Overview
The unit aims to develop your skills and abilities to communicate effectively in business environments. The unit recognises employer and graduate needs to improve communication in different contexts. You will be introduced to different communication concepts including, but not limited to, models, competence, culture, media choice, channels and climate. You will also be introduced to the elements of effective communication for participation in business meetings, presentations, interpersonal and group interaction.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
There are no requisites for this unit.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2026
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Postgraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Student qualitative and quantitative feedback.
Work on feedback
With the move to consensus marking, the UC will continue to encourage the markers to supply quality feedback. Examples of such feedback will be provided.
- Recognise advanced knowledge and skills required in written, oral, and interpersonal communication to address complex business problems
- Apply professional business writing and oral communication skills to effectively inform or persuade a target audience
- Deliver effective presentations to transmit knowledge, skills and ideas to both specialist and non-specialist audiences and achieve business objectives
- Critically analyse communication challenges faced by organisations by applying established theories to develop innovative strategies to address them
- Apply autonomous thinking to reflect on good practices in workplace communication in different organizational contexts
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 25% | |||||
| 2 - Presentation - 55% | |||||
| 3 - On-campus Activity - 20% | |||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Knowledge | |||||
| 2 - Communication | |||||
| 3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills | |||||
| 4 - Research | |||||
| 5 - Self-management | |||||
| 6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility | |||||
| 7 - Leadership | |||||
| 8 - First Nations Knowledges | |||||
| 9 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
c.j.white@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Introduction to BUSN20017 Effective Business Communications and the business communication process
Chapter
Required textbook chapter, excerpted textbook chapter (eReading List), and recommended journal articles (see Moodle).
Events and Submissions/Topic
The unit content is presented in a series of short videos. Please watch these videos in advance of the workshop. The workshop contains a range of interactive activities, which are aimed at enhancing your competence as an effective business communicator.
Module/Topic
Interpersonal business communication
Chapter
Required textbook chapter, excerpted textbook chapter (eReading List), and recommended journal articles (see Moodle).
Events and Submissions/Topic
The unit content is presented in a series of short videos. Please watch these videos in advance of the workshop. The workshop contains a range of interactive activities, which are aimed at enhancing your competence as an effective business communicator.
Module/Topic
Team and group business communication
Chapter
Required textbook chapter, excerpted textbook chapter (eReading List), and recommended journal articles (see Moodle).
Events and Submissions/Topic
The unit content is presented in a series of short videos. Please watch these videos in advance of the workshop. The workshop contains a range of interactive activities, which are aimed at enhancing your competence as an effective business communicator.
Module/Topic
Internal organisational communications
Chapter
Required textbook chapter, excerpted textbook chapter (eReading List), and recommended journal articles (see Moodle).
Events and Submissions/Topic
The unit content is presented in a series of short videos. Please watch these videos in advance of the workshop. The workshop contains a range of interactive activities, which are aimed at enhancing your competence as an effective business communicator.
Evidence Portfolio Due: Week 4 Wednesday (1 Apr 2026) 9:00 am AEST
Module/Topic
Intercultural business communication
Chapter
Required textbook chapter, excerpted textbook chapter (eReading List), and recommended journal articles (see Moodle).
Events and Submissions/Topic
The unit content is presented in a series of short videos. Please watch these videos in advance of the workshop. The workshop contains a range of interactive activities, which are aimed at enhancing your competence as an effective business communicator.
Module/Topic
Written and mediated business communication
Chapter
Required textbook chapter, excerpted textbook chapter (eReading List), and recommended journal articles (see Moodle).
Events and Submissions/Topic
The unit content is presented in a series of short videos. Please watch these videos in advance of the workshop. The workshop contains a range of interactive activities, which are aimed at enhancing your competence as an effective business communicator.
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Business presentations
Chapter
Required textbook chapter, excerpted textbook chapter (eReading List), and recommended journal articles (see Moodle).
Events and Submissions/Topic
The unit content is presented in a series of short videos. Please watch these videos in advance of the workshop. The workshop contains a range of interactive activities, which are aimed at enhancing your competence as an effective business communicator.
