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Business Communication

Course developer

Course abstract

The aim of the study course is to create an understanding of the nature of business communication, the main communication problems, their causes and possible solutions.
The course program pays attention to the elements and levels of the communication process; conditions for targeted selection of communication channels and style. The course covers direct and remote communication. The course covers business conversation, correspondence, electronic correspondence and the etiquette of virtual communication. The student learns and understands the meaning and preconditions of representation in public space. The course strengthens students' business communication and influential communication strategy development skills.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knows the essence and theory of business communication and communication process about various communication channels, positions, communication tools in the labor market; knows the psychological types of people, the ways of influencing people and the techniques of building a practical communication style. Assessment – test.
Understands business communication and creating an effective communication strategy, understands how to recognize communication styles and create a professional image. Assessment – work in seminars, attendance at lectures.
Able to use effective communication strategies in business communication, create professional communication, use diverse techniques to ensure reliable and open communication in their professional activities. Assessment – independent works, exam.

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Introduction to communication (1 lecture and 1 seminar)

2. The essence, models and structure of communication (2 lectures and 2 seminars)

3. Psychological aspects of communication. Communication barriers (2 lectures and 2 seminars)

4. Psychological aspects of communication. Mechanisms of psychic defense (1 lecture and 1 seminar)

5. Ethical aspects of communication. The meaning of human essence (1 lecture and 1 seminar)

6. Ethical aspects of communication. Importance of self-knowledge (2 lectures and 2 seminars)

7. Aspects of communication and logic and controversy (2 lectures and 2 seminars)

8. Cultural differences and intercultural dialogue. Hofstede's cultural dimensions (1 lecture and 1 seminar)

9. Communication and etiquette (1 lecture and 1 seminar)

10. Communication and body language (1 lecture and 1 seminar)

11. Reflection on communication problems and causes (1 lecture and 1 seminar)

12. Communication theories (1 lecture and 1 seminar)

Requirements for awarding credit points

Accumulative assessment in 10 ball system:

Work in seminars – 10%, independent works (essays) – 20%, attendance of lectures 20%, test – 20%, exam – 30%.

Automatic assessment is possible when mark in all positions (till exam) not less than 7 (good).

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

During the studies the student develops and submits 3 works in printed form at the indicated time:

1. Analysis of the communication message according to the Shannon-Weaver model.

2. Comparing the differences in the cultural dimensions of the two countries.

3. Reflection on the psychic defense mechanisms.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Independent work is assessed according to the quality requirements of compliance with the task.

Discussions are judged by engagement, ability to reasonably argue and discuss issues related to study topics.

Focus in assessment of independent and discussion tasks – development of individual critical, philosophical thinking and elements of independent thinking.

Compulsory reading

1. Ķestere I. Lietišķā etiķete. Eiropas pieredze. Rīga: Zvaigzne ABC, 2007. 272 lpp. ISBN 9789984376523
2. Faina D. Saviesīgo sarunu māksla. Rīga: Zvaigzne ABC, 2009. 152 lpp. ISBN 9789934004308.
3. Kozlovs N. Saskarsmes māksla. Rīga: Jumava, 2008. 344 lpp. ISBN 978-9984-38-526-6;
4. Ezera I. Lietišķā komunikācija I. Rīga: Multineo, 2007. 114 lpp. ISBN 9789984993287
5. Littlejohn S.W., Foss K. A.
Encyclopedia of Communication Theory.
SAGE Publications, Inc., 2009
6. McLeen S. Communication for Business Success. Flat World Knowledge, Inc., 2010., 408 p. ISBN-10: 1453327428

Further reading

1. Strautmane A. Rokasgrāmata lietišķajā etiķetē. Rīga: Jumava, 2007. 100 lpp. ISBN 9789984382760
2. Egidess A. Saskarsmes labirinti. Rīga: Jumava, 2006. 408 lpp. ISBN 9789984382166
3. Pease Allan & Barbara. The Definitive Book of Body Language. Pease International, Australia 2004., 386 p.
4. Hofstede, G. Culture's Consequences: International Differences in Work-Related Values (2nd ed.). Beverly Hills, 1984., CA: ISBN 0-8039-1444-X.

Periodicals and other sources

1. "Office Manager" - Izdevniecības "Corp Media" žurnāls latviešu valodā
2. International Journal of Marketing & Business Communication. ISSN: 2277-484X. Pieejams: http://manuscript.publishingindia.com/index.php/IJMBC
3. Journal of Business Communication. Published by Sage Publications. ISSN (printed) 0021-9436. ISSN (electronic) 1552-4582. Pieejams datubāzē Sage http://job.sagepub.com/content/by/year
4. Elektroniskais žurnāls "Communications. Bussiness Solutions". Pieejams: http://www.cbsmedia.biz/

Notes

Study course for full-time students of ITF academic bachelor study program “Computer Management and Computer Science” and professional higher education bachelor study program “Information Technologies for Sustainable Development”