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English for Developing a Business

Karen Vallejo and Marla Yoshida

This course will help you learn English vocabulary related to topics of business leadership and organization. The lessons on business communication and working globally present you with some phrases and skills for interacting in business environments. This is important for your business success in English. We will also talk about important language skills such as small talk, gerunds, word forms, and comparatives. Becoming familiar with these topics and skills in English will help you as you progress on your pathway in business.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Leadership in Business
This week we will look at some important qualities of leaders and some ideas about leading in crisis situations. You will be able to increase or reinforce your vocabulary as we look at some details about related word forms and some ways things are measured in the United States. These can help you as you improve your skills in using English.
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Focuses on leadership and organization; can apply to various business settings
Develops a strong foundation in business communication
Suitable for learners with entry-level business experience
Taught by Marla Yoshida and Karen Vallejo
Caution: learners should have a basic understanding of business vocabulary

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Reviews summary

Business english for professional communication

According to students, this course is a solid foundation for business English, equipping learners with practical vocabulary and essential communication skills. Many highlight the engaging lectures and relevant examples in modules like 'Communication at Work' and 'Leadership in Business'. While praised for its clear explanations and logical structure, some learners with more advanced English proficiency found certain sections, like 'small talk', to be somewhat basic, suggesting it's most beneficial for beginners to intermediate learners seeking to enhance their professional communication.
Strong emphasis on business-specific English vocabulary.
"It covered a lot of important vocabulary and communication strategies that I could immediately apply."
"The vocabulary acquisition was excellent, and the focus on real-world scenarios made it very applicable to my business needs."
"I found the segments on gerunds and comparatives particularly useful for improving my formal business writing."
Well-organized lessons with easy-to-understand explanations.
"The course structure is logical, and the instructors' explanations are easy to follow. I found everything articulated clearly."
"I appreciated the well-structured and relevant content, especially how topics like leadership and global business were effectively covered."
"I gained a deeper understanding because the material was presented in such a clear and organized manner."
Provides immediately applicable skills for business interactions.
"The 'Communication at Work' module was insightful, offering practical phrases for calls and excellent advice on nonverbal communication. I found it very relevant."
"This course is absolutely fantastic for improving my English in a business context. I found the practical tips on making presentations incredibly useful."
"I enjoyed the focus on real-world scenarios; it made the vocabulary acquisition very applicable to my work."
Best suited for beginners to intermediate English speakers.
"I was expecting more advanced vocabulary and deeper dives into negotiation or presentation skills, but it felt a bit superficial for my professional experience."
"I found this course somewhat basic; while the 'small talk' section was helpful, much of the communication advice felt like common sense rather than specific business English training."
"It felt more suited for beginners to intermediate learners, and for someone just starting their career, it would be more impactful than for an experienced professional."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in English for Developing a Business with these activities:
Online Study Group
Collaborate with other students to discuss course materials, share insights, and practice your English skills.
Browse courses