Business Communication, 2nd Edition, authored by Meenakshi Raman and Prakash Singh, and published by Oxford University Press, is the prescribed and authoritative book for first-semester undergraduate students of Panjab University, Chandigarh. Designed specifically for BA, BCom, BBA, BCA, and BSc programs, this comprehensive resource provides a structured and practical framework for mastering the principles and practices of effective professional interaction.
The book is meticulously organized into four thematic parts, ensuring a logical progression from foundational concepts to advanced application. Part I: Understanding Business Communication establishes the core framework, covering the nature and scope of communication, the critical nuances of nonverbal communication, the increasingly vital domain of cross-cultural communication, and the essentials of technology-enabled business communication. This section equips students with the theoretical grounding necessary to navigate the modern business landscape.
Part II: Writing Business Messages and Documents is a comprehensive guide to professional writing. It begins with the fundamentals of business writing style and process, then delves into practical applications such as business correspondence, writing clear instructions, and crafting detailed business reports and proposals. A crucial chapter on careers and resumes provides direct, actionable guidance for students preparing for the job market, making the content immediately relevant and career-oriented.
Recognizing that communication is not solely written, Part III: Developing Oral Communication Skills for Business offers in-depth training in verbal and interactive competencies. It covers effective listening, business presentation and public speaking skills, professional conversations, and strategies for succeeding in interviews. Furthermore, it addresses collaborative scenarios through chapters on conducting meetings and conferences, participating in group discussions and team presentations, and implementing team briefing techniques. This holistic approach ensures students are prepared for both one-on-one and group dynamics in a corporate setting.
Part IV: Understanding Specific Communication Needs explores specialized and strategic areas. It examines communication across functional areas like marketing and finance, introduces the concept of corporate communication, discusses persuasive strategies for negotiation and sales, and underscores the importance of ethics in business communication. The inclusion of business communication aids rounds off the applied learning.
A significant strength of this Panjab University book lies in its pedagogical features and valuable appendices. The book includes numerous case studies that bridge theory and real-world practice. The appendices serve as a lasting reference tool, covering interview questions, impactful vocabulary, transition words, British and American vocabulary differences, common usage errors, and commonly misspelled words. These resources are invaluable for students striving for linguistic precision and professional polish.
As a core component of the BA, BCom, BBA, BCA, and BSc 1st Semester syllabus, this second edition has been updated to reflect contemporary communication challenges and digital tools. Its clear structure, practical examples, and direct alignment with university curriculum requirements make it an indispensable resource for both students and instructors. Oxford University Press ensures the content meets high academic standards, making Business Communication, 2nd Edition by Meenakshi Raman and Prakash Singh the definitive guide for building a strong foundation in professional communication skills, fostering employability, and achieving academic success in Chandigarh and beyond.
