BPSM Bcs Courseoutline

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MAKERERE UNIVERSITY BUSINESS SCHOOL

FACULTY OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION
SEMESTER ONE, ACADEMIC YEAR: 2023 / 2024
COURSE OUTLINE
1.0. COURSE UNIT: BUSINESS COMMUNICATION SKILLS COURSE CODE: MGT1105
2.0. PROGRAM: BACHELOR OF PROCUREMENT AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
3.0. FACILITATORS: IKISA EVALYNE AND NAMBALIRWA HAMIDA GROUP A and B.
4.0. PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:

a) It enables graduates to appreciate the role of communication in the financial management and control discipline.
b) The program facilitates students’ understanding of the communication principles that aid financial management practices.
c) Graduates will be able to display competence in oral, written, and non-verbal communication as they undertake financial management practices.
d) Respond effectively to any form of communication in their field of study.
5.0. Justification for the course:
Communication has widely come to be known as the life blood of any organization in the modern world. Communication plays the key role of
facilitating internal functions of the organization as well as enabling the organization to effectively relate to the outside environment. Every organization
relates with both its internal and external environment, thus the need for communication skills in every organization at all levels.
The nature in which messages are produced, applied, and interpreted in business has significant influence on its prosperity. Given the high
prevailing competition in most businesses, unhealthy work relations, and hyper technological advancements today, there is a challenge of acquiring
and retaining customers, toning down dysfunctional conflicts, capturing and mining information as soon as it is created so as to optimally profit and
steer continuity and growth. All this requires effective communication skills. Thus as the business world becomes more challenging and
competitive, employees at all levels (operational, tactical and strategic) need to equip and update themselves with the techniques in effective
business communication.
MUBS MISSION: To enable the future of our clients through creation and provision of knowledge.
MUBS VISION: The benchmark for Business and Management Education, Research and Training in the region.
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Business Communication enables management and employees to efficiently and profitably coordinate and manage their business resources,
coordinate the various business functions, exhibit good internal and external customer relations and spearhead efficient public relations. The Business
Communication skills course provides graduates with the skills and knowledge to: write business and technical reports; prepare and deliver oral
presentations; evaluate communication systems; relate their understanding of the communication process to global issues; and critically examine
cultural, societal, interpersonal and ethical issues in communication.
6.0. Course Description:

The Business Communication skills course is designed to expose students to introductory aspects of communication including the basic business
communication concepts, the communication process and basics of Business English. The course also gives students the skills and knowledge to:
write business reports; prepare and deliver oral presentations; use and interpret non-verbal communication and effective management of meetings.
7.0. Course Objectives:

The Business Communication course is intended to;
 Familiarize students with communication concepts
 Familiarize students with the basic business language
 Impart essential skills for effective business communication
 Make students know the importance of effective organizational and personal communication
8.0. Expected Outcomes:

At the end of the course the student should be able to;
 Explain the key concepts in business communication
 Prepare business correspondences like letters, memos and reports
 Plan before they communicate and develop properly organized messages that suit the audience
 Listen effectively
 Make winning public presentations
 Hold successful meetings
 Use and interpret the non-verbal cues
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9.0. Mode of Delivery:
This course will mainly be conducted using;
 Straight lectures, Power Point presentation lectures, Zoom classes
 Presentations and Demonstrations
10.0. Mode of Assessment:

The course will be assessed in two parts;
Part One: Continuous Coursework assessment (30%) broken down as follows;
 Coursework one Class Test 20 %
 Coursework two: Class presentation and drafting a curriculum vitae 10%
A class presentation; where students will make groups of 10 members for a class bigger than 100 students and 7-8 members for between 50 and
100 students than and 3 to 5 members for a class of less than 50 students. Each group will be given a question on the last sub topic to be presented
in class.
a) Make groups basing on the above guide lines and submit to your Lecturer by the end of the third week of the semester.
b) Presentations will be starting in the 9th or 10th week of the semester depending on the facilitator.
c) The curriculum vitae will be submitted in the 6th week to the facilitator after the sub topic has been taught.
d) When students are presenting in their groups, the facilitator will be awarding marks for course work two.
e) Every student will be given a chance to present.
f) While presenting, the students will have to choose an organization of their choice and use it as a case study, clearly bringing out examples or
demonstrating how the chosen organization applies the topic being discussed. The case study should be a real one not theoretical. Evidence of
meeting and discussing with a representative from the organization is a must have to qualify to present the work.
g) For a class that has many students, some groups will discuss the same question of a particular topic but each group should prepare a different
presentation.
h) Groups should be named according to numbers for example 1, 2, 3 etc. and questions will be given according to the group numbers (however
this is dependent on class size).
The last page (page 11) of this course outline have the questions to be discussed by the students.
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Part Two: Final Exam
 End of Semester exam 70%
NB: the final examination shall be purely situational.
11.0. Mode of communication:

