IUBAT—INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF BUSINESS AGRICULTURE
AND TECHNOLOGY
Founded 1991 by Md. AlimullahMiyan
4 Embankment Drive Road, Sector 10, Uttara Model Town, Dhaka 1230, Bangladesh
Course Outline
College of Business Administration (CBA)
Department: Business Administration
Program: BBA
Course Instructor/Teacher:
IFTAKHAR, Nayma
Senior Lecturer,
College of Business Administration (CBA)
Email: [email protected]
Room# 1013
Phone: +88 01776670236
Course Code : BUS 201(B) Course Title : Business
Communication
Course Type : Core Semester : Spring 2023
Credit Value : 3.0 Contact Hours : 3 Hours/Week
Pre-requisite : BUS 101 Total Marks : 100
Course Description/Rationale: Course Description/Rationale: The course is to develop skill in clear and
efficient communication through letters, memos, reports etc. Defines various forms of business
communication and demonstrates the correct and appropriate format. Writing of various types of letters such
as personal and official, sympathy, congratulation, condolence, reference, introduction, recommendation,
request and reply, inquiry, acknowledgement, and orders are illustrated. Public speaking and the art of
communication through telephone, fax, electronic mail etc., are included.
Course Objectives:
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.
Course Learning At the end of the Course, the Student will be able to-
Outcomes(CLO CLO1: Identify the importance of communication to business.
) CLO2: Explain the business messages and documents writing with clarity and
precision.
CLO3: Analyze audience that adapts a message to the audience.
CLO4: Evaluate the issues that demonstrate the correct and appropriate format.
CLO5: Apply the business
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Mapping of the Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) with the Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs):
Upon successful completion of this course, the students will be able to:
PLO1 PLO2 PLO3 PLO4 PLO5 PLO6 PLO7 PLO8 PLO9 PLO10 PLO11 PLO12
CLO1 √
CLO2 √
CLO3 √
CLO4 √
CLO5 √
Course plan specifying content, CLOs, co-curricular activities (if any), teaching learning and
assessment strategy mapped with CLOs:
Week Topic Teaching- Assessment Corresponding
Learning Strategy CLOs
Strategy
Week 1 Chapter 1: Lecture/ Quizzes/ CLO1
Communication in the workplace Discussion/Group Term Paper
07/01/23 Chapter contents: Discussion/Interact
08/01/23 Importance of communication skills ion
09/01/23 Three main forms communication in
business organization
Formal and informal communication
networks
Business communication process
Adaptation to successful
communication
Week 2 Chapter 2: Lecture/ Quizzes/ CLO1 and CLO2
Adaptation and selection of words Discussion/Group Case
14/01/23 Chapter contents: Discussion/Interact Analysis
15/01/23 Role of adaptation in selecting words ion
16/01/23 that communicate
Simplify writing
Usage of technical words and
acronyms
Using active verbs
Non-discriminatory writing stry
Week 3 Chapter 3: Writing for effect Lecture/ Quizzes CLO1 and CLO2
Chapter Contents: Discussion/Group
21/01/23 The need for effect in writing Discussion/Interact
22/01/23 business messages ion
23/01/23
Conversational style
You-Viewpoint to build goodwill
Positive language
Techniques of achieving courtesy
Role of emphasis in writing
Week 4 Chapter 4: Lecture/ Quizzes CLO1, CLO2 and
The writing process and an Discussion/Group
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28/01/23 introduction to business managers Discussion/Interact CLO4
29/01/23 Chapter Contents: ion
30/01/23 The process of writing
