Course Title: Communicate in the workplace

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2008

Course Code: EMPL5395C

Course Title: Communicate in the workplace

School: 650T TAFE Business

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4169 - Certificate IV in Financial Services (Accounting)

Course Contact : Janet McDonald

Course Contact Phone: (03) 99255134

Course Contact Email:janet.mcdonald@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

This unit 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 giving, receiving and recording information.

National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:	FNSICGEN301A Communicate in the workplace
Element:	1.  Use a range of techniques to gain workplace information
Performance Criteria:	Instructions are followed and, where necessary, questions are asked to clarify what is required. Information is accessed from record systems and used according to instructions. Organisational procedures and policies related to workplace information are understood and implemented appropriately. Information is acquired and used appropriately for its purpose. Information is received orally using effective telephone techniques where necessary. Clarification is sought from appropriate personnel, as required.
Element:	2.  Communicate information to others using a range of techniques
Performance Criteria:	Clear speech and language appropriate to the audience are used when communicating information. Information is accurately conveyed. Understanding of information is confirmed. Contributions are made to team discussions and informal meetings. Routine correspondence is prepared following industry and organisation standards. Numbers are used to carry out calculations as required.
Element:	3.  Interact with others to achieve workplace outcomes
Performance Criteria:	Effective verbal and non-verbal communication techniques are used to convey messages and information. Communication with people from diverse backgrounds is based on respect and sensitivity. Own role in achieving workplace outcome is defined. Cooperation and negotiation skills are used to fulfil workplace requirements and solve problems. Constructive contributions are made to group decision making processes.
Element:	4.  Record workplace information as required
Performance Criteria:	Workplace forms and documents are completed, either manually or electronically, in a clear, concise and easy to read format. Workplace records are kept up-to-date.

Learning Outcomes

Please refer to Elements of Competency.

Details of Learning Activities

Learning activities may include class-based discussions, exercises, readings, role plays, group presentations and independent research.

Teaching Schedule

Full time students only
Week beginning	Content	Requirements
Week 1 - 7 Jul	Course overview & Introduction to Hub
Week 2 - 14 Jul	Workplace Communication Communication processes, non verbal communication and effective listening .	Chapter 1
Week 3 - 21 Jul	Workplace Communication Communication barriers, multicultural communication, ethics in communication.	Chapter 1
Week 4 - 28 Jul	Workplace Documents Organise workplace information Business Writing Portfolio - Online forum opens this week (closes 5pm Friday Week 5)	Chapter 13
Week 5 - 4 Aug	Workplace Documents Business writing, improving business writing.	Chapter 14
Week 6 - 11 Aug	Workplace Documents Writing business letters, business language and plain English.	Chapter 15
Week 7 - 18 Aug	Workplace Documents Writing memos, short reports and referencing. RMIT report writing requirements. Letter Writing Activity due	Chapter 16
Week 8 - 25 Aug	Workplace Documents Writing emails and online communication. Business Writing Portfolio - Telephone Message Activity conducted.	Chapter 17
1 Sep Mid Semester Break
Week 9 - 8 Sep	Workplace Documents Business writing for an audience.	Chapter 21
Week 10 - 15 Sep	Implement and maintain effective workplace relationships. Negotiation and conflict management.	Chapter 4 & Chapter 5
Week 11 - 22 Sep	Organise and manage meetings. In class meeting 1 Business Writing Portfolio due.	Chapter 10
Week 12 - 29 Sep	How teams work and work with the team. In class meeting 2	Chapter 6
Week 13 - 6 Oct	Deliver and monitor service to customers In class meeting 3	Chapter 8
Week 14 - 13 Oct	Speaking in public and presenting information	Chapter 11
Week 15 - 20 Oct	Group Presentations & Group Portfolio due
Week 16 - 27 Oct	Course Revision	All chapters
Week 17 - 3 Nov	Exam - closed book	All chapters
Week 18 - 10 Nov	Review

 

Part time students only
Week beginning	Content	Requirements	Delivery
Week 1 - 7 Jul	Course Introduction Communication - Hub		In class
Week 2 - 14 Jul	Workplace Communication Communication processes, non verbal communication and effective listening.	Chapter 1	On-line
Week 3 - 21 Jul	Workplace Communication Communication barriers, multicultural communication, ethics in communication.	Chapter 1	On-line
Week 4 - 28 Jul	Workplace Documents Organise workplace information Business Writing Portfolio - Online forum opens this week (closes 5pm Friday Week 5)	Chapter 13	On-line
Week 5 - 4 Aug	Workplace Documents Business writing, improving business writing.	Chapter 14	In class
Week 6 - 11 Aug	Workplace Documents Writing business letters, business language and plain English.	Chapter 15	On-line
Week 7 - 18 Aug	Workplace Documents Writing memos, short reports and referencing. RMIT report writing requirements. Letter Writing Activity due	Chapter 16	On-line
Week 8 - 25 Aug	Workplace Documents Writing emails and online communication. Business Writing Portfolio - Telephone Message Activity conducted.	Chapter 17	In class
1 Sep Mid Semester Break
Week 9 - 8 Sep	Workplace Documents Business writing for an audience.	Chapter 21	On-line
Week 10 - 15 Sep	Implement and maintain effective workplace relationships. Negotiation and conflict management.	Chapter 4 & 5	On-line
Week 11 - 22 Sep	Organise and manage meetings.  Meeting of groups  Business Writing Portfolio due.	Chapter 10	In class
Week 12 - 29 Sep	How teams work and work with the team.	Chapter 6	On-line
Week 13 - 6 Oct	Deliver and monitor service to customers	Chapter 8	On-line
Week 14 - 13 Oct	Speaking in public and presenting information	Chapter 11	On-line
Week 15 - 20 Oct	Group Presentations & Group Portfolio due		In class
Week 16 - 27 Oct	Course Revision	All chapters	In class
Week 17 - 3 Nov	Exam	All chapters	In class
Week 18 - 10 Nov	Feedback & review

Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

Dwyer, J. 2006, The Business Communication Handbook, 7th edn. Pearson Education Australia, Frenchs Forest, NSW

1741033926

References

Other Resources

Overview of Assessment

Students must demonstrate competency in all elements of this course to be deemed competent.  Assessment methods have been designed to measure achievement of competency in a flexible manner.  Assessment will incorporate a variety of methods: involving students working on team projects, giving team presentations and preparing group portfolios, creating individual reports and undertaking an end-of-semester exam.  Due to the complex nature of this competency, students may be required to demonstrate competency in any element more than once.  Students are advised that they are likely to be asked to personally demonstrate their assessment work to their teacher to ensure that the relevant competency standards are being met.  In addition, formative assessment and feedback will be provided to students throughout the course.

Formative assessment may include class-based discussions, exercises, readings, role plays and meetings, together with independent research in order to develop competency including the underpinning skills and knowledge.

Assessment Tasks

Letter writing activity (10%)

Students will be required to create a letterhead and letter based on a set of instructions. The letter must be typed and completed individually.

Business Writing Portfolio (30%)

Students will complete a portfolio of documents which includes specific times 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.

Group Presentation and Portfolio (30%)

Students will complete a 10 minute in-class oral presentation. Topics will be negotiated with the teacher in Week 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.

End of Semester Exam (30%)

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.

Assessment Matrix

Course Overview: Access Course Overview