We mean Business

We Mean Business
Course Presentation and Organisation

This module aims to help you further develop oral and written skills in the field of international affairs and business. To that end, we will be engaging in interactive workshops, case studies, and more generally the study of companies’ activities, business relations and global strategies. Learning will be participant-centered and based on case studies or the study of international news (articles, newsletters, podcasts) that are relevant to your field of studies. 

Possible topics that will be studied in class this semester will revolve around:

1. International trade and geopolitics: trade policy uncertainty, tariff wars, disruptions to the supply chains, relocations, environmental impacts and ethical governance.

2. Global South and BRICS+ 

Activities

1. News review (in pairs) – (Speaking)

You will be asked to engage with international general and business news in class and outside and will be expected to stay up-to-date with the main headlines, listen to podcasts and engage with international business news, so you are able to present a news item related to international business in the beginning of each lesson. The modalities (presenting in small groups or to the whole class) and schedule of presentations will be discussed in class.

The news you present (5 to 10 minutes maximum), will be linked to business (ex: geopolitical dynamics and their effects on worldwide trade; technology, AI, automation; the economy, etc.). You can use visual aids, but it is not required. Use short notes (bullet points) but do not read out a presentation. We will collaborate on a class-wide list of recommended email newsletters, podcasts and other sources.

2. We Mean Business – Student-led workshops (Speaking and interacting)

As a team of two or three students, you will focus on a major event or theme in the international business world and lead a 45-minute workshop / discussion in class. The choice of subject will reflect your knowledge of and interest in what is happening in the business world. A two-page (maximum) summary outlining the goals and content of the activity and intended strategy (interactive and task-based) should be sent to me at least one week before the date of presentation.

The goal is essentially to arouse interest and create a forum for reflection, discussion and debate. It is not a presentation. The students introducing the topic are therefore essentially moderators of the workshop activity and discussion arising from it. Background information should be provided where necessary but the other students in the group should be given every opportunity to input information and ideas where appropriate, to react, express an opinion, and so on. A task-based approach (for example setting up certain activities in pairs or mini-groups, creating simulations or role-play situations etc.) is recommended as one way of keeping the group “on their toes” and involving everyone frequently.

The students in charge of the activity should ask the group to prepare for the workshop before coming to class (e.g. by giving them some questions to think about in advance or by asking them to do some guided research on the theme, to read an article, watch a video, listen to a podcast etc.). During the discussion, the group should participate in the exchanges, take notes and carry out any tasks set them by the students guiding the activity. The conclusion, outlining the initial goals, intentions and achievements of the activity, should sum up the proceedings and come at the appropriate time.

You will be given the opportunity to work with your team in class to research information and gather materials for your workshops. 

• You will be expected to report to the group on your progress at the end of each team-work session.

Tentative schedule for workshops:

• September 9th(S1) Formation of teams (maximum 3 per team), choice of subjects and team work.

For S3 (23rd Sept): make sure to have a draft outline of your workshop. 

• September 23rd (S3): Everybody submits their draft outlines for their workshops.

In class: Team work for following workshops (continue research, share your progress and adapt your contents and strategy if necessary).

• September 30th (S4): Written test (company presentation). 2 hours.

• October 14th (S6) Mid-term written evaluation (reading and listening comprehension and essay writing)

• November 18th (S7): Workshops 1 and 2. 

• November 25th  (S8): Workshops 3 and 4. 

• December 2nd (S9): Workshops 5 and 6.

• December 9th:(S10): Final written evaluation (reading and listening comprehension and essay writing)

3. Company presentation – (Writing)

Students will present an international business (multinational or SMEs) that has successfully developed its activity abroad, and analyse the strategy that was put in place to succeed. Alternatively, case studies of businesses that have failed in their internationalisation strategy are welcome too (examples: Starbucks in Australia, Walmart in Japan and Germany, Tesco in the US, etc). A focus on the intercultural dimension will be expected.

Length: About 1000 words (c. 3 to 4 pages of hand-written text). You will research your topic in class and at home. You will be expected to outline your work and you will be able to use this outline and some limited notes to write out your presentation in an essay form in class. During the writing task, no computer use will be allowed (you will hand in your notes and outline with the essay at the end of the test).

• To write your essay, you may use a topic that was presented in a workshop (but not your own workshop), as long as you have a personal angle on the subject -- you cannot just repeat what was discussed in a workshop.

4. Podcast project –  Student-led recordings (Speaking and interacting)

In this activity students will play the roles of a podcast cohost and also a podcast guest with expertise in one topic in the field of international affairs. You will be given the opportunity to work in class to define and research your two roles and to prepare for the podcast recording sessions. You will record the podcast conversations outside of the class. 

5. Language work 

In this course language work will be essentially reactive, taking the form of individual feedback given at the end of selected activities. Students are encouraged to take advantage of feedback given to others and to make a note of any remarks that might be useful to them. Articles and audio documents used in class will create opportunities to build vocabulary and revise grammar points. 

Assessment

• Students will be evaluated through ongoing/continuous assessment (attendance, time-keeping, workshops, presentations, contributions to class activities, general professionalism and engagement in the class, respecting deadlines etc.) 

• Grading:

1. Participation and engagement in class (10%)

2. Written Company presentation  (10%l)

3. News reviews (10% of total)

4. Podcast project (10% of total)

5. Workshop (20% of total)

6. Midterm written test (reading comprehension of a press article or a research paper; essay writing) and audio comprehension. (20 % of total)

g)   Final written test (reading comprehension of a press article or a research paper; essay writing) and 

      audio comprehension. (20 % of total)