Importance of readable format
Development and current usage of
the business letter
Purpose and form of memorandums
Writing emails
Business uses of text messaging
Week 5 1st Term Exam Exam Exam CLO1, CLO2 and
CLO4
04/02/23 Chapter 5: Lecture/ Quizzes CLO1, CLO2 and
05/02/23 Directness in good-news and neutral Discussion/Group CLO4
06/02/23 messages Discussion/Interact
Chapter contents: ion
Preliminary assessment
The general direct plan
Routine enquiries
General favorable responses
Adjustment grants, order
acknowledgements
Operational communications
Week 6 Chapter 6: Lecture/ Quizzes CLO1 and CLO2
Indirectness in bad news message Discussion/Group
11/02/23 Chapter contents: Discussion/Interact
12/02/23 Indirectness in bad-news messages ion
Buffers
Types of bad-news buffers
Week 7 Chapter 7: Lecture/ Quizzes CLO1 and CLO3
Indirectness in persuasive messages Discussion/Group
13/02/23 Chapter contents: Discussion/Interact
18/02/23 Strategies for writing persuasive ion
19/02/23 messages
Skillful persuasive requests
Ethical concerns regarding sales
messages
Planning steps for direct mail or
email sales messages
Compose sales messages
Week 8 Chapter 8: Lecture/ Quizzes& CLO1, CLO3 and
Managing Careers Discussion/Group Assignment CLO5
20/02/23 Chapter contents: Discussion/Interact
25/02/23 The job search ion
26/02/23
Preparing the application documents
Constructing the resume/CV
Writing the cover letter
Following up and ending the
application
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Week 9 Chapter 9: Lecture/ Quizzes CLO1, CLO3 and
Effective Employment Interviewing Discussion/Group CLO5
27/02/23 Chapter contents: Discussion/Interact
04/03/23 Job Interview ion
05/03/23
Preparing For an Interview
● A Model Interview
Mid Term Exam Exam Exam CLO2, CLO3, CLO4
and CLO5
Week 10
Chapter 10: Lecture/ CLO1, CLO3 and
06/03/23 Conducting a Winning Job Campaign Discussion/Group Assignment CLO5
11/02/23 Chapter contents: Discussion/Interact
12/03/23 ion
Build a network of contacts.
Identify appropriate jobs.
Find the right employer.
Produce application documents.
Handle the interview.
Write follow-up messages that
impress.
Continue job search activities.
Week 11 Chapter 11: Lecture/ Quizzes CLO3 and CLO5
Basics of Report Writing Discussion/Group
13/03/23 Chapter contents: Discussion/Interact
18/03/23 Defining reports ion
19/03/23
Determining the report purpose
Determining the factors
Gathering the information needed
Interpreting the findings
Organizing the report information
Writing the report
Week 12 Presentation Lecture/ Presentation
20/03/23 Discussion/Group
25/03/23 Discussion/Interact
27/03/23 ion
Week 13 Chapter 12: Lecture/ Quizzes CLO3 and CLO5
Business Research Method Discussion/Group
01/04/23 Chapter contents: Discussion/Interact Exam
02/04/23 Introduction to research ion
Basic form of research
03/04/23 Qualitative and quantitative
Sampling
survey
Week 14 Final Exam Scheduled by the Exam Exam CLO1, CLO2,
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Registry CLO3, CLO4 &
CLO5
Assessment Procedures:
Bloom’s Quizzes/ Attendance Assignment + First Term Mid Term Final
Category Class Test with DBC (Term Paper Term
Marks (Out +Presentation (20) (20)
of 100) (5) (5) ) (35)
(5+ 10) = 15
Remember 2
Understand 3 5 5 5
Apply 5 5 5 10
Analyze 5 5 5 10
Evaluate 5 5 5 10
Create
Evaluation
Quizzes 5%
Attendance+ DBC 5%
Assignment/Term/Paper/Presentation 15%
First Term 20%
Mid Term 20%
Final Term 35%
Total 100%
Textbook:
Lesikar, Raymond V., Flatley, Marie E., Rentz, Kathryn and Pande, Neerja, “Business Communication:
Making Connections in a Digital World”, Tata Mc Graw Hill, 13th edition.
