Short Learning Programme on Public Sector Communication

Interpersonal communication is a critical skill that can determine success in life and business. The South Africa’s government needs individuals with competencies and skills to operate effectively and successfully in a demanding environment. It is therefore imperative for public officials to obtain knowledge and understanding of communication skills and personal attributes to improve their working relations in the public and the private sector.

Purpose of the course

• The primary objective of this course is to acquire interpersonal and public communications skills. The course has a strong focus on an outcomes based approach and is facilitated on a highly interactive basis encouraging active participation using: relevant government sector exercises, presentations and case studies.
• This course is aimed at assisting individuals in developing insight and to apply effective interpersonal communication skills in a professional setting. Thus the course will contribute to the upliftment of the public sector talent in line with the existing skills development legislations through the enhancement of skills level of public sector employees.

• Learners will be able to demonstrate informed knowledge and understanding of interpersonal and public communication practices which will contribute to the development of persons involved within the different spheres of the public sector.

• It will also assist in changing the perceptions of the lack of expertise within the public sector environment which will improve image and the relationships between the public sector officials and the community.

• Learners of this course will acquire competencies and the know how to encapsulate the competencies required by officials working at the operational level.

Admission requirements

Admission requirements
N/A
Learning assumed to be in place
Basic knowledge of communication.

Course outcomes and assessment criteria

Course outcomes and the associated assessment criteria

Study Unit

Outcomes

Assessment Criteria
  After completion of this course, participants will: Participant will be assessed on the following criteria:

MODULE 1 (US 336018):

APPLY SOUND COMMUNICATION PRINCIPLES IN THE COORDINATION

OF SELECTED PUBLIC SECTOR COMMUNICATIONS PROGRAMMES

At the end of the learning cycle the learners will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

  • Communication processes
  • Communication tools
  • Utilising information technology to enhance communications
  • Overcoming barriers to effective communication
  • Develop different communication programmes aimed at achieving a specific objective in the public sector
  • Planning and identifying different channels of communications in public sector programmes
  • Conduct basic research in selecting communication messages in communication programmes
 1. Demonstrate an understanding of a communication process used to coordinate selected communications programmes in the public sector

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

Describe and explain a model of communication in the context of the public sector.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

Apply the model to a specific communication programme within the public sector.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

Determine the efficacy of the communications model and identify any gaps in.communications process

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

Propose proactive communications solutions in relation to any gaps identified
2. Identify and utilise appropriate communication tools and strategies.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

Explain barriers to interpersonal communication and suggest ways of overcoming such barriers.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

Explain strategies for managing conflict in interpersonal communication suggest ways for ensuring constructive conflict are identified.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

Identify typical communications barriers within the public sector context and propose sound methodologies for addressing them.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

Consider cultural diversity and protocol in all communications strategies and address any barriers related thereto appropriately and professionally.
3. Overcome barriers to communication.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

Explain barriers to interpersonal communication and recommend ways of overcoming such barriers.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

Explain strategies for managing conflict in interpersonal communication and identify ways for ensuring constructive conflict.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

Identify typical communications barriers within the public sector context propose and sound methodologies for addressing these are.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

Consider cultural diversity and protocol in all communications strategies and address any barriers related thereto appropriately and professionally.
4. Utilise information technology to enhance communications.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

Identify and utilized appropriate computer programmes to enhance communications.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

Identify and explain the impact of advanced information technology on the interpersonal relations and other organisational activities is.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

Analyse workplace data and communicated via the appropriate information technology.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

Identify and report problem areas pertaining to technology to appropriate division.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5

Propose possible solutions to improve technology where relevant.

MODULE 2 (US 114490):

IMPLEMENT GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATION CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES

At the end of the learning cycle the learners will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

  • Prepare campaign activities.
  • Implement campaign activities.
  • Review and report on campaign activities.

 

 1. Prepare to implement campaign activities.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

Describe the campaign in terms of its objectives and overall strategy.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

campaign plan identify activities within the context of the overall plan.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

Describe activities in terms of their purpose, related tasks, resource requirements, timing and contribution to the campaign.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

Identify difficulties in implementing the planned activities are identified, and viable solutions are formulated in consultation with appropriate personnel. Deviations from the plan are authorised and in line with the overall strategy of the campaign

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5

Prepare resources required for successful implementation of the activities.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6

Arrange compaign activities and liaise with related parties in accordance with the plan.
2. Implement campaign activities.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

Implement activities in line with the campaign plan. Justify deviations by the context and contribute towards achieving the campaign objectives.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

Carry out all activities in line with government communication strategy, policy, regulations and protocol.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

Complete activities in a manner that promotes the image of government positively.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

Use campaign resources optimally.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5

Confirm actions complement activities which are implemented by other parties and contribute to good working relationships.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6

Maintain records of the implementation in a manner that promotes meaningful review.
3. Review and report on implementation of campaign activities.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

Confirm that the report is an accurate reflection of the implementation, and provides sufficient detail for the purposes of record keeping and further analysis.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

Identify the report strengths and weaknesses in the implementation, with recommendations for future campaigns.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

Present reports in a format consistent with departmental requirements and protocol.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

Complete and distribute reports within agreed timeframes and to relevant personnel, as per the plan.

