SUBJECT : COMMUNICATION, DRAWING AND COMPUTER SKILLS

CODE : TBA

DURATION : 120 Hours

1.0 AIM

1.1 To promote and encourage computer literacy for all Electrical Engineering
students.

1.2 To enable the student or trainee to master the basic concepts of the operation of
the

computer.
1.3 To develop an ability to communicate in written and other forms of
communication

1.4 . To prepare the students for their roles as competent employees with basic
managerial skills.

1.5 To give the student a basic understanding of the complexity and the organization
of business.

1.6 To give the students a working knowledge of purchasing, stock, production and
quality control.

2.0 OBJECTIVES

By the end of the course the student should be able to:

PART 1: COMPUTER SKILLS

2.1 demonstrate an understanding of computer functions.

2.2 show an understanding of the function, use of computer equipment and

accessories.
2.3 state the main functions of each of the underlisted internal components of a
 computer system unit.

2.4 to set up a personal computer and install software.

2.5 demonstrate an understanding of various ways of handling computer equipment

and resources.
2.6 explain different types of software.

2.7 perform operations using appropriate DOS commands.

2.8 perform Windows operations.

2.9 use computerized data processing packages to compile process, store and output

business management information: WORD.

2.10 As 2.9 for SPREADSHEET.

PART II COMMUNICATION

2.11 classify forms of communication.

2.12 identify sentences and paragraphs.

2.13 read and comprehend.

2.14 identify form of spoken communication.

2.15 state the various types of meetings.

2.16 write business letters.

2.17 prepare a report.

2.18 identify the structure of a business organization.

 2.19 explain the basic statutory requirement with regards to conduct, employment and

condition of service.

2.20 appreciate the administration of the acquisition and control of stock to safeguard

the flow of production.

PART III ENGINEERING DRAWING

2.21 explain and apply the basics of engineering drawing equipment, types of lines,
lettering, the relevant conventional standards, etc.

2.22 produce pictorial drawings and sketches.

2.23 convert orthographic projection drawings to pictoral views and vice-versa.

2.24 produce and interpret section drawings.

2.25 produce and interpret block and schematic diagrams of electronic, electrical and
instrumentation drawings.

DESIGN LENGTH

Part 1 : 45 hours
Part2 : 40 hours
Part 3 : 30 hours
TOTAL : 115 hours

3.0 TOPICS

PART 1: COMPUTER SKILLS

Introduction to computers.
Computer Equipment
Computer System Architecture
Configuration
Computer Security
Software
DOS
Windows
Data Processing: Word
Data Processing: Spreadsheet

PART 2: COMMUNICATION

Introduction to Communication
Language
Summary and Comprehension
Spoken Communication
Meetings
Business letters
Reports
Business Organisations
Legislation Affecting Employers and Employees.
Basic Stores Management

PART 3: ENGINEERING DRAWING

Introduction
Pictorial drawings
Orthographic
Sectioning
Tools and Equipment

4. CONTENT

PART 1: COMPUTER SKILLS

4.1 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS

4.1.1 define a computer in general terms.

4.1.2 to explain the functions of a computer in terms of:

- Receiving (and storing) data

- Processing data
- Outputting data

4.2 COMPUTER EQUIPMENT

4.2.1 state the function of the underlisted computer components, input and output devices.
- Keyboard
- Mouse
- Visual Display Unit (VDU)
- Printers
- Plotters, for example, graph plotters.
- Magnetic ink character readers (MICR)
- Optical Character Readers (OCR)
- Bar Code Readers
- Touch screens
- Joystick
- Light pens.

4.3 COMPUTER SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE

4.3.1 state the main functions of each of the under-listed internal components of a
computer system unit:

- Motherboard

- power supply unit

- hard disk drive

- floppy disk drive

- CD-ROM drive

- Processor

4.3.2 distinguish between internal and external data storage media used with computers.

4.4 CONFIGURATION
4.4.1 configure/install new hardware, for example, hard drive.

4.4.2 install/set-up the windows operating system.

4.4.3 install application packages, for example, Microsoft Word.

4.4.4 connect peripherals, for example, printers.

