Subject Code: ACOM101

Rationale

In order to achieve success in education and business, you must be able to source, critically evaluate and assimilate a variety of research materials. Students should be able to critically select, interpret, develop, evaluate and present qualitative information and assimilate their research into a practical study, report or essay. You should also be able to communicate effectively in business using the appropriate knowledge, skills and attitude. This subject focuses on written and spoken communication skills. Students will be taught to write for a key purpose and consider the needs of the reader. They will write a Business report and deliver a Business style presentation, which will assist in producing graduates with keen analytical writing skills and interpretive attributes, able to take their place in any business team.

Aim

The aim of this subject is to encourage, develop and improve business communication skills, both verbally and non-verbally. It will emphasise the importance of writing skills which demonstrate the key principles of analysis, reason and argument.

Teaching and Learning Strategy

The subject consists both of lectures and tutorials. The teaching and learning strategy combines lectures, group discussions, class exercises, group activities and research. Business examples and case studies will be studied and discussed to enable students to evaluate and apply them to any business communication situation.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Plan, research and synthesise information from a variety of sources to produce a business briefing report
  2. Plan, research, synthesise and produce an academic argument essay.
  3. Construct and deliver a presentation worthy of the standards practiced in business.
  4. Demonstrate effective spoken and written communication skills.
  5. Explain and understand the importance of effective communication in business.

Assessment

Exams will take place in weeks 12 & 13. Please refer to the official Exam Timetable for further information.

Investigative report: This is a formal, business investigative report. It is a researched document which must show evidence of researched material. The report should be properly referenced with cited references in the text as well as a references list at the end. A fail grade will be issued if this is not done. Use expert, reliable and credible sources of information. You need to use at least three credible sources. Do not use Wikipedia. It is not a reliable source! A fail grade will be issued if Wikipedia is used. The word count is 1500 words. All reports must be submitted as a paper document as well as an electronic document through Turnitin on the Moodle platform.

Topic: You may choose any subject area. It must however be a subject that can be delivered as a purposeful topic. It must be a topic that can be academically researched. Try and choose a topic that you are interested in as this will make the process much more enjoyable for you. Your topic must be approved by your tutor!

Your report must include, but is not limited to the following:

  1. Cover Page (College requirements)
  2. Synopsis
  3. Table of Contents
  4. Introduction
  5. Body (separated into headings and sub-headings)
  6. Conclusion
  7. Recommendations (optional)
  8. Appendices (if any)
  9. References

Oral presentation: You are required to orally present the findings you have researched in your written report. You do not have to present everything in the report! You must select the most suitable type of information to present to your audience.

You have a time slot of ten minutes. Your speech should be about between 6 minutes and 9 minutes.

You must have the following for your presentation:

  1. You must make use of at least one Visual aid to support your speech
    These aids can be anything like IT-based aids, handouts, film clips, dress, flip chart, Whiteboard,
    artifacts, demonstrations, brochures, posters, pictures, photographs etc
  2. Make sure that when you select any type of graphic visual aid that it is suitable for a business audience. Do not select material that is insensitive, tactless or offensive
  3. You MAY make use of PowerPoint slides if you want to. This is not compulsory!

Make sure you:

  • Check in advance that the equipment you need will be in the classroom at the time of your presentation; that your
    program is compatible with the classroom computer;
NoTypeWeightingLearning Outcomes
1Individual Assignment25.00%1,4
2Practical Examination25.00%3,4,5
3Final Exam50.00%4,5