106-475 Business and Professional Communications

This subject is only available to students enrolled in the publishing and communications program, the Bachelor of Arts (Media and Communications Honours) or the Master of Arts (Science, Communication and Society).

This subject is concerned with the elements of successful communication in business and professional contexts. It introduces students to key business communications skills, focusing on both written and oral communications. The subject explores pertinent organisational and communication theories, which provide the context for a practical introduction to effective oral and written communication in a range of forms, including presentations, letters, advertising and promotional copy, electronic documents, project reports, media releases and marketing and public relations documents. The subject provides students with a critical understanding of the role of communications within the organisation and with the practical tools of effective communication and negotiation. Guest lecturers will provide insight into current business and professional communications practice.

• have acquired research skills and be competent in the use of library resources, online information and other sources, and the ability to define areas of inquiry and the research methods appropriate to them;

• have communication skills and an understanding of a wide range of forms of both oral and written communication, their generic requirements and their appropriate deployment in professional and business environments;

• have acquired time management and planning skills and have the ability to organise workloads, meet deadlines and engage in self-directed learning.

A 10-minute oral presentation 10% (due at workshops throughout the semester); a written proposal of 1500 words 25% (due after workshops throughout the semester); a communication strategy outline and folio of 3000 words 55% (due at the end of semester). Tutorial participation 10%.

A subject reader will be available from the University Bookshop.

• Judith Dwyer, Communication in Business. (2nd ed) Prentice Hall 2002.