BUSINESS COMMUNICATION

Unit Guide

Trimester 1 2021-2022
 FOU105 BUSINESS COMMUNICATION
TRIMESTER 1 2021-2022

About Business Communication (FOU105)

CONTACTS
Lecturer in charge Michael Saram
Email: michael.saram@isb.edu.vn

Associate Lecturer NHI LINH TRAN (MS.LYNN)

Email: nhi.tranlinh@isb.edu.vn
Phone: 0797271282 (Zalo/ iMessage)

Program Administrator Nguyen Truong An

Phone: 028 54465555 (Ext: 168)
Email: an.nguyen@isb.edu.vn

UNIT OVERVIEW

Business communications is an extremely practical subject. You will find the material we study often relates to
situations you have already experienced, enhancing your appreciation of these experiences, and helping you
understand the principles of communication and how it is practiced in the business environment. This course
provides you with a mix of principles to analyze business communication, and practical tools to improve your
communication skills. It also develops your formal skills in writing business reports, letters and email, and
spoken word presentations. The way we understand communication affects our ability to reflect on and
improve our own communication practices.

The course is delivered in two parallel tracks: Business Communication Principles and Skills Practice (Track
A) and Business Communication in Application (Track B).

Track A and Track B both comprise of the same six (6) modules:

Module 1 (ULO 1) introduces you to distinct communication theories. Practical exercises encourage you to
consider how these theories apply to business situations. The module also covers the complexity of
communication in business, including how we use tone, expression and language.

Module 2 (ULO 2) challenges you to consider how your own perspectives, culture and external influences
shape the way we communicate with others. We will also introduce non-verbal communication, how we send
and receive vast amounts of information, without having to say a word.

We switch from the personal to the interpersonal in Module 3 (ULO 3), focusing on two of the most common
communication practices for individuals in business, listening and having formal discussions. You will be
asked to reflect on your own practices, and be given the opportunity to analyze case studies.

These listening and interview skills will serve you well in Module 4 (ULOs 3, 4, 5), where we focus specifically
on teams and meetings. We will consider the different roles we play in groups, common experiences of teams,
and how to effectively contribute to our teams, regardless of whether or not we have a formal leadership role.
You will be asked to identify your strengths and areas of improvement in group work. You will also be asked to
fulfil practical roles in business meetings, and recognize the ways different skill sets contribute to the smooth
functioning of a team, before putting your knowledge and skills to the test.

Models, guidelines and advice on formal business communication are covered from a practical perspective in
Module 5 (ULOs 3, 4, 5). How should emails be written in a business context? What strategies can we use to
make our presentations engaging and more memorable? How do we produce business reports that our
audiences appreciate? And how do we make sure our ideas are understood?

Use the principles and skills you practiced in the previous five modules in Module 6 (ULOs 3, 4) as it guides
you through the process of job hunting, from job researching to writing effective application letter, curriculum
vitae and managing the interview process. Two essential skills for job hunting – building a personal brand and
networking – are also introduced and practiced to maximize your future employability.

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As you work through this course, we encourage you to share your real-life communication experiences with
other students, to extend your knowledge.

Welcome to the fascinating world of business communications. We look forward to making the journey with
you.

PRE-REQUISITES

None

Assessment Information
UNIT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completing this unit, you will be able to:

1. Apply theories and observations of communication to academic business studies  PLO1 PLO2
and real-world business communication challenges.  PLO3  PLO4
 PLO5  PLO6
 PLO7
2. Explain how personal factors and behaviors can influence the communication  PLO1 PLO2
process.  PLO3  PLO4
 PLO5  PLO6
 PLO7
3. Apply effective interpersonal communication skills to meet specific objectives in  PLO1 PLO2
business situations  PLO3  PLO4
 PLO5  PLO6
 PLO7
4. Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills using currently  PLO1 PLO2
recognized business formats and appropriate technologies.  PLO3  PLO4
 PLO5  PLO6
 PLO7
5. Analyze the interactions between communication practice and organizational  PLO1 PLO2
performance.  PLO3  PLO4
 PLO5  PLO6
 PLO7

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

In line with its focus on assuring your skills in ULOs 1-5 above, this unit is also responsible for
introducing/developing/assuring the following program-level learning outcomes (PLOs):
1. Knowledge & Application
Solid understanding and competency of appropriate application of business discipline-specific knowledge.
2. Communication
Competency in professional written and oral communication suited to multiple audiences and contexts.
3. Teamwork
Effective collaboration in teamwork or other tasks in organizational settings.
4. Critical thinking
Critical thinking through appropriate observing, analyzing and reasoning, etc.
5. Problem solving
Effective and constructive problem solving.
6. Ethics
An ethical perspective, including an understanding of the ethical responsibilities of organizations.
7. Cultural Diversity
A global mindset, including an understanding of the different business settings, the ability to identify
foreign market potentials, to diagnose cross-cultural communication problems and propose appropriate
solutions.