Lecturers may communicate to students and vice versa in the following ways:
 During lecture time
 Face to face conversations in staffrooms and on school campus and phone calls.
 MUBSEP ( MUBS eLearning platform)
 WhatsApp groups here students will get communication from their class representatives
12.0. DETAILED COURSE CONTENT AND LEARNING OBJECTIVES
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Course Content / Learning Objectives Teaching Methods Media Scheme
Topic of work
Cognitive Affective Psychomotor Week
No.
1. Introduction to Define Explain the importance Demonstrate the various  Lecture method,  Overhead 1
Business communication. of communication. methods of  Class discussions,  projectors
Whiteboard
Communication List two major Explain the methods of communication. demonstration.
Skills Demonstration
methods of communication, Demonstrate how  Role plays
communication. Explain the new trends technology has changed
(Verbal and in communication and work place
Nonverbal) and how they have changed communication.
others work place Analyze the factors to
Trends in communication giving consider while choosing
communications the positive and negative a method of
Social media impacts of the new communication.
platforms trends
Other online Distinguish between the
platforms e.g. zoom, various methods and
Google teams, channels of
artificial intelligence communication.
etc. Explain the factors to
Impact of new trends consider before
choosing the methods
on communication
Formality of new
trends in the
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2. Effective Define effective Distinguish between effective
Communication communication communication and  Lecture method,  Overhead
ineffective communication.  Class discussions, projectors
a) Communication demonstration. 2
Illustrate the  Whiteboard
process List & explain the Discuss the Elements of the communication process  Demonstratio
elements of the communication process model. n
communication (Sender, message, medium,
b) Barriers to process/model receiver, noise) Demonstrate how barriers  Lecture method,
effective Outline the barriers to Show the points at which the to effective communication  Class discussions,  Overhead
communication effective barriers to effective can be overcome. demonstration. projectors
communication. communication occur. Illustrate how effective  Role play  Whiteboard 2
c) Planning for Justify the need for planning communication can be  Demonstratio
Communication List the 7 components before communication. achieved in an n
of planning for comm... Explain each of the 7 organization.
 purpose components needed when
 audience planning for communication  Lecture method,
and indicate how the 5 Ws and Recommend the most
 structure effective channel of  Class discussions,
 style the one H fit into the above demonstration.
components. communication for a  Overhead
 message particular type of message  Role plays projectors
 time and audience. Plan a  Whiteboard 3
d) Basic Business  necessary resources Explain the (7Cs)
communication principles business message of the  Demonstratio
English in List the basic student’s own choice. n
relation to communication (meaning, how to achieve
Principles of principles/ 7Cs of and benefits) making sure
that correctness comes Demonstrate application of  Overhead
Communication communication: - the various communication
last. In correctness, projectors
 Courtesy principles in designing
emphasize grammatical  Whiteboard
 Considerate
terms and rules, sentence various business messages.  Demonstratio 4
 Clarity
construction n
 Concreteness
 Completeness pronunciations, spellings
 Conciseness and idioms. Parts of
 Correctness speech, punctuations.  Class Role Plays
List vital scenarios at paragraphing, tenses,  Group
e) Formal Work the work place where articulation and others Activities
Place Vocabulary formal vocabulary is Distinguish between formal
essential and informal vocabulary Demonstrate ability to
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3. Organizational Mention and explain Critique the different Illustrate the  Lecture method  Overhead 5
Communication the classification of forms of communication flow in  Class discussions, projectors
communication in an communication. an organization. Demonstration.  Whiteboard
organization Choose and justify the  Class presentations  Demonstrati
Distinguish between most optimal form of on
Explain the flow of internal and external communication in
communication in an communication, formal various situations.
organization / the and informal
communication communication.
4. Written system.
Explain a business Discuss the importance Write a business letter.  Lecture method,  Overhead 6
communication letters with its of business letters.  Class discussions, projectors
Demonstrate the
