Business English
Aims
(1) Develop basic skills and techniques for business correspondence;
(2) Train students to enable them to communicate effectively in their professional environment;
(3) Prepare students to communicate effectively in written and oral forms for personal and business purposes;
(4) Develop basic business skills;
(5) Familiarise students with business vocabulary.
Assessment
Total number of marks: 100
50 marks will be based on in-semester coursework
50 marks will be based on final examination
In semester coursework assessment shall be the following:
(1) individual assignment and oral presentation: 50
(2) in-class closed book test: 30
(3) mock interview: 20
Module Content
Unit 1. Techniques of Business Correspondence
Business letters: letters of request, letters of enquiry, quotations, placement and cancellation of orders, reply to orders/ letters of complaints. Other forms of communication: faxes, memos, e-mails, telephone. Introduction to report writing.
Unit 2. Oral Communication Skills
Communication skills: oratory skills, presentation at meetings, organisation and delivery of speech, handling questions. Unit 3. Reading, Listening, Note Taking and Referencing Reading authentic business texts: skimming, scanning, practising summary writing and paraphrasing, building business specific vocabulary. Listening to talks and note taking. Citing sources (Referencing and Bibliography): plagiarism and copyright laws.
Unit 4. Introduction to Data Collection
Primary and secondary sources of data. Preparing and administering a questionnaire; analysing results, graphic representation of results. Preparing interview questions: conducting interviews; dos and don’ts.
Unit 5. Business Etiquette and Interview Skills
Business Etiquette: punctuality, cultural courtesy, introduction. Dining etiquette: basic table manners, office etiquette, handbags and briefcases, cards and gifts, personal etiquette, audience etiquette. Interview etiquette: pre interview preparation, interview manners, post interview manners, enquiries, dress code for the interview.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module, the learner will be able to:
1. Identify skills and techniques of business correspondence
2. Develop essential business vocabulary and know business etiquette
3. Comprehend standard practices in citing sources and summarise authentic business texts
4. Identify data collection and analysis techniques
5. Develop oral communication and interview skills
Teaching Methods, Tools and Learning Resources
In-class lectures, group discussions and group work, interviews, presentations, library, computer lab, company visits / field trips.
Textbooks
Taylor Shirley (1998) Gastride’s Model Business Letters, 5th ed. India: Tan Prints Pvt Ltd.
Jones Leo & Alexander Richard (1996) New International Business English, UK: Cambridge University Press.
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