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Final marks and grades are subject to confirmation by the School Assessment Committees which may scale,
modify or otherwise amend the marks and grades for the unit, as may be required by University policies.

Note: To successfully complete this unit, students must:

▪ Achieve a minimum of 50 marks;
▪ Complete all assessment items; and
▪ Attend 80% of class time. See attendance requirements in the section of class policies and rules below.

ASSESSMENT SUMMARY

No. Assessment Item Weight Due Date ULO mapping

1. Learning Portfolio 30% LPA1  ULO1  ULO2
The learning portfolio provides you with an 23:59, 15th Oct 2021  ULO3  ULO4
opportunity to showcase your experiences and LPA2  ULO5
learning in this unit. It builds a strong foundation 23:59, 22nd Oct 2021
and profiles your communication skills in relation LPA3
to your business studies and careers. It is also 23:59, 5th Nov 2021
designed to help you reflect upon, in a regular LPA4
and integrated manner, the ways in which that 23:59, 19th Nov 2021
learning has affected you and how you will LPA5
utilize it in the future. You will use end-of- 23:59, 3rd Dec 2021
module assignments, including cases, to assist LPA6
you in the creation of content for your learning 23:59, 17th Dec 2021
portfolios.

2. Practical Workshop 40% Session B2  ULO1  ULO2

Practical workshops provide you with Session B4  ULO3  ULO4
opportunities to apply interpersonal Session B6  ULO5
communication skills, in oral and written form, in Session B8
a variety of simulated business situations using Session B10
typical business communication formats,
channels and technologies. You will use
discussion forums, simulations, role plays,
debates, and written and oral presentations to
practice your skills.

3. Business Project Task 1 Task 1  ULO1  ULO2

The business project provides you with an 10% 23:59, 12th Nov 2021  ULO3  ULO4
opportunity to compare and contrast theories of Task 2 Task 2  ULO5
communication with real-world communication 20% 23:59, 24th Dec 2021
practice, and to analyze how they impact
organizational performance. It is also designed
to help you work in teams, be resourceful, gain
confidence in communicating in business, and
reflect upon ways in which the experience has
affected you and how you will utilize it in the
future. You will use research, observation and
interviews to carry out your projects as a team,
and complete the following tasks:
Task 1. Proposal (Team)
Task 2. Report (Individual)

ASSESSMENT SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Assessment 1: Learning Portfolio (30%)

Submission is conducted via E-learning platform only. No submission via email is accepted in all cases. Some
basic requirements include:
• Cover page in the right format of ISB.BBUS program

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• Page numbering must be well inserted

• All text in font Calibri (Body), size 11, line spacing 1.5, square paragraphing.
• Proper referencing in APA7 format.
• The learning portfolio must be strictly named in the right format:
[Assessment]_[Student ID]_[Student name]_[Class code]
For example: LPA1_31161021111_Nguyen Van A_BC1

The lecturers reserve the right not to mark any submission which does not meet the aforementioned basic
requirements.

Assessment 2: Practical Workshop (40%)

Where submissions are applicable:

• The soft version of the slides and all associated YouTube video links must be submitted via E-learning
platform in the right format as mentioned in assessment 1. Any failure to complete one of the assigned
group work will definitely lead to ZERO in this assessment, even if the team successfully complete all of
the other group works.
• The submission must be strictly named in the right format:[A2]_[Workshop]_[Group number]_[Class code]
For example: A2_WorkshopA1_Group1_BC1
• The lecturers reserve the right not to mark any submission which is not properly named.

Assessment 3: Business Project (30%)

Task 1: Proposal (team) (10%)

• Only submission via E-learning is accepted. Some basic requirements for assessment 1 also apply for this
team proposal.
• The submission must be strictly named in the right format: A3_[Team number]_[Class code]
(For example: A3_Team1_BC1)
• Any failure to submit the file in the required format may lead to lecturers refusing to mark the report.

