Syllabus
EN
IT
Learning Objectives
Course Description
This module aims to strengthen each student’s knowledge and understanding of 1) key issues of working in a professional environment and the dynamics of a workplace; 2) the student’s abilities to communicate verbally and in writing, using styles appropriate for a professional setting; 3) to develop their interpersonal skills and in particular in negotiating in a competitive environment; 4) to use and strengthen their interpersonal skills in delivering a cooperative presentation, and, additionally, 5) it aims to strengthen each student’s personal confidence and capacities in starting and shaping their career, including, 6) in understanding and producing documents useful to use in the ‘professional marketplace’.
Students will learn about key management approaches and competencies in the workplace regarding planning, decision-making, verbal and non-verbal communication, and will have the opportunity to practice these techniques and skills, to support their professional growth. A wide variety of employment and workplace topics will be covered, tailored to the needs and interests of the student group.
It will cover the writing of clear and engaging CVs & Resumes, Cover Letters, and Personal Statements - ‘personal marketing material’ - which can be used when applying for jobs, apprenticeships, placements and further studies. It will also focus on identifying opportunities, and on strengthening job interview skills through practical exercises.
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING: Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of various professional workplace settings, and they will be informed about the strategies and tools to successfully navigate the challenges, maximise their contributions to the professional organisations, and progress their own careers.
APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING: In the classroom the students will explore, apply and implement fundamental Human Resource theories and practices, both explaining and demonstrating their understanding. In the written assignments, which will form the major part of their assessment, they will show their understanding of the approaches and tools commonly encountered in a workplace setting. Additionally, for the course they will be expected to produce professional level material that can be used to apply for employment, placements, internships and for further study.
MAKING JUDGEMENTS: Students will work within groups to generate their own topics, forms and styles to investigate and present wider topics connected with professional workplaces. They will use the approaches and techniques of Negotiation Skills which they will have learned within the course to maximise the group dynamics and their own contributions. On an individual level, for the final assignment, they will be expected to define their own goals, topics, and research plan using a Project Management approach.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS: The students will strengthen their group and team working skills; their presentation skills; their ability to manage teams and processes through the clarity of using a Project Management approach and tools; and learn to communicate with the expected written formats of a professional setting, specifically Report Writing. Additionally, they will learn the best approaches and formats to use in creating ‘personal marketing material’, their CVs, cover letters and personal statements.
LEARNING SKILLS: It is expected that through this course students will apply and deepen their critical thinking skills, creative and problem-solving skills, and their research skills. They will use newly learned Negotiation Skills, thereby strengthening Communication and Interpersonal Skills. They will practice Teamworking, Conflict Resolution and Leadership skills in small group settings. As individuals, they will apply goal setting, planning, self- regulation and thee use of appropriate written and communication skills.
This module aims to strengthen each student’s knowledge and understanding of 1) key issues of working in a professional environment and the dynamics of a workplace; 2) the student’s abilities to communicate verbally and in writing, using styles appropriate for a professional setting; 3) to develop their interpersonal skills and in particular in negotiating in a competitive environment; 4) to use and strengthen their interpersonal skills in delivering a cooperative presentation, and, additionally, 5) it aims to strengthen each student’s personal confidence and capacities in starting and shaping their career, including, 6) in understanding and producing documents useful to use in the ‘professional marketplace’.
Students will learn about key management approaches and competencies in the workplace regarding planning, decision-making, verbal and non-verbal communication, and will have the opportunity to practice these techniques and skills, to support their professional growth. A wide variety of employment and workplace topics will be covered, tailored to the needs and interests of the student group.
It will cover the writing of clear and engaging CVs & Resumes, Cover Letters, and Personal Statements - ‘personal marketing material’ - which can be used when applying for jobs, apprenticeships, placements and further studies. It will also focus on identifying opportunities, and on strengthening job interview skills through practical exercises.
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING: Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of various professional workplace settings, and they will be informed about the strategies and tools to successfully navigate the challenges, maximise their contributions to the professional organisations, and progress their own careers.
APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING: In the classroom the students will explore, apply and implement fundamental Human Resource theories and practices, both explaining and demonstrating their understanding. In the written assignments, which will form the major part of their assessment, they will show their understanding of the approaches and tools commonly encountered in a workplace setting. Additionally, for the course they will be expected to produce professional level material that can be used to apply for employment, placements, internships and for further study.
MAKING JUDGEMENTS: Students will work within groups to generate their own topics, forms and styles to investigate and present wider topics connected with professional workplaces. They will use the approaches and techniques of Negotiation Skills which they will have learned within the course to maximise the group dynamics and their own contributions. On an individual level, for the final assignment, they will be expected to define their own goals, topics, and research plan using a Project Management approach.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS: The students will strengthen their group and team working skills; their presentation skills; their ability to manage teams and processes through the clarity of using a Project Management approach and tools; and learn to communicate with the expected written formats of a professional setting, specifically Report Writing. Additionally, they will learn the best approaches and formats to use in creating ‘personal marketing material’, their CVs, cover letters and personal statements.
LEARNING SKILLS: It is expected that through this course students will apply and deepen their critical thinking skills, creative and problem-solving skills, and their research skills. They will use newly learned Negotiation Skills, thereby strengthening Communication and Interpersonal Skills. They will practice Teamworking, Conflict Resolution and Leadership skills in small group settings. As individuals, they will apply goal setting, planning, self- regulation and thee use of appropriate written and communication skills.
Prerequisites
No formal pre-requisites
Program
Teaching Method
The topics will be covered using a mix of lectures, class discussions, class presentations, role plays and exercises giving the students opportunities to deepen their knowledge, explore the concepts, and demonstrate their understanding of the material. Regular class attendance and active participation are expected, as they are key to achieving the learning outcomes. As well as using diagnostic assessments, and the presentation of formative assignments, as the students will be expected to prepare and carry out original research and to present the results in class. For the written assessment, the student will then submit an individual written Learning Portfolio detailing and reflecting upon specific themes covered by the lectures, discussions and exercises.
The topics will be covered using a mix of lectures, class discussions, class presentations, role plays and exercises giving the students opportunities to deepen their knowledge, explore the concepts, and demonstrate their understanding of the material. Regular class attendance and active participation are expected, as they are key to achieving the learning outcomes. As well as using diagnostic assessments, and the presentation of formative assignments, as the students will be expected to prepare and carry out original research and to present the results in class. For the written assessment, the student will then submit an individual written Learning Portfolio detailing and reflecting upon specific themes covered by the lectures, discussions and exercises.
Books
Texts adopted
A wide variety of Professor-generated and class-generated learning material will be provided
by the Professor to both attending and non-attending students for study by uploading the
material to the DIDA learning platform and sending relevant material directly to students.
A wide variety of Professor-generated and class-generated learning material will be provided
by the Professor to both attending and non-attending students for study by uploading the
material to the DIDA learning platform and sending relevant material directly to students.
Bibliography
Bibliography
Textbooks and Materials
Throughout classes, the Professor will draw material from the following publications:
Throughout classes, the Professor will draw material from the following publications:
Topic 1: Covey, S.R. (2004) 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Simon and Schuster, London
The Essential Manager’s Handbook (2016), DK, Penguin Random House, London.
Topic 2: Newton, R. (2007) Project Management Step by Step, Pearson Business, London.
Topic 3: Fischer R., Ury W., (2012) Getting to yes, Random House Business Books, UK
Shopenhauer A., The Art of Always being right: 38 stratagems to win in an argument, Brett M.B. (2014) Negotiating Globally, Jossey Bass - John Wiley & Sons, USA
Topic 4: Morris, D. (2002) People Watching, the Desmond Morris guide to body language, Vintage, London.
Pease, A. & Pease, B. (2004) The Definitive Book of Body Language, McPhearsons, Australia
Kuhnke, E. (2012) Body Language for Dummies, 2nd Edition, John Wiley & Sons, England.
Topic 5: Reid, M. (2012) Report Writing, Palgrove Macmillan, London.
Bowden, J. (2011) Writing a Report, 9th Edition, How to Books, London.