Program Outcomes (POs):Upon successful competition of BBA program, the students will acquire
the following graduate attributes:
PLO 1: Business Knowledge
Acquire knowledge of business principles and demonstrate proficiency in applying the knowledge in
practices to solve the emerging problems and make efficient and effective decisions.
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PLO 2: Problem Analysis
Identify, analyze and carry out the research to address diverse challenges faced by today’s organizations.
PLO 3: Design, Innovations, and Applications
Apply critical thinking skill to design solutions for complex, open-ended business problems, create value
through new business unit creation, company formation, social innovation, and develop appropriate
business systems and processes to mitigate the challenges of today’s organizations having sufficient
considerations for cultural, social, and environmental issues. And apply acquired knowledge to translate
fundamental concepts of business and their real-life implications in everyday life.
PLO 4: Information and Communication Technology
Acquire adequate knowledge and skills in ICT to use IT in managerial and operational activities, design
system and process as well as improve communication for meeting the challenge of digital era.
PLO 5: Modern Tool Usage
Use tools and technologies for effective analysis of business problems and decision making for achieving
competitive advantage in the market and business success.
PLO 6: Leadership
Understanding the human and organizational behavior, develop effective leadership ability and style to
manage human resources in efficient and effective manner.
PLO 7: Sustainability
Ensure sustainable management development by integrating current and emerging environmental,
political, social and economic issues in strategic plans, policies and programs of organizations.
PLO 8: Ethics
Identify ethical issues that impact business decisions and apply ethical and professional code of conduct.
PLO 9: Individual and Teamwork
Work effectively, as an individual and in teams, on multifaceted and/ or multidisciplinary settings.
PLO 10: Communication
Communicate thoughts and ideas both in written and oral form, in order to comprehend complex texts
like research papers, reports, project reports, theories etc.
PLO 11: Project Management
Apply project management skills to develop and manage projects as a team member and/or leader both in
narrow and broad scales.
PLO 12: Lifelong Learning
Recognize the importance of lifelong learning and engage in continuous professional improvement.
Bloom's Taxonomy Indicators: The Cognitive Domain
C1-Remembering: Recall or retrieve previous learned information.
C2-Understanding: Comprehending the meaning, translation, interpolation, and interpretation of instructions and
problems. State a problem in one's own words.
C3-Applying: Use a concept in a new situation or unprompted use of an abstraction. Applies what was learned in
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the classroom into novel situations in the workplace.
C4-Analyzing: Separates material or concepts into component parts so that its organizational structure may be
understood. Distinguishes between facts and inferences.
C5-Evaluating: Make judgments about the value of ideas or materials.
C6-Creating: Builds a structure or pattern from diverse elements. Put parts together to form a whole, with emphasis
on creating a new meaning or structure.
General Policies of the Instructor
Academic Offenses: The students and faculty are jointly responsible for the academic standards and reputation of
the university. It is well recognized that intellectual honesty is the basic requirement for development and
acquisition of knowledge. Intellectual honesty is a pre-requisite for continued membership in the university
community.
Forms of intellectual dishonesty are plagiarism, cheating in examinations, aiding and abetting cheating, and the use
of assignment prepared by others, impersonation of another student at an examination, misrepresentation of
information, falsification of academic records, and unruly behavior with the instructor.
If a student is detected by the instructor in committing an academic offense, it may result in an "F" grade for the
course or even dismissal of the student from the university.
Dress and Behavior Code: All students must strictly follow the Dress and Behavior Code (DBC) of IUBAT. The
student not following proper dress code will be warned first and habitual DBC breaker may be denied entry/ejected
from the classroom and thus will be counted as absent.