Module/Topic
Business communication reflection and assessment support
Chapter
No assigned readings
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment Two - Part One - SLSO Due: Wednesday (6 May 2026) 9:00 am AEST
Module/Topic
Business communication reflection and assessment support
Chapter
No assigned readings
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Business communication reflection and assessment
Chapter
No assigned readings
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment Three - Part One - MCQ Quiz Due: In-person, during your allocated workshop
Module/Topic
Business communication reflection and assessment
Chapter
No assigned readings
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment Three - Part Two - MCQ Quiz Due: In-person, during your allocated workshop
Module/Topic
Business communication reflection and assessment support
Chapter
No assigned readings
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment Two - Part Two - Individual Video Presentation Due: Friday (June 5 2026) 11:50 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
This unit may be run differently from other units that you are taking this term. Weeks one through seven consist of weekly three-hour unit content modules. Weeks eight through twelve will consist of one-hour assessment/assessment support modules. You must attend all twelve weeks.
1 Written Assessment
Overview
Assessments One and Two are based on the same case study.
Your Role Across Both Assessments
Assessment One: Create an evidence portfolio by reviewing research related to your chosen problem.
Assessment Two: Develop a sentence‑level speaking outline (SLSO) that explains the problem and your solution (Part One). This outline will be used to record a short instructional video for employees (Part Two).
The following information explains the case study and provides the detailed requirements for Assessment One.
The Case Study
For this assessment, choose a business or organisation where you currently work or have worked in the past.
You will take on the role of a communication consultant. The CEO has asked you to review the organisation’s internal business communication practices. Drawing on what you have learned in this unit, you will:
- Identify a specific internal communication problem you have personally observed or experienced, and
- Propose a sophisticated, evidence‑based solution to that problem.
Important Notes About the Problem
- The problem must clearly link to one concept or theory from Modules 1–6.
- Your explanation must show depth of understanding and logical reasoning.
- Vague issues such as “people don’t talk to each other” or “emails are poorly written” are not acceptable.
- Your topic must focus on internal communication, not public relations or marketing (e.g., contexts unrelated to internal business communications)
Important Notes About the Solution
- Your solution must be credible, logical, and based on established principles, concepts, and theories of internal business communication.
- The solution must directly address the problem and be supported with strong evidence sourced from journals listed on the required journal list (RJL).
Assessment One: To accomplish this task, you first develop an evidence portfolio. Writing an evidence portfolio is an important first step because this document will help you find the evidence for your presentation.
You must pick THREE articles from journals listed on the Required Journal List (RJL- you will find this document in the Assessment Tile in Moodle). You must ONLY use articles from journals listed on the RJL. Using articles from the RJL will ensure you use credible and relevant information to support your response to the case. Failure to do so will impact your mark for this part of the assessment.
Please make sure you paraphrase. Do not directly copy information from the journal article abstract.
In the case of proven academic misconduct, deductions will be made commensurate with the percentage of non-compliant submitted information. You must include a reference list (APA 7th Edition).
Structure of the Evidence Portfolio
1. Identify the Problem (100–150 words)
Write a single paragraph that clearly describes an internal communication problem you have observed. The problem should involve an action, interaction, or process that is unsatisfactory, inefficient, ineffective, inappropriate, or otherwise in need of improvement. While the solution to the problem is NOT included in this assessment, please keep in mind that the problem must have a clear, logical solution—such as an alternative action, interaction, or process that would lead to a more satisfactory, efficient, effective, or appropriate outcome. Finally, the problem you describe must be explicitly aligned with one of the communication concepts or theories covered in Modules 1 through 6.
2. Analysis of Each Article
For each of the three articles:
a. Summarise the article’s topic
Explain the article's main focus and how it relates to your chosen case study problem.
b. Explain how you will use the article in your presentation
Describe specifically and logically how the article will support your argument. For example:
Will you use it to define a concept?
Provide evidence for a claim?
Illustrate a principle?
Present a key finding?
Include the quotation or paraphrased idea you plan to use.
3. Reference List (APA 7)
Provide a correctly formatted reference list on a separate page.
