Leaders:
Sean McMinn (Center for Language Education, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology)

Collaborators:
Delian Gaskell (Center for Language Education, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology)
Kin Tang (Center for Language Education, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology)

Summary:
Specialization Summary
This Specialization introduces non-native speakers of English to methods for developing English language and communication skills for the workplace, doing business, cross-cultural understanding, and business case study analysis. Students apply these skills in the final Capstone Project by analysing a current business case study and providing recommendations to a target audience in both presentation and written formats.

PI: Sean McMinn
Instructors: Delian Gaskell and Kin Tang

The courses include:
Business English: Basics
This course aims to improve your Business English language skills by developing your vocabulary and reading skills and your understanding of tone, style and knowledge of communication methods. We’ll also cover how these language skills can enhance audience analysis, business case analysis and basic business communication strategies. Skills learned in this course will often be referred to and needed to complete the speaking, writing and cross-cultural communications courses of this Specialization.

English for Effective Business Writing
This course aims to improve your Business English writing skills by developing your use of vocabulary, grammar, understanding of different business writing genres, and your ability to write professional business documents. Skills learned in this course will be used in the cross-cultural communications course and help prepare you to produce the professional business documents in the Capstone project.

English for Effective Business Speaking
This course aims to improve your Business English speaking skills by developing your use of vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, spoken communication skills within a Business context, and your ability to deliver professional business speeches for specific purposes. Skills learned in this course will be used in the cross-cultural communications course and help prepare you to deliver the professional business presentation in the Capstone project.

Business English for Cross-cultural Communication
This course aims to prepare you for working in an cross-cultural Business setting. We’ll learn about common cross-cultural theories and how they are relevant to everyday business practices in a globalised world. By combining all of your vocabulary, reading, speaking, and writing skills that you acquired in the previous three courses, you will learn how language plays an important role in cross-cultural communication. You will also enhance your cross-cultural understanding and will be able to use vocabulary, tone and style, and spoken and written communication skills within a cross-cultural Business context. Skills learned in this course help prepare you to deliver the professional business presentation in the Capstone project.

Business Case Analysis
The Capstone project is the culmination of your journey through the Business English for Non-Native Speakers specialization. It is aimed at applying the written and spoken skills that you have gained to an authentic business situation. You will be able to choose a business case provided by HKUST, or use an example from your own work experience and: (1) prepare an online video presentation (approx. ½ hour) that analyses the case and provides recommendations, and (2) prepare a business recommendation report to coincide with the presentation (approx. 2,000 words). The report should include an executive summary, analyses of the case and recommendations.

All courses are currently running.

Website: https://www.coursera.org/specializations/business-english-speakers