Course Information

Course code: PRC 110
Course title: Software Skills Practicum
Nature of the course: Practical
Credit hours: 1.0
Year 1, Semester I
Total hours: 16
Hours per class: 1.5
Level: Bachelor
Program: BBA/BBA (Finance)
Full marks: 100
Pass marks: 45

1. Course Description

This introductory course is intended for students interested in learning to use the computer as a productivity tool. Course content includes the fundamentals of basic software like Operating System, MS Word, MS PowerPoint and MS Excel.

2. General Objectives

The general objectives of this course are:

  • To familiarize the students with fundamental computing software and their basic functions.
  • To equip the students with practical knowledge of MS Windows, MS Word, MS Excel and MS PowerPoint.

3. Course Structure

Faculty members are empowered to adapt and modify course content to align with market needs and contextual demands, provided that the core objectives and practical aspects of the course remain intact and relevant.

Unit I: Installing Software in a Computer (2 Hours)

Specific Objectives:

  • Enable in understanding and recognizing various types of software in a computer.
  • Develop skills in installing an Operating System and other software in a Computer.

Contents:

  • Introduction to Software and types
  • Installing of Software (SPSS, MS Office etc.)
  • Network Setup (IP Address, Firewall, Antivirus, Internet and Email)

Unit II: MS Word (4 Hours)

Specific Objectives:

  • Make competent in using MS Word application.

Contents:

  • Font and paragraph formatting
  • Inserting charts, hyperlink, headers, footer, page number, text box, equations, symbols
  • Page Margins, orientation, size, indent, spacing, page break, section break
  • Automated table of contents, footnotes, citations and automated bibliography, table of figures
  • Mail merge (letters and emails)
  • Proofing and comments, track changes

Unit III: MS Excel (6 Hours)

Specific Objectives:

  • Make competent in using MS Excel application.

Contents:

  • Sort, Filter, Conditional formatting, Text-to-column, data validation, Print titles, freeze panes
  • Pivot table/charts
  • Cell referencing and types
  • Familiarization with Logical functions, Look up and reference functions, Statistical functions, Math and trigonometric functions, Financial functions, Date and Time functions etc.
  • Linking work books and worksheets

Unit IV: MS PowerPoint (4 Hours)

Specific Objectives:

  • Make competent in using MS PowerPoint application.

Contents:

  • Guidelines in preparing PowerPoint slides
  • Slide layout, Font and Paragraph formatting
  • Inserting table, charts, hyperlinks, slide number, footer, date and time etc.
  • Page set up, designs, themes, animations, transitions, set up slide show, record narration, rehearse timings, Master slide

4. Methods of Instruction

Interactive sessions, discussion, group work, role plays, feedback and coaching.

5. Evaluation System and Students’ Responsibilities

5.1 Evaluation System

Both internal and external evaluations will be based on attendance, assignment, class participation, self-reflection, project work, and presentation of the project report learning and practicals. The faculty will provide final grades of the students. Thus, there will be no semester end examination and all evaluations will be conducted continuously throughout the semester.

5.2 Students’ Responsibilities

Students are advised to attend all the classes/sessions and complete all the assignments within the specified time period. If a student does not attend the sessions, it is his/her sole responsibility to cover the topic(s) taught during the period. If a student fails to attend a formal exam, quiz, test, etc. and there is not any provision for a re-exam.

6. Prescribed Books and References

Text Books

None prescribed.

References

The following materials are suggested as reference:

  • Tillery, N. (2023). Excel 2023 Essentials: A Step-by-Step Guide. Smashwords.
  • Lambert, J. & Frye, C. (2022). Microsoft Office Step by Step Office 2021 and Microsoft 365. Microsoft Press.
  • Habraken, J. (2021). Microsoft Office Inside Out (Office 2021 and Microsoft 365). Microsoft Press.

Course Materials

Explore the detailed notes and practical assignments for each unit:

Unit 1: Installing Software in a Computer

Unit 2: MS Word

Unit 3: MS Excel

Unit 4: MS PowerPoint