Preface

Communication for Business is a new text specifically written to develop communication skills for the specialised needs of business students, in recognition of the unique experiences and challenges of a business environment. By using a variety of case studies, illustrations, graphics and authentic workplace activities in an Australian context, the text enables learners to:

understand fundamental communication concepts
relate communication concepts to a workplace environment and current workplace practices
develop communication-related competencies from the Business Services

Training Package

The book's structure, layout and use of plain English make it accessible to students with various backgrounds and skills. It helps students understand the concepts of communication and offers clear and comprehensive guidelines for tasks and activities. The text is suitable for use in the classroom, guiding interactive group learning, and as a resource for students working alone. The different facets of communication in the workplace are addressed, including client interaction, working in teams, workplace writing, meetings, conflict resolution and negotiation skills.

This book has been developed by TAFE NSW-Access Division for the university and Vocational Education and Training (VET) sectors. Access Division develops curriculum products and resources, including professional development programs, and strategic advice for access and general education. Access Division is active in the national VET arena, and has worked in partnership with the Australian National Training Authority (ANTA) and VET providers in other States and Territories.

The authors have extensive experience in the development and delivery of communication teaching in vocational education and training and in industry.

Sue Ellyard is Program Manager, Communication, at Access Division. Sue manages the development of communication courses and resources for all TAFE NSW Institutes. She previously worked as a head teacher of Communication in TAFE NSW and as a lecturer in teacher education.

Bronwyn Braham is Chief Education Officer-Access and General Education at Access Division. Bronwyn is an experienced Communication teacher who has extensive experience developing contextualised communication teaching and learning resources for a range of vocational applications.

Fiona Kraus is a trainer/consultant in communication and people management, providing advice and customised training for businesses. Fiona has previously worked as a Learning and Development Manager in industry and as a communication/management teacher for TAFE NSW.

Amanda Davies is a training and placement officer and also teaches Communication in Business, Hospitality and Information Technology courses for TAFE NSW and private training providers. Amanda has twenty years of experience in senior executive support roles in both private and public sectors in Australia and New Zealand.

Jane Allanson is Head Teacher, Organisational Sciences in the Business Faculty at TAFE NSW-Hunter Institute. She plans and delivers training and assessment across a broad range of business areas. Jane participates in industry reference groups and provides training to commercial clients in Communication and Frontline Management.

Some of the features within the text include:

Competencies: cross-references content to the Business Services Training Package. These are clearly identified at the beginning of each chapter. For a complete listing of competencies, see the inside back cover.
Topics discussed: outlines the chapter in point form.
Chapter introduction: summarises the information in the chapter.
Activity: provides individual or group learning strategies.
Case study: describes business and financial services workplace examples, scenarios and issues.
Checklist: enables you to mark off what you have learned, and what you still want to learn.
Action points: highlights what you can do to develop your skills.
Summary: provides a summary of the chapter.
Training log: tests your learning at the end of each chapter.
Action plan: suggests strategies to help you apply communication knowledge and skills.

Reviewers and Acknowledgments

In writing this book we sought and obtained assistance from a number of individuals to whom we would like to express our gratitude.

Firstly, we would like to thank the colleagues who provided feedback and advice on the drafts, particularly Tim Dein, Jeannine Angilley and Ronnie Yap from TAFE NSW-Business and Public Administration Division; Eileen Browne, Northern Territory University; Marilyn Enders, TAFE Division, University of Ballarat; Meni Christofakis, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology; and Mary Gurgone and Susan Clune, Central TAFE, Western Australia.

We would also like to thank the individuals who contributed to the development of the first book in the Access Communication series and so provided direction for this volume. These include Edna Koritschoner (who was one of the writers) and the reviewers: Agnes Vukovic and Nick Westley of TAFE NSW-Information Technology, Arts and Media Division; Marsha Berry, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology; Mary Gurgone, Central TAFE, Western Australia; Marilyn Enders, TAFE Division, University of Ballarat; Sue Robertson, Holmesglen Institute of TAFE; and Lynn Beauregard, TAFE NSW-Illawarra Institute.

Finally, we would like to thank the team at McGraw-Hill who assisted us in the development of this text (Michael Tully, Publishing Manager, and Leanne Peters, Production Editor), and also the freelance editor, Megan Stansfield.

TAFE NSW-Access Division

2002 McGraw-Hill Higher Education
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