4.5 COMPUTER SECURITY

4.5.1 explain safety precautions to be taken when handling disks.

4.5.2 define the term ‘virus’ and give examples.

4.5.3 explain the effects of the under listed conditions on computer equipment and
accessories:
4.5.4 food and dust particles on keyboard.

4.5.5 excessive heat on data storage media.

4.5.6 excessive humidity in a room where the computer is housed.

4.5.7 strong magnet near data storage media.

4.5.8 viruses on data and software.

4.6 SOFTWARE

4.6.1 define software.

4.6.2 explain the following types of software:

4.6.3 operating system software: DOS and Windows.

4.6.4 application software.

4.6.5 state the main difference between DOS and Windows operating system.

4.7 DOS

4.7.1 perform the under listed operations using appropriate commands:

4.7.2 list files and directories which are on the main Hard Disk.

4.7.3 list all files whose names begin with a given letter.

4.7.4 list all files with a given file extension (for example, ---exe, ---com, ---doc).

4.7.5 create a directory on C:\drive.

4.7.6 copy a file from a floppy (normally A:\drive) to a specified directory on C:\drive
– and vice versa.

4.7.7 copy all files simultaneously from A:\drive to a specified director on C:\drive and
vice-versa.
4.7.8 create duplicate copies of a diskette set.

4.7.9 rename a given file or directory.

4.7.10 delete a specified directory or file.

4.7.11 change a file attribute to “Read Only” and vice-versa.

4.7.12 display the autoexec-bat file on screen.

4.8 WINDOWS
Perform the under-listed WINDOWS (XP Professional and later) operations:
4.8.1 launch Windows Explorer.

4.8.2 create a folder/directory on C:\drive.

4.8.3 move a given file to a specified folder.

4.8.4 copy a group of files from C:\ to A:\ drive and vice-versa.

4.8.5 create a start-up diskette.

4.8.6 create duplicate copies of a diskette set.

4.8.7 rename a given file or folder.

4.8.8 change a given file’s attributes to “Read-Only” and vice-versa.

4.8.9 create a Desktop short-cut to a specified file.

4.8.10 install an anti-virus programme.

4.8.11 scan C:\drive for computer viruses.

4.8.12 go to DOS from the desktop.

4.9 DATA PROCESSING: WORD

4.9.1 State the meaning of word-processing and give two examples of word-processing
packages.

4.9.2 Use a Word-processing package to compile a short business letter.

Format given text to:

- Block or select specified text.

 - Make selected/block text bold.

- Underline selected text.

- Italicise selected text.

- Change blocked text front size or font type as required.

- Change selected text to super- or sub-script as required.

- Save compiled document to appropriate folder on C:\drive.

- Create tables.

- Print documents.

4.10 DATA PROCESSING: SPREADSHEET

4.10.1 Describe what a spreadsheet is and give two examples of spreadsheet packages
currently in general use.
4.10.2 Describe the spreadsheet page layout (columns, rows and cells).

4.10.3 Describe how to change row sizes.

4.10.4 Enter simple formulas in a cell.

4.10.5 Use the Copy and Paste tool to duplicate cell contents in another part of a
worksheet.

4.10.6 Use a spreadsheet package (software) to prepare a record of television sets

successfully repaired by each of six journeypersons per week for a given month.

4.10.7 Prepare (format) a spreadsheet page to receive and manipulate stock control data
under the following headings:

4.10.8 Journeyperson’s name.

4.10.9 Unit description.

4.10.10Quantity drawn.

4.10.11 VCR serial number.

4.10.12 Client’s name.

4.10.13 Job card number.

 4.10.14 Stores person (name)

4.10.15 Previous stock (quantity).

4.10.16 Current stock (after deduction).

4.10.17 Re-stock threshold level

Note Well. Stocks should automatically decline according to quantities drawn.

Restocking by 100 units should be effected once threshold level is reached.

