ØAADM3840 Strategic Corporate and Interpersonal Communication Course description

Effective communication is essential for both businesses and individuals in order to achieve strategic goals and succeed with interpersonal communication at work. Solving the many challenges of the future and developing competitive business ideas in both digital and physical environments requires the ability to interact well with both internal and external stakeholders. To succeed in this increasingly complex context, business professionals need to develop dynamic and advanced communication skills. In this course, students will learn to analyse business communication within various contexts and strategically adapt their own communication to specific purposes.

The language of instruction is English.

None.

After completing the course, the student should have the following overall learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student will acquire a theoretical and practical understanding of the following

• knows core concepts related to language use, discourse, communication, rapport management and stakeholder communication
• understands how context, professional roles and cultural diversity impact on language use
• understands how strategic communication supports organizational goals and reputation
• understands the role of communication in building and maintaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• understands key principles of conflict management in interpersonal and organizational conflicts
• understands how team dynamics are shaped by communication

Skills

The student will develop the ability to analyse, critique and strategically develop effective communication by means of the following

• can analyse discourse and its usage in specific contexts
• can craft messages adapted to specific purposes and contexts, pursuing both transactional and relational goals
• can communicate well in teams with a clear understanding of professional roles, rapport management and how to resolve conflicts
• can apply rhetorical devices to persuade, engage and influence
• can accommodate speakers from various linguistic and cultural backgrounds
• can use AI tools in an appropriate way for analysis and assistance
• can reflect on ethical implications of communication choices

General competence

The student will develop broad competencies so that they

• can communicate in a manner that builds and maintains rapport and trust
• can apply their analytical and strategic communication skills to efficiently cater to context-specific communication needs
• can reflect on how communication choices influence relationships, power dynamics and outcomes
• can reflect on their own communication practices and develop into lifelong learners who can adapt to new communication challenges

This course will consist of lectures, one seminar (includes invited lecturers, discussions and presentations), and lab sessions to provide theoretical content and preliminary hands-on experience. The students will also be given a group project during the semester.

The following coursework requirements must have been approved for the student to take the exam:

• Coursework 1: A group presentation (10—15 minutes). The group consists of 2-4 students.
• Coursework 2: Participation in a case-based meeting (90 minutes that includes 45 minutes preparation + 45 minutes simulated meeting)
• Coursework 3: An individual written paper (2-3 pages) with analysis and personal reflection applying knowledge and key skills from the course

The aim of the coursework requirements are to give the students the opportunity to develop their practical communication- and critical thinking skills as well as reflect on their own performance and that of their peers.

All required coursework must be completed and approved by the given deadline for the student to take the exam. If the coursework requirements have not been approved, the student will be given an opportunity to submit an improved version by a given deadline for the written paper, a new performance of the case meeting or presentation of the oral requirements.

Part-exam consisting of:

1) Project report prepared in groups, approx. 15 - 20 pages (excl. appendices), weighted 70%.

2) Oral presentation (in the project group) and examination of the project report, weighted 30%.

Grading is individual, which means that grades may differ within each group. Both oral and written examinations can be presented/written in teams. To ensure that individual grading should be possible, each group of students will provide a written and signed statement in where each individual's contribution is clearly stated and explained.

All assessment parts must be awarded a pass grade (E or better) to pass the course.

Assessment part 1) Can be appealed, part 2) Cannot be appealed

1) All aids are permitted, as long as the rules for source referencing are followed.

2) No aids are permitted.

Graded scale A-F.

1) Two internal examiners.

2) Two internal examiners.

External examiners are used regularly.