International business communication

The technique and carrying out of negotiations according to the processes that are described in Roger Fisher & William Ury's "Getting to Yes"(Random House Business Books)

Proper usage of language, written as well as oral, adjusted to the current situation, its professional level and international context

Relevant and ethical as well as proper, correct, businesslike behaviour, adjusted to the culturally conditioned prerequisites inherent in the current situation

Written English business communication: letters, overviews, reports, emails, applications, CVs, positive and negative messages

Oral business communication with English as second language: internal communication inside companies and external communications to business partners and the public, negotiations, communication across cultural differences, communication in social settings

Læringsutbytte - Kunnskap:

have gained good knowledge about the English business language's style and form and the way in which it is utilized in an international context, with particular focus on correct language, adjusted to the circumstances in which the language is used.

be able to compose correctly formed business letters, reports, minutes, emails, ¿sms¿ and memorandums

be familiar with the formalities connected to discussions, meetings with customers, making appointments, giving speeches and introductions, as well as representing their companies in an exemplary manner, both businesswise and socially, at home and abroad

be familiar with written and unwritten rules about the correct conduct of negotiations with English as a second language, about the forming of strategies suited to planned goals and also the writing of reports describing the development of the negotiations, including the drawing up of possible agreements or contracts.

Læringsutbytte - Ferdigheter:

be able to utilize their knowledge of the subject matter and practices in such a way that they will appear as positive assets in any situations where Norwegian and foreign interests meet, in cooperation or in competition

have developed sufficient self-knowledge and influence to be able to adjust both their own and their cooperative partners' schemes in the meeting with foreign interests

be able to find their way in relevant specialist literature, subject matters and networks in support of the current dealings with relevant problems

master relevant tools, like social and business life rules, written and unwritten, in order to be able to meet and fulfil their own as well as other people's expectations

Læringsutbytte - Kompetanse:

have gained relevant insights in occupationally ethical problems, in particular a heightened awareness connected to the communication possibilities and demands of business life

be able to plan, execute and/or lead projects, short or long term, alone or in cooperation with groups - always in accordance with ethical demands and guidelines

be able to communicate central topics, both in the form of theories or suggested solutions, in oral or written form

Pedagogiske metoder:

Common lectures and practice classes for smaller groups

Collaborative teamwork

The preparation and presentation of brief, oral tasks

 

Obligatoriske arbeidskrav:

One mandatory written hand-in must be approved. One mandatory collaborative team report must be approved. The written basis for the presentation connected to the international business world at the oral exam must be approved before the candidate can sit for the oral exam. Students must be present at 80% of the practice classes of the course in order to sit for any of the final exams.