Interactive Classroom Engagement Activities:It is expected that students will be adequately prepared for all classes
before the class lecture so that they can participate when appropriate. In this process, there will be a class Convener
and Rapporteur from the students for every class throughout the semester. Each and every students of the course
will be selected as Convener and Rapporteur according to a specific schedule by the Course Leader. The Convener
and Rapporteur will conduct a wide range of activities in the class starting from conducting the Pledge of the
IUBATIANS up to the announcement of the next Convener and Rapporteur. The process will be as follows:
(i) Role of the Convener:The Convener of the day will welcome all present in the class and lead the pledge. First
s/he will request the Rapporteur of the last class session to make a brief presentation on the summary of the topic
covered in the last class. The Convener will invite for any comments or additions from the participants in the class.
Following this s/he will announce the topic of the day and invite instructor to conduct the class. S/he will give
reminder alarm 5 minutes before the end of the lecture time of the speaker. The Convener of the day will also
propose a vote of thanks and announce the name of the Convener and Rapporteur for the next class session and
introduce them.
(ii) Role of the Rapporteur:The Rapporteur of the designated class will make the presentation on the summary of the
topic covered. The Rapporteur of the day will take notes during the class to make summary of the class for next day
presentation.
(iii) Role of the Participants:The participants will learn by evaluating the performance of the Convener and
Rapporteur. They will also participate and raise issues when necessary. And by doing so, they will get involved in
training task, learn and demonstrate leadership qualities.
(iv) Role of the Course Leader:The role of the Course Leader will be to check and observe whether the roles of
Convener, Rapporteur and Participants are carried out appropriately. Any change in the program will be announced
by the Leader. Besides, the Leader will help the session Convener and Rapporteur in carrying out their
responsibilities.
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First Term and Mid-term Exam: First Term and Mid-term Exams will be held in the class on scheduled/announced
dates. The scheduled dates of the first term and mid-term exams would not be changed under any circumstances. All
topics covered until the end of the week before the exam will be included. Different sets of question papers having
an equal level of difficulty and standard will be set. These question paper will include both subjective and objective
type questions.
Marked exam scripts of the first term and mid-term exam will be returned to the students during the class (usually
next week after the exam). If any student is unable to collect his/her script on that day due to absence, he/she must
collect it within one week from the instructor's room. After one (1) week, the instructor will not be responsible for
the loss of the script.
Missed Exam: There will be no make-up exam if anyone intentionally misses first and midterm exam without any
valid and legitimate reason. Absence in the exams will be regarded as absent and Zero (0) marks will be applied.
Notifying the instructor before the exam is a must if a student misses any exam for reasons beyond his/her control.
‘I’ grade will not be given without any prior notification to the instructor.In extreme circumstances, if the student
cannot inform earlier, he/she must inform the instructor within three (3) days of the exam.
Final Exam: Final exam will cover the entire course syllabus. The exam will be all-inclusive at a location and time
determined by the university. The final examination is for evaluation purposes only, and the exam scripts will not be
returned to the students for review after it is marked. The final exam question paper will include subjective type
questions only.
Creativity will not be suppressed. Writing in your own words is definitely welcomed as long as the provided
information is scientifically correct, grammatically sound, and to the point.
No extra marks will be given for what was not asked in the question paper. Marks will be deducted for wrong
scientific units. No partial marks will be given for the following cases:
a. Misspellings of engineering terms, contributor’s name or universally accepted nomenclature
b. Wrong formula and invalid solution processes/steps of mathematical problems
c. Unintelligible writing (not understandable), sentence does not make any sense, off-topic writing (not
relevant to the topic)
Review of the marks: Appeals for reviewing marks of the first term and mid-term exams must be made within three
(3) days from the day of supplying answer scripts. After submission of grades in the university automation server,
any appeal for reviewing marks will be rejected. Student can apply through the registry for final grade review if the
student is not satisfied with his/her final grade.
Class Participation: All students are expected to actively participate in the class for ensuring effective and interactive
teaching-learning process. Class participation includes asking questions, expressing ideas, contributing to the
discussion and giving insightful comments relevant to the topic. It is also further expected that students will
adequately prepare themselves by studying the topic beforehand the scheduled classes and they will participate in
them when appropriate. Another way of participating in the class is to play the role of convener, rapporteur, course
leader and participants. Students should follow the instructor’s briefing in this regard.
