This multi-award-winning OU level 1 module will develop your language and skills for communicating effectively in the world of business and management. You will learn to write successful business assignments and a range of workplace documents; develop strategies to read complex texts on business topics; be able to give effective presentations and take part in business negotiations and academic discussions. The module materials use a blend of texts, audios, videos and interactive online activities to help you develop both your written and spoken business communication skills.
| Course facts | |
|---|---|
| About this course: | |
| Course code | LB170 |
| Credits | 30 |
| OU Level | 1 |
| SCQF level | 7 |
| FHEQ level | 4 |
| Course work includes: | |
| 4 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) | |
| No examination | |
| No residential school | |
This module enhances your language and communication skills needed in the world of business and management through the application of key business concepts and frameworks to real business case studies from various organisations. The activities you carry out will also raise awareness of your own use of language in business communication.
The module has three blocks as described below:
In Block 1: Analysing and Reporting, you will develop your communication skills through reading, analysing, writing and speaking about business case studies. You will learn to summarise business cases and you will learn to use frameworks such as SWOT and STEEPLE to analyse cases and make recommendations. You will develop your formal business language to write reports which propose solutions to business problems and you will learn how to search for information and support your ideas with evidence.
In Block 2: Influencing, you will develop your communication skills for the purposes of persuasion, negotiation and discussion in business contexts. You will have the opportunity to listen to and engage in spoken interactions such as meetings and discussions. You will also develop the skills and language to write persuasive and influential workplace documents. You will develop your critical thinking skills for the purposes of discussion, business presentations and defending your viewpoint.
In Block 3: Collaborating, you will use case studies and workplace scenarios to develop your team working skills and consolidate the learning from the previous blocks. You will focus on the language of human resource management, marketing and finance and you will work as a team to create a presentation. You will develop the skills to present yourself effectively for a job interview and an understanding of the recruitment process. You will learn about training and professional development needs in the workplace and reflect on your own experience in a systematic way.
Throughout the module you will develop your skills of reflection through writing or speaking about your learning process. You will study this module online. In addition, there are two printed resource books which contain case studies, useful tips on business communication skills and other reading texts.
This is an OU level 1 module aimed at those who want to enhance business communication skills for study and workplace. It is not suitable if you just want to improve your English language skills.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser.
You'll have access to a module website, which includes:
You'll also be provided with two printed resource books.
You'll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module. They'll help by:
Online tutorials run throughout the module. Where possible, we'll make recordings available. While they're not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate.
The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box.
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone. The Accessibility Statement below outlines what studying this module involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
All of this module's study materials are online, although there are two resource books. Online materials are composed of pages of text with images; audio clips of up to 65 minutes long and video clips of up to 76 minutes long (all with transcripts); diagrams; interactive media; and animations. Online materials also include links to external resources, online forums and online tutorial rooms. Printed materials are provided for some module content that is already online.
This module provides a range of learning events including online tutorials. Although not compulsory, attendance at tutorials will help you consolidate your learning.
You will be required to work with other students and this is assessed for some assignments. This includes looking at, and commenting on, others' work; reflecting on others' comments on your work; and/or working together with fellow learners on a project/task.
The study materials contain some diagrams, graphs and photographs. Reading, interpreting and producing examples of these is an important part of the study of this module and is assessed. Figure descriptions are provided for all figures.
You may be required to search for, and make use of, third-party material online. Alternatives for required/assessed research material can be provided to enable you to meet the learning outcomes of the module.
This module has Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs), which must be submitted online via the OU electronic TMA system. One assignment includes a spoken task.
You will receive feedback from your tutor on your submitted Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs). This will help you to reflect on your TMA performance. You should refer to it to help you prepare for your next assignment.
All University modules are structured according to a set timetable and you will need time management skills to keep your studies on track. You will be supported in developing these skills.
Communication skills for business and management starts twice a year – in February and October.
This page describes the module that will start in October 2025 and February 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2039.
This course is expected to start for the last time in October 2039.