An essay, demonstrating written communication, research and referencing skills (750 words) (40%) (Learning Outcome 1)
A Presentation (6 minutes) supported with Powerpoint Slides which are to be submitted (30%) (Learning Outcome 2)
Excel assignment (30%) (Learning Outcome 1and 2)

The purpose of this module is to provide students with an introduction to the study and transferable skills necessary for the satisfactory completion of a higher education business course and subsequent employment and career development.

In particular, the module will focus on communication and IT skills. Personal Development Planning will be introduced through this module.

Topics covered in the module will be drawn from: Introduction to IT including the use of Word/Excel/PowerPoint/Internet/Outlook etc); research skills and referencing; developing lines of argument and enquiry; written communication skills (e.g. essay, report writing); working in groups and group motivation and behaviour; managing the meeting process (agenda/minutes etc); oral communications (e.g. presentations, body language etc); assignment techniques.

The learning strategy for the module requires students to commit 150 learning hours (including assessment). Of this there will be 24 hours of tutor support, and 126 hours of self-directed study. Learning support material will be provided for the module. Students will be encouraged to integrate their work based experiences with new knowledge and skills as the module progresses.

The module will draw upon all of the following:
- Tutor-led sessions
- Group discussions
- Directed reading

Staffordshire University electronic resources and off-campus library facilities
The module website
http://www.staffs.ac.uk/keyskills

Cottrell, S (2003) The Study Skills Handbook, Palgrave
Lee-Davies, L (2006), Developing Work and Study Skills, Thomson, ISBN 13-978-1-844802-25-8
McMillan, K and Weyers, J (2006), The Smarter Student, Pearson, ISBN 987-0-273-71449-1