GSN407 Communicating to Influence
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | GSN407 |
|---|---|
| Antirequisite(s): | GSZ603 |
| Equivalent(s): | GSZ407 |
| Credit points: | 6 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $2,946 |
| International unit fee | $3,306 |
Unit Outline: Flexible Period - 04A 2024, Gardens Point, Internal (Start Date: 11 Mar 2024)
| Unit code: | GSN407 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 6 |
| Equivalent: | GSZ407 |
| Anti-requisite: | GSZ603 |
| Coordinator: | Aubrey Warren | ac.warren@qut.edu.au |
Overview
The use of communication skills underpin almost every aspect of business. It is critical that business leaders and managers develop highly effective and persuasive oral, written and technology enabled communication skills. The aim of this unit is to equip students with a thorough knowledge and the skills to be able to communicate effectively in oral, written and technology enabled forms. This unit is included in the MBA program to build upon students’ existing oral, written and technology enabled professional communication skills. The unit aims to encourage students to develop an understanding of their audience, sensitivity to language use and to demonstrate the value and power of language as a means of persuasion in managerial and leadership contexts. This unit is positioned at the beginning of the MBA program to provide students with the opportunity to reinforce and further develop their communication skills through the discipline specific units throughout the MBA program.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Critically evaluate the communication needs of your audience and implement appropriate persuasion strategies to positively influence the outcomes and aid decision-making. HO 2.2, PC 3.1, PC 3.2
- Organise, structure, and deliver a professional persuasive oral presentation to an identified audience. KS 1.1, PC 3.2
- Use a range of communication tools, and media and/or technologies to effectively communicate with and engage an audience. KS 1.2, PC 3.2
- Organise and write a professionally structured persuasive proposal. KS 1.1, PC 3.1
Content
In keeping with QUT's commitment to internationalisation of its programs, the issues explored in this unit will focus on both the Australian and International perspectives.
- Issues and principles
- Persuasive proposal writing
- Developing persuasive presentations
- Delivering a persuasive presentation
- Green team reviews and 2-minute pitches
- Oral presentation workshop
As one of the first units to be completed in the MBA program, this unit provides specialised support sessions run by the Student Success Group's Language and Learning Educators (SSG). Students participate in an academic writing skills workshop specifically catered to the assessment task and are further provided with group and individual drop-in sessions to help support student learning.
Course Learning Outcomes (Postgraduate - Executive)
The Graduate School of Business has established the Assurance of Learning (AoL) Goals to meet contemporary industry needs and standards. Achieving these learning outcomes will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT - aligned with other internationally renowned business schools. Students will develop the following capabilities relevant to a contemporary global and sustainable business environment:
Knowledge and Technological Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced theoretical and practical knowledge (including systems thinking approaches, multidisciplinary frameworks and knowledge of research principles and methods) that incorporate recent development in business disciplines and professional practice.
1.2 Apply advanced technical and technological knowledge and skills to critically reflect on, evaluate and contribute to developments that enhance innovative, sustainable and effective business performance in local, national and global business environments.
Higher Order Thinking (HO)
2.1 Provide evidence of effective analysis, interpretation, evaluation and synthesis of complex data, theories, ideas, issues and situations and demonstrate knowledge of how research and inquiry can be used to interpret, contribute to and create theoretical and practical knowledge.
2.2 Provide evidence of higher order thinking including creativity, judgement, cognitive flexibility and critical reflection in designing, planning and implementing strategies and solutions for effective performance in complex business environments.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Demonstrate advanced use of language and argumentation in written communication, including digital communication, to frame strategic and influential responses to engage, persuade, negotiate, collaborate and lead in diverse and complex contexts and for diverse audiences.
3.2 Demonstrate advanced use of language and argumentation in oral communication, including digital communication, to frame strategic and influential responses to engage, persuade, negotiate, collaborate and lead across diverse and complex contexts and for diverse audiences.
