Essential Business Skills primary aim is to provide students with the skills and knowledge of communication in the business environment.  There is a strong focus on the understanding the theory of communication in the business context and it's application to effective business writing at a high level, persuasive and appropriate verbal and non verbal communication,  and interpersonal skills across teams and cultures. To achieve this students undertake the role of a new graduate employee in the workplace and develop responses to a range of current and emerging business issues that they will encounter in the private and public sector. 

Students will use the workplace case study to develop knowledge and high level skills in business writing, and will assemble a portfolio of key written business documents to demonstrate capability to prospective employees.  This will include short reports, memorandums, business letters, action plans and formal long reports.

Effective interpersonal communication skills are basic tools for those employed in professional fields.  The workshop format of the tutorials explores business communication theory, and develops the student's communication skills and knowledge in a supportive peer group environment through ideas exchange and argument, and team approaches to workshop activities and team leadership.  There is a strong focus on self development.

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to demonstrate a good understanding of:

• effective business writing
• effective business communications
• research approaches and information collection
• developing and delivering effective presentations
• effective interpersonal communications
• skills that maximise team effectiveness
• good time management
• effective problem solving

The assessment for this course will involve students developing common business writing documents including business letters, action plans, and both short and more complex long reports to develop a portfolio of business communication.  Students will also undertake presentations and an end of semester exam. . The combination of business writing, presentations and exams will improve student's research skills and critical thinking skills as well as written and interpersonal communication skills. 

Dwyer, Judith (2008) Communications in Business: Strategies and Skills. Pearson, 4th edition.

For further information please refer to the course website