ICT and Business Communication overview: N(T)-Level Elements of Business Skills (SEAB 7066) on using ICT in business, common business documents, written communication, and online safety and data protection

Why this module matters

Almost every modern job uses computers and involves communicating clearly, whether by email, with documents, or online. The ICT and Business Communication module of N(T)-Level Elements of Business Skills (SEAB 7066) builds these practical, everyday skills. In a retail, hospitality or tourism workplace you will handle invoices and receipts, send polite emails, use point-of-sale and booking systems, and handle customers' personal data, so getting these basics right matters from your very first day at work.

This guide ties together the matching dot-point pages, each with its own examples and practice. See the whole syllabus at /sg-n-level/elements-of-business-skills/syllabus and the subject hub at /sg-n-level/elements-of-business-skills.

Using ICT in business

The module begins with using ICT in business: what ICT (Information and Communication Technology) is, the many ways businesses use it - record-keeping, communication, online selling, advertising and design - and how ICT helps a business work faster, more accurately and at lower cost.

Business documents

Every transaction creates paperwork. Business documents identifies the common ones - the invoice (request for payment), the receipt (proof of payment), the order form and the memo - and explains the purpose of each.

Written business communication

Clear writing avoids costly mistakes. Written business communication shows how to write a clear, polite business email or message - a proper greeting, a clear message, a polite tone and a sign-off - and explains why clear writing matters at work.

Online safety and data protection

Working online brings risks. Online safety and data protection describes simple ways to stay safe online and to protect customers' personal information, and explains why looking after data matters for customers, for the law and for the business's good name.

How this module is examined

Elements of Business Skills (SEAB 7066) is assessed by Paper 1, a written paper worth 60%, and Paper 2, school-based coursework worth 40%. The ICT skills here are very practical, so the coursework often involves producing real documents and using software, while Paper 1 tests your knowledge of what each document is for and how to communicate and stay safe online.

• Know the documents. Be able to state what an invoice, receipt, order form and memo are each for, and not to mix them up.
• Write to the situation. When asked to write or correct an email, keep it clear, polite and to the point, with a greeting and a sign-off.
• Give safety reasons. When asked about online safety, explain not just what to do but why, such as protecting customers and the business's reputation.

Check your knowledge

A mix of recall and application questions covering the module. Try them before checking the solutions.

1. State what ICT stands for. (1 mark)
2. Give two ways a business uses ICT. (2 marks)
3. Explain the difference between an invoice and a receipt. (2 marks)
4. State two features of a well-written business email. (2 marks)
5. A worker is told to "stay safe online and protect customer data". Describe two things they should do and explain why. (4 marks)