Module BIC-0024:
Business English

Module Facts

Run by Bangor University International College

10.000 Credits or 5.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 1 & 2

Organiser: Mrs Laura McKenzie

Overall aims and purpose

The aims of the module are to introduce and develop English skills directly relevant to the academic study of Business and through academic business investigation. It also aims to introduce and develop students’ understanding of basic business models. Students explore and interpret business source materials and use these and other learning materials to develop the practice of using business case studies to enhance their understanding of how business works in practice.

Course content

The module has a language and skills development focus but also aims to engage students directly with their business-related studies. This is achieved by putting language and skills acquisition firmly in a business context. The value of the generic study is immediately enhanced for the student by context. It also focuses the student on issues of importance to his or her master’s studies by dealing with questions of sourcing and evaluating material, use of library and VLE, research skills and methods and oral as well as written communication in a business context. The topics studied include contemporary business practice and issues, involving consideration of current business processes and culture, the growth of e-commerce and the impact of the Internet on businesses of different types, environmental concerns and the significance of ethical considerations and sustainability. Students engage in research activity, identifying different source materials on the business topics of the day and learn about basic research methods including the quantitative and qualitative approaches. Students also develop their communication skills by considering the part communication plays within a business in terms of meeting and negotiations skills, team-building and working as a member of a group, building relationships, networking, professional and social media sites.

Assessment Criteria

threshold

Threshold (D- to D+) (40-49%) Student has demonstrated a sufficient level of language skills within a business context to have achieved the lowest level of pass grades

excellent

Excellent (A- to A*) (70-100%) Student has demonstrated a high level of language and study skills and deployed these effectively within a business context, showing ability to move with confidence to the next phase of the master’s programme

good

Good (C- to B+) (50-69%) Student has shown a sound and basic level of language skills within a business context to have achieved a higher level of pass and so achieved the level to progress onto the next phase of the master’s programme

Learning outcomes

  1. 5) Make concise comments on issues arising out of business case studies

  2. 4) Demonstrate a basic knowledge of research methods in accessing, evaluating and recording information

  3. 6) Deliver a short presentation on an academic topic

  4. 1) Demonstrate a basic understanding of business models

  5. 3) Take detailed notes from business source materials

  6. Show an awareness of the variety of sources of business news and information

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
case study/essay 50.00
presentation 50.00

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours

Transferable skills

  • Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
  • Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
  • Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
  • Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
  • Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.

Subject specific skills

  • Demonstrate an understanding and ability to analyse economic issues on a local and international scale
  • Accurately apply business models to show an understanding of efficiency and external pressures to an organisation

Resources

Resource implications for students

Core Textbook purchased

Reading list

Cotton, D., Falvey, D. and Kent, S Market Leader (Intermediate) Longman Ghauri, P. and Gronhaug, K (2003) Research Methods in Business Studies: A Practical Guide FT Prentice Hall Walker, C. ESAP: Business Studies Garnet Education: Reading

Courses including this module

Compulsory in courses: