Course goals

• Development of language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking)
• Practical business communication techniques
• Analysis of real-world business cases and scenarios
• Preparation for professional presentations

Course structure

• Weeks 1–8: Developing language skills with thematic focus
• Weeks 9–13: Focus on communication and persuasion skills
• Weeks 14–15: Student presentations and final assessment

Weekly topics

1. Globalization of the economy
2. Types of entities
3. Business strategies
4. Company structure
5. Culture and ethics
6. Management styles
7. Finance of organization
8. People management

Communication skills focus

9. Speaking skills: company profiles, calls, negotiations
10. Speaking skills: presentations
11. Writing skills: emails, memos, requests, applications
12. Reading skills: articles, reports, business plans

Course materials

• Core literature:
  • Mckeown, A., Wright, R. (2011). Professional English in Use: Management
  • Financial Times resources: ft.com
  • Mascull, B. (2017). Business Vocabulary in Use: Advanced
• Additional resources:
  • Business English Site
  • British Council Business English

Course platform

• All materials will be available on Google Classroom
• Includes readings, assignments, and resources
• Please ensure you have access before next class

Assessment

• Presentation assignment (50 points):
  • Group project (4-5 students)
  • 15-minute presentation on a course-related topic
  • Delivered in weeks 13-14
• Final test (50 points):
  • 20 multiple-choice questions
  • 5 open-ended questions
  • Covers all course material

Presentation assessment criteria

• Content (15 points)
• Delivery (12 points)
• Visual materials (10 points)
• Group coordination (8 points)
• Professional communication (5 points)

Attendance policy

• Attendance is mandatory
• Maximum 20% absence allowed
• If absences exceed 20% but are less than 50%, makeup assignments required
• Absences over 50% result in course failure

Grading scale

• 91-100%: 5 (very good)
• 81-90%: 4+ (good plus)
• 71-80%: 4 (good)
• 61-70%: 3+ (sufficient plus)
• 51-60%: 3 (satisfactory)
• 0-50%: 2 (unsatisfactory - failed)

Questions?

• Email: bstanley@swps.edu.pl
• Office hours: See Virtual University schedule

Question 1

Since the early 1990s, world trade _________________ (grow) at a faster rate than world production.

Answer 1

Since the early 1990s, world trade has grown (grow) at a faster rate than world production.

Question 2

By 2030, e-commerce _________________ (transform) the retail landscape completely.

Answer 2

By 2030, e-commerce will have transformed (transform) the retail landscape completely.

Question 3

China _________________ (become) the world’s largest exporter of manufactured goods.

Answer 3

China has become (become) the world’s largest exporter of manufactured goods.

Question 4

Global companies _________________ (struggle) to adapt to changing regulatory environments since the financial crisis.

Answer 4

Global companies have been struggling (struggle) to adapt to changing regulatory environments since the financial crisis.

Question 5

Experts predict that by 2040, renewable energy _________________ (replace) fossil fuels in most developed economies.

Answer 5

Experts predict that by 2040, renewable energy will have replaced (replace) fossil fuels in most developed economies.

Question 6

The process of globalisation _________________ (accelerate) dramatically since the advent of the internet.

Answer 6

The process of globalisation has accelerated (accelerate) dramatically since the advent of the internet.

Question 7

Many traditional manufacturing jobs _________________ (disappear) from Western economies over the past three decades.

Answer 7

Many traditional manufacturing jobs have disappeared (disappear) from Western economies over the past three decades.

Question 8

Economists believe that by the end of this decade, India _________________ (overtake) several European countries in terms of GDP.

Answer 8

Economists believe that by the end of this decade, India will have overtaken (overtake) several European countries in terms of GDP.

Question 9

Developing nations _________________ (increase) their share of global trade significantly since 2000.

Answer 9

Developing nations have increased (increase) their share of global trade significantly since 2000.

Question 10

The World Trade Organisation _________________ (work) to reduce trade barriers since its formation in 1995.

Answer 10

The World Trade Organisation has been working (work) to reduce trade barriers since its formation in 1995.

Question 11

By 2025, most multinational corporations _________________ (establish) significant operations in emerging markets.

Answer 11

By 2025, most multinational corporations will have established (establish) significant operations in emerging markets.

Question 12

The gig economy _________________ (change) traditional employment patterns over the past decade.

Answer 12

The gig economy has been changing (change) traditional employment patterns over the past decade.

Question 13

International investors _________________ (shift) significant amounts of capital to Asian markets in recent years.

Answer 13

International investors have been shifting (shift) significant amounts of capital to Asian markets in recent years.

Question 14

Experts predict that by 2035, automation _________________ (eliminate) up to 30% of current jobs worldwide.

Answer 14

Experts predict that by 2035, automation will have eliminated (eliminate) up to 30% of current jobs worldwide.

Question 15

Since the beginning of globalisation, consumer prices _________________ (fall) in many product categories.

Answer 15

Since the beginning of globalisation, consumer prices have fallen (fall) in many product categories.