Self and Leadership (SL)
4.1 Demonstrate adaptive personal leadership and accountability, including self-awareness, reflective practice and foresight in adapting and applying knowledge and skills to inform and influence effective and innovative practice.
4.2 Lead, manage and foster the development of collaborative teams that value and leverage the diverse knowledge and skills of others to contribute to the development of robust, adaptable and sustainable courses of action.
Social, Ethical and Cultural Understanding (SEC)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business, to contribute to responsible organisational governance and citizenship in local, national and global business environments.
5.2 Apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate, interpret and critically reflect on, appropriate culturally and socially inclusive and responsible decisions and actions across diverse social and cultural contexts.
Learning Approaches
This unit adopts a blended learning approach and as such, includes a variety of teaching and learning approaches.
Three hour face-to-face class sessions are supplemented by a textbook and a range of online materials that are designed to support and extend learning prior to, during and after class sessions. Online materials are available in the unit Canvas site. Given the importance of the Canvas site to the teaching and learning strategy used in this unit, a computer or tablet device with internet access is strongly recommended for all students.
The principle purpose of the lectures and readings is to build upon the key concepts that were introduced through the Preparation for Class activities and readings. The purpose of the case study work, experiential learning tasks and all assessment tasks is to help the student develop their understanding of the concepts and enable them to be applied within a range of business contexts.
There is an expectation that the student will participate in class sessions, to take advantage of the opportunity to discuss important issues with their instructor and their peers in an informal environment. These sessions also provide students with an opportunity to hone important generic skills that are in high demand in the business.
It is expected that students have completed all Preparation for Class activities and readings identified in the unit Canvas site prior to coming to class to be able to maximise the learning opportunities of the class sessions.
A variety of learning activities designed to engage students in their learning will be incorporated into the lectures/workshops. Such learning activities may include short lectures, class discussions, debates, role plays, group work, guest speakers, student presentations, simulations, case study analysis, videos, readings, wikis, media/current events reports, web searches, etc.
There is a commitment to critical inquiry and intellectual debate in regard to the material covered. Students are encouraged to relate the theories and research discussed to situations known to them and will be encouraged to share their experiences relating to the topics explored in this unit with the class to enrich the overall learning experience of all students.
Expanding the awareness of Australian management policies and practices into intercultural and international perspectives is fostered within this unit. Typically, students enrolling in this unit have extremely varied backgrounds. There is diversity of professional background and socio-cultural background. Students are reminded that this is to their advantage and they have much to learn from one another. To this end, students are strongly encouraged to be sensitive to cultural, gender-related and international issues.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Students will receive a variety of feedback throughout this unit.
Informally, feedback will be given verbally in class through class discussions and during the debriefing of learning activities.
Direct feedback will be available to those students who request a private or group consultation session with the lecturer.
Formal feedback will be received on both formative and summative assessment tasks through a Criterion Reference Assessment sheet which will also include written feedback on the assessment task. The Criterion Reference Assessment Sheet will be available in the unit Canvas site at the commencement of the unit. Students will receive feedback on their formative assessment task prior to their summative assessment task being submitted.
Assessment
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Proposal
Select a topic and complete a persuasive written proposal This written proposal should follow the principles and guidelines presented in the unit classes and resources. You will be assessed on your ability to write a cohesive, professional document that addresses your clearly stated problem, issue, or situation and achieves your stated persuasive purpose.
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Postgraduate Executive (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.2), PC (3.1)
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Oral Presentation
This task requires you to develop and deliver a professional presentation designed to persuade your audience of the merits of your business proposal.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Postgraduate Executive (AoL goals): KS (1.1, KS 1.2), PC (3.2)
Academic Integrity
Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.
Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
Freed, R. C., Freed, S. & Romano, J. (2011). Writing winning business proposals (3rd edn). New York: McGraw-Hill, Inc.