Topic 6: Whitmore, T. (2021), How to Write an Impressive CV and Cover Letter: A Comprehensive Guide for Jobseekers, Robinson, UK.
Moses, B. (2003) What Next? The complete guide to taking control of your working life, DK, London.
Tupper, H. and Ellis, S. (2020) The Squiggly Career – Ditch the Ladder, Discover Opportunity, Design Your Career, Portfolio Penguin, UK.
Rogers, J. (2011) Job Interview Success: Be Your Own Coach, Open University Press, UK. Kennedy, J.L. (2011) Job Interviews for Dummies, 4th Edition, Wiley, UK.
Textbooks and Materials
Throughout classes, the Professor will draw material from the following publications:
Throughout classes, the Professor will draw material from the following publications:
Topic 1: Covey, S.R. (2004) 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Simon and Schuster, London
The Essential Manager’s Handbook (2016), DK, Penguin Random House, London.
Topic 2: Newton, R. (2007) Project Management Step by Step, Pearson Business, London.
Topic 3: Fischer R., Ury W., (2012) Getting to yes, Random House Business Books, UK
Shopenhauer A., The Art of Always being right: 38 stratagems to win in an argument, Brett M.B. (2014) Negotiating Globally, Jossey Bass - John Wiley & Sons, USA
Topic 4: Morris, D. (2002) People Watching, the Desmond Morris guide to body language, Vintage, London.
Pease, A. & Pease, B. (2004) The Definitive Book of Body Language, McPhearsons, Australia
Kuhnke, E. (2012) Body Language for Dummies, 2nd Edition, John Wiley & Sons, England.
Topic 5: Reid, M. (2012) Report Writing, Palgrove Macmillan, London.
Bowden, J. (2011) Writing a Report, 9th Edition, How to Books, London.
Topic 6: Whitmore, T. (2021), How to Write an Impressive CV and Cover Letter: A Comprehensive Guide for Jobseekers, Robinson, UK.
Moses, B. (2003) What Next? The complete guide to taking control of your working life, DK, London.
Tupper, H. and Ellis, S. (2020) The Squiggly Career – Ditch the Ladder, Discover Opportunity, Design Your Career, Portfolio Penguin, UK.
Rogers, J. (2011) Job Interview Success: Be Your Own Coach, Open University Press, UK. Kennedy, J.L. (2011) Job Interviews for Dummies, 4th Edition, Wiley, UK.
Teaching methods
The topics will be covered using a mix of lectures, class discussions, class presentations, role play, exercises giving the students opportunities to test their behavior in a protected environment, in order to explore and demonstrate their understanding of the concepts. Regular class attendance and active participation are expected, as they are key to achieving the learning outcomes. As well as using diagnostic assessments, and the presentation of formative assignments, for the final summative assignment, students will be expected to submit a learning portfolio.
Exam Rules
Course assessment
Assignments, marking and final grade
During the classes, students are expected to work actively in small groups and to be part of the delivery of group presentations in class. The final assignment will be for the student, individually, to submit a Learning Portfolio detailing and reflecting upon specific themes covered by the lectures, discussions and exercises.
Students’ attendance, active class participation and preparation will be noted, and this will be reflected in their final written work, which is based on that participation. The final mark will be 100% for the final written work and reflection in the Learning Portfolio.
Students who do not submit by the agreed due date, or fail the work assignments, will be required to fulfil the exam requirements of non-attending students, and be marked accordingly.
Students will also be considered not-attending if they will be absent to the 2 days of training on 1) Negotiation strategies and 2) the work-visit to the relevant professional organisation.
Non-attending students will be expected to read the course material set by the professor. They will also be expected to submit a Learning Portfolio comparable to the one of the attending students, plus include extra assignments to make up for missing presentations. The final mark will include 100% for the enhanced Learning Portfolio.
Following submission of both attending and non-attending students, if excessive use of AI is indicated, the submitted work will be rejected. At a suitable point the student will be tested in an oral exam which will examine their knowledge of their written work and the overall course material. It will be comprised of a series of questions requiring answers that clearly show familiarity with the themes and theories of the course. The final mark will consist of 50% for the written work and 50% for the oral exam.
