BUS3068 - Effective Business Writing

Kapiolani Community College - CECS

Course Description

Effective business writing is the result of careful planning, writing, revising, and editing. This course provides you with an overview of the writing process and addresses the most common grammatical and punctuation mistakes made in business communication. It offers practical instruction in sentence and paragraph construction, as well as word choice. Learn to master writing business e-mails, memos, letters, and reports according to your purpose and audience.

The following courses are highly recommended to enhance your writing skills:

Refund/Drop Policy:

Failure to attend a class or notifying your instructor of your intent to withdraw does not constitute an official withdrawal from the course.

Agencies submitting a purchase order for course fees will be billed regardless of attendance, unless notification of withdrawal is made by the specified refund deadline.

100% refund: Notification to Non-Credit Registration (NCR) at least 10 business days prior to start of course.

50% refund: Notification to NCR at least 5 business days prior to start of course.

0% refund: Notification to NCR made less than 5 business days prior to start of course.

Course Outline

The following is the outline for this 3-hour course:

Grammar and punctuation refresher
Formal and informal communication
Clear and concise writing through tone, brevity, and clarity
Business writing etiquette
Format and document design for email messages, memos, letters and reports
Proofreading and editing techniques
Communicate professionalism through writing skills

Learner Outcomes

By the end of the course, participants will be able to use the knowledge gained to:

Recognize common spelling and grammar issues in business writing.
Construct more effective sentences and paragraphs.
Identify the basic structures for business correspondence.
Select the appropriate format for business correspondence.
Write professional email messages, memos, letters, and reports.
Use techniques to improve proofreading skills.

Notes

Learners will need the following recommended equipment:

Access to a more recent model desktop or laptop, either Windows or Mac or Android or Apple mobile device
Supported Operating Systems for desktop and laptop: Mac OS X with Mac OS 10.7 or later, Windows 10 or Windows 8 or 8.1 or Supported Operating Systems for mobile devices: iOS 7.0 or later, iPad OS 13 or later, Android 4.0x or later, Kindle fire HD
Reliable high-speed (cable or DSL) internet connection
Internet browser such as Firefox, Chrome, Edge or Safari
Recommended: Webcam, headset with microphone, if your device does not already have a webcam and microphone

Please note: You are encouraged to bring a laptop, tablet and/or smartphone to class to assist you with in-class assignments. If you don’t have access to any of these items, please inform your instructor so we can make arrangements for you.

Target audience:

Working professionals who want to improve writing skills
New supervisors and managers
Individuals transitioning to new careers
Graduating students getting ready for the workforce

If you are a student with a documented disability and have not voluntarily disclosed the nature of your disability so that we may coordinate the accommodations you need, you are invited to contact the Disability Support Services Office (DSSO) in 'Ilima 107, ph. (808)734-9552, or email kapdss@hawaii.edu for assistance. For students whose primary disability is Deaf or hard of hearing, contact the Kapi'olani Community College Deaf Center, ph. (808)734-9891 or email jfried@hawaii.edu .

Please note: Due to the COVID-19 health and safety requirements, ZOOM or phone appointment will replace face to face meetings until further notice. You will need to contact DSSO or Deaf Center to request accommodations in a course even if you've already registered or are receiving services at another UH campus's disability support program.

Recommendations

Effective verbal, non-verbal, and written communication skills with respect to similarities and differences within cultures and languages.
Knowledge and application of global business etiquette and protocol.
Awareness of educational practices.
Awareness of gender and generational roles.
Awareness of social and business trends.