LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of the course, students will have a set of decision-making tools and theoretical frameworks which will be enable them to:
1. analyse audiences and define objectives to create targeted messages
2. write coherent and convincing, reader-friendly business documents
3. craft clear, focused and engaging business presentations
4. critically assess their own and others business communications
Credits: 3
Schedule: 03.03.2022 - 07.04.2022
Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):
Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Christa Uusi-Rauva
Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):
Christa Uusi-Rauva
christa.uusi-rauva(at)aalto.fi
050-470 4003
CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):
Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):
Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English
CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD
Content
valid for whole curriculum period:
This highly interactive and task-oriented course provides a clear insight into what constitutes effective oral and written business communication in a fast-paced global business environment. The course focuses on essential communication strategies and skills: content selection and organizational strategies, persuasive techniques, audience engagement strategies, nonverbal communication, presenting to convince, effective slide design and reader-focused business writing. Case analyses, simulations, written assignments and individual and team presentations will allow students to practise the theories and key concepts introduced during the course. Peer and lecturer feedback will give students a clear picture of their present communication skills, and an indication of how they can enhance their performance.
Assessment Methods and Criteria
valid for whole curriculum period:
1. Assignments (90%)
2. Class contribution (10%)applies in this implementation
- Assignment 1: Written request (pair): 10%
- Assignment 2: Individual persuasive presentation + presentation strategy plan: 15%
- Assignment 3: Quiz + written task (individual): 30%
- Assignment 4: Team presentation: 15%
- Assignment 5: Critical reflection on presentation performance (individual): 20%
- Class contribution: 10%
Workload
valid for whole curriculum period:
Contact teaching: 18h (Mandatory attendance)
Independent work: 72h
Total: 80h (3 ECTS)applies in this implementation
Contact teaching: 18h (mandatory attendance)
Individual work: 42h
Team/pair work: 20h
DETAILS
Study Material
valid for whole curriculum period:
All materials will be available on MyCourses.
applies in this implementation
All course materials will be available on MyCourses before the course starts.
Substitutes for Courses
valid for whole curriculum period:
Prerequisites
valid for whole curriculum period:
FURTHER INFORMATION
Further Information
valid for whole curriculum period:
Starting level: CEFR C1. Mandatory class attendance. This course must be completed before taking any of the EBC electives. Only available for School of Business BSc students.
Teaching Period:
2020-2021 Autumn I, Autumn II, Spring IV, Spring V
2021-2022 Autumn I, Autumn II, Spring IV, Spring V
Course Homepage: https://mycourses.aalto.fi/course/search.php?search=61A00200
Registration for Courses: In the academic year 2021-2022, registration for courses will take place on Sisu (sisu.aalto.fi) instead of WebOodi.
applies in this implementation
Face-to-face teaching on campus if possible.
Details on the schedule
applies in this implementation
MARCH 3 (Week 1)
Before class (individual preparation):
- Read Reading input 1 (Communicating strategically)
- Watch course videos 1 and 2 (Communicating strategically 1 and 2)
- Read Assignment 1 instructions
In class:
- Introductions (including sharing your best life hack with others)
- Exercise on communicating strategically
- Discussion on grading principles
- Exercise on A1
___________________________________________________________________________
MARCH 10 (Week 2)
Before class (individual / pair preparation):
- Read Reading inputs 2 and 3 (Persuasive techniques and Reader-focused business writing)
- Watch course videos 3a, 3b and 4 (Effective business writing)
- Prepare A1 version 1 with your pair, and bring it to class on your laptop
In class:
- Writing exercises (e.g. choosing appropriate style and tone
when writing; written request analysis)
- Comments on another pair’s A1
- Presentations - practice session 1
___________________________________________________________________________
MARCH 17 (Week 3)
Before class (individual and pair preparation):- Read Reading input 4: Impactful presentations
- Watch videos number 5-8 by Paul Savage, https://vimeo.com/showcase/5978020
- Watch course videos number 5 and 6 (Preparing impactful presentations 1 and 2)
- Write and submit A2a outline to MyCourses before 9.00 am on the day of class
- Prepare and rehearse your A2b presentation
- Finalize A1 with your pair and upload to
A1 submission box by 9.00 am on the day of class
In class:
- Practice presentation openings
- A2b presentations
- A3 instructions
MARCH 24 (Week 4)
Before class:
- Study for A3 quiz and written task (review reading inputs 1-4 and videos 2-8)
In class:
- A3 quiz and written task
- A4 team presentation instructions
___________________________________________________________________________
MARCH 31 (Week 5)
Before class (individual and team preparation):- Watch course videos 7 and 8 (Visual design), as well as 9 (Nonverbal communication)
- Prepare
your team’s A4 presentation and visuals. Bring them to class on your laptop.
In class:
- Comments on another team's A4 visuals
- Presentations - practice session 2
___________________________________________________________________________
APRIL 7 (Week 6)
Before class (team preparation):
Finalize A4 team presentation based on feedback on visuals
In class:
A4 team presentations
Afterwards (individual work):
A5 Individual reflection on presentations (to MyCourses by 11 pm on April 13)