Writing Technical and Business Reports
Unit code: HAT201
| Credit points | 12.5 Credit Points |
| Duration | 1 Semester |
| Contact hours | 3 Hours per Week |
| Campus | Hawthorn |
| Prerequisites | Students taking this unit of study as part of an approved elective sequence should have completed HAM113 Professional Communication Practice . |
| Corequisites | Nil |
Related course(s)
A unit of study in the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Arts (Media and Communications), Bachelor of Social Science and Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology).
Aims and objectives
This unit of study builds on the foundations of communication theory developed in HAM113 but with particular emphasis on written and verbal skills related to technical material in the work environment. The unit of study aims to help students:
- Understand the principles of writing, including plain English, grammar and punctuation.
- Organise the content of documents.
- Write for a specific audience.
- Understand the principles of usability.
- Acquire the ability to speak and write in different registers.
- Interview subject-matter experts.
- Research, plan, write and present technical and business reports in a workplace setting.
On successful completion of this unit of study, students will be able to:
- Communicate effectively using different methods, including e-mail, reports, telephone, face-to-face, and briefing.
- Analyse and write different types of documents for a specific audience.
- Understand the important differences between written and spoken English.
- Demonstrate the techniques for communicating effectively in a business context, including the ability to research, plan, organise and write a technical or business report.
- Participate effectively in meetings.
- Present information to a live audience.
Generic skills outcomes
Students who complete this unit of study will be more:
- Capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas.
- Able to operate effectively and ethically in work and community situations.
- Adaptable and able to manage change.
- Aware of environments in which they will be contributing.
Content
This unit of study focuses on research, planning, writing and presenting technical and business reports in a workplace setting. Thus it builds on the foundations of the theory of communication developed in HAM113 by giving particular empharsis to written and verbal skills relevant to technical material in the work environment. It also enhances students' understanding of the principles of writing, including plain English, grammar and punctuation. Students learn how to organise the content of documents, write for a specific audience and understand the principles of usability. They also acquire the ability to speak and write in different registers. They learn how to interview subject-matter experts, participate in meetings, and present their work orally as well as in writing. The unit provides students with the skills to go into the workplace proficient in researching, organising and delivering information in the most appropriate manner for their content.