Available Resources
- A template for the evidence portfolio is available in the Assessment Tile on Moodle.
- The Required Journal List (RJL) is also available in Moodle.
- You are encouraged to ask questions—the unit coordinator and workshop leader are here to help.
This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS). Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity.
This assessment is completed entirely without AI assistance in a controlled environment, ensuring that students rely solely on their existing knowledge, understanding, and skills. You may not use AI at any point during the assessment; you must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.
Why This Assessment Matters
Even if you don’t become a communication consultant, this task develops valuable skills for any workplace. All industries—engineering, HR, marketing, small business, and more—face internal communication challenges. Understanding how to identify these issues is an essential professional skill.
Week 4 Wednesday (1 Apr 2026) 9:00 am AEST
Please follow the assessment description to ensure that you have followed the correct format.
Vacation Week Wednesday (22 Apr 2026)
Please use the feedback you have received to work on Assessment Two.
The Evidence Portfolio is evaluated based on the following assessment criteria:
1. The presenting problem - 5 marks
1. Three individual bibliographic entries - 5 marks each -15 marks in total.
2. Written presentation - 2 marks*
3. References-3 marks
Assessment One is worth 25 marks.
*Turnitin score is one indicator evaluated as part of the written presentation criterion
- Recognise advanced knowledge and skills required in written, oral, and interpersonal communication to address complex business problems
- Apply professional business writing and oral communication skills to effectively inform or persuade a target audience
- Deliver effective presentations to transmit knowledge, skills and ideas to both specialist and non-specialist audiences and achieve business objectives
- Critically analyse communication challenges faced by organisations by applying established theories to develop innovative strategies to address them
2 Presentation
Overview
Assessment Two builds on the work you completed in Assessment One. It has two parts:
- Part One: A Sentence‑Level Speaking Outline (SLSO) that explains the workplace problem and your proposed solution.
- Part Two: A short recorded instructional video for employees, based on your SLSO.
Details for each part are provided below.
Part One: Sentence‑Level Speaking Outline (SLSO)
The SLSO is a written presentation outline. It should capture:
- The key ideas you will present in your video (you must follow the required format)
The content must be supported by five (5) academic journal articles from the Required Journal List (RJL). You may use the three articles from your Evidence Portfolio. You will include in‑text citations and a full reference list (APA 7th edition). The SLSO should be approximately 500–700 words. This document is not a script. Instead, think of it as a structured plan you will use to prepare your speaking notes. Examples of SLSOs are available in Moodle (Assessment Tile).
Available Resources
- A general example of an SLSO (this document, while using a different format, illustrates the level of detail required).
- An example of the specific structure of the SLSO you will develop for this assessment.
- Designated workshop activities
- Required journal list (RJL)
Part Two: Video Presentation
After completing your SLSO, you will create a video presentation based on your outline.
Slides
Maximum of five (5) slides, not including the title slide or reference slide(s)
The slide deck must include a reference list (APA 7th edition)
Your video must show your face as you present
You must orally reference the same five academic sources used in your SLSO and include the in-text references within your slides
Length and Structure
Your video should be 9–10 minutes long:
Introduction: ~2 minutes
Body: ~6–7 minutes
Conclusion: ~1 minute
Any content presented after the 10‑minute limit will not be assessed.
Please rehearse to ensure you stay within the required timeframe.
Delivery
Record your video using Zoom (instructions available on Moodle).
You must deliver your presentation—avoid reading directly from your SLSO or slides.
Aim for a conversational tone with clear explanation and engagement.
Strong delivery must be supported by strong content; delivery alone cannot compensate for weak ideas or analysis.
Available Resources
The following resources will assist you with the mechanics of Assessment Two-Part Two
- Using Zoom with PowerPoint to record your presentation
- Submitting video assessment using Echo360
This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS). Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity.
This assessment is completed entirely without AI assistance in a controlled environment, ensuring that students rely solely on their existing knowledge, understanding, and skills. You may not use AI at any point during the assessment; you must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.
