Business Computer Applications 11 - Business Communications

PRESCRIBED LEARNING OUTCOMES

It is expected that students will:

• apply a variety of communication skills, methods, and strategies to communicate in business situations
• produce print publications and electronic communications for various audiences and purposes
• organize information from a variety of sources, using software, for various audiences and purposes

SUGGESTED INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES

• Provide opportunities for students to practise various communication skills by performing common business tasks. For example:
  • To gain skills in using text, tables, diagrams, and illustrations, students prepare easy-to-follow procedures manuals.
  • Students use two or more styles to write letters of introduction to potential employers, highlighting their skills and offering to present portfolios of work samples.
• Ask students to organize information by preparing an electronic file of business and community events (e.g., conferences) where students could meet business representatives.
• Have students work in groups to plan, organize, and host a one-day community event at the school. Ask them to choose and invite speakers, prepare an agenda, send guests a map showing the location of the event, phone guests to confirm attendance, prepare a media release and follow it up with telephone contacts, register participants, act as hosts, and introduce speakers. After the event, each group could prepare thank-you letters, an evaluation, and a final report detailing recommendations for future events.
• Invite each student to analyse and evaluate various promotional materials from local businesses and then produce a proposal, including a budget, to develop a promotional multimedia package.

SUGGESTED ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES

• In groups or pairs, have students peer-edit print publications they develop, offer constructive feedback, and comment about key issues associated with each document. Note the extent to which they:
  • identify the effectiveness of various visual elements, fonts, and layouts
  • note the relevance, completeness, and accuracy of information
  • suggest ways to improve the organization and presentation of the material
  • recognize whether source material is used and documented appropriately
  • relate their suggestions to the publications' purposes and intended audiences
• With the class, develop a checklist for students to use as they plan a one-day community event. The checklist might include criteria such as:
  • communications are appropriate for the intended audiences
  • the timeline is reasonable and considerate of all involved
  • business correspondence uses correct formats Afterward, have students suggest what they would do differently if they were to repeat the event.
• Review documents students produce in class for evidence that they can:
  • organize and present information clearly and in an engaging manner
  • use visual elements, fonts, and layout effectively
  • develop materials that are appropriate for the purpose and audience

• Business English and Communication, Fifth Canadian Edition
• Desktop Publishing Practical Exercises, Second Edition
• Exploring Desktop Publishing: A Projects Approach

• Sharpening Your Business Writing Skills

• Business Desktop Publishing Applications
• Database Applications, Third Edition
• Desktop Publishing Activities
• Excursions International: A Computer Applications Simulation, Third Edition
• A Guide to Microsoft Office 97 Professional for Windows 95

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