Task 2: Report (individual) (20%)

• Only submission via E-learning is accepted. Some basic requirements for assessment 1 also apply for this
individual report.
• The submission must be strictly named in the right format: A3_[Student ID]_[Student name]_[Class code]
(For example: A3_31161021111_Nguyen Van A_BC1)
• Any failure to submit the file in the required format may lead to lecturers refusing to mark the report.

MARKING CRITERIA AND STANDARDS

Guides are available on the WSU eLearning System.

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Teaching Activities
LEARNING RESOURCES

Textbook • Braun, K., Locker, K.O., & Kaczmarek, S.K. (2016). Business communication: Building critical skills. 6th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Higher Ed.
• Cheesebro, T., O’Connor, L., & Rios, F. (2010). Communicating in the Workplace. 1st ed. USA: Prentice Hall
E-library https://search.proquest.com/login
Username: UEHCMC2010
Password: thuvien0810
E-learning http://elearning.isb.edu.vn/

SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

TRACK A TRACK B
BUSINESS COMMUNICATION PRINCIPLES AND SKILLS PRACTICE BUSINESS COMMUNICATION IN APPLICATION

SESSION TOPICS / ACTIVITIES / ASSESSMENTS READINGS SESSION TOPICS / ACTIVITIES / ASSESSMENTS READINGS
A1 Introductions B1
Syllabus, learning outcomes, assessments,
expectations, form teams

Module 1: Module 1:
Business communication concepts Business communication concepts

Topic 1.1 Ch 1 (Braun et al.) Topic 1.1 Ch 1 (Braun et al.)

Communication concepts Communication concepts

Topic 1.2 Ch 4 (Cheesebro et al) Topic 1.2 Ch 4 (Cheesebro et al)

Language Language

Activities Activities
Lecture, Discussion Exercise

Assessment due 15th Oct (e-learning)

Learning Portfolio 1

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TRACK A TRACK B
BUSINESS COMMUNICATION PRINCIPLES AND SKILLS PRACTICE BUSINESS COMMUNICATION IN APPLICATION

SESSION TOPICS / ACTIVITIES / ASSESSMENTS READINGS SESSION TOPICS / ACTIVITIES / ASSESSMENTS READINGS
A2 Module 2: B2 Module 2:
Shaping your personal communication Shaping your personal communication

Topic 2.1 Ch 2 (Cheesebro et al), Topic 2.1 Ch 2 (Cheesebro et al),

Perception Perception

Topic 2.2 Ch 3 (Cheesebro et al), Topic 2.2 Ch 3 (Cheesebro et al),

Diversity Diversity

Activities Activities
Lecture, Discussion, Skills Practice Exercises

Assessment due 22 nd Oct (e-learning) Assessment due in-session

Learning Portfolio 2 Module 2 Practical Workshop

A3 Module 3: B3 Module 3:
Interpersonal communication in business Interpersonal communication in business

Topic 3.1 Ch 5 (Cheesebro et al), Topic 3.1 Ch 5 (Cheesebro et al),

Listening and responding Listening and responding

Topic 3.2 Ch 6 (Cheesebro et al) Topic 3.2 Ch 6 (Cheesebro et al)

Interpersonal relationship skills Interpersonal relationship skills

Activities Activities
Lecture, Discussion, Business Project coaching Exercises, Business Project coaching

A4 Topic 3.3 Ch 10, 11, 12 (Braun et al) B4 Topic 3.3 Ch 10, 11, 12 (Braun et al)
Creating audience-focused messages Creating audience-focused messages

Activities Activities
Lecture, Discussion, Skills Practice Exercises

Assessment due 5 th Nov (e-learning) Assessment due in-session

Learning Portfolio 3 Module 3 Practical Workshop

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TRACK A TRACK B
BUSINESS COMMUNICATION PRINCIPLES AND SKILLS PRACTICE BUSINESS COMMUNICATION IN APPLICATION

SESSION TOPICS / ACTIVITIES / ASSESSMENTS READINGS SESSION TOPICS / ACTIVITIES / ASSESSMENTS READINGS
A5 Module 4: B5 Module 4:
Working and communicating in teams Working and communicating in teams

Topic 4.1 Ch 20 (Braun et al) Topic 4.1 Ch 20 (Braun et al)