MODULE 3 (US 114987):

IDENTIFY PRODUCTS NEEDED TO COMMUNICATE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION

At the end of the learning cycle the learners will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

  • Describe communication situations,
  • Identify and recommend communication products, and
  • Prepare a brief for the development of communication products
 1. Describe communication situations.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

Communicate descriptions of the communication objectives and information to be in line with given communication briefs and strategy.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

Describe the target market and environment in terms of prevailing demographics, prevalent languages, their access to communication and the socio-economic environment.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

Identify communication opportunities and challenges.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

Describe situations in sufficient detail to facilitate the identification and selection of information products appropriate to the communication objectives and target market.
2. Identify and recommend communication products.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

Identify products suitable for achieving the communication objectives.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

Find Products appropriate to the information to be communicated and the target market.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

Identify communication products that meet budgetary requirements in accordance with the given brief

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

Categorise and promote government image positively and in line with government communication strategy, policies and regulations.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5

Justify the selection of communication products in terms of the given communication objectives, target market, information and budgets.
3. Prepare a brief for the development of communication products

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

Confirm that the brief provides sufficient detail for the effective development of the communication products.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

Point out that the brief meets departmental format requirements.

CRITERION 3

Ensure the brief observes relevant departmental protocols.

MODULE 4 (US 116620):

DELIVER TARGET MESSAGES

At the end of the learning cycle the learners will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

  • Organising the message
  • Effective delivery of the message
  • Appropriate appearance
  • Adapting the source message to achieve the intended function
 1. Organise information for effective delivery to target audience.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

Organise the messages appropriately for effective delivery to target audience

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

Confirm that the length of turn is appropriate for the mode of interpreting.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

Check that the structure of message is optimal for target audience.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

Motivate that chunking (organise/group content, derive what you can reduce) is appropriate for anticipated audience.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5

Organise information optimally for target audience.
2. Prepare for effective delivery of the message.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

Identify pace of delivery for the context.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

Optimise personal presentation for the specific contexts.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

Check that the message is accessible to the audience in terms of voice projection.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

Make sure that target message takes into account the emotional and propositional content of the source message.
3. Adapt source message to suit target audience.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

Adapt function of source message appropriately to target audience.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

Adhere consistently to adapted function.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

Confirm that adapted message adheres to the cultural norms of target audience.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

Ensure that the register of target message is appropriate for the target audience.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5

Bridge that gap between source and target cultural and linguistic conventions.
4. Adhere to conventions for effective delivery during the delivery of the message.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

Regulate the pace of deliver.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

Check that the voice projection is audible and clear.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

Confirm that enunciation and articulation is clear.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

Confirm that lag time is appropriate for the mode employed.

MODULE 5 (US 114991):

WRITE A WIDE VARIETY OF TEXTS

IN X

At the end of the learning cycle the learners will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

  • Prepare to write texts
  • Write original texts
  • Review and redraft written
 1. Prepare to write texts.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

Identify the target audience, content, context and the specific purpose of the text.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

Find the type of text to be produced.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

Select style of writing to be adopted (such as informing, describing, explaining, persuading, arguing and reflecting) is.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

Select vocabulary and language structures in line with the purpose and nature of the text.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5

Locate, access, select, organise and integrate relevant information from a variety of sources.
2. Write original texts.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

Confirm that the language is clear and appropriate to the context of the text.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

Check that the language and content are appropriate and relevant to the cultural context, the intended audience and the text type.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

Ensure that language errors do not compromise meaning.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

Check that the format and layout are appropriate to the required text and facilitate reading.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5

Organise ideas logically and coherently.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6

Fulfil the purpose of the text and make analytical commentary.
3. Review and redraft written text.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

Identify and rectify errors in the original text through own/peer/instructor revision.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

Rectify cultural inappropriateness in the redraft

 

Assessment
Formative and Summative.
Method of assessment
Summative:
Examination/ Case studies
Formative:
Class tests/Assignments

Additional information

Programme number
L58 100 1
Mode of delivery
Contact
Target group
Participants who aspire to communicate confidently, listen effectively and target messages successfully.

Contact us

Contact person name
UCE
Contact person e-mail
UCE-info@nwushortcourses.info
Enquiry Form
Application Form