BUS 121 - Business Communications

Instructional Area 

BUSINESS LAW 

Performance Indicator and Objectives: 

1. Acquire foundational knowledge of business laws and regulations to understand their nature and scope. 
2. Describe methods used to protect intellectual property 
3. Describe legal issues affecting businesses 

Instructional Area 

COMMUNICATION SKILLS 

Performance Indicator and Objectives: 

A. Read to acquire meaning from written material and to apply the information to a task. 

1. Identify sources that provide relevant, valid written material 
2. Extract relevant information from written materials 
3. Apply written directions to achieve tasks 

B. Apply active listening skills to demonstrate understanding of what is being said. 

1. Explain communication techniques that support and encourage a speaker 
2. Follow oral directions 
3. Demonstrate active listening skills 

C. Apply verbal skills to obtain and convey information. 

1. Explain the nature of effective verbal communications 
2. Ask relevant questions 
3. Interpret others’ nonverbal cues 
4. Provide legitimate responses to inquiries 
5. Give verbal directions 
6. Employ communication styles appropriate to target audience 
7. Handle telephone calls in a businesslike manner 
8. Participate in group discussions 
9. Facilitate (lead) group discussions 

D. Record information to maintain and present a report of business activity. 

1. Utilize note-taking strategies 
2. Organize information 
3. Select and use appropriate graphic aids 

E. Write internal and external business correspondence to convey and obtain information effectively. 

1. Explain the nature of effective written communications 
2. Select and utilize appropriate formats for professional writing 
3. Edit and revise written work consistent with professional standards 
4. Write professional emails 
5. Write business letters 
6. Write informational messages 
7. Write inquiries 
8. Write persuasive messages 
9. Prepare simple written reports 
10. Explain how digital communications (e.g., email, text messages, chats) exposes business to risk 
11. Adapt written correspondence to targeted audiences 
12. Use data visualization techniques (e.g., infographics, heat-maps, dynamic model outputs) 

F. Use social media to communicate with a business’s stakeholders. 

1. Describe the impact of a person’s social media brand on the achievement of organizational objectives 
2. Distinguish between using social media for business and personal purposes 

Instructional Area 

CUSTOMER RELATIONS 

Performance Indicator and Objectives: 

A. Foster positive relationships with customers to enhance company image. 

1. Explain the nature of positive customer relations 
2. Demonstrate a customer-service mindset 
3. Reinforce service orientation through communication 
4. Adapt communication to the cultural and social differences among clients 
5. Interpret business policies to customers/clients 
6. Explain management’s role in customer relations 

B. Understand the nature of customer relationship management to show its contributions to a company. 

1. Discuss the nature of customer relationship management 
2. Explain the role of ethics in customer relationship management 
3. Describe the use of technology in customer relationship management 

Instructional Area 

ECONOMICS 

Performance Indicator and Objectives: 

1. Understand the nature of business to show its contributions to society. 
2. Explain the role of business in society 
3. Explain the nature of business ethics 

Instructional Area 

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE 

Performance Indicator and Objectives: 

A. Use communication skills to foster open, honest communications. 

1. Explain the nature of effective communications 
2. Explain ethical considerations in providing information 
3. Foster open, honest communication 
4. Collaborate with others 
5. Solicit feedback 
6. Use social media to solicit new ideas and solutions 

B. Use communication skills to influence others. 

1. “Sell” ideas to others 
2. Persuade others 
3. Demonstrate negotiation skills 
4. Offer constructive criticism 

Instructional Area 

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 

Performance Indicator and Objectives: 

A. Acquire self-development skills to enhance relationships and improve efficiency in the work environment. 

1. Maintain appropriate personal appearance 
2. Demonstrate systematic behavior 
3. Set personal goals 
4. Balance personal and professional responsibilities 

B. Utilize critical-thinking skills to determine best options/outcomes. 

1. Explain the need for innovation skills 
2. Make decisions 
3. Demonstrate problem-solving skills 
4. Demonstrate appropriate creativity 
5. Use time-management skills 

C. Participate in career planning to enhance job-success potential. 

1. Identify sources of career information 
2. Implement job-seeking skills to obtain employment. 

D. Utilize job-search strategies 

1. Complete a job application 
2. Interview for a job 
3. Write a follow-up letter after job interviews 
4. Write a letter of application 
5. Prepare a resume 
6. Use networking techniques to identify employment opportunities 

E. Utilize career-advancement activities to enhance professional development. 

1. Describe techniques for obtaining work experience (e.g., volunteer activities, internships) 
2. Explain the need for ongoing education as a worker