Study Guide

Objective

1. The student is aware of the strenghts and developmental needs of his/her language competence.
2. The student recognises how media, contextual, interpersonal and cultural factors affect interaction processes. S/he is able to adjust his/her speech and written communication accordingly to communicate effectively in various business situations.
3. The student can communicate professionally, naturally and effectively in English in the most common business situations.
4. The student can write well-structured, effective and accurate emails and business letters in English.
5. The student can interact with international customers in face-to-face and technology-mediated encounters.
6. The student knows the language of meetings and negotiations and can take part in meetings conducted in English.

Content

Telephoning, business letters and online communication
Face-to-face interaction and nonverbal communication
Speeches and presentations (incl. trade fairs)
Meetings and business negotiations
Social interaction and business behaviour around the globe

Materials

Textbook: Niskanen, T.; Vetter, J. & Urbom, R. 2008. Business Express. Helsinki: WSOY.
Other relevant material provided by the teacher.

Completion alternatives

If the student has taken an equivalent university course, the contents and extent of which correspond with this course, s/he can apply for accreditation (Replacement) in Peppi.

If the student has acquired the required, at least B2 level, communication skills in English through his/her work in international business or in some other way, s/he can be accredited if s/he provides proof of his/her competence by acquiring RPL from the course teacher. The proof must include ample evidence of both written and spoken business communication skills, incl. meetings and negotiations. To inquire more, consult the course teacher.

Student workload

Total workload 80 hours:
Contact teaching 24 h
Pair assignments and group work in Moodle, self-study assignments (portfolio) 52 h.
Assessment and feedback 4 h.

Evaluation scale

H-5

Assessment methods and criteria

Proof of spoken communication skills (incl. recordings and/or class assignments and a spoken exam) 40%
Written business communication portfolio 40%
Continual assessment 20%

Assessment criteria, fail (0)

There is too little proof to assess the learning process and outcomes
.
There are problems in communicating the content to the target audience (e.g. lack of required information or serious stylistic, lexical or grammatical errors that impede understanding).

There is not enough effort. The student frequently misses appointments or is late with his/her assignments and shows lack of responsibility for his/her own or others' work.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

The student is able to communicate the necessary content and intended meanings clearly, accurately and professionally in most of the routine and in some more demanding business situations.

S/he can produce speech and text that is easy to follow and understand His/her pronunciation and articulation is accurate and s/he is able to understand and use professional terms and idioms typical for spoken or written messages in the given context.

S/he knows the differences between spoken and written language and is able to use neutral business style and polite tone in English. His/her written English is free from typos and spelling errors and follows the grammar rules of the English language and the conventions of international business communication.

S/he understands how cultural, social and contextual factors impact international communication and can adjust and adapt his/her communication style.