Question 16

The European Union _________________ (negotiate) trade agreements with numerous countries since its inception.

Answer 16

The European Union has been negotiating (negotiate) trade agreements with numerous countries since its inception.

Question 17

By the end of this century, climate change _________________ (alter) global agricultural production patterns significantly.

Answer 17

By the end of this century, climate change will have altered (alter) global agricultural production patterns significantly.

Question 18

Multinational corporations _________________ (adapt) their strategies to accommodate cultural differences for many decades.

Answer 18

Multinational corporations have been adapting (adapt) their strategies to accommodate cultural differences for many decades.

Question 19

Digital platforms _________________ (revolutionise) how businesses connect with international customers.

Answer 19

Digital platforms have revolutionised (revolutionise) how businesses connect with international customers.

Question 20

Economic analysts predict that by 2050, several African nations _________________ (develop) into major economic powers.

Answer 20

Economic analysts predict that by 2050, several African nations will have developed (develop) into major economic powers.

Present perfect

• For completed actions with present relevance
• For experiences that happened at an unspecified time in the past
• For changes or developments from the past to the present
• With time expressions like “since,” “for,” “already,” “yet,” “ever,” “never”

Present perfect

• since 2001
• for the past decade
• in recent years
• over the past few years
• already
• yet
• so far

Present perfect continuous

• For actions that started in the past and continue to the present
• For ongoing processes and trends
• To emphasise the duration or continuity of an action
• With time expressions indicating duration

Present perfect continuous

• since (a point in time)
• for (a period of time)
• over the last/past…
• recently
• lately
• all year/month/week

Present perfect vs present perfect continuous

• Emphasises the result or completion of an action
• “Global trade has increased by 50% since 2000.” (Focus on the result)

• Emphasises the process, duration or continuity
• “Global trade has been increasing since 2000.” (Focus on the ongoing process)

Future perfect

• For actions that will be completed before a specific future time
• For predictions about what will have happened by a certain point
• For assumptions about what is likely to have happened
• With time expressions like “by,” “by the time,” “by then,” “by the end of”

Future perfect: examples in globalisation

• “By 2030, e-commerce will have transformed the retail landscape.”
• “Most companies will have established operations in emerging markets by the end of the decade.”
• “AI will have eliminated many traditional jobs by 2040.”
• “The global economy will have doubled in size by 2050.”
• “China will have become the world’s largest economy by 2035.”

Future perfect

• by 2030
• by the end of the decade
• by the time
• by then
• by next year
• within the next five years

Comparing tenses

• Present perfect: “The EU has created a single market.” (Completed action with present relevance)
• Present perfect continuous: “The EU has been creating more integrated financial systems.” (Ongoing process that started in the past)
• Future perfect: “By 2030, the EU will have created a fully digital economy.” (Action that will be completed by a specific future time)

Using present perfect in business reports

• Executive summaries
• Market analysis
• Performance reviews
• Economic reports

Using present perfect continuous in trend analysis

• Describing ongoing economic trends
• Analysing market changes
• Explaining gradual developments
• Discussing continuous investment

Using future perfect in strategic planning

• Setting organisational goals
• Creating economic forecasts
• Developing strategic timelines
• Predicting market developments

Question 1

The government imposed a new ______________ of 25% on imported steel to protect domestic producers.

Answer 1

The government imposed a new tariff of 25% on imported steel to protect domestic producers.

Question 2

After years of ______________, many developing countries have opened their markets to international competition.

Answer 2

After years of liberalisation, many developing countries have opened their markets to international competition.

Question 3

The European Union is an example of a ______________ where member states do not charge customs duties on goods moving between them.

Answer 3

The European Union is an example of a customs union where member states do not charge customs duties on goods moving between them.

Question 4

Many technology companies engage in ______________ by moving their customer service operations to countries with lower labour costs.

Answer 4

Many technology companies engage in outsourcing by moving their customer service operations to countries with lower labour costs.

Question 5

Complex safety regulations can act as a ______________ that effectively restricts imports without explicitly imposing taxes.

Answer 5

Complex safety regulations can act as a non-tariff barrier that effectively restricts imports without explicitly imposing taxes.

Question 6

The USA currently has a ______________ with China, meaning it imports more goods from China than it exports to China.

Answer 6

The USA currently has a trade deficit with China, meaning it imports more goods from China than it exports to China.

Question 7

Countries within ASEAN form a significant ______________ that negotiates preferential trading terms with other nations.

Answer 7

Countries within ASEAN form a significant trade bloc that negotiates preferential trading terms with other nations.

Question 8

The agreement between the UK and Australia represents an important ______________ relationship that benefits both economies.

Answer 8

The agreement between the UK and Australia represents an important bilateral trade relationship that benefits both economies.

Question 9

The World Trade Organization facilitates ______________ agreements involving numerous countries simultaneously.

Answer 9

The World Trade Organization facilitates multilateral trade agreements involving numerous countries simultaneously.

