61A00200 - (P10) Business Communication Skills, Lecture, 20.4.2022-25.5.2022

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Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.

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: 20.04.2022 - 25.05.2022

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: 20% (10+10)
    • Assignment 3: Quiz + written task (individual): 30%
    • Assignment 4: Team presentation: 15%
    • Assignment 5: Critical reflection on presentation performance (individual): 15%
    • Class contribution (individual): 10%

    All assignments are compulsory. Late submissions are not accepted.

    Missing one assignment will result in zero points for the given assignment and a one point reduction in the final course grade (e.g. final grade 5 --> final grade 4). Missing more than one assignment will result in a fail for the course without exceptions.

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
Prerequisites

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.


Details on the schedule

  • applies in this implementation

    APRIL 20 (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
    • Think of your best life-hack and be ready to share it in class

    In class:

    • Introductions and life-hacks
    • Exercise on communicating strategically
    • Discussion on grading principles
    • Exercise on Assignment 1
    • Assignment 2 instructions

    ___________________________________________________________________________

    APRIL 27 (Week 2)

    Before class (individual / pair preparation):

    • Read Reading inputs 2 and 3 (Persuasive techniques and Reader-focused business writing)
    • Watch course videos 3-5 (Videos on Effective writing)
    • Prepare A1 version 1 with your pair, and bring it to class on your laptop
    • Write and submit A2a outline to MyCourses before 9.00 am on the day of class, and bring it to class on your laptop or as a paper copy

    In class:

    • Writing exercises
    • Feedback on another pair’s A1 
    • Feedback on another student's A2a communication strategy analysis
    • Presentation practice session 1

    ___________________________________________________________________________
    MAY 4 (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 6 and 7 (Preparing impactful presentations 1 and 2)
    • 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:

    • A2b presentations
    • A3 instructions
    • A4 team presentation instructions and teams
    ___________________________________________________________________________

    MAY 11 (Week 4)

    Before class:

    • Study for A3a quiz and A3b written task (review reading inputs 1-4 and videos 1-5)
    • Complete A3a quiz any time during the week but before Wednesday's class (quiz opens at 0.01 am on Thursday, May 5, and closes at 8.59 am on Wednesday, May 11)

    In class:

    • A3b written task, organized as a writing workshop

      ___________________________________________________________________________

      MAY 18 (Week 5)

      Before class (individual and team preparation):

      • Watch course videos 8 and 9 (Visual design), as well as 10 (Nonverbal communication)
      • Prepare your team’s A4 presentation and visuals. Bring the visuals to class on your laptop.

      In class:

      • Presentation practice session 2
      • Peer feedback on A4 team presentation

      ___________________________________________________________________________

      MAY 22 (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 May 30)


    Rules of Conduct - Students´ Rights and Responsibilities (in force from 1 August 2020)

    Aalto University Code of Academic Integrity and Handling Violations Thereof