The examination will be assessed according to the following criteria:
• FAIL: important deficiencies and/or inaccuracies in the knowledge and understanding of the topics; limited ability to analyse and synthesise, frequent generalisations and limited critical and judgemental skills, the topics are set out inconsistently and with inappropriate language;
• 18-20: Barely sufficient knowledge and understanding of the topics with possible generalisations and imperfections; sufficient capacity for analysis, synthesis and autonomy of judgement, the topics are frequently exposed in an incoherent manner and with inappropriate/technical language;
• 21-23: Routine knowledge and understanding of topics; ability to analyse and synthesise correctly with sufficiently coherent logical argumentation and appropriate/technical language
• 24-26: Fair knowledge and understanding of the topics; Good analytical and synthetic skills with arguments expressed in a rigorous manner but with language that is not always appropriate/technical.
• 27-29: Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the topics; considerable capacity for analysis and synthesis. Good autonomy of judgement. Arguments presented in a rigorous manner and with appropriate/technical language
• 30-30L: Excellent level of knowledge and thorough understanding of topics. Excellent analytical and synthetic skills and independent judgement. Arguments expressed in an original manner and with appropriate technical language.
Assignments, marking and final grade
During the classes, students are expected to work actively in small groups and to be part of the delivery of group presentations in class. The final assignment will be for the student, individually, to submit a Learning Portfolio detailing and reflecting upon specific themes covered by the lectures, discussions and exercises.
Students’ attendance, active class participation and preparation will be noted, and this will be reflected in their final written work, which is based on that participation. The final mark will be 100% for the final written work and reflection in the Learning Portfolio.
Students who do not submit by the agreed due date, or fail the work assignments, will be required to fulfil the exam requirements of non-attending students, and be marked accordingly.
Students will also be considered not-attending if they will be absent to the 2 days of training on 1) Negotiation strategies and 2) the work-visit to the relevant professional organisation.
Non-attending students will be expected to read the course material set by the professor. They will also be expected to submit a Learning Portfolio comparable to the one of the attending students, plus include extra assignments to make up for missing presentations. The final mark will include 100% for the enhanced Learning Portfolio.
Following submission of both attending and non-attending students, if excessive use of AI is indicated, the submitted work will be rejected. At a suitable point the student will be tested in an oral exam which will examine their knowledge of their written work and the overall course material. It will be comprised of a series of questions requiring answers that clearly show familiarity with the themes and theories of the course. The final mark will consist of 50% for the written work and 50% for the oral exam.
The examination will be assessed according to the following criteria:
• FAIL: important deficiencies and/or inaccuracies in the knowledge and understanding of the topics; limited ability to analyse and synthesise, frequent generalisations and limited critical and judgemental skills, the topics are set out inconsistently and with inappropriate language;
• 18-20: Barely sufficient knowledge and understanding of the topics with possible generalisations and imperfections; sufficient capacity for analysis, synthesis and autonomy of judgement, the topics are frequently exposed in an incoherent manner and with inappropriate/technical language;
• 21-23: Routine knowledge and understanding of topics; ability to analyse and synthesise correctly with sufficiently coherent logical argumentation and appropriate/technical language
• 24-26: Fair knowledge and understanding of the topics; Good analytical and synthetic skills with arguments expressed in a rigorous manner but with language that is not always appropriate/technical.
• 27-29: Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the topics; considerable capacity for analysis and synthesis. Good autonomy of judgement. Arguments presented in a rigorous manner and with appropriate/technical language
• 30-30L: Excellent level of knowledge and thorough understanding of topics. Excellent analytical and synthetic skills and independent judgement. Arguments expressed in an original manner and with appropriate technical language.
Attendance Rules
It is necessary to attend at least 80% of the course to be considered an attending student.
Students will also be considered not-attending if they will be absent to the 2 days of training on 1) Negotiation strategies and 2) the work-visit to the relevant firm.
Students will also be considered not-attending if they will be absent to the 2 days of training on 1) Negotiation strategies and 2) the work-visit to the relevant firm.