4.10.18 Sort selected data in ascending or descending order.

4.10.19 Use the following functions:

-= Sum

- Average

- Standard deviation

- Count

- Round

PART 2: COMMUNICATION

4.11 INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION

4.11.1 To define forms of communication:

4.11.2 Interpersonal communication

4.11.3 Intrapersonal communication

4.11.4 Extrapersonal communication

4.11.5 Mass communication

4.11.6 To explain communication theories.

4.11.7 To explain the models of communication.

4.11.8 To define:

- Transmitter
 - Receiver

- Decoder

- Feedback

4.11.9 To explain communication breakdown.

4.12 LANGUAGE

4.12.1 To construct sentences and paragraphs.

4.12.2 To define linguistic abusage.

4.12.3 To identify style and tone.

4.12.4 To use appropriate business terms.

4.12.5 To use reference books.

4.13 SUMMARY AND COMPREHENSION

4.13.1 To pick out the important facts in a passage.

4.13.2 To summarise passage.

4.13.3 To explain terms out of context.

4.14 SPOKEN COMMUNICATION

4.14.1 To Use the telephone.

4.14.2 To pronounce and enunciate.

4.14.3 To talk audibly.

4.14.4 To appreciate the use of verbal communication in:

- Interviews

- Appraisal

- Reward

- Counselling

- Grievances
 - Reprimands

- Dismissal

- Termination

4.15. MEETINGS

4.15.1 To explain the following:

- Formal (private/public) meetings.

- Committee meetings

- Command meetings

4.15.2 To convene the meetings in 4.15.1

4.15.3 To write notices, agenda and minutes.

4.15.4 To explain the procedures of meetings.

4.15.5 To define the role of the:

- Chairperson

- Secretary

- Treasurer

4.16 BUSINESS LETTERS

4.16.1 To classify business letters.

4.16.2 To write:
- Person to firm.

- Firm to person

- Firm to firm

- Inquiry letter
 - Quotation letter

- Order letter

- Delivery letter

- Collection letter

- Memorandum

- Complaint and adjustment letter.

4.16.3 To prepare curriculum vitae.

4.17 REPORTS

4.17.1 Write:

- Progress/routine reports.

- Examination/investigation reports.

- Recommendatory reports.

- Accident reports.

4.18 BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS

4.18.1 To describe the contribution of the departments to the enterprise as a whole.

4.18.2 To describe the role of the division of labour.

4.18.3 To appreciate the need for co-operation flow of information, communication and
feedback between departments.

4.18.4 To appreciate the role of leadership styles, work ethics and human relations to the
success of the enterprise.

4.19 LEGISLATION AFFECTING EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES

4.19.1 Appreciate the:

- Health and Safety Act

 - Factories Act

- Workman’s Compensation Act

4.20 BASIC STORES MANAGEMENT

4.20.1 To differentiate between equipment, tools, consumables and working capital.

4.20.2 To explain the purpose of requisition and ordering procedures.

4.20.3 To appreciate the need for material, handling and storage specifications.

4.20.4 To understand the effect of depreciation on equipment, capital equipment and the
flow of production.
4.20.5 To prepare workshop and log book records.

PART 3: ENGINEERING DRAWING

4. 21 PICTORAL DRAWING

4.21.1 State the advantages of pictorial drawings.

4.21.2 State the two types of pictorial views i.e. isometric and oblique.

4.21.3 Identify isometric and oblique drawings and sketches.

4.21.4 Sketch and draw simple engineering components in oblique and isometric views.

4.22 ORTHOGRAPHIC PROJECTION

4.22.1 Define projection.

4.22.2 Describe how to obtain views in orthographic projection, i.e. first angle and third
angle.
4.22.3 Explain the difference between first and third angle orthographic projection.

4.22.4 Select the side most suitable to be the front view.

4.22.5 Appreciate the possibilities of various numbers of views to completely describe
objects.

4.22.6 Illustrate the positioning (layout) of the views on paper.

 4.22.7 State and illustrate the different methods of dimensioning.

4.22.8 State and illustrate the basic rules of dimensioning.

4.22.9 Illustrate the acceptable layout of dimensions.

4.22.10 Interpret all relevant information from given first and third angle orthographic
views.
4.22.11 Sketch and draw objects in first and third angle projection, including hidden
details.

