Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives At the completion of this subject students should understand the communication events and the range of audiences in information systems work; understand the variety of communication skills available to communicate effectively in an information systems context; have had extensive practice at oral and written communication skills within an information systems context; and appreciate the importance of being effective communicators as information systems professionals.
Synopsis Information systems professionals need to communicate their knowledge clearly to a range of audiences. This is a specialist subject which attempts to develop communication skills in an information systems context but will also improve the student's general communication skills. Students will be required to take an active role in developing their communication skills. They will be offered facilities to support their efforts, particularly in editing and evaluating their own development. These facilities will include videotaping some of their work. The following topics are addressed. Communications events in information systems work; analysis of the audience(s) for these communications. Written presentation of material: styles of writing; preparing the content; presentation formats; document editing - techniques for finding and correcting errors in written work. Interviewing techniques: styles of interviews, roles of interviewee, fitting the style to the purpose of the interview, verbal communication, non-verbal communication, listening skills and recording skills. Oral presentation techniques: styles of oral presentation, editing the presentation, speaking skills.
Assessment Examination (2 hours): 25% + Practical and laboratory work: 75%