Course Title: Communicate in the workplace
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2008
Course Code: EMPL5395C
Course Title: Communicate in the workplace
School: 650T TAFE Business
Campus: City Campus
Program: C4170 - Certificate IV in Financial Services
Course Contact : Seymour Jacobson
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 1563
Course Contact Email:seymour.jacobson@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Nominal Hours: 30
Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
Pre-requisites and Co-requisites
None
Course Description
Communicate in the workplace covers the fundamental communication skills needed to work in any sector of the finance industry. It includes the skills needed for interacting with customers, internal and external and for receiving, recording and giving information.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
FNSICGEN301A Communicate in the workplace |
Element: |
Communicate information to others using a range of techniques |
Performance Criteria: |
1 Clear speech and language appropriate to the audience are used when communicating information |
Element: |
Interact with others to achieve workplace outcomes |
Performance Criteria: |
1 Effective verbal and non-verbal communication techniques are used to convey messages and information |
Element: |
Record workplace information as required. |
Performance Criteria: |
1 Workplace forms and documents are completed, either manually or electronically, in a clear, concise and easy to read format |
Element: |
Use a range of techniques to gain workplace information |
Performance Criteria: |
1 Instructions are followed and, where necessary, questions are asked to clarify what is required |
Learning Outcomes
Refer to performance elements and performance criteria.
Details of Learning Activities
Learning activities may include class-based discussions, exercises, readings, role plays, meetings, group presentations and independent research.
Teaching Schedule
Week Beginning | Topics | Notes |
Week 1: 11 Feb | Course Introduction and overview | |
Week 2: 18 Feb | Workplace Communication Communication processes, non verbal communication & effective listening |
Dwyer Chapter 1 |
Week 3: 25 Feb | Workplace Communication Communication barriers, multicultural communication, ethics in communication |
Dwyer Chapter 1 |
Week 4: 3 Mar | Workplace Documents Organise workplace information |
Dwyer Chapter 13 |
Week 5: 10 Mar | Workplace Documents Business writing, improving business writing |
Dwyer Chapter 14 |
Week 6: 17 Mar | Workplace Documents Writing business letters, business language and plain English |
Dwyer Chapter 15 |
Mid Semester Break (Student Vacation) From Thursday 20th to return to class on Thursday 27th March |
||
Week 6: 24 Mar | Workplace Documents Writing business letters, business language and plain English |
Dwyer Chapter 15 |
Week 7: 31 Mar | Workplace Documents |
Letter activity due Dwyer Chapter 16 |
Week 8: 7 Apr | Workplace Documents |
Business Portfolio - Telephone message activity conducted |
Week 9: 14 Apr | Workplace Documents Business writing for an audience |
Dwyer Chapter 21 |
Week 10: 21 Apr | Implement and maintain effective workplace relationships Negotiation and conflict management |
Dwyer Chapter 4 Dwyer Chapter 5 |
Week 11: 28 Apr | Organise and manage meetings In class meeting 1 |
Business writing portfolio due Dwyer Chapter 10 |
Week 12: 5 May | How teams work and work with the team In class meeting 2 |
Dwyer Chapter 6 |
Week 13:12 May | Deliver and monitor service to customers In class meeting 3 |
Dwyer Chapter 8 |
Week 14:19 May | Speaking in public and presenting information | Dwyer Chapter 11 |
Week 15:26 May | Group presentations due Group portfolio due |
Group presentations due Group portfolio due |
Week 16: 2 June | Course revision | All chapters listed above |
Week 17: 9 June | Test |
All chapters listed above |
Week 18:18 June | Review of course and test |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
Dwyer, J 2006, The Business Communication Handbook, 7th edn, Pearson Education Australia, New South Wales. |
References
Other Resources
Overview of Assessment
Assessment methods measure achievement of each competency in a flexible manner over a range of assessment tasks. These tasks will be done both during class and for homework. They may incorporate a group demonstration, document folio of simple documents and a group report on a company or organisation.
You will receive ongoing feedback on your progress in the course. Feedback on assessment will be given in a timely manner. You will be informed about how to improve your performance in the competency/course and what you need to do to be deemed competent or to gain a pass in the assessment.
Assessment Tasks
Letter Writing Exercise (10%) due Week 7
Students will be required to create two letters based on a set of instructions. All letters must typed and completed individually.
Individual Portfolio Documents – (30%) due Week 11
Students will complete a portfolio of documents which includes specific items created both within and outside of the classroom. The documents will focus on applying the business communication theory presented in class to specific business situations. All entries must be typed and completed individually.
A portfolio criteria sheet can be accessed on the Learning Hub.
