Academic Handbook MSc Artificial Intelligence & Data Science
Communication in Business Course Descriptor
Last modified on January 24th, 2023 at 4:33 pm
Course Title | Communication in Business | Faculty | EDGE Innovation Unit (London) |
Course code | NCHNAP787 | Course Leader | Professor Scott Wildman (interim) |
Credit points | 15 | Teaching Period | This course will typically be delivered over a 6-week period. |
FHEQ level | 7 | Date approved | March 2021 |
Compulsory/ Optional |
Compulsory | ||
Prerequisites | None |
Course Summary
This course explores a range of communication methods used in business and the digital sector, including technology roadmaps, business reports, digital solution documentation and management-level presentations. Learners will explore how to use design principles to communicate complex concepts and present in a manner appropriate to diverse audiences and stakeholders. Communication strategies are based on principles from art, design, psychology and information technology.
Course Aims
- Train learners to present digital, technology or data solutions in a professional, well-structured manner, suitable for a range of stakeholders.
- Train learners to design and develop technology roadmaps to communicate data lifecycles and emerging trends.
- Train learners to balance technical detail with visual design that simulates viewer attention and engagement.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, learners will be able to:
Knowledge and Understanding
K1d | Comprehensively understand the design principles and techniques used to develop professional visual, oral and written media for business. |
K2d | Systematically understand how to design communication media for accessibility and diversity of user needs. |
K3d | Conceptually understand how to design and develop technology roadmaps to communicate data lifecycles and identify emerging trends. |
Subject Specific Skills
S1d | Critically evaluate different design approaches and communication techniques used in business. |
S4d | Develop professionally presented, well-structured material for business. |
Transferable and Professional Skills
T1d | Act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional level. |
T2di | Develop professional and compelling presentations suitable for diverse audiences and stakeholders. |
T2dii | Consistently display an excellent level of technical proficiency in written English and command of scholarly terminology, so as to be able to deal with complex issues in a sophisticated and systematic way. |
T3d | Use originality and independent-learning in solving problems. |
Teaching and Learning
This is an e-learning course, taught throughout the year.
This course can be offered as a standalone short course.
Teaching and learning strategies for this course will include:
- Online learning
- Online discussion groups
- Online assessment
Course information and supplementary materials will be available on the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
Learners are required to attend and participate in all the formal and timetabled sessions for this course. Learners are also expected to manage their self-directed learning and independent study in support of the course.
The course learning and teaching hours will be structured as follows:
- Off-the-job learning and teaching (6 days x 7 hours) = 42 hours
- On-the-job learning (12 days x 7 hours) = 84 hours (e.g. 2 days per week for 6 weeks)
- Private study (4 hours per week) = 24 hours
Total = 150 hours
Workplace assignments (see below) will be completed as part of on-the-job learning.
Assessment
Formative
Learners will be formatively assessed during the course by means of set assignments. These will not count towards the final degree but will provide learners with developmental feedback.
Summative
AE | Assessment Type | Weighting | Online submission | Duration | Length |
1 | Written assignment (evaluative essay) |
50% | Yes | Requiring on average 15 – 25 hours to complete | 2,000 words +/- 10%
Excluding references and data tables |
2 | Oral Presentation (workplace case) |
50% | Yes | 20 mins +/- 5 mins followed by 10 mins questions | 2,000 words +/- 10%
Excluding references and data tables |
Feedback
Learners will receive formal feedback in a variety of ways: written (via email or VLE correspondence) and indirectly through online discussion groups. Regular tri-partite reviews between the learner (apprentice), their apprenticeship advisor (provider) and workplace line manager (employer) formally monitor and evaluate the learner’s progress.
Indicative Reading
Note: Comprehensive and current reading lists for courses are produced annually in the Course Syllabus or other documentation provided to learners; the indicative reading list provided below is used as part of the approval/modification process only.
Books
O’Hair, D. and Dixon, L. D. (2002). Strategic Communication in Business and the Professions., Boston : Houghton Mifflin
Weiss, M. (2015). Presentation Skills : Educate, Inspire and Engage Your Audience, New York : Business Expert Press
Pham, T., Pham, D. and Pham, A. (2016). From Business Strategy to Information Technology Roadmap, Productivity Press
Journals
Learners are encouraged to read material from relevant journals on communication in business as directed by their Course Leader.
Electronic Resources
Learners are encouraged to consult relevant websites on communication in business.
Indicative Topics
Learners will study the following topics:
- Communication strategies
- Design principles
- Technology road maps
Title: NCHNAP787 Communication in Business Course Descriptor
Approved by: Academic Board Location: Academic Handbook/Programme specifications and Handbooks/ Postgraduate Apprenticeship Programmes/MSc Artificial Intelligence and Data Science Programme Specification/Course Descriptors |
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Version number | Date approved | Date published | Owner | Proposed next review date | Modification (As per AQF4) & category number |
3.0 | October 2022 | January 2023 | Scott Wildman | March 2026 | Category 1: Corrections/clarifications to documents which do not change approved content.
Category 3: Changes to Learning Outcomes |
2.1 | May 2022 | May 2022 | Scott Wildman | March 2026 | Category 1: Corrections/clarifications to documents which do not change approved content. |
2.0 | January 2022 | April 2022 | Scott Wildman | March 2026 | Category 3: Changes to Learning Outcomes |
1.0 | March 2021 | March 2021 | Scott Wildman | March 2026 |