3.01/2/3 BUSINESS AND ENGLISH STUDIES Certificate/Diploma

Programme Aim

The Business and English Studies Diploma Programme is designed for students who wish to improve their general English language skills; further their understanding of International Business Communications and reflect on the practice of Management, Marketing, International Trade and Information Technology. The aim is to enhance students’ vocational knowledge and skills as a springboard for career development, and to also provide a foundation for direct entry into the first year of an undergraduate degree programme, should this be required.

Programme Outcomes

By the end of the programme students will:

• Have gained an insight into concepts and terminology of a range of business areas to enhance their English language skills for the special purpose of business communications, in order to return home with increased knowledge and confidence, and to succeed in an international business environment

• Have a greater understanding of the principles and practice of general business management, including an appreciation of accounting and financial control, and to have to reached a competent level of computer literacy;

• Be able to use effective techniques in the management of people, based on an understanding of organisation behaviour and human resource management processes;

• Be aware of the importance of Market Research, and the latest thinking about Marketing Practice, including Advertising, Public Relations, and E-Commerce;

• Be able to present ideas about business improvement within the context of international trade.

The Programme Structure

The programme is designed on the basis of “units of study”. Each unit involves approximately 100 hours study to include class contact; directed study e.g. case study preparation; and self-study e.g. wider reading and assessment preparation.

Entry Requirements

Minimum Age—Adult

Students must have a minimum Intermediate level of English on arrival and have completed secondary education in their own country. On arrival all students complete an English language entry test, followed by an MLS business assessment and are placed in classes accordingly.

Counselling Service

A comprehensive counselling tutorial support programme is available to all students throughout their stay at MLS. All students have access to the MLS University Counsellor.

Indicative Content - Topics

The Diploma Programme consists of 12 units of study

1. General English 1 - 10 credits
2. General English 2 - 10 credits
3. General English 3 - 10 credits
4. Business English & Communications 1 - 10 credits
5. Business English & Communications 2 - 10 credits
6. Business English & Communications 3 - 10 credits
7. Marketing - 10 credits
8. Human Resource Management - 10 credits
9. Management - 10 credits
10. International Trade - 10 credits
11. IT Computer Studies - 10 credits
12. IT Computer Studies - 10 credits

with credits awarded for successful completion of the MLS assessments. Students registered for the Certificate and Higher Certificate courses will undertake General English, Business English and Communications, and Specialist Business topics in line with their period of registration.

General English

All three units focus on the development of the following language skills:

• Oral Communication, Role-Play and Discussion;
• Pronunciation, Stress and Intonation;
• Listening and Reading Comprehension;
• Written English for Various Purposes;
• Preparation for various external language examinations;
• Study Skills.

Business English and Communications

Delivered in 3 staged units, you will gain an insight into the concepts and terminology of a range of business areas and includes the skills of:

• Functional Business Language, reading and information transference;
• Telephoning;
• Curriculum vitae/resume preparation with interview techniques;
• Specialist discussions and listening competencies linked to Presentation Skills Development;
• Team leadership communications, linked to meetings, summarising, note-taking and taking minutes;
• Problem Solving, Decision Making and Negotiation;
• Report, letter, memo, fax and e-mail writing.

Marketing

• Introduction to Marketing Terminology, identification of "the Market", and market segmentation
• Product Policy, Planning, the Consumer, and Packaging
• The Marketing Mix - including Channels of Distribution, Pricing Tactics, and Advertising
• Public Relations
• E-Commerce and the marketing of Dot.Com Industries
• Decision Making and Marketing Strategy

Management & Human Resource Management

Delivered in 2 concurrent units, you will gain an understanding of effective management techniques. Topics include:

• Personal Effectiveness and resources in management;
• Constraints under which Managers operate;
• Organisational Structures;
• Managerial Functions and the skills of leadership;
• People Management - the motivation of individuals, and the management of high performing teams;
• Strategic Planning, Objective Setting, and Business Controls;
• Management of Change, Decision Making and Problem Solving.

International Trade

Deleivered in 2 staged units, you will gain an understanding of the underpinning economic concepts of the international business environment, and an awareness of the administration of international trading arrangements. This knowledge is applied through the development of business plans and focused presentations.

• Import Regulations and Export Procedures, Benefits and Risks of International Trade;
• Contracts, International Trade Law, Logistics;
• Delivery Terms with Airfreight and Seafreight arrangements, including Export Packing and Marine Insurance;
• Customs Documentation, International Cost Comparisons, Elasticity of imports/exports, Case Studies;
• Export finance, Foreign Exchange and Payment Documentation e.g. Bills of Exchange and Letters of Credit;
• Patterns of World Trade, WTO/GATT, ISO, UN Standards, Global Sourcing, Export Market Entry Strategies.

IT Computer Studies

• Introduction to IT
• Word Processing
• PowerPoint presentations
• Spreadsheets using Excel
• Desktop Publishing using "Publisher"
• Databases with Access
• FrontPage Website Design
• Software integration
• The Internet

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