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Accessibility statement
This multi-award-winning OU level 1 module will develop your language and communication skills for effective business and management communication. You will learn to write successful business assignments and a range of workplace documents, develop strategies for reading complex texts on business topics, give effective presentations, take part in business negotiations and academic discussions and use generative artificial intelligence responsibly. The module materials use a blend of texts, audio, videos and interactive online activities to help you develop both your written and spoken business communication skills.
This module enhances your language and communication skills for the world of business and management by applying key business concepts and frameworks to real business case studies from various organisations. The activities you carry out will also raise awareness of your own use of language in business communication.
The module has three blocks as described below:
In Block 1: Analysing, you will develop your communication skills through reading, analysing, writing and speaking about business case studies. You will learn to summarise business cases, and you will learn to use frameworks such as SWOT and STEEPLE to analyse cases and make recommendations. You will develop your formal business language to write reports which propose solutions to business problems, and you will learn how to search for information and support your ideas with evidence.
In Block 2: Influencing, you will develop your communication skills for the purposes of persuasion, negotiation and discussion in business contexts. You will have the opportunity to listen to and engage in spoken interactions such as meetings and discussions. You will also develop the skills and language to write persuasive and influential workplace documents. You will develop your critical thinking skills for the purposes of discussion, business presentations and defending your viewpoint.
In Block 3: Collaborating, you will use case studies and workplace scenarios to develop your team working skills and consolidate the learning from the previous blocks. You will focus on the language of human resource management, marketing and finance, and you will work as a team to create a presentation. You will develop the skills to present yourself effectively for a job interview and an understanding of the recruitment process. You will learn about training and professional development needs in the workplace and reflect on your own experience in a systematic way.
Throughout the module you will develop your skills of reflection through writing or speaking about your learning process. All learning materials are available online and can be downloaded to your computer.
This is an OU level 1 module aimed at those who want to enhance business communication skills for study and workplace. It is not suitable if you just want to improve your English language skills.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser.
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Course work includes:
You'll have access to a module website, which includes:
You'll also be provided with two printed resource books.
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying LB170 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.
Communication skills for business and management starts once a year – in October.
This page describes the module that will start in October 2026.

We expect it to start for the last time in October 2039.
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