IMIS FO1 Communication Skills

FO1 COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Prerequisites

None

Assessment

By a single 21/2 hour externally set examination paper.

Aims

• Understand how to access and present information for the business / organisational environment.
• Have an understanding of the communication process in the business context.
• Understand the basic conventions of written English as it relates to the business context.
• Have an awareness of the communication process within organisations
• Demonstrate an understanding of organisational structure and functions
• Understand the importance of cohesive working relationships within organisations and in particular thesignificance of group working
• Have an awareness of the impact and usage of information Technology on business and organisational communication activities

Objectives

1.1 Understand the various ways information can be located.

• Have an understanding of the availability of published reference sources and their significance.
• Be able to appreciate the importance and use of dictionaries and language books : encyclopaedias : newspapers and periodicals.
• Have an understanding of the availability of private reference sources and their significance.
• Have an appreciation of the importance and use of publications of professional organisations and company archival sources.
• Have an understanding of how information can be obtained through electronic means, viewdata and teletext systems and from company and governmental databases.

1.2 Understand the methods employed in the search for information.

• Be able to demonstrate an understanding of the main sections of a library.
• Have an understanding of the Dewey Decimal system of library classification.
• Be able to demonstrate an understanding of the importance of the library.

1.3 Have an understanding of and be able to produce graphical representations as used in business and organisational contexts.

• Be able to demonstrate an understanding of and an ability to create tables : Bar charts : graphs and Pie charts.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the use of flow charts.

2.1 Understand the importance of oral communication in the business context.

• Know what is meant by oral communication
• Recognise the importance of personality in oral communication
• Be aware of the factors which have to be considered when conducting oral communications e.g. know what to say, when to say it , use the appropriate language and observe reactions.
• Be able to appreciate the importance of listening skills in oral communication
• Understand and be able to discuss non verbal communication.

2.2 Demonstrate an understanding of the basic skills of telephone usage within the organisational environment

• Have an understanding of when to use the telephone and when not.
• Understand the principles of telephone usage.
• Be able to demonstrate a knowledge of answering the phone correctly and how to take a message.
• Have an understanding of the technology available e.g. answering machines , conference call facilities and call waiting.

2.3 Understand the importance of interviews in the business context.

• Understand the different types of interview that exist.
• Understand the process required in planning and conducting an interview.
• 2.3.3 Understand how to respond in the interview situation.

3.1 Be able to write a business letter in the appropriate fashion.

• Understand the component parts of a letter.
• Know the appropriate salutations and complementary closings used in letter writing.
• Understand the planning process required before a letter is written.
• Understand the principles of letter writing.

3.2 Be able to make notes from reference material and prepare reports.

• Understand the need for and value of note taking and the note taking process.
• Be able to write a memorandum.
• Understand the principles of report writing.

3.3 Understand the importance of notices and posters.

• Be able to create effective notices and posters

3.4 Understand the nature of forms and questionnaires

• Understand the main constituents required in form design.
• Know when and in which circumstances forms are used.
• Understand what a questionnaire is and how it can be used.
• Be able to present and create an appropriate questionnaire.

3.5 Be able to use appropriate and correct grammar and be capable of writing fluent structured essays in a recognised format.

• Have a good working understanding of the proper use of language with appropriate punctuation.
• Understand the principles of essay writing.

3.6 Be able to write reports and memoranda understanding the principles for their creation.

• Know the principles of report writing.
• Be able to write a report in a recognised fashion.

4.1 Be aware of the principles of vertical and horizontal communication.

• Demonstrate an understanding of upward and downward communication.
• Demonstrate a knowledge of horizontal communication particularly in respect of written communication : meetings and informal lines of communication.

4.2 Have an understanding of communication by way of groups and networks.

• Have an understanding of the different types of networks that exist in organisations.

4.3 Appreciate that there are barriers to communication within organisations and understand what these barriers are.

4.4 Be able to demonstrate an understanding of the mechanics of arranging meetings and the principles governing this medium.

• Be able to create an agenda for a meeting incorporating the essential characteristics.
• Be aware of the characteristics of the minutes of a meeting and be able to create a set of minutes.
• Understand the various roles played by participants of meetings.
• Have an awareness of the process of the meeting and in particular the rules governing protocol.

4.5 Be able to demonstrate how to carry out effective presentations.

• Be aware of the requirements to prepare for a presentation.
• Have an understanding of the types of and advantages/disadvantages of the use of visual aids.
• Have an understanding of the proper way to give a talk and the importance of speaking properly ; starting the talk and building ideas constructively.

5.1 Be able to create and understand an organisational structure diagram.

• Understand how the flow of information works linked to the structure.
• Understand the factors which determine the structure of organisations.
• Have an understanding of the types of organisational structures that exist.
• Understand the problems that are linked to the different types of organisational structures that exist.
• Have an understanding of the workings and responsibilities of the following departments commonly found in organisations. Accounts: Sales: Personnel: Research and development: Computer Services: Administration: Marketing: Production: Transport.

6.1 Understand the impact of groups within organisations

• Be able to demonstrate the attributes of a group
• Understand why groups are formed in organisations.
• Know the qualities required of an effective group member.
• Understand the potential sources of conflict in group working.

6.2 Understand the development of management styles.

• Be able to present a definition of management.
• Have an understanding of the different types of management traits and styles.

7.1 Understand the different types of computers available in the office environment.

• Be able to discuss microcomputers, minicomputers and laptops.
• Have an understanding of the meaning of software
• Be able to discuss the application and use of: Word processors ; telex machines ; E Mail ; spreadsheets ; database systems and graphic packages
• Understand the use of the fax and be able to create a fax message in the appropriate format.

7.2 Be aware of communication methods available through the Internet specifically using e mail, newsgroups, chat and the World Wide Web.

7.3 Be aware of emerging technologies and their application in aiding business communication.

• Have an awareness of teleconferencing videoconferencing and the impact of new Information and Communication Technologies (ICT`s).