Bangladesh University of Professionals

Course Outline
Business Communication


Dr. Abul Mansur Ahmed
Professor, Faculty of Business Studies (FBS)
Mobile- 01714232619
E-mail: [email protected]

Overview of the course:

The course provides a thorough understanding of the communication process and dynamics in
business setting and emphasizes written as well as verbal communication. The course is designed
to help the students in learning the techniques and acquiring the skills needed to communicate
effectively in management. The course deals with Basic English in the practices of
communication. The course introduces various techniques of effective communication through
business letters, reports and other media from an integral part of the course.

Teaching Methods:

Class sessions will be a combination of lecture and discussion. For each class you should read
the assigned textbook chapters, and complete any assigned homework exercises. All assignments
will be announced during the class period. If you miss a class there is no excuse for missing an
assignment.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, students should be able to
Understand and demonstrate the use of basic and advanced proper writing
techniques that today's technology demands, including anticipating audience
reaction,
Write effective and concise letters and memos,
Prepare informal and formal reports,
Proofread and edit copies of business correspondence,
Develop interpersonal skills that contribute to effective and satisfying personal,
social and professional relationships, and
Utilize electronic presentation software.


Outline of the study

Chapter Chapter name
Chapter-1 Communication in the Workplace
Chapter-2 Adaptation and the Selection of Words
Chapter-3 Construction of Clear Sentences and Paragraphs
Chapter-4 The Writing Process and an Introduction to Business Messages
Chapter 5 Indirectness in Persuasive Messages
Mid-1
Chapter-6 Basics of Report Writing
Chapter-7 Short Reports and Proposals
Chapter-8 Long, Formal Reports
Chapter-9 Informal Oral Communication
Chapter-1 Public Speaking and Oral Communication
Mid-2
Chapter-11 Techniques of Cross-cultural Communication
Chapter-12 Business Research Methods
Chapter-13 Strategies in the Job-Search Process
Term Paper Presentation



Distribution of Marks

The grade in a course will be based on an overall evaluation of a students performance in
assignments, examinations, quizzes, term papers, project works, class attendance, and class
participation. Suggested distribution of marks in a course will be as under:
a. 1
st
Mid-term examination : 10%
b. 2
nd
Mid-term examination : 10%
c. Semester Final Examination : 50%
d. Quizzes and/ weekly tests : 10%
e. Term paper : 5%
f. Individual Assignment : 5%
f. Presentation : 5%
g. Attendance and participation, etc : 5%
Total : 100%







Grading System

Letter grades will be used to evaluate the performance of a student in a course. The performance
of students in the Programs will be evaluated as per following Grading System:

Letter
Grades
Grade
Point
Marks to be
Obtained
Letter
Grades
Grade
Point
Marks to be
Obtained
A+ 4.00 80% and above C+ 2.50 50% to < 55%
A 3.75 75% to < 80% C 2.25 45% to < 50%
A- 3.50 70% to < 75% D 2.00 40% to < 45%
B+ 3.25 65% to < 70% F 0.00 < 40%
B 3.00 60% to < 65% I Incomplete ---------------------
B- 2.75 55% to < 60% W Withdrawn ---------------------

General Instructions

It is expected that students will maintain honesty in each and every bit of their activity of
the course including quizzes and term exams, assignment and term paper preparation.
Cheating in exam, usage or possession of unconstitutional resources in exam and
copying report/ assignment will compel the instructor to carry out disciplinary action
against the student(s).
Students will have to prepare reports/assignments (both individually and in groups) and
present those during the entire semester. Topics will be given in the class and following
instructions have to follow in this case.
Group should comprise of 5 members.
Reports/ Assignments have to submit with in date and late submission will
affect the grade.
Reports/ Assignments have to submit both in hard and soft copies.
Students are always welcome to discuss any course related matters any time.

Note

Quizzes will be unannounced.
Pattern of questions for the quiz will be basically objective based with slight
stress on narrative side.
Absence from any test will result in zero score in that test and no students will be
given a second chance to sit for the same test.
Attendance will be taken at the beginning of the class and late attendance will not
be taken.
Students are to switch off their mobile phones ringer during the class time.
Any questions or queries are welcome in the classroom.

Guidelines

Term Paper

An essential ingredient of the course is the term paper. Every team must focus on a different
topics for the term paper, and topics are assigned on a first come, first serve basis. Your topic
selection and rationale (explanation) for selection must be submitted to me via email by October
15th. Create a 1-page word document with the name of the topics, team members, and rationale
for selecting the topic. I will confirm via email to all team members if the topic is appropriate
and whether or not the work is available.

Final Report and Presentation

Use headings and subheadings throughout your report.

The final written report should not exceed 30-typewritten pages in length (not including figures,
references, or other supporting documentation), double-spaced, 1-inch margin pages, 12-point
font.

Presentation
Your presentation should be a top-line summary of the key points from your report. Each team
will have 20 minutes (15 min to present, 5 min Q&A). Every member of the team must present.

The final written report is due at this time (Time of Presentation).

Basic Text:
Basic Text:
Business Communication Making Connections in a Digital World, 11
th
/12th edition
By Lesikar, Flatley, Rentz, Pande McGrawHill
Reference Books:
1. Excellence in Business Communication by Thill & Bovee McGrawHill
2. Business Communication by Chaturvedi and Chaturvedi
3.
& class notes

This course outline is a subject to change. Any kind of change will be communicated to the
students within the shortest possible time.



Dr. Abul Mansur Ahmed