Business Communication

Course Description

This course is structured to provide knowledge of the principles and processes of business communication and to build and strengthen the communication skills that participants need to function more effectively.  The course will provide participants with opportunities to produce different types of written and oral messages and thereby expand their communication repertoire. It is geared towards allowing them to demonstrate fluency in the expository modes of written and oral discourse and be able to maintain coherent and logical lines of argument by using appropriate organising strategies and a range of rhetorical devices.

 

Course Objectives

 

On completion of this course, participants should be able to:

 

Knowledge

●         Explain the key elements in the communication process

●         Discuss the value of communication (written and interpersonal) to the organisation in which they work

●         Differentiate business communication from interpersonal communication

●         Describe the impact of culture on the interpretation of certain nonverbal behaviours

●         Identify the fundamental skills of business communication

●         Critique developing trends in business communication (emails and reports)

 

Performance

●         Interpret body language accurately in face-to-face interaction.

●         Preparing a variety of written communication media

●         Write  persuasive, narrative, descriptive and expository submissions

●         Demonstrate tact and diplomacy in business writing

●         Use correct grammar, vocabulary, and the mechanics of Standard English in speech, persuasive/creative writing and business writing

 

Attitude

●         Value non-verbal behaviours and their meanings in different cultures

●         Appreciate each element of the communication process

●         Value the importance of communication to the organisation

●         Value the importance of tact and diplomacy in business communication

●         Commit to utilising the tools and techniques taught when communicating

 

 

 

 


Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

Course Description 

 

The ability to think critically, solve problems and make effective decisions is the cornerstone to organisational success; thus the course was designed to introduce participants to mechanisms to support them in this regard.

 

Participants will learn to apply various models and techniques to enhance their creativity in assessing and solving problems to ultimately make the best decision. Tantamount to this process is critical thinking, consequently, participants will be analysing, assessing and reasoning through data to ascertain needed information to advance the decision making process.

Course Objectives

On completion of this course, participants should be able to:

 

Knowledge

●         Differentiate between problem solving and decision-making

●         Describe the main tools and techniques of problem solving and decision-making.

●         Describe the main purpose and functions of a structured approach to problem solving and decision making

●         Discuss the benefits of a structured approach to problem solving and decision-making

●         Explain the limitations of a structured approach to problem solving and decision-making

●         Discuss the Basadur Simplex Problem-Solving Model

 

Performance

●         Analyse information to clearly define problems

●         Assess situations to determine the best approach for making decisions

●         Using the Basadur Simplex Problem-Solving Model, solve a given problem

●         Apply other problem solving and decision-making models, steps and tools to reach appropriate solutions

●         Create a plan for implementing, evaluating, and following up on decisions

 

Attitude

●         Value the importance of critical thinking to business success

●         Appreciate the benefits and limitations of a structured approach to problem solving and decision-making.

●         Appreciate the benefits of the contribution of the team to effective problem solving

●         Commit to applying tools and techniques taught solving problems and making decisions

 

 

 


Introduction to Financial Accounting

Course Description

The course is designed to equip participants with the basic competencies and an appreciation of the fundamentals of Financial Accounting. The theoretical concepts involved are applicable to modern business practices.

 

Course Objectives

At the end of this course participants should be able to:

 

Knowledge

●         Identify accounting concepts and conventions

●         Explain various source documents used in accounting

●         Identify the structure and contents of Financial Statements

 

Performance

●         Distinguish among the various types of business organisations

●         Prepare Financial Statements of a sole trader organisations

●         Distinguish among types of assets and liabilities

●         Manipulate the accounting equation

●         Apply the principle of double entry

●         Record in books of original entry

●         Post to the ledger and balance accounts

●         Prepare bank reconciliation statements

●         Maintain control accounts

●         Make end of period adjustments

●         Correct accounting errors

●         Prepare the accountant’s worksheet

 

Attitude

●         Develop an appreciation for basic accounting principles