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit. You should, however, familiarise yourself with evacuation procedures operating in the buildings in which you attend classes and take the time to view the Emergency video.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate Executive)
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
KS (1.1): Advanced Discipline and Professional Practice Knowledge
Relates to: ULO2, ULO4, Proposal, Oral Presentation
KS (1.2): Advanced Technical and Technological Skills
Relates to: ULO3, Oral Presentation
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
Relates to: ULO1, ULO4, Proposal
PC (3.2): Professional Communication (Oral)
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Oral Presentation
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.GS75 Master of Business Administration
- Demonstrate, apply and integrate contemporary, advanced multidisciplinary knowledge, business practices, and research principles to respond to complex real-world challenges.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO4, Proposal, Oral Presentation - Apply current and emerging technologies and technology skills to contribute to innovative, sustainable and effective business performance solutions to address global complex business challenges and opportunities.
Relates to: ULO3, Oral Presentation - Demonstrate holistic thinking, creativity, problem solving and critical reflection to design, plan and implement strategies and solutions for in complex business environments.
Relates to: ULO1, Proposal - Demonstrate professional written communication skills in a variety of genres to clearly communicate strategic and complex thinking, engage, persuade, influence and lead diverse stakeholders in a range of contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO4, Proposal - Demonstrate professional oral communication skills and media to clearly communicate strategic and complex thinking and to engage, persuade, influence and lead diverse stakeholders to achieve a strategic outcome.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3
GS87 Graduate Certificate in Business Administration
- Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline knowledge and skills in the critical understanding of complex real world challenges
Relates to: ULO2, ULO4, Proposal, Oral Presentation - Apply current and emerging technologies and technology skills to organise and interpret discipline knowledge, including theory and practice, to investigate complex business issues.
Relates to: ULO3, Oral Presentation - Demonstrate strategic planning, critical thinking and creative problem solving to generate and evaluate real word business issues
Relates to: ULO1, Proposal - Exercise written communication and persuasion skills with diverse stakeholders for a variety of purposes
Relates to: ULO1, ULO4, Proposal - Exercise oral communication and persuasion skills with diverse stakeholders for a variety of purposes
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Oral Presentation
Unit Outline: Flexible Period - 11A 2024, Gardens Point, Internal (Start Date: 21 Oct 2024)
| Unit code: | GSN407 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 6 |
| Equivalent: | GSZ407 |
| Anti-requisite: | GSZ603 |
| Coordinator: | Aubrey Warren | ac.warren@qut.edu.au |
Overview
The use of communication skills underpin almost every aspect of business. It is critical that business leaders and managers develop highly effective and persuasive oral, written and technology enabled communication skills. The aim of this unit is to equip students with a thorough knowledge and the skills to be able to communicate effectively in oral, written and technology enabled forms. This unit is included in the MBA program to build upon students’ existing oral, written and technology enabled professional communication skills. The unit aims to encourage students to develop an understanding of their audience, sensitivity to language use and to demonstrate the value and power of language as a means of persuasion in managerial and leadership contexts. This unit is positioned at the beginning of the MBA program to provide students with the opportunity to reinforce and further develop their communication skills through the discipline specific units throughout the MBA program.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Critically evaluate the communication needs of your audience and implement appropriate persuasion strategies to positively influence the outcomes and aid decision-making. HO 2.2, PC 3.1, PC 3.2
- Organise, structure, and deliver a professional persuasive oral presentation to an identified audience. KS 1.1, PC 3.2
- Use a range of communication tools, and media and/or technologies to effectively communicate with and engage an audience. KS 1.2, PC 3.2
- Organise and write a professionally structured persuasive proposal. KS 1.1, PC 3.1
Content
In keeping with QUT's commitment to internationalisation of its programs, the issues explored in this unit will focus on both the Australian and International perspectives.
