About this course: 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.
Created by: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Taught by: Sean McMinn, Senior Insructor
Center for Language Education
Taught by: Kin Tang, Instructor
Center for Language Education
Taught by: Delian Gaskell, Instructor
Center for Language Education
| Basic Info | Course 5 of 5 in the Business English for Non-Native Speakers Specialization |
| Commitment | 7 weeks of study, 2-3 hours/week |
| Language | English |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
| User Ratings |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
Week 1 Initial case analysis
Welcome to Week 1! In this module you review relevant materials that will help you with the non-graded assignment that involves producing a 1-page case analysis. The suggested links to previous lectures and readings will help you plan the content and structure of your initial case analysis together with resources that will help you with your language, grammar and structure.
1 video, 5 readings, 1 practice quiz
- Video: Welcome
- Reading: Capstone introduction
- Reading: China National Consumer Goods Corporation (CNC) Business Case Study
- Reading: Critical reading and analysis of the case
- Reading: Language practice for writing a case analysis
- Reading: Review key grammar and structure
- Practice Quiz: Practice challenging grammar and structure
- Discussion Prompt: Describing and explaining the case
Graded: Creating a preliminary case analysis
WEEK 2
Week 2 Writing an informal situational analysis
Welcome to Week 2! In this module you review relevant materials that will help you with the non-graded assignment that involves producing a 1-page situational analysis. The suggested links to previous lectures and readings focus on giving explanations and making descriptions together with resources that will help you with your language, grammar and structure.
3 readings, 1 practice quiz
- Reading: Analysing the situation
- Reading: Language practice for a situational analysis
- Reading: Review key grammar and structure
- Practice Quiz: Practice challenging grammar and structure
- Discussion Prompt: Analysing CNC's situation
Graded: Writing a situational analysis
WEEK 3
Week 3 Creating a draft executive summary
Welcome to Week 3! In this module you review relevant materials that will help you with the non-graded assignment that involves producing a 2-page executive summary for a recommendation report. The suggested links to previous lectures and readings focus on the language and organization of an executive summary together with resources that will help you with your grammar and structure.
4 readings, 1 practice quiz
- Reading: Creating a well-organized and logical executive summary
- Reading: A review of report writing
- Reading: Language practice for executive summary writing
- Reading: Review key grammar and structure
- Practice Quiz: Practice challenging grammar and structure
- Discussion Prompt: Creating an executive summary (Parts 1 and 2)
Graded: Writing Parts 1 and 2 of an executive summary
WEEK 4
Pitching your idea
Welcome to Week 4! In this module you review relevant materials that will help you with the non-graded assignment that involves pitching an idea or suggestion. The suggested links to previous lectures and readings will help you plan the content and structure of your pitch together with resources that will help you with your delivery and language.
4 readings, 1 practice quiz
- Reading: Planning content and structure of a pitch
- Reading: Verbal and non verbal communication for effective delivery
- Reading: Language practice for business pitches
- Reading: Review challenging English sounds
- Practice Quiz: Practice challenging English sounds
- Peer Review: Say it right - /æ/ sound 'man'
- Discussion Prompt: Using effective verbal and non verbal communication
Graded: Pitching your solution
WEEK 5
Week 5 - Presenting a problem or situational analysis
Welcome to Week 5! In this module you review relevant materials that will help you with the non-graded assignment that involves presenting a situation or problem analysis. The suggested links to previous lectures and readings focus on conducting an audience analysis, preparing and organising presentations, and presenting data and designing effective visuals. The Language links will help you choose the appropriate language for delivering informative presentations and the appropriate tone and style for your audience.
5 readings, 1 practice quiz
- Reading: Conducting an audience analysis
- Reading: Preparing a presentation
- Reading: Tone, style and formality
- Reading: Describing and explaining
- Reading: Review challenging English sounds
- Practice Quiz: Practice challenging English sounds
- Peer Review: Say it right - /θ/ sound 'thin'
- Discussion Prompt: Presenting a situational analysis
Graded: Presenting a situational analysis
WEEK 6
Week 6 - Presenting recommendations and justifications
Welcome to Week 6! In this module you review relevant materials that will help you with the non-graded assignment that involves presenting recommendations and justifications for the case problem. The suggested links to previous lectures and readings focus understanding and applying concepts in cross-cultural communication. The Language links will help you choose the appropriate language for delivering recommendations and justifcations.
5 readings, 1 practice quiz
- Reading: Providing support for your suggestions
- Reading: Understanding cross cultural communication
- Reading: Hofstede's cultural dimensions
- Reading: Making recommendations
- Reading: Review challenging English sounds
- Practice Quiz: Practice challenging English sounds
- Peer Review: Say it right - /r/ sound 'red'
- Discussion Prompt: Presenting your recommendations and justifications
Graded: Presenting your recommendations and justifications
WEEK 7
Week 7 - Capstone project
1 video, 1 reading
- Reading: Capstone project instructions
- Video: Farewell message from the teachers
Graded: Presentation
Graded: Business recommendation report
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The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
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Pricing
| Audit | Purchase Course | |
|---|---|---|
| Access to course materials | Available | Available |
| Access to graded materials | Not available | Available |
| Receive a final grade | Not available | Available |
| Earn a shareable Course Certificate | Not available | Available |
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