The SLSO is due in Week 8 (Wednesday, 6 May at 9:00 AM (AEST) The individual video presentation is due Week 12 (Friday, 5 June) at 11:59 PM (AEST)
The SLSO marks will be released two weeks after the due date (subject to the completion of the marking moderation). The individual video presentation marks will be available on the grade certification date.
The SLSO is evaluated based on the following criteria:
1. The content - 10 marks
2. The format - 5 marks
3. The written presentation - 5 marks
4. The use of journals from the Required Journal List (RJL) and correct application of the APA (7th Edition) referencing style - 5 marks.
This part of Assessment Two is worth 25 marks.
The video presentation is evaluated based on the following criteria:
1. The introduction - 5 marks
2. The body - 10 marks
3. The conclusion - 5 marks
4. The delivery - 10 marks
This part of Assessment Two is worth 30 marks.
The combined parts of Assessment Two are worth 55 marks.
- Recognise advanced knowledge and skills required in written, oral, and interpersonal communication to address complex business problems
- Apply professional business writing and oral communication skills to effectively inform or persuade a target audience
- Deliver effective presentations to transmit knowledge, skills and ideas to both specialist and non-specialist audiences and achieve business objectives
- Critically analyse communication challenges faced by organisations by applying established theories to develop innovative strategies to address them
- Apply autonomous thinking to reflect on good practices in workplace communication in different organizational contexts
3 On-campus Activity
The following information outlines the specific requirements for Assessment Three – Part One and Part Two.
Assessment Three - Part One will be administered in Week 10 during your allocated workshop. This assessment covers weeks 1 to 4 and consists of 10 multiple-choice questions. You must take this assessment in person ON CAMPUS during your workshop. Failure to take the assessment in person during your workshop will result in a fail for this part of theassessment. If you are undertaking this assessment offshore or distance, the online invigilation protocol strictly applies (this will be discussed during your workshop). Failure to adhere to the online invigilation protocol will result in a failing grade for this assessment. You will have 20 minutes to take this quiz. After 20 minutes, your responses will be automatically submitted. The quiz link will be available for a set time. This means that if the quiz link is open from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM and you start your quiz at 10:20 AM, you will have 10 minutes to complete the quiz because the quiz link closes at 10:30 AM. This part of the quiz is worth 10 marks.
Assessment Three - Part Two will be administered in Week 11 during your allocated workshop. This assessment covers weeks 5 to 7 and consists of 10 multiple-choice questions. You must take this assessment in person ON CAMPUS during your workshop. Failure to take the assessment in person during your workshop will result in a fail for this part of the assessment. If you are undertaking this assessment offshore or distance, the online invigilation protocol strictly applies (this will be discussed during your workshop). Failure to adhere to the online invigilation protocol will result in a failing grade for this assessment. You will have 20 minutes to take this quiz. After 20 minutes, your responses will be automatically submitted. The quiz link will be available for a set time. This means that if the quiz link is open from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM and you start your quiz at 10:20 AM, you will only have 10 minutes to complete the quiz because the quiz link closes at 10:30 AM. This part of the quiz is worth 10 marks
Assessment Three is worth 20 marks in total
This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS). Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity.
This assessment is completed entirely without AI assistance in a controlled environment, ensuring that students rely solely on their existing knowledge, understanding, and skills. You may not use AI at any point during the assessment; you must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.
Assessment Three--Part One will be administered in the Week 10 workshop; Assessment Three--Part Two will be administered in the Week 11 workshop
Marks will be release subject to competion of moderation.
Assessment Three is evaluated based on the following criteria
1. The question is/is not answered correctly-- One point is awarded for a correct answer. No point is awarded for an incorrectly answered
2. Compliance with the instruction(s) (any part of), as set out in the Assessment Three Protocol--The mark of zero is awarded for Assessment Three (any of the parts) for failure to comply with these instructions. No marks will be deducted for compliance with the protocol. PLEASE READ THE ASSESSMENT PROTOCOL IN ORDER TO FULLY UNDERSTAND WHAT IS REQUIRED.
- Critically analyse communication challenges faced by organisations by applying established theories to develop innovative strategies to address them
- Apply autonomous thinking to reflect on good practices in workplace communication in different organizational contexts
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