Working and writing in teams Working and writing in teams

Topic 4.2 Ch 21 (Braun et al) Topic 4.2 Ch 21 (Braun et al)

Planning, conducting, and recording meetings Planning, conducting, and recording meetings

Activities Activities
Lecture, Discussion, Business Project coaching Exercises, Business Project coaching

Assessment due 12 th Nov (e-learning)

Business Project Task 1: Proposal

A6 Topic 4.3 Ch 7 (Cheesebro et al) B6 Topic 4.3 Ch 7 (Cheesebro et al)

Conflict resolution Conflict resolution

Activities Activities
Lecture, Discussion, Skills Practice Exercises

Assessment due 19 th Nov (e-learning) Assessment due in-session

Learning Portfolio 4 Module 4 Practical Workshop

A7 Module 5: B7 Module 5:
Formal business communication practices Formal business communication practices

Topic 5.1 Ch 6, 7, 8, 9 (Braun et al) Topic 5.1 Ch 6, 7, 8, 9 (Braun et al)

Composing business messages Composing business messages

Topic 5.2 Ch 18 (Braun et al) Topic 5.2 Ch 18 (Braun et al)

Verbal and visual supports Verbal and visual supports

Activities Activities
Lecture, Discussion, Business Project coaching Exercises, Business Project coaching

A8 Topic 5.3 Ch 5 (Braun et al) B8 Topic 5.3 Ch 5 (Braun et al)

Designing documents, slides, and screens Designing documents, slides, and screens

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TRACK A TRACK B
BUSINESS COMMUNICATION PRINCIPLES AND SKILLS PRACTICE BUSINESS COMMUNICATION IN APPLICATION

SESSION TOPICS / ACTIVITIES / ASSESSMENTS READINGS SESSION TOPICS / ACTIVITIES / ASSESSMENTS READINGS
Topic 5.4 Ch 15, 16, 17 (Braun et al) Topic 5.4 Ch 15, 16, 17 (Braun et al)
Writing reports Writing reports

Topic 5.5 Ch 13 (Cheesebro et al) Topic 5.5 Ch 13 (Cheesebro et al)

Making presentations Making presentations

Activities Activities
Lecture, Discussion, Skills Practice Exercises

Assessment due 3 rd Dec (e-learning) Assessment due in-session

Learning Portfolio 5 Module 5 Practical Workshop

A9 Module 6: B9 Module 6:
Job hunting Job hunting

Topic 6.1 Ch 23 (Braun et al) Topic 6.1 Ch 23 (Braun et al)

Researching the job market Researching the job market

Topic 6.2 Uploaded on elearning Topic 6.2 Uploaded on elearning

Personal branding Personal branding

Topic 6.3 Cha 24, 25 (Braun et al) Topic 6.3 Ch 24, 25 (Braun et al)
Creating persuasive resumés, cover letters and Creating persuasive resumés, cover letters and
job applications job applications

Activities Activities
Lecture, Discussion, Business Project coaching Exercises, Business Project coaching

A10 Topic 6.4 Uploaded on elearning B10 Topic 6.4 Uploaded on elearning
Networking Networking

Topic 6.5 Ch 26 (Braun et al) Topic 6.5 Ch 26 (Braun et al)

Managing the interview process Managing the interview process

Activities Activities
Lecture, Discussion, Skills Practice Exercises

Assessment due 17 th Dec (e-learning) Assessment due in-session

Learning Portfolio 6 Module 6 Practical Workshop

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General Information & Policy

Referencing
Plagiarism
Student assignments are to contain original content created by the students. Assignments will be
rejected if they include plagiarized content or contain excessive amounts of quoted/cited material
and minimal original content. Students will receive a grade of ZERO (0%) for any assignments rejected
for this reason. Written assignments WILL BE checked by the lecturer with Turnitin.com, an online
plagiarism-checking tool.
Sources
Furthermore, your reference to support your statements must be from a reliable source, such as
textbooks, additional reading materials, and reference books. However, many websites are not
reliable sources. Examples are Wikipedia.org, about.com, and ask.com. If you are not sure if a
reference is acceptable or not, please contact the lecturer.
Referencing & Citation
The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA) 6th ed., will serve as the
primary reference materials for all students. Therefore, all papers must be submitted in APA format.
The mechanics of student papers and work will be evaluated, as well as the content.

