EPGDM – Term 1 – 3 Credits

Subject Outline

Subject Name Business Communication

Subject Code MGT 403

Subject Credits 3

Instructor

Office Hours

This course focuses on developing writing skills that meet

external as well as internal reporting standards while also
producing documents that are accessible and understandable
to non-business audiences. Explore different ways of writing for
different audiences with an emphasis on targeted messaging.
Sharpening writing skills and grammar and also honing the oral
presentation skills. Provide inputs to managerial decision
Summary/Overview making by enhancing the proficiency level of students in areas
such as self-analysis, communicating decisions across
functional areas, analysis of business scenarios, case study
analysis, customer-centricity, and stakeholder communication.

The course also focusses on the basics of Entrepreneurship, its

importance and growth and steps on how to become an
entreprenuer

1. To demonstrate proficiency in the critical written skills

of business communication.
Aims
2. To articulate and also assimilate basics of
communication as an important tool in all businesses.

Core Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes Assessment Criteria

On completion of this unit you should be To achieve the learning outcome you must
able to: demonstrate the ability to:

Understand the nuances of English Discuss Case Studies, Presentations and

Language with relation to business usage. debates with the mid-term and term-end
examinations as written exercises to discern.
Understand importance of listening vis-a- Understand from listening exercises that are
vis other aspects of communication showcased in the classroom sessions.
Understand the art of comprehending
case-studies and questioning the practices
as well as theories so as to build new
aspects of knowledge.
Understand the need of writing, analysis of
one’s own writing, and perfect the art of
précis writing.
Entrepreneurship : Understand the
background, importance of
entrepreneurship, basic steps in
promoting a new business.
Gain an appreciation of success
factors and pitfalls in starting a new
business. What makes a successful
entrepreneur?
Understand the different sources of
capital, at different stages of the
business, Creating a business plan
Approach to Learning
Assessment Strategy
Assessment Description of
No
Method* Assessment Method
Perform in Classroom presentations;
understand the importance of asking questions,
always be interactive in sessions and case-
scenarios.
Compact and precise writing in all classroom
exercises, and mid-term - end-term
examinations
Discuss Case Studies, Presentations and debates with the
mid-term and term-end examinations as written exercises to
discern.
Class room presentations of New ideas for Business
Ventures
The teaching methods will consist of formal lectures, case
study analysis, practical workshops and discussion groups.
Experts and practitioners will be invited to participate in the
course as guest lecturers.
Students will work at their own to identify and assess
communication methodologies, and then continuously trained
to refine their all round communication skills through class
room projects and exercises. This might be a presentation on
a business topic, a leader or a plan for a start-up or for a new
venture within an existing firm. Over the whole span of the
term student will speak, read, write, listen and play roles so as
to be assessed and continuously appraised on new methods
and tools to improve his / her ability to articulate the nuances
of business in a simplified manner.
As is appropriate at Masters’ level, students will also be
expected to read beyond texts assigned, and to identify on
their own further sources of information for complementing
their studies.
Participants will use case-studies and this learner centric
approach is used to impart the knowledge. The subject matter
expertise of students enrolled in this course is evaluated and
assessed on the basis of project work – that includes case
studies, group assignments, book reviews, listening, reading
and writing exercises, media interviews, speeches, and
company reports.
Learning Outcomes Submission
Weight Assessed day/week
% (assignments) or
1 2 3 4 5 6
length (exam)
 PR Presentation of self as X X X X - -
well as topics that
are assigned
PF Preparation of cases X X X X - -
for class discussion /
Quiz / extempore /
questionnaires
RE Presentation of either: X X X X - -
A business plan
Or communication
changes needed in a
firm
*The following codes for assessment methods apply:-
LR literature review PC practical
CB computer-based PF performance
CS case study PL placement
DI dissertation or project PO portfolio
EX exam PR presentation
GR group report RE individual report
DTA during term test OR oral
OT other

Outline Teaching Schedule

Session 1 - Communication: its meaning and nature, importance & purpose of communication, Interpersonal
Communication, Assessment Exercises

Session 2 - Attitude – Meaning & Implications, Workplace Diversity, Emotions & Values

Session 3 - Channels of communication (formal & informal), Oral Communication, Basics of Written Communication,
Choosing the Right Words and Voice, Communicating with Clarity and Precision
Session 4 - guidelines for writing summaries – Case Study, Business summaries, Comprehension: grammatical precision,
guidelines for comprehension –Punctuations - Case Study
Session 5 - Impact of Technology on Writing – classroom exercise
Session 6 - Reports, Proposals, - classroom exercise
Session 7 - Business Presentations Strategies
Session 8 - Public Speaking, Summary
Session 9 - Background, importance of Entrepreneurship, eco system, facilitating factors
Session 10 – Business Ideas , Creating a Business Plan and Information Memorandum-purpose,
structure, contents
Session 11 - Case study, class room exercise in creating a business plan.

Recommended Resources

Recommended Resources
Essential Textbook

Business communication – Mallika Nawal

Entrepreneurship Rajeev Roy Second Edition OUP

Guide to Managerial Communication (6th Edition) Mary Munter, Prentice Hall

Reference Books

1. The Elements of Business Writing, Gary Blake & Robert W.Bly, Longman
2. Effective Business Communication, Herta A Murphy – Herbert Hildebrandt, Jane P Thomas, McGraw-Hill
/Irwin
3. Business Grammar, Style & Usage, Alicia Abell; Thomson West, Aspatore Books

Recommended Journals:

 International Journal of Communication

 Journal of Communication - Wiley
 European Journal of Communication
 Journal of Business Communication
 Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development
 Journal of Small Business Management
 Business Communication Quarterly

Useful research resources on internet:

British Library websites:

 http://www.bl.uk
 http://blpc.pl.uk – general catalogue
Other websites:
 www.economist.com; www.ft.com
 www.iabc.com
 www.mindtools.com
 www.businesstrainingworks.com
 www.businesscommunicationskills.com

 Harvard Business School Library (Baker Library) on-line catalogue

http://voyager.library.hbs.edu/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?DB=local&PAGE=First