Course Title: Desktop Publishing and Business Communication

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Desktop Publishing and Business Communication

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

ISYS2069

City Campus

Undergraduate

620H Business IT and Logistics

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2006,
Sem 2 2006,
Summer2007,
Sem 1 2007,
Sem 2 2007,
Sem 1 2008,
Sem 2 2008,
Summer2009,
Sem 1 2009,
Sem 2 2009,
Summer2010,
Sem 1 2010,
Sem 2 2010,
Summer2011,
Sem 1 2011,
Sem 2 2011,
Summer2012,
Sem 1 2012,
Sem 2 2012,
Sem 1 2013

Course Coordinator: Bill Davey

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 5975

Course Coordinator Email: bill.davey@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: Building 108 Level 17


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

This course introduces you to desktop publishing, and graphics and presentation skills in business. You should understand generic features and functions of DTP, graphics and presentation software. You should also develop knowledge and skills in publication design. Such issues as layout, typography, graphics (including photographs), colour, and printing considerations will be explored during the semester. This subject will also extend knowledge about the import and export of disparate file types within the context of publications. All this with the focus on communication within a business context.

If you are undertaking this course in Melbourne from semester 2, 2012 onward your class will be held in a device-equipped teaching space. Each student group will have access to a laptop. It is however recommended that you have access to a mobile computing device to allow greater flexibility in terms of where you can work on campus both in and outside class times.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

The capabilities that are developed through the program in which you are enrolled are described in the Program Guide. This course contributes to the development of the capabilities in the following way.

It is expected that you will acquire the following capabilities:

  • Information management/ literacy: Use data & information to effectively work with the uncertainty of business decision-making.
    Identify and apply business-related concepts, technical tools and language from a wide variety of sources.
    Evaluate the relevance and usefulness of information derived from a variety of sources.
  • Communicative capability: Build and maintain productive relationships. Participate in learning conversations; communicate processes of thinking & reflection.
    Communicate concepts using qualitative, quantitative, graphical, electronic, and text media.
  • Work Ready: Demonstrate effective teamwork skills. Contribute to employee satisfaction and growth through demonstration of self-management skills.
    Participate in long-term and short-term strategic planning through demonstration of planning and organising skills.
    Demonstrate life-long learning skills that contribute to ongoing improvement and expansion in employee and company operations and outcomes
    Use initiative and enterprise skills to work towards innovative outcomes.
     


Through the completion of this course, you should be able to desktop publish in a variety of business publications, and produce professional presentations with skill.

Focused on the intent of the communication (the message), you should:

  • Master introductory, intermediate and advanced desktop publishing skills.
  • Understand generic features and functions of desktop publishing and presentation software. 
  • Understand the desktop publishing planning and production process, including issues with printing publications. 
  • Develop knowledge and skills in desktop publishing and presentation design, layout, typography, graphics (including photographs), colour, and printing considerations, and the import and export of disparate file types. 
  • Appreciate the importance of proof reading and demonstrate essential editing techniques.
     


Overview of Learning Activities

Lecturer inputs: A range of learning experiences are planned for you including lectures, guest seminars, group problem solving exercises and group debates. The problem solving exercises and group debates in particular develop your analytical skills drawing on knowledge and frameworks offered in the lectures and seminars. A structured tutorial program is provided to give you the opportunity to explore risk and governance issues in greater depth through active participation in small discussion groups.

Your inputs as learners: Your active and constructive participation in group discussions is expected in addition to weekly reading, group and individual exercises and careful planning and completion of assessment tasks.
 


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT university will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems and computer laboratories.
You have access to extensive course materials on myRMIT Studies, including digitised readings, lecture notes and a detailed study program, external internet links and access to RMIT Library online and hardcopy resources.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment may consist of tests and published materials.

Feedback will be provided throughout the semester in class and/or online discussions, through individual and group feedback on practical exercises and by individual consultation.

If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program director or the Disability Liaison Unit if you would like to find out more.

Your course assessment conforms to the RMIT university assessment principles, regulations, policies and procedures which are described and referenced in a single document Assessment Policies and Procedures manual. The 1.2.4 Assessment Charter section of this document summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT student as well as those of your teachers.