Study Guide

Learning outcomes

The student is able to
- identify aspects related to global corporate communication
- understand the communication process in purchasing and sales
- communicate both orally and in writing in different kinds of communication situations
- conduct meetings and negotiations in a global business environment

Implementation and methods of teaching

Readings about the changes taking place in global communication, followed by an exam. Individual and group assignments online. Students must be willing to work in teams and are required to proceed according to the course plan: no substitute assignments. Schedule for online teamwork (4-5 students per team) discussed and planned as the course starts.

Timing and attendance

The course starts with an online kick-off session in January 2021, followed by a two-week reading period. Students take an online mid-term exam after the reading period. Online lectures and online clinics offered throughout the course.

Learning material and recommended literature

Materials and links on the Moodle platform.
Required readings will be instructed when the course starts.

Alternative completion methods

RPL/ recognition of prior learning:
Contact the instructors during the first weeks of January if you have extensive experience in using English for international business communication. Use the eRPL in the Peppi system to apply for the recognition of prior learning.

Exam retakes

Mid-term exam in the beginning of February. No retakes allowed. The mid-term exam grade either lowers or improves the student's final course grade.

Learning environment

Moodle, Zoom/MS Teams

Student time use and work load

The estimated course workload is 5 x 27 hrs:
-Reading and preparing for an exam 30 hrs
-Group work and online meetings 50 hrs
-Final assignment and written feedback to other groups 50 hrs

Contents

General communication guidelines for global business communication (e.g. writing emails, writing a business proposal, how to write in plain English, etc.)

Guidelines for running effective online meetings in English (e.g. writing meeting agendas and minutes, proactive planning for online meetings, recording and sharing meeting recordings, hosting online meetings, etc.).

Readings on business transactions.

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

Upper-intermediate to advanced level in English (e.g. IELTS 6.5 / grade C or higher in the Finnish matriculation examination). Since this is an online course, for best learning outcomes, the student should be familiar with studying independently, setting goals, and managing his/her time.

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

The student has failed to meet the course requirements.

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student has basic oral and written skills in professional and business communication in English and can use the acquired terminology and processes in basic professional communicative situations. The student takes part in simulating online global business communication situations in English.

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student has good oral and written skills in business and professional communication in English and can apply the acquired terminology, models and processes in varied professional communicative situations. The student actively takes part in simulating online global business communication situations in English.

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student has excellent oral and written skills in professional and business communication in English and can diversely apply the acquired terminology and processes in demanding professional communicative situations. The student masters simulating online global business communication situations in English.