- Issues and principles
- Persuasive proposal writing
- Developing persuasive presentations
- Delivering a persuasive presentation
- Green team reviews and 2-minute pitches
- Oral presentation workshop
As one of the first units to be completed in the MBA program, this unit provides specialised support sessions run by the Student Success Group's Language and Learning Educators (SSG). Students participate in an academic writing skills workshop specifically catered to the assessment task and are further provided with group and individual drop-in sessions to help support student learning.
Course Learning Outcomes (Postgraduate - Executive)
The Graduate School of Business has established the Assurance of Learning (AoL) Goals to meet contemporary industry needs and standards. Achieving these learning outcomes will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT - aligned with other internationally renowned business schools. Students will develop the following capabilities relevant to a contemporary global and sustainable business environment:
Knowledge and Technological Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced theoretical and practical knowledge (including systems thinking approaches, multidisciplinary frameworks and knowledge of research principles and methods) that incorporate recent development in business disciplines and professional practice.
1.2 Apply advanced technical and technological knowledge and skills to critically reflect on, evaluate and contribute to developments that enhance innovative, sustainable and effective business performance in local, national and global business environments.
Higher Order Thinking (HO)
2.1 Provide evidence of effective analysis, interpretation, evaluation and synthesis of complex data, theories, ideas, issues and situations and demonstrate knowledge of how research and inquiry can be used to interpret, contribute to and create theoretical and practical knowledge.
2.2 Provide evidence of higher order thinking including creativity, judgement, cognitive flexibility and critical reflection in designing, planning and implementing strategies and solutions for effective performance in complex business environments.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Demonstrate advanced use of language and argumentation in written communication, including digital communication, to frame strategic and influential responses to engage, persuade, negotiate, collaborate and lead in diverse and complex contexts and for diverse audiences.
3.2 Demonstrate advanced use of language and argumentation in oral communication, including digital communication, to frame strategic and influential responses to engage, persuade, negotiate, collaborate and lead across diverse and complex contexts and for diverse audiences.
Self and Leadership (SL)
4.1 Demonstrate adaptive personal leadership and accountability, including self-awareness, reflective practice and foresight in adapting and applying knowledge and skills to inform and influence effective and innovative practice.
4.2 Lead, manage and foster the development of collaborative teams that value and leverage the diverse knowledge and skills of others to contribute to the development of robust, adaptable and sustainable courses of action.
Social, Ethical and Cultural Understanding (SEC)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business, to contribute to responsible organisational governance and citizenship in local, national and global business environments.
5.2 Apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate, interpret and critically reflect on, appropriate culturally and socially inclusive and responsible decisions and actions across diverse social and cultural contexts.
Learning Approaches
This unit adopts a blended learning approach and as such, includes a variety of teaching and learning approaches.
Three hour face-to-face class sessions are supplemented by a textbook and a range of online materials that are designed to support and extend learning prior to, during and after class sessions. Online materials are available in the unit Canvas site. Given the importance of the Canvas site to the teaching and learning strategy used in this unit, a computer or tablet device with internet access is strongly recommended for all students.
The principle purpose of the lectures and readings is to build upon the key concepts that were introduced through the Preparation for Class activities and readings. The purpose of the case study work, experiential learning tasks and all assessment tasks is to help the student develop their understanding of the concepts and enable them to be applied within a range of business contexts.
There is an expectation that the student will participate in class sessions, to take advantage of the opportunity to discuss important issues with their instructor and their peers in an informal environment. These sessions also provide students with an opportunity to hone important generic skills that are in high demand in the business.
It is expected that students have completed all Preparation for Class activities and readings identified in the unit Canvas site prior to coming to class to be able to maximise the learning opportunities of the class sessions.
A variety of learning activities designed to engage students in their learning will be incorporated into the lectures/workshops. Such learning activities may include short lectures, class discussions, debates, role plays, group work, guest speakers, student presentations, simulations, case study analysis, videos, readings, wikis, media/current events reports, web searches, etc.
There is a commitment to critical inquiry and intellectual debate in regard to the material covered. Students are encouraged to relate the theories and research discussed to situations known to them and will be encouraged to share their experiences relating to the topics explored in this unit with the class to enrich the overall learning experience of all students.
Expanding the awareness of Australian management policies and practices into intercultural and international perspectives is fostered within this unit. Typically, students enrolling in this unit have extremely varied backgrounds. There is diversity of professional background and socio-cultural background. Students are reminded that this is to their advantage and they have much to learn from one another. To this end, students are strongly encouraged to be sensitive to cultural, gender-related and international issues.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Students will receive a variety of feedback throughout this unit.
Informally, feedback will be given verbally in class through class discussions and during the debriefing of learning activities.
Direct feedback will be available to those students who request a private or group consultation session with the lecturer.
Formal feedback will be received on both formative and summative assessment tasks through a Criterion Reference Assessment sheet which will also include written feedback on the assessment task. The Criterion Reference Assessment Sheet will be available in the unit Canvas site at the commencement of the unit. Students will receive feedback on their formative assessment task prior to their summative assessment task being submitted.
Assessment
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Proposal
Select a topic and complete a persuasive written proposal This written proposal should follow the principles and guidelines presented in the unit classes and resources. You will be assessed on your ability to write a cohesive, professional document that addresses your clearly stated problem, issue, or situation and achieves your stated persuasive purpose.
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Postgraduate Executive (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.2), PC (3.1)
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Oral Presentation
This task requires you to develop and deliver a professional presentation designed to persuade your audience of the merits of your business proposal.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Postgraduate Executive (AoL goals): KS (1.1, KS 1.2), PC (3.2)
Academic Integrity
Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.
Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
Freed, R. C., Freed, S. & Romano, J. (2011). Writing winning business proposals (3rd edn). New York: McGraw-Hill, Inc.
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit. You should, however, familiarise yourself with evacuation procedures operating in the buildings in which you attend classes and take the time to view the Emergency video.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate Executive)
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
KS (1.1): Advanced Discipline and Professional Practice Knowledge
Relates to: ULO2, ULO4, Proposal, Oral Presentation
KS (1.2): Advanced Technical and Technological Skills
Relates to: ULO3, Oral Presentation
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
Relates to: ULO1, ULO4, Proposal
PC (3.2): Professional Communication (Oral)
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Oral Presentation
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.GS75 Master of Business Administration
- Demonstrate, apply and integrate contemporary, advanced multidisciplinary knowledge, business practices, and research principles to respond to complex real-world challenges.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO4, Proposal, Oral Presentation - Apply current and emerging technologies and technology skills to contribute to innovative, sustainable and effective business performance solutions to address global complex business challenges and opportunities.
Relates to: ULO3, Oral Presentation - Demonstrate holistic thinking, creativity, problem solving and critical reflection to design, plan and implement strategies and solutions for in complex business environments.
Relates to: ULO1, Proposal - Demonstrate professional written communication skills in a variety of genres to clearly communicate strategic and complex thinking, engage, persuade, influence and lead diverse stakeholders in a range of contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO4, Proposal - Demonstrate professional oral communication skills and media to clearly communicate strategic and complex thinking and to engage, persuade, influence and lead diverse stakeholders to achieve a strategic outcome.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3
GS87 Graduate Certificate in Business Administration
- Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline knowledge and skills in the critical understanding of complex real world challenges
Relates to: ULO2, ULO4, Proposal, Oral Presentation - Apply current and emerging technologies and technology skills to organise and interpret discipline knowledge, including theory and practice, to investigate complex business issues.
Relates to: ULO3, Oral Presentation - Demonstrate strategic planning, critical thinking and creative problem solving to generate and evaluate real word business issues
Relates to: ULO1, Proposal - Exercise written communication and persuasion skills with diverse stakeholders for a variety of purposes
Relates to: ULO1, ULO4, Proposal - Exercise oral communication and persuasion skills with diverse stakeholders for a variety of purposes
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Oral Presentation