HARARE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONIC COMMERCE
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF FORENSIC ACCOUNTING
Course: BMS110– Technical Communication Skills 1
Credit Hours: 48 hours
Lecturer: MacelineNyatsambo Office: S13 Ext. 2331
Mobile +263772 919 912 E-mail:
[email protected]/
[email protected]Preamble
The purpose of the course is to introduce students to the principles of communication in business and technical environment. Key aspects of
communication such as theory of communication, principles of effective communication, communication within an organisation, channels of
communication, listening skills and barriers to effective communication will be covered.
Course Objectives
• To understand the importance of effective communication.
• To apply the concepts and rules for preparing and writing effective business documents.
• To communicate effectively and efficiently within the working and organisational environment.
• To equip students with speaking skills and listening skills for effective communication in the technical environment.
Teaching Methodology
• The course will be conducted in the form of lectures and tutorials.
• E-learning methods like power point presentations, e-mailing notes and assignments to students will be used.
• E-learning platform, Moodle will also be used for easy learning.
• Students are introduced to the main themes and topics in the lectures.
• Active participation during lectures is important and will be encouraged by discussions, group tasks and short presentations by
students.
• At all time students are expected to supplement their learning by reading prescribed textbooks, and article from academic and business
journals.
Assessment
The assessment for this course involves THREE tests, TWO individual assignments and ONE group assignment (oral presentation by all group
members), which makes up the final coursework mark .A final examination shall be written at the end of the semester
Coursework25%
Examination 75%
Week Topic Sub Topic Assignments Tests Tutorials
I:Introduction To 1 Communication Assignment Communication
Communication The Definition Of Communication One Cycles
theory and
Theory
Communication Models
organisational
The Communication Cycle
theories
Communication Organisations
Organisational Theories
Functions of Communication
2 Test 1 Communication in
Communication activities and levels of Organisations
Communication in Organisations.
Downward, Sideways, and lateral
Communication
Groups Teams and Network
II: The Process 3 Communication • Linear Communication Model (Shanon Assignment
Of Models Two-Group
Weaver)
Communication
• Interactional Communication Model
• Transactional Communication Model
• The Berlo Model
4 • Differences Between One-Way And Two Assignment 2
Way Communication
• Intercultural Communication
Cross- Cultural Issues And Ethnocentrism
• Barriers To Communication
• Channels Of Communication
III: Interpersonal 5 Teams Verbal, Working In Teams Test 2
Communication Non-Verbal Oral Presentations and Speaking skills,
Communication and language use.
Listening
6 • Listening Effective Listening
Non –Verbal Communication
Business etiquette.
7 Preparation for , and conduct, of
meetings
Roles of office bearers at meetings ( role
of chairman , secretary e.t.c)
IV: Written 8 Writing skills An overview of written communication in Test 3
business organisations
Communication Basic principles of planning , writting , and
completing business messages
Planning Phase (situation analysis and gathering
information, adapting message to the specific
audience)
Writing Phase(organising the message,
composing and shaping the message
9 Notices and other
Written Completing the message( revising the
communication message, producing the message, proof
reading and sending)
Notices of Meetings, Agendas, and Minutes
Business letters and Memoranda
Reports and Proposals
10 Report and Reports and Proposals Test 4 -Written
proposals Circulars , Press Release and Communication
-Public Speaking and
Advertisements, E-mails. Presentations
-Communication
Technologies
V: 11 Traditional Traditional Telecommunications(The
Communication Communication telephone- effective use of the
Technologies Technologies telephone, taking down telephone
messages, its significance and limitations
, the telephone answering machine,
Facsimile teleconferencing.
12 Morden Modern Communication Technologies
Communication Mobile phones, Electronic
technologies -Communication, Internet Channel ,
Electronic Mail –effective use of it and
its benefits, Video conferencing, Skype,
GroupWare, Social Media Networks
REFERENCES
Cleary ,e.t.a.l (2008) The Communication Handbook 2nd Edition Cape Town: JUTA
Fielding M , (2006)Effective Communication in Organisations, Preparing messages that communicate 3 rd Edition JUTA, Cape Town South Africa
Guffey M.E, Rhides K, Rogin P, (2010) Business Communication process and, product Nelson Education.
Jain J.N, and Singh P.P (2007) Morden Business Communication, Principles and Techniques, Regal Publications New Dehli
Hartley P, and Bruckmann C.G, (2002) Business Communication London
Miller K,(2005) Communication Theories Perspectives.
Stacks D.W, Hill S.R, Richmond V.P,An Introduction To CommunicationTheory
Scot O, (2004) Contemporary Business Communication 5thEdition, Houghton Mifflin Co,Biztantra- DreamtechPress NewDehli.