Question 10

Japan and South Korea formed a ______________ to develop new battery technology, sharing both the costs and the potential profits.

Answer 10

Japan and South Korea formed a joint venture to develop new battery technology, sharing both the costs and the potential profits.

Question 11

Many governments provide a ______________ to their agricultural sectors to keep domestic food prices low and support farmers.

Answer 11

Many governments provide a subsidy to their agricultural sectors to keep domestic food prices low and support farmers.

Question 12

The United States imposed a complete ______________ on Cuban goods, prohibiting any trade between the two countries.

Answer 12

The United States imposed a complete embargo on Cuban goods, prohibiting any trade between the two countries.

Question 13

In response to unfair competition, the EU accused China of ______________ solar panels at prices below production cost.

Answer 13

In response to unfair competition, the EU accused China of dumping solar panels at prices below production cost.

Question 14

Car manufacturers achieve ______________ by producing millions of vehicles, which reduces the cost per unit.

Answer 14

Car manufacturers achieve economies of scale by producing millions of vehicles, which reduces the cost per unit.

Question 15

The company’s ______________ strategy involves adapting their products to meet the specific cultural preferences of each market.

Answer 15

The company’s localisation strategy involves adapting their products to meet the specific cultural preferences of each market.

Question 16

The government placed a strict ______________ on rice imports to protect domestic farmers, limiting imports to 100,000 tonnes per year.

Answer 16

The government placed a strict quota on rice imports to protect domestic farmers, limiting imports to 100,000 tonnes per year.

Question 17

______________ from developed nations into emerging markets has accelerated economic development in recipient countries.

Answer 17

Foreign direct investment from developed nations into emerging markets has accelerated economic development in recipient countries.

Question 18

The profit ______________ rules require multinational companies to transfer earnings from foreign subsidiaries back to the parent company’s country.

Answer 18

The profit repatriation rules require multinational companies to transfer earnings from foreign subsidiaries back to the parent company’s country.

Question 19

Critics of ______________ argue that it leads to job losses in developed countries and exploitation of workers in developing nations.

Answer 19

Critics of globalisation argue that it leads to job losses in developed countries and exploitation of workers in developing nations.

Question 20

Rising ______________ in various countries threatens to reverse decades of international economic integration.

Answer 20

Rising protectionism in various countries threatens to reverse decades of international economic integration.

Question 1

According to the text, since the early 1990s, world trade has:

Answer 1

Question 2

Which organisation has been working to establish global trading rules since 1995?

Answer 2

Question 3

The text identifies which of the following as a key driver of global economic transformations?

Answer 3

Question 4

According to the text, which country has become the world’s manufacturing powerhouse?

Answer 4

Question 5

What issue does the text mention has been associated with globalisation in developed nations?

Answer 5

Question 6

By which year does the text predict China will have overtaken the United States as the world’s largest economy?

Answer 6

Question 7

Which technology has been facilitating cross-border transactions with greater security?

Answer 7

Question 8

What event exposed vulnerabilities in global supply chains according to the text?

Answer 8

Question 9

Most major economies will have transitioned to renewable energy sources by 2045.

Answer 9

Question 10

Per capita income in China will remain significantly lower than in the United States even after China becomes the world’s largest economy.

Answer 10

Question 11

Demographic shifts will result in population declines in many emerging markets.

Answer 11

Question 12

The European Union is the world’s most integrated customs union.

Answer 12

Question 13

Digital platforms will have replaced all traditional business models by 2030.

Answer 13

Question 14

The fundamental trajectory toward greater global economic integration is expected to reverse in the coming decades.

Answer 14

Question 15

Companies have been diversifying their supply networks in response to vulnerabilities exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Answer 15

Question 16

Identify two ways that digital technologies have impacted global business according to the text.

Answer 16

1. “Revolutionised how businesses operate across borders”
2. Enabled “e-commerce… allowing even small companies to access international markets”
3. Through blockchain, “facilitated cross-border transactions with greater security and transparency”
4. Through automation and AI, been “transforming production processes”

Question 17

What does the text suggest has been happening to the distribution of benefits from globalisation?

Answer 17

The text suggests that benefits have not been distributed equally. While millions have been lifted out of poverty, particularly in Asia, many communities in developed nations have experienced job losses as manufacturing has shifted to lower-cost locations.

Question 18

Explain what the text means by “shifting the centre of economic gravity eastward and southward.”

Answer 18

This refers to the economic power moving from Western developed economies (North America, Europe) toward Asian countries like China and India (eastward) and developing nations in the southern hemisphere (southward). The text notes that “the combined economies of emerging markets will have exceeded those of traditional developed nations.”

Question 19

What does the text identify as the “key challenge for policymakers and business leaders”?

Answer 19

The key challenge is “managing this transformation to harness its potential while addressing its inevitable disruptions.”

Question 20

According to the text, how has India benefited from globalisation?

Answer 20

According to the text, “India has established itself as a global hub for information technology services, with companies from around the world outsourcing software development and customer support operations to Indian firms.”