Organisational Communication Course Descriptor

Course Summary

This course introduces psychological, sociological, and communication theories as they apply to organisational life and project management. Learners will analyse the importance of effective communication for organisations in a rapidly changing environment. Topics include management and leadership, culture and change, diversity, conflict management, and employee engagement. Throughout the course, learners are encouraged to examine their communication skills in the context of those competencies necessary in today’s complex organisational environments.

Course Aims

• Train learners in how to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Train learners in how to manage the dynamics of stakeholder relationships.
• Allow learners the opportunity to examine a range of communication styles across cultural and physical boundaries.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the course, learners will be able to:

Knowledge and Understanding

Subject Specific Skills

Transferable and Professional Skills

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

Feedback

Learners will receive formal feedback in a variety of ways: written (via email or VLE correspondence) and indirectly through online discussion groups. Learners will also attend a formal meeting with their Academic Mentor (and for apprentices, including their Line Manager). These bi or tri-partite reviews will monitor and evaluate the learner’s progress.  

Feedback is provided on summative assessment and is made available to the student either via email, the VLE or another appropriate method.

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 

Bell, R., and Martin, J.S. (2014). Managerial Communication. New York : Business Expert Press

Sostrin, J. (2013). Re-making Communication at Work. New York, New Jersey : Palgrave Macmillan

Cooper, C., Johnson, S. and Holdsworth, L. (2012). Organisational Behaviour For Dummies. O’Reilly

Journals

Learners are encouraged to read material from relevant journals on organisational communication as directed by their course leader.

Electronics Resources

Learners are encouraged to consult relevant websites on organisational communication.

Indicative Topics

• Conflict management
• Managing effective teams
• Managing stakeholders