Team Presentation and Portfolio (30%) due Week 15
Students will complete a 10 minute in class oral presentation in small groups. Topics will be negotiated with the teacher in week 10-11. Students will also submit a portfolio of documents including the minutes taken during formal meetings held to discuss the content of their presentation.
All students must participate in the planning and delivery of both the oral presentation and the portfolio. A presentation marking criteria sheet can be accessed from the Learning Hub.
End of Semester Test (30%) in Week 17
Students will complete a final exam comprising short answer questions and case study activities which focus on the student’s ability to demonstrate the skills and knowledge as set out in the Evidence Guide. The exam will be closed book and completed individually.
The student must demonstrate an understanding of all elements of a particular competency to be deemed competent. Assessment methods have been designed to measure achievement of each competency in a flexible manner over a range of assessment tasks.
Assessment will incorporate a variety of methods including documentation, homework and in class exercises, practical problem solving exercises, presentations and an exam. Students are advised that they are likely to be asked to personally demonstrate assessment work to their teacher to ensure that the relevant competency standards are being met.
Assessment Matrix
Element | Performance Criteria | Individual Portfolio | Group Presentation/ Portfolio | Test |
FNSICGEN301A/01 Use a range of techniques to gain workplace information | 1. Instructions are followed and, where necessary, questions are asked to clarify what is required | X | X | |
2. Information is accessed from record systems and used according to instructions | X | X | ||
3. Organisational procedures and policies related to workplace information are understood and implemented appropriately | X | X | ||
4. Information is acquired and used appropriately for its purpose | X | X | ||
5. Information is received orally using effective telephone techniques where necessary | X | X | ||
6. Clarification is sought from appropriate personnel, as required | X | X | ||
FNSICGEN301A/02 Communicate information to others using a range of techniques | 1. Clear speech and language appropriate to the audience are used when communicating information | X | X | |
2. Information is accurately conveyed | X | X | ||
3. Understanding of information is confirmed | X | X | ||
4. Contributions are made to team discussions and informal meetings | X | X | ||
5. Routine correspondence is prepared following industry and organisation standards | X | X | ||
6. Numbers are used to carry out calculations as required | X | X | ||
FNSICGEN301A/03 Interact with others to achieve workplace outcomes | 1. Effective verbal and non-verbal communication techniques are used to convey messages and information | X | X | |
2. Communication with people from diverse backgrounds is based on respect and sensitivity | X | X | ||
3. Own role in achieving workplace outcome is defined | X | X | ||
4. Cooperation and negotiation skills are used to fulfil workplace requirements and solve problems | X | X | ||
5. Constructive contributions are made to group decision making processes | X | X | ||
FNSICGEN301A/04 Record workplace information as required | 1. Workplace forms and documents are completed, either manually or electronically, in a clear, concise and easy to read format | X | X | |
2. Workplace records are kept up-to-date | X | X |
Other Information
Teacher Contact
Out of class communication to all students will occur using the RMIT student email. It is essential that you check your email prior to attending each class.
Consultation times will be made available to you in the first week of classes. Consultations may also be arranged via email.
Self Managed Learning
Students will be required to undertake research and assessment practice outside of regular class times. Exercises are provided to the students to facilitate their learning in a self-paced manner and form part of the overall achievement of the competencies in this course. Students are reminded that they are expected to spend an equal amount of time outside of class, furthering their understanding of the concepts being taught, as they do in class to be deemed competent in this course.
Course Evaluation & Feedback
Feedback on the course itself is welcome at any time to the class teacher, course coordinator or program coordinator. Periodic course evaluation surveys are also conducted.
Students who require general assistance should, in the first instance, approach their class teacher. Secondly, students should contact the Course Coordinator and lastly, the Program Coordinator.
Submission of written work/assessment
All of your written assessment must be lodged by the due date in the format specified for the particular assessment task. Written assessment must have a footer containing: student number, student name, course code, title of assessment and teacher’s name.
Staple your assignment. Please do not place in plastic binders or plastic pockets.
Attach a signed Assignment Cover Sheet to each submission of written work or assessment. Cover Sheets are available near the lifts on Level 13.
You must keep a copy of your assignment/written work, which can be produced if the original is lost or damaged.
Non and Late Submission of Work
If you do not attempt an assessment or meet an assessment deadline and have not been granted Special Consideration, you will not receive a mark for the assessment.
Please note: If you fail an assessment you will be given more that one chance to pass that assessment.
Academic Administration Procedures
Please refer to your student diary or the RMIT web site for all academic procedures.
Course Overview: Access Course Overview