Submission
Assignment cover sheet
▪ All assignments are required to be submitted with an Assignment Cover Sheet.
▪ Group assignments are to be submitted with a Group Assignment Cover Sheet as well as a Peer Evaluation
Form depending on the request of unit instructor.

Non-contributing team members can sometimes be an issue with group-work structured assessment.
Individual student group work scores may be adjusted as a result of peer dissatisfaction with a
particular student’s contribution to group work assignments, as reflected in submissions of the
evaluation form.
Note:
▪ Assignment cover sheets and the evaluation form can be located on MyISB system
▪ Students are advised to keep a copy of all assignments submitted for marking.

Submission style
Assignments are expected to achieve a professional standard:
▪ Be typed, one and a half spaced, on A4 paper
▪ Use a simple clear format, suitable for a report to senior management in a commercial organization.

Submission method
Soft copy: submitted electronically via E-learning system by 11:59 PM on the due date (Suggested
title: Student name_Unitname_Name of Assignment).

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Hard copy: submitted to ISB Submission Box at the Reception Area (17 Pham Ngoc Thach) by the due
date.

Late assignment and make-up policy

No late assignments will be accepted unless prior authorization granted by the Academic Department
based on a Special Consideration Application for assessment task extension.
Students must complete all assessments on the assigned dates including quizzes, mid-term test, and
final exam. If there are extenuating or unforeseen circumstances, students must follow the school’s
policies and procedures accordingly.

Attendance
Students are required to attend a minimum of 80% of all classes (which normally 12/15 sessions).
Other cases equating to an absence:
▪ Arriving to class late by 15 minutes at the beginning,
▪ Arriving late by 5 minutes after the break
▪ Leaving prior to the scheduled end time without the permission of the lecturer

If you are unable to attend any session, please let your lecturer know AND submit a request for
absence form to program administrator prior to the session.
IMPORTANT: Students will not be allowed to sit in the final examination if violating the above
absence rule.
Electronic device use
▪ Cell phones will be turned off or switched to vibrate mode before class starts.
▪ No phone calls or text messaging are allowed inside classroom during class time.
▪ Portable listening and/or music devices may not be operated in the classroom.
▪ Headphones and/or ear buds of any type may not be worn while in the classroom whether operating
or not.
▪ Laptop and other electronic devices are not permitted unless specifically authorized by the lecturer
exclusively for note taking and doing class work.

IMPORTANT: If you are in violation of these policies, you will be excused from class and an absence
will be assessed.

Email etiquette
Your lecturers receive many emails each day. In order to enable them to respond to your emails
appropriately and in a timely fashion, students are asked to follow basic requirements of professional
communication.
Your emails should:
▪ Have a concise and descriptive title, including the class and name of the unit you are enquiring about
▪ Be clear about the intention of their emails
▪ Use appropriate tone and language, proof-read what is written in the email before sending it.

Students should also allow 3-4 working days for a response before following up. If the matter is
legitimately urgent, you may indicate “URGENT” in the email subject header.

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Make an appointment: If your email request is complex and requires a lengthy response, it may be
probably best to make an appointment with your lecturer/instructor to meet in person.

Student behavior guidelines

Everyone must behave professionally. Students are expected to demonstrate respect for teacher and
fellow students at all times. Behavior that is disruptive to a positive learning environment reported
to the teacher will result in a warning on the first instance; the second instance might result in a
failing grade along with expulsion from the school.
Unacceptable behaviors can be:
▪ Cheating on an exam
▪ Collaborating with others on work to be presented, if contrary to the stated rules of the course
▪ Submitting, if contrary to the rules of the course, work previously submitted in another course
▪ Knowingly and intentionally assisting another student in any of the above actions, including assistance
in an arrangement whereby work, classroom performance, examination, or other activity is submitted
or performed by a person other than the student under whose name the work is submitted or
performed
▪ Plagiarizing

IMPORTANT:
▪ First violation will result in a grade ZERO (0%) for that assignment.
▪ Second violation will result in a failing course grade.

Disability support services

Students with disabilities are advised that accommodations and services are available at UEH-ISB. It
is the student's responsibility to contact UEH-ISB office and submit appropriate documentation prior
to receiving such services.

Additional information
This unit guide may be revised at the discretion of the Academic Department with approval from
Program Academic Director and School Academic Committee where appropriate.

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