Unit 53 Study and Communication Skills for Business

Introduction

Aim

The aim of this Unit 53 Study Communication Skills for Business is to provide learners with an understanding of the academic skills required to function effectively in a UK university environment, with particular focus on language skills and terminology for the study of Business.

Unit abstract

This unit focuses on the development of Academic study and communication skills which will enable learners to prepare effectively for university study. In addition to understanding business terminology, learners will develop the ability to read critically and synthesise their ideas in their writing. Learners will also be required to complete a series of reflective tasks and will understand the importance of becoming an independent learner. The unit will include several key components: academic writing; academic reading; listening and note-taking; language for seminars; presentation skills; academic vocabulary development; grammar for academic and business purposes. Materials used in the unit will provide learners with support in skills for the other units in the course.

Learning outcomes

1 Understand how to develop reading strategies to evaluate business sources and materials

Reading strategies: key arguments; specific information; discrimination between fact and opinion; supporting examples e.g. company reports, financial times
Text structure: identify complex text structure; follow an argument and supporting evidence; key sections
Independent learning: note-taking; summarising; vocabulary development; analysis; critical thinking; learning journal(s)

2 Understand techniques to listen effectively and critically to business focused materials and develop note-taking skills

Listening techniques: understanding main points; inference; prediction; signposting; following instructions
Listening skills: lectures; broadcasts; note-taking; paraphrasing; summarising; listening critically and actively

3 Be able to produce a written analysis of a business case study

Writing process: genre; focus; outline; brainstorming; planning; structure; layout
Academic writing structure: writing introductions and conclusions; definitions; paragraphing; topic sentences
Referencing: recording sources; in-text citation; paraphrasing; avoiding plagiarism; reference list
Independent learning: evaluating relevance of ideas; editing; proofreading; personal goals

4 Be able to communicate effectively in business situations using appropriate presentation techniques.

Seminar skills: expressing opinion; agreeing and disagreeing; interrupting politely; leading discussion; turn-taking
Presentation skills: research; structure; signposting; key points; body language; intonation; audience rapport; visual aids
Independent learning: critical self-reflection; peer evaluation; group evaluation; roles; personal goals and objectives.