importance. Distinguish between the demonstration.  Whiteboard
a) Business Letters different formats of a  Case analysis  Demonstrati
standard and optional
Outline the standard  Role plays on
parts of a business business letter.
 Application and optional parts of
a business letter. letter. Write an application
Letter
Discuss the various
letter.
 CV writing Identify the styles styles and formats of
and formats of business letters. Write a resume.
 Other letters business letters. Justify the use of
(circular, different formats of a
invitation, Define an resume
sales, collection application letter
Discuss the guidelines
etc. and a resume (CV.)
List the parts of a to writing a good
resume.. resume.
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b) Memoranda Define a memo. Distinguish a memo Design a memo  Lecture method  Overhead 7
Outline the from a business letter.  Class discussions projectors
components of a Demonstrate how the  Demonstration.  Whiteboard
memo. memo is written  Case analysis  Demonstrati
List the importance on
of memos.
c) Business Report Define a business Explain the approaches Recommend the best  Lecture method,  Overhead 7
report. to organizing a report approach in organizing a class discussions, projectors
Outline the body. report body. demonstration.  Whiteboard
importance of Explain the different  Class  Demonstrati
business reports. parts of a business Write a business report presentations on
Mention the report. (headings, terms of  Case analysis
different Explain the planning reference, methodology/  Role plays
classifications of a steps in report writing. procedure, findings,
business report. conclusion,
Outline the different recommendations).
parts of the business 8
5. Oral Define verbal Discuss effective use Prepare a public  Lecture method,  Overhead
Communication communication. business telephones presentation. class discussions, projectors
a) Listening skills Define listening. (before, during and Present a short speech. demonstration.  Whiteboard
b) Telephone use Outline the good after making a call). Demonstrate effective  Class  Demonstrati
c) Public listening skills. Discuss guidelines to listening. presentations on
Presentation List the steps in effective public Demonstrate effective  Role plays
preparing a presentation. use of business
presentation. Explain the methods of telephones.
Summarize the delivering
d) Conducting Name the different Evaluate the different Prepare and conduct an  Lecture method,  Overhead 9
effective types of interviews. types of interviews. interview. class discussions, projectors
Interviews Outline ways of demonstration.  Whiteboard
conducting an How can you  Class  Demonstrati
effective interview. successfully prepare presentations on
for the interview?  Case analysis
 Role plays
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e) Conducting Explain the various Discuss the different Prepare the different  Lecture method,  Overhead 10
Effective Meeting types of meetings. ways of planning and meeting documents; class discussions, projectors
Outline the managing an effective Notice, Agenda Minutes demonstration.  Whiteboard
different meeting meeting. etc.  Class  Demonstrati
documents. presentations on
 Case analysis
 Role plays
6. Non-Verbal Define non-verbal Distinguish between Demonstrate how non-  Lecture method,  Overhead 11
Communication communication. verbal and non-verbal verbal communication is class discussions, projectors
List the different communication. effected in organizations. demonstration.  Whiteboard
forms of non-verbal Discuss how each form Demonstrate the use of  Class  Demonstrati
communication. of non-verbal body language presentations on
communication can be Demonstrate how  Case analysis
effected. cultural differences  Role plays
Justify the use of visual affect non-verbal
aids in business communication.
communications. Recommend the best
Explain the use of body way of using non-verbal
language in business cues.
communication.
READING LISTS
1. Courtland, B. & Thill, J.V. (2015). Business Communication Today (13th ed.): Prentice Hall
2. Hynes, G.E. (2015). Managerial Communication; Strategies and Application (6th ed.): Sage Publications
3. Journal of Communication Management. www.emeraldinsight.com
4. Katusabe, M.G. (2011). Meeting Planning and Management (1st ed.): Marianum Press
5. Locker K.O. (2010). Business Communication: Building Critical Skills (6th ed.): Mc Graw Hill Inc
6. Scot O. (2007). Contemporary Business English (7th ed.): Cengage Learning
7. Shirley T. (2007). Communication for Business (5 r d ed.): Longman Publishing House.
8. Shirley T. (2012). Model Business Letters, Emails and Other Business Documents (7th ed.): Prentice Hall.
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MAKERERE UNIVERSITY BUSINESS SCHOOL

