Cross-Cultural Business Communication Diploma

Program Overview

This program prepares students for entry-level employment in culturally diverse workplaces where English is the primary language. Students will understand the impact of culture in a workplace, improve communication skills, and learn practical skills such as resume writing, interview, and job-search skills. Graduates will be able to secure employment in diverse workplaces, communicate effectively in multi-cultural environments, and work in teams.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This program prepares students for entry-level employment in culturally diverse workplaces where English is the primary language. Students will understand the impact of culture in a workplace, improve communication skills, and learn practical skills such as resume writing, interview, and job-search skills.

Outline:

Semester 1 (4 months)

Term 1: 2 months

• BUS101 Cross-Cultural Communication
• BUS107 Business Correspondence
• BUS109 Workplace Preparation

Term 2: 2 months

• BUS110 Business Language Skills (Linguaskill Business 1)
• BUS106 Customer Service Skills

Semester 2 (2 months)

Term 1: 2 months

• BUS110 Business Language Skills (Linguaskill Business 2)
• BUS102 Interpersonal Skills for the Workplace
• Off-campus work is possible during your study terms.
• The schedule is subject to change without notice.
• Friday classes may be provided online.

Course Information:

BUS101 Cross-Cultural Communication

This highly interactive, face-to-face course provides an understanding of the interpersonal communication skills required to develop constructive relationships in the multicultural workplace. In the first part of the course, selected foundational theory, sources of interpersonal difference and barriers to understanding are examined. The latter part of the course emphasizes workplace application of cross-cultural interpersonal communication skills and strategies. Leadership, small group communication, and professional and ethical issues in the multicultural workplace are investigated. Textbook Varnier, I. & Beamer, L. (2011). Intercultural Communication in the Global Workplace. 5th Ed. New York: McGraw- Hill Education.

BUS102 Interpersonal Skills for the Workplace

This highly interactive course provides opportunities for students to develop teamwork, interpersonal, speaking and listening, problem solving, and leadership skills in a face-to-face setting. Core components include foundational interpersonal communications theory, verbal and non-verbal communications skills, basic conflict management, group dynamics, and ethical interpersonal behaviour. Course work may also include instruction in oral presentations, interviews and meetings. Textbook Dubrin, A.J. and Geerinck, T.M. (2015). Human Relations: Interpersonal, Job-oriented Skills. 4th Canadian Ed. Pearson Education Canada.

BUS106 Customer Service Skills

This course provides knowledge and practical skills in public and customer relations. Topics include interpersonal relations; positive customer attitudes and awareness; image and professionalism; quality customer service; customer service policies and skills; special needs customers; dealing with difficult customers; conflict resolution and negotiation; public speaking; and media relations. Cultural diversity and sensitivity is emphasized when meeting the needs of multi-cultural customers. Additional topics covered are User Support and Help Desk Functions. User support processes and activities are examined. Textbook Lucas, R. (2014). Customer Service Skills for Success. 5th Ed. McGraw Hill Education.

BUS107 Business Correspondence

This “hands-on” course covers communication theory, aspects of written communication, and introduces students to public speaking. On completion of this course, students will be able to: package thoughts clearly, and provide clearer communication of both written and verbal messages, write error free business-related documents necessary to develop and maintain a career, research, prepare and write a formal report or proposal, and research prepare and hold an oral presentation, including necessary graphics. Textbook Bovee, C.L., Thill, J.V., & Scribner, J.A. (2016). Business Communication Essentials. 4th Canadian Edition. Pearson Education Canada.

BUS109 Workplace Preparation

This course covers basic skills involved in finding and securing employment. The topics in this course all relate to job search strategies, including creating an effective resume, writing a professional cover letter, practicing interview techniques, networking, using the Internet to job search, and understanding labour services. Upon completion of this course, students will have an understanding of the job search process, which involves becoming familiar with the current opportunities in the job market, selecting a current job opportunity suited to one’s strengths and interests, and employing techniques to secure that employment. Students require a Social Insurance Number (SIN) before their first day of their Co-op Education. They will apply for their SIN at the end of this course. Textbook Textbook will be identified at a later date.

BUS110 Business Language Skills (Linguaskill Business)

Linguaskill Business is an effective assessment tool which can assist companies and organizations to assess the language proficiency of current and aspiring employees. Students will study modern business examples to see, understand, and use key business concepts and vocabulary in context. This class expands business knowledge and develops English skills for typical business tasks. Textbooks Linguaskill Business 1 - Whitby, N. (2013). Business Benchmark: Pre-Intermediate to Intermediate. 2nd Ed. Cambridge University Press.Linguaskill Business 2 - Brook-Hart, G. (2013). Business Benchmark: Upper Intermediate. 2nd Ed.

Careers:

Upon the completion of the program, graduates will have the ability to:

• Secure employment in diverse workplaces
• Communicate effectively in multi-cultural environments
• Think critically, solve problems and make decisions
• Work in teams
• Understand dynamics of cross-cultural workplaces

Career Opportunities

• Administrative Assistant
• Front Desk Agent
• Tourist Information Clerk
• Sales Representative
• Customer Service Representative
• Call Center Agent