MAM3080 Communication Strategies 3

Advanced · 1 credit · BIT - Business, Admin, Finance and IT

Description: Students expand and continue to improve oral and written communication strategies necessary for efficient and effective management of information. Focus is on technical writing strategies and composing at a computer work station when preparing formal business reports and proposals.
Prerequisite: MAM1030: Communication Strategies 1
Parameters: Access to an appropriate computer work station, word processing software and support materials.
Supporting courses: MAM2060: Communication Strategies 2

Outcomes The student will:

1 critique formal technical reports
- 1.1 identify examples of technical writing; e.g., instruction manuals, research reports
- 1.2 describe the following characteristics of effective technical writing:
  - 1.2.1 directed to a topic or need
  - 1.2.2 accurate terminology, procedures and data
  - 1.2.3 current, clear, concise and complete
- 1.3 research the parts of a formal technical report including:
  - 1.3.1 cover
  - 1.3.2 title page
  - 1.3.3 table of contents
  - 1.3.4 list of illustrations
  - 1.3.5 synopsis and/or executive summary
  - 1.3.6 body of the text; e.g., discussion, conclusions, recommendations, footnotes
  - 1.3.7 appendix
  - 1.3.8 bibliography or reference list
  - 1.3.9 letter of transmittal
- 1.4 identify and demonstrate competencies needed for effective technical writing including:
  - 1.4.1 concentration
  - 1.4.2 precision
  - 1.4.3 summarization skills
- 1.5 examine and evaluate a variety of technical reports
- 1.6 compare technical writing with other writing; e.g., creative, historiographical, journalistic
2 prepare a formal technical report that is clear, concise and meets the needs of the report user
- 2.1 research and use the following prewriting strategies when preparing formal technical reports:
  - 2.1.1 determine the purpose
  - 2.1.2 prepare an outline
  - 2.1.3 conduct the research
  - 2.1.4 develop a note-taking system
  - 2.1.5 prepare an outline; put all sections together
- 2.2 compose the first draft of the formal document using word processing skills, templates and effective strategies for formal reports including:
  - 2.2.1 write one section at a time; the executive summary should be written last
  - 2.2.2 use headings and side headings for ease of reading
- 2.3 analyze the document using revising strategies to:
  - 2.3.1 check the draft against the outline
  - 2.3.2 ensure the purpose has been achieved
  - 2.3.3 check that report is clear, concise and complete
  - 2.3.4 check the facts for accuracy
- 2.4 use proofreading strategies to:
  - 2.4.1 proofread for facts, dates, names, figures and statistical information
  - 2.4.2 proofread for sentence structure, grammar, spelling, punctuation and format
3 deliver an oral, formal technical report supported by visual aids
- 3.1 research and critique presentation strategies
- 3.2 identify types of visual aids to use in a presentation
- 3.3 rehearse making an oral presentation of a formal technical report using visual aids and effective presentation strategies and tools
- 3.4 present the oral technical report
4 demonstrate basic competencies
- 4.1 demonstrate fundamental skills to:
  - 4.1.1 communicate
  - 4.1.2 manage information
  - 4.1.3 use numbers
  - 4.1.4 think and solve problems
- 4.2 demonstrate personal management skills to:
  - 4.2.1 demonstrate positive attitudes and behaviours
  - 4.2.2 be responsible
  - 4.2.3 be adaptable
  - 4.2.4 learn continuously
  - 4.2.5 work safely
- 4.3 demonstrate teamwork skills to:
  - 4.3.1 work with others
  - 4.3.2 participate in projects and tasks
5 create a transitional strategy to accommodate personal changes and build personal values
- 5.1 identify short-term and long-term goals
- 5.2 identify steps to achieve goals