COURSE WORK TEST ONE
FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN FINANCE, BACHELOR OF REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT, BACHELOR OF
ENTREPRENUERSHIP, BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, BACHELOR OF OFFICE AND INFORMATION
MANAGEMENT, BACHELOR OF TRANSPORT&LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT, BACHELOR OF PROCUREMENT AND SUPPLY
CHAIN MANAGEMENT, BACHELOR OF HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, BACHELOR OF INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS,
BACHELOR OF MARKETING, BACHELOR OF TRAVEL &TOURISM MANAGEMENT, BACHELOR OF LEISURE &HOSPITALITY
MANAGEMENT, BACHELOR OF LEISURE EVENTS & HOTEL MANAGEMENT OF MAKERERE UNIVERSITY
ACADEMIC YEAR 2023/2024
COURSE NAME: BUSINESS COMMUNICATION SKILLS (BCS)

COURSE CODE: MGT1106 & MGT1105;
SEMESTER: ONE
YEAR OF STUDY: ONE
MODE OF ASSESSMENT: GROUP PRESENTATIONS
TIME: DURING BCS LECTURER TIME
INSTRUCTIONS
1. In groups of 5-10 students (Depending on the class numbers and as instructed by your Business communication Lecturer) read the assigned
questions and be ready to present during class time.
2. Choose an appropriate mode of presentation that suits your topic (Use of LCD projectors, Charts, skits, Non-verbal expressions, images, symbols,
etc. is allowed and will carry extra marks) HINT: Be creative and think outside the Box!
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3. Presentation will begin 2 weeks from the date you receive this assignment from your facilitator. All work that will be handed in past the agreed dead
line shall not be accepted.
4. All group members should be ready to present because selection of who to present shall be at random)
5. You are expected to have two copies of work, one copy to be submitted to the course facilitator on the deadline and the second (students’ copy) to be
used during presentation.
6. The work should be typed, font 12, double spaced, between 8- 10 pages (excluding the cover page).
7. No student shall be allowed to present their work without a course work permit, ID or a copy of your admission letter.
8. Each group should ensure that all members are around during the presentations and that all members are ready to present any part of the questions
assigned.
9. Students should use role plays and demonstrations during the presentations (This will earn you extra marks)
10. Presentation of similar work by two or more groups (plagiarism) or presentation of previously presented work is unacceptable and such work shall
not be marked.
11. Please note that this assignment will contribute to your final course work marks. There will not be any consideration for those who will not be
available to present.
12. Please dress professionally to avoid being stopped from accessing the presentation room.
13. More instructions shall be given at the time of presentations.
Note:
The Facilitator may allocate the same question to more than one group. Presentation of similar work will lead to disqualification.
Topic /Question Allocation:
Question One
a) As a business communication student, advise on how best the proprietors of Capital shoppers limited can leverage on social media to improve their
public image.
b) Using practical examples from the Ugandan market environment; explain how technology has been adopted to aid communication.
Question two
Business communication skills as a course unit is relevant to you as a person and the business organization that you will eventually work in.
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a) As a business communication student, explain how this Couse unit will benefit you as a person.
b) Using practical examples from any organization of your choice; explain how business communication facilitates the organization in achieving its
objectives.
Question Three
a) Using any manufacturing company as a case study, describe the communication process you would go through to procure the raw materials needed
to manufacture your products.
b) Explain with recommended solutions, the likely challenges that you may encounter during each of the stages explained above.
Question Four
While communicating, every business manager is always sensitive and careful to the message that he or she is communicating.
a) With justifications, explain the key principles that you must bear in mind when making any business communication.
b) Write a simple termination notice to close workmate you intend to fire based on bad performance. Explain clearly how the 7 principles of
communications has come out in your communication
Question Five
The effectiveness of Organizational operations involves the interplay between the different stakeholders within and outside of the organization.
a) Practically demonstrate, a communication between you and a (disgruntled customer, potential supplier, URA after failing to remit PAYE on time) -
choose one from the three.
b) Explain how such communications has helped your organization.
Question Six
