Relate the purpose, content, form, frequency and recipients of a range of reports to the information needs of a selected business
Identify information sources and organisational procedures for obtaining and distributing information relevant to a selected business function.
Compile reports related to a selected business function, ensuring content and format are appropriate to information requirements and that reporting deadlines are met
Liase with relevant parties and verifying that reported information is in accordance with requirements and purpose of the report.
Recall ideas and information that are explicitly stated in an oral text.
Recognise information from an oral text
Infer information from an oral text
Evaluate information in an oral text
Identify and respond to textual features specific to written texts in a business environment
Recognise or recall ideas and information that are explicitly stated in a written text.
Re-organise information from a written text.
Infer information from a written business text
Evaluate information in a written text used in the business sector
Compose a text using plain language for a specific function
Organise and structure a text appropriately for a business function
Present a written text for a particular function in a business environment.
Use textual features and conventions specific to business texts for effective writing.
Identify and collect information needed to write a text specific to a particular function.
Content Outline
The following aspects are addressed in the basic and advanced writing programmes:
Basic Writing Programme
Trends in Public sector Communication (internal and external communication)
Texts for Specific Business Functions
The purpose and objectives for writing
The target group (reader) and its needs
Use Textual Features and Conventions Specific to Business Text for Effective Writing
Business Letter
Memorandum
Email
Facsimile
The Agenda for a Meeting
The Minutes of a Meeting
Formal Short and Long Business Reports
Punctuation
Synthesis of Information from Texts
Uniformity of Presentation
Consequences of Non-compliance for Specific Document Requirements
Appropriate Use of Terminology and Conventions in a Business Environment
Sources of information
Drafting, editing and proofreading
Terms of Reference
Grammar, punctuation, diction and structure
Clarity and simplicity
Factual correctness
Common writing mistakes
Identifying and explaining technical terms
Removing biased and other offensive language
Errors in Translation
Editing Checklist
Advanced Business Writing
Trends in Public sector Communication (internal and external communication)
Language and grammar – the bolts and nuts of good writing
Intension, sense and tone (Why these factors are essential to good communication)
Writing and editing at micro level
Advanced writing for results
The writing process
Word choice
Sentence structure
Paragraph structure
The Agenda for a Meeting
Protocols and Procedures for Conducting Successful Meetings
Terminology Used in Meetings
Why Making Decisions in Meetings is Important
Advantages of a well-constructed agenda
What should appear on the agenda?
Making the agenda logical and systematic
The sources of the agenda
Producing the agenda in the appropriate time and format
Minutes of Meetings
The purpose and objectives of minutes of meetings
Different types of minutes
The importance of accuracy
What to record and how
Different styles and methods for taking minutes
Converting notes to text
Identifying and highlighting key points
Methods for distributing minutes
The importance of timely distribution
Given a particular meeting, decide who should record the minutes and give reasons why
Recording Accurate Minutes
Critical listening skills
Staying alert and focused
Overcoming barriers to listening
Developing positive listening skills
Enhancing concentration
Report Writing
Main Categories of Business Reports
Report Content and Purpose
Information Needs and Report Purposes
Report Templates
Report Purposes, Recipients and Frequency of Distribution