence
5 Collecting and disseminating feedback and other forms of business communication
6 Oral business communication
7 Preparing and giving presentations
8 Assessment 2 review
9 Facilitating discussions, working in groups
10 Using questioning techniques and giving feedback
11 Strategies, skills and techniques for negotiating in international business settings
12 Revision

Assessment Marketing Material

You are the CEO of a design company called Bright Spark which employs 500 members of staff and operates in 10 countries. It is essential that the different branches communicate effectively to increase productivity and build team rapport. You have identified the following five barriers:
Cultural barriers - culture can be defined as a set of customs, beliefs and behaviour that influence how we view and interact in the world. Culture barriers are misunderstandings that arise due to different interpretations of verbal and non-verbal communication.
Listening barriers - not everyone is an active listener and this causes miscommunication and conflict.
Organisation structure barriers - staff roles are not clearly defined and this leads to frustration, lack of engagement and lowered productivity.
Language barriers - English is the main language of communication however for many employees it is a second language and this leads to errors in written and spoken communication.
Physical barriers - working remotely in different countries and time zones makes it more difficult to share ideas and the company is not operating as a unified team.

TASK

Prepare two leaflets to send to all members of staff to highlight these issues. The leaflets should include relevant images and text. You also need to provide 1000 words of notes (maximum) explaining the issues in more detail. Marks will be awarded for achieving the learning outcomes and your ability to provide two well-designed leaflets and notes.
In your leaflets and notes you should highlight:
Common challenges and barriers to effective communication
Effective strategies for overcoming communication barriers

Assignment 2

TASK
The leaflets that you designed have now been sent to all members of staff. You need to write a follow up report for the shareholders to reassure them that the company has taken measures to improve communication and increase productivity.
Your report should discuss some general theories of organisational communication. It must also evaluate the barriers you identified and outline the strategies implemented to solve these.
In your report, you should address the following:
Discuss some general theories of organisational communication.
Identify the barriers preventing employees from communicating effectively.
Evaluate the strategies Bright Spark has implemented to overcome these barriers.

Report Structure:
Ensure that the report has the following structure and contains the details outlined:

Abstract
Table of contents
Introduction
Analysis and discussion of all questions
Recommendations
Conclusion
Reference List following Harvard referencing and in-text citations throughout.