It’s true that regardless of how effective an organization’s communication system and policy may be, grapevine communication will always exist.
a. Explain with examples, the circumstances under which such informal communication system emerge.
b. How can we use exploit this informal communication system to our advantage as management.
Question Seven:
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As a student of Business communication skills, you have been tasked to organize the upcoming school wide discussion on the topic “keeping yourself
safe in campus”. The discussion is scheduled to take place on December 01, 2023 beginning at 2pm in the 3rd floor Main Library.
a) Write a letter inviting the principal to come and make a key note address about the topic. This should be copied to relevant authorities of the school.
b) Write a notice inviting the students community for the same
c) Prepare a brief report write up about the subject matter.
Question Eight:
A position for the chairman Electoral commission MUBS Guild has fallen vacant following the resignation of the predecessor. You have been head
hunted to fill the vacancy.
a) Write a simple CV responding to the Job offer.
b) Explain with reasons why you included those different parts of the CV
Question Nine
Following the successful establishment and growth of a business that deals in food supplements, you have been invited to make a winning presentation
to a group of nutritionists.
a) Explain with reasons, the method of presentation you would prefer to use.
b) Demonstrate practically what you would do before, during and after the presentation
c) Prepare a simple write up of the presentation you display to the audience
Question Ten
In phone communication, the receivers relies more, on how well you have used your voice while communicating.
a) Discuss how you can create a ‘smile to the voice’ while having a telephone call.
b) Based on any organization of your choice, demonstrate and explain any five poor telephone usage behaviors. Highlight the impact of such behaviors
to your business operations and client satisfaction.
Question Eleven:
a) Convene a class meeting and discuss issues that will most likely affect your academic performance (Choose an appropriate agenda and parties
required)
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b) At the end of your meeting, choose an assessor from your group to quality assure the meeting you have carried out. (The assessor should highlight
lessons learnt and lead the class in critiquing the meeting conducted).
Question Twelve
In a bid to plan for the Academic year well, the Principal MUBS has directed all course leaders of the different programs to give a report about the
number of first year students who have so far enrolled in their respective programs with the issues affecting them.
a) Your course leader has tasked your group to research and come up with the class’s report using a memo format. Prepare one using the indirect report
writing skill.
b) Explain with examples the difference and disadvantage of this short report format as compared with the Long report format.
Question Thirteen
As a new student of MUBS, you are quite unfamiliar with the various places like washrooms, lecture rooms, places of worship, Library etc. that exist
within the campus. Due to timidity, you decided to look for these places without asking anyone.
a) Explain with examples, the different forms of non- verbal communication available at MUBS that may guide you in achieving your target.
b) Demonstrate how lectures can use the different non-verbal cues to boost their teaching.
c) Suggest new ways in which MUBS that improve their non-verbal communication with the different stakeholders.
Question Fourteen
You have been invited by the Chairman of Uganda Manufacturer’s Association to address the different business proprietors about the implication of
World Bank’s action of freezing all loans to Uganda on their businesses.
a) Practically demonstrate with reasons the type of dressing you would use to go and make the above presentation.
b) Also, practically demonstrate with reasons, the different body postures and gestures you would use or avoid during the presentation.
Question Fifteen
Nonverbal communication plays a critical role in boosting organizational communication
a) Explain with examples, how organizations can use non-verbal communication to improve on their organizational performance.
Explain with justification, the most commonly used form of non-verbal communication by Ugandan business managers while making a presentation
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1

MAKERERE UNIVERSITY BUSINESS SCHOOL

4.0. PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:

6.0. Course Description:

7.0. Course Objectives:

8.0. Expected Outcomes:

10.0. Mode of Assessment:

NB: the final examination shall be purely situational.

11.0. Mode of communication:

12.0. DETAILED COURSE CONTENT AND LEARNING OBJECTIVES

MAKERERE UNIVERSITY BUSINESS SCHOOL

COURSE NAME: BUSINESS COMMUNICATION SKILLS (BCS)

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