4.22.12 Dimension the sketches and drawings according to standard conventions.

4.22.13 Convert or orthographic draws (first and third angle) to pictorial views (isometric
and oblique) and vice versa.

4.23 SECTIONING

4.23.1 State the reasons for sectioning.

4.23.2 State the general rules to be observed when sectioning.

4.23.3 Identify and state the different types of sections.

4.23.4 List features which are not sectioned.

4.23.5 Illustrate the correct methods of hatching.

4.23.6 Interpret relevant information from given section drawings.

4.23.7 Sketch and draw sectional views of simple engineering components.

4.24 CIRCUIT DIAGRAMS

4.24.1 Produce and interpret circuit diagrams in electrical, electronic and instrumentation
and control engineering.

4.24.2 Identify BS3939 symbols and state the meaning of each symbol.

4.24.3 Draw the relevant symbols for all relevant components.

 4.24.4 Identify block and schematic diagrams.

4.24.5 Interpret all relevant information from given block and schematic diagrams.

4.24.6 a) Power Engineering:

- Interpret and draw AC and DC motor control diagrams (face-plate starter,

thyristor control for DC motors only, DOL and Star-Delta starters
including sequential starting, auto-transformer and rotor resistance starter)
- Identify and draw, using given data, simple installation plans.
- Identify, read and interpret power distribution diagrams of one line and
three lines.

b) Instrumentation:

- Identify BS3939 symbols on given circuit diagrams/process loops and

interpret all relevant information from circuit diagrams.
- Draw, from given data, circuit diagrams/process loops using BS3939
symbols (temperature, pressure, level, pH and flow rate).
- Interpret and draw block diagrams of PLC monitoring systems.

c) Electronic Engineering:

- Interpret and draw circuit symbols for input and output transducers, for
example, microphones and loudspeakers.
- Interpret and draw circuit symbols for filters, amplifiers, Op-amps.
- Interpret symbols for power and signal lines and ground.
- Interpret and draw functional and block diagrams of receivers and
transmitters, for example, radio receiver and T.V.
- Interpret and draw digital symbols and circuits (British and American), for
example, multiplexers, coders, decoders and demultiplexers.

4.25 TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

4.25.1 Drawing boards

4.25.2 T-square
4.25.3 Set squares (450 and 600)
 4.25.4 Precision Compasses and dividers.

4.25.5 French curves

4.25.6 Rules and templates
4.25.7 Protractor
4.25.8 Drawing pins
4.25.9 Set of pencils
4.25.10 Eraser
4.25.11 Stick-stuff

5.0 ASSESSMENT SPECIFICATION GRID

TOPIC NO. TOPIC WEIGHTING%

1 COMPUTER SKILLS 30
2 COMMUNICATION 35
3 ENGINEERING DRAWING 35
TOTAL 100%

6.0. SUGGESTED REFERENCES

1 Bishop, P.(1991) Computer Science Nelson United Kingdom

2 Bradley, R. (1990) Understanding Computer Science Stanley Thornes United Kingdom
3 French, C. S. (1990) Computer Science-
4 Chapman, O. (1991) Data Processing and Information Technology-
5 Little, P. Business Communication-
6 Mastering Business Communication-
7 Smith, C.Small Business – Book 1Radio Pulpit Publication, Pretoria
8 Smith, C. Small Business – Book 2 Radio Pulpit Publication, Pretoria
9 Yarwood (1983) Geometrical & Technical Drawing Book 1 & 2, Thomas Nelson & Son
Hong Kong
10 Blackie (1988) Technical Drawing Blakie & Son Harare
11 French, Svensen, Helsen & Urbanick (1968) Mechanical Drawing, 8th ed McGraw-Hill
Washington
12 Michael Niedle (1982) Basic Electrical Installation, 3rd ed. Macmillan Press London
13 Morling, K. Geometric & Engineering Drawing-
14 Bland, S. Graded Exercises in Technical Drawing.
15 Olivo & Payne Basic Blueprint Reading & Sketching-
16 Maguire -Progressive Engineering Drawing
17 Klockner Moeller Wiring Manual Germany