In-class Exercises: Students are expected to follow the instructions attentively and thoroughly understand the
solution process of a discussed mathematical problem. A similar mathematical problem will be provided to the
students for solving in the class within a prescribed time. Discussions are allowed. Students will show the answer to
the instructor after solving.
Unannounced Quizzes: An unannounced quiz will be either an oral exam on previously discussed topic or an open
book exam. Students are therefore advised to always bring at least five blank pages with them and text book in the
class.
Homework assignments: Adherence to academic integrity and professionalism is very important during assignment
preparation. ‘Problem Sets’ containing mathematical problems and critical thinking problems will be provided in the
class. Homework Assignments will include these problems along with some subjective questions. All students are
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expected to complete their assignments in a timely manner and submit it within the announced due date.
Unprofessionally prepared submissions (for example, quick copying from another student’s assignment in the class,
submission in a torn piece of paper etc.) will not be accepted and grade will be “F”. A homework assignment may be
handwritten or typed. Hand drawings and writings are acceptable as long as they look neat and professional.
However, homework assignments on design problems should be prepared on engineering paper using pencil and the
work should be neat, complete, and logically arranged.
While group discussions are encouraged and collaboration on homework assignments is permitted, each assignment
submitted must represent essentially student’s own work. Submitted work that is copied from peers will be subjected
to severe penalization, grade will be “F” and mark will be zero (0).
‘I’ Grade Policy: The instructor cannot assign ‘I' Grade on the basis of any irrational request or excuse made by a
student. The grade “I” (Incomplete grade) may be assigned by the instructor at the end of the semester to designate
incomplete work in a course. It should be used only when a student is unable to complete requirements of the course
because of illness, hardship or death in the immediate family. Incomplete (I) will only be given if the student has
already substantially completed the major requirements of the course such as required attendance, satisfactory class
participation, assignment completion, taking the quiz, and obtaining of the good grade in the first and mid-term
exams. The grade “I” must be removed as soon as possible but no later than 3 weeks from the beginning of the next
semester. At the end of deadline, the faculty must submit the final grade or this is automatically converted into “F”
grade.
Attendance policy: Attendance to all lectures is mandatory. An instructor may assign a final grade of “F” in the
course to a student who fails to meet the requirements. Only three absences in a course with acceptable reasons may
be excused by the instructor in a semester. Permission of the Dean is required to remain absent in three or more
consecutive classes for reasons beyond control (e.g. illness, hardship or death in the immediate family) of the
student. Any student remaining absent in any class of a course without permission will be served with a notice of
warning. Unexcused absences will lead to reduced course grade, suspension from the course or dismissal of the
student from the course.
Lecture Notes and Handouts: Lecture notes and PowerPoint slides made by the instructor will not be supplied to the
students. Students are expected to study the textbook for developing in-depth understanding of the topic. Students
may additionally follow reference texts along with any credible and reliable source of information. Students are also
advised not to follow random Google search results and unprofessional webpages. ‘Problem Sets’ for assignment
and handouts on unavailable topics (topics not available in the textbook) will be provided only.
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Consultation Hours: Class Timetable:
Day Time Section Day Time Room No
Monday 10:40am-11:40am B Saturday 01:10pm-02:10pm 913
Tuesday 10:40am-11:40am B Sunday 01:10pm-02:10pm 905
Wednesda 10:40am-11:40am B Monday 01:10pm-02:10pm 905
y
* To meet me other than the above-
mentioned time, please inquire and
confirm my feasible meeting time via
email or phone call.
_________________________ _______________________________ ______________________________
Prepared by Checked by Approved by
Nayma Iftakhar Hasanuzzaman Tushar Prof. Dr.AbdurRab
Senior Lecturer, CBA Assistant Professor & Coordinator, Vice-Chancellor (IUBAT)
BBA
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