COMMUNICATIONAL SKILLS I
 
Lectured in 1st year Bachelor in business studies - Main Subject: Financing and Insurance
Theory [A] 25.0
Exercises [B] 25.0
Training and projects [C] 25.0
Studytime [D] 150
Studypoints [E] 6
Level in-depth
Language of instruction Dutch
Lecturer Cathelyne DYSERINCK
Reference RCBMGF01A00009
 
Key words
Communication skills I, Communication in Dutch, Applied Information Technology

Objectives
You develop communication skills in a systematic, detailed training programme, which gives you a blueprint for effective communication in Dutch.

This knowledge and these skills will be the basis in your professional life and will improve all aspects of business communication. Attitudes and skills such as independence, preciseness, flexibility, sense of responsibility, organization skills, etc. are incorporated in the course (see further).

Learning to use professional software packages is indispensable to be able to deal with an automated environment. This course aims at making students familiar with a word-processing program, a presentation package, internet, e-mail.

Topics
Communication skills:
The course consists of three main parts:
  1. analysis of the communication task
  2. text strucuture
  3. expressing the business message
Applied Information Technology:
  1. BIN-standards
  2. WinZip
  3. E-mail
  4. Word-processing : dividing documents into sections, paging, formats, numbering, footnotes, table of contents, tables, mailing, internet…
  5. Presentation packages : making a presentation, adjusting the contents and design of a presentation, models, organigrams, flowcharts, use of slides, printing…


Prerequisites
Communication in Dutch: The knowledge and skills required from a student who has finished secondary school.

Applied Information Technology:
  1. Being able to type blindly is an asset (10)
  2. Being able to work with common operating systems
  3. Being able to look up information on the internet
  4. Being able to handle word-processing programs
  5. If a student does not have the necessary prerequisites he is recommended to take an introductory course 'computer skills'.


Final Objectives
Communication skills I teaches the basic competencies necessary to communicate efficiently in Dutch. Moreover, the student learns to use common software effectively and efficiently.

Knowledge:
  • Basic concepts from communication theory
  • Relevant text structures
  • Basic concepts of style
Skills:
  • gaining insight into the communication process and communication strategies. You learn the essentials of planning your communication (targeting your message, tailoring it to match your audience etc.)
  • preparing an outline for your message, i.e. organising the information into a coherent structure
  • writing/formulating the message correctly, clearly, succinctly. You learn to choose an appropriate style for the audience.
  • being able to carry out an assignment efficiently with the help of a suitable software package
  • having a critical approach to the data to be processed in order to enter them precisely and accurately in accordance with the BIN-standards.
Attitudes:
  • Having an eye for quality
  • Being accurate
  • Having an eye for planning and deadlines
  • Independence
  • Being communicative
  • Being practical
  • Looking for a solution spontaneously when there are problems handling a software package


Materials used
  • Handbook: Communicatiewijzer, Van In
  • Brochure: BIN-normen voor efficiënte communicatie, Licap
  • Syllabus: Kennismaking met een tekstsoort
  • Syllabus: Sleutel van zelfstudiepakket
  • Syllabus Information Technology and/or book
  • Computer with internet, current software packages


Study costs
Communication skills:
  • Handbook : around € 43
  • Brochure : € 1
  • Syllabus : unit price determined under hogeschool rules
  • Extra copies : unit price determined under hogeschool rules
Applied Information Technology:
  • Syllabus : unit price determined under hogeschool rules and/or manual at current market price
  • Computer (students may operate computers after the lessons)


Study guidance
Communication skills:
  • Test
  • Monitoring
  • free consultation
Applied Information Technology:
  • Introductory course (operating systems, basic knowledge word-processing)
  • Individual tuition for students who do not have the basic competencies.
  • Guided self-study.
  • Tutoring


Teaching Methods
Lectures, practical classes, guided self-study,etc.

Assessment
  • First exam session : 50 % Communication skills: written exam 50 % - Applied Information Technology: continuous assessment
  • Second exam session: 50 % Communication skills: written exam 50 % - Applied Information Technology: exam with the computer


Lecturer(s)