OTEC 135 Business Communications is designed to teach students how to plan, organize, and write accurate and effective reader-friendly business documents appropriate for use in today's global business environment. Design and strategies are covered for various business letters, memos, reports, proposals and electronic messages. A situational focus groups business communications into three categories: daily, persuasive, and negative. Practicing techniques for all three, students learn to communicate and respond effectively and professionally in a variety of workplace situations.
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 8 |
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| Total Credits | |
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| Total Hours | 45 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Other | 45 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Demonstrate awareness of reader needs through the application of clear, concise messages
- Apply techniques for planning, organizing, and writing effective business documents such as letters, memos, informal reports, and proposals
- Assess situations to determine the most efficient and effective form of communication for the desired results
- Write clear and effective email messages
- Ecplain the steps in the communication process
- Use the different situational writing techniques: daily, persuasive, and negative
- Apply word processing skills to format effective, attractive, reader-friendly documents appropriate for business
- Analyze written communication to ensure grammatically correct writing
- Produce professional documents that are free of grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors
Teaching and Learning Approach
The Business Communications course leads students through assessing the audience, then planning, organizing
and writing various business documents. Textbook reading highlights the strategies and goals of communication,
and multiple writing assignments give the students the practice and feedback they need to confidently produce
professional documents. Textbook tables offer many visual depictions of steps and stages as well as etiquette
reminders. Techniques are illustrated with examples for clear understanding of proper structure. Constant
reviewing of best practices sets clear guidelines for student success.
The assigned readings together with the reinforcement exercises are your principal learning activities. Written
submissions include emails, memos, letters, reports and proposals. A Grammar/Mechanics Handbook at the
back of the text can be used for supplemental grammar clarification and practice. Additional materials and
resources are available online. There are three online theory tests as well as a final project and comprehensive
final exam.Learning Resources
Required:
Roberson, Kasie. (©2024). Strategic Business Writing. Dubuque, IA: Kendall Hunt Publishing Company
Print Text: 9798385126705
eBook: 9798765796849
Available through Selkirk College bookstore or direct from publisher:
https://he.kendallhunt.com/product/strategic-business-writing
Personal computer, webcam, speakers, microphone, internet access, current Windows operating system, current
web browser, and current Microsoft Word software.
Recommended:
Gregg Reference Manual or Pitman Office Handbook
Dictionary (current college-level Canadian dictionary preferred) or an online dictionary.Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered
1. Part 1: Foundations Chapter 1: Audience Analysis Chapter 2: Emotional Intelligence Chapter 3: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
2. Part 1: Foundations Chapter 4: Building Connection and Trust Chapter 5: Communication Ethics
3. Part 2: Fundamentals Chapter 6: Effective Writing Fundamentals Chapter 7: Informative Business Writing
4. Part 2: Fundamentals Chapter 8: Persuasive Business Writing
5. Part 2: Fundamentals Chapter 9: Online Business Writing
6. Part 2: Fundamentals Chapter 10: Presentation Related Writing Chapter 12: Writing in a Crisis
7. Final Project
8. Final Comprehensive ExamAssessment
| Title | Learning Outcomes | Value |
|---|
| Written Assignments (8) | 1-4, 6, 7, 9 Units 1 & 2: 1, 3, 5 / Unit 3: | 35 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 |
| Theory Quizzes (3) | 8 / Unit 4: 1, 2, 3, 8 | 15% |
| Final Project Invigilated Final Exam (Theory | 1, 2, 6, 7, 9 | 25% |
| & Practical) | 1-9 | 25% |
| Total | 100% |
Grading Table
| Percentage |
Letter Grade |
GPA |
| 90-100 |
A+ |
4.33 |
| 85-89 |
A |
4.00 |
| 80-84 |
A- |
3.67 |
| 76-79 |
B+ |
3.33 |
| 72-75 |
B |
3.00 |
| 68-71 |
B- |
2.67 |
| 64-67 |
C+ |
2.33 |
| 60-63 |
C |
2.00 |
| 55-59 |
C- |
1.67 |
| 50-54 |
P |
1.00 |
| 0-49 |
F |
0.00 |
| |
DNW |
0.00 |
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.