Learning Objectives
Interactive Workshop 3 – Communication and Relational Skills (3 days)
1. Introduction to Technical Communication
a. What is communication?
- Differentiate creative, academic and technical communication.
b. The Message, Transmission, Sender and Receiver
- Understand the Transmission model of communication.
- Understand the advantages and limitations of the CBS model and the Five Cs model for eliminating miscommunication.
c. Persuasive Messages
- Understanding of the Constitutive model of communication (see Schneider article).
2. Technical Communication -Application
a. The Technical Communication process
- Understand the importance of writing skills in technical communication.
b. Making Yourself Understood
- Start evaluating your oral presentations.
c. Business Letters, Memos and E-mail
- Understand the limitations of email as a communication tool.
3. Oral Communication
a. Making Oral Presentations
- Prepare effective oral presentations.
b. Using PowerPoint slides and Visual Aids
- Prepare effective visual aids, including PowerPoint slides.
4. Oral Presentations and Your Proposal Presentation
a. How to Make and Develop a Presentation
- Develop an effective oral presentation.
- Critique and oral presentation.
b. Your Oral Proposal Presentation
- Prepare to deliver an effective oral presentation.
5. Written Reports and Your Written Proposal
a. The Writing Process
- Explain the characteristics of an effective report or proposal.
b. Steps for Writing a Report and Proposal
- Understand the steps in writing a report or proposal.
- Begin your written report for this workshop.
6. Relationship Building
a. Steak, Sizzle and Style
- Create a presentation using the steak, sizzle and style approach.
b. Strategic Partnerships
- Explain the relationship between communication and various levels of partnerships.
c. Tactical and Strategic Communications
- Describe aspects of supply chain communication including: inter-organizational compatibility, sense of mutuality, and symmetry of communication and information sharing.
7. Information Sharing
a. Information Sharing in SCM
- Understand the importance of information sharing in SCM.
- Describe the role of information sharing in supply chain relationships.
b. A Survey of SCM Professionals
c. Information Quality
- Differentiate between the two levels of information sharing in the supply chain: Purchasing (routine and tactical information) and Strategic Supply Chain Management (non routine and company-focused information).
d. Implications of Information Sharing
- Explain how information technology facilitates information sharing (through electronic communication media and computerized supply chain systems).
8. Information Overload
a. Causes and Symptoms of Information Overload
- Understand the meaning of information overload.
- Describe the causes of information overload in your work environments.
- Recognize the symptoms of information overload.
b. Countermeasures for Information Overload
- Implement countermeasures to reduce or eliminate information overload in your work environments.
9. Oral Presentations and Critiques
a. Deliver an oral business proposal presentation to a group of decision makers
b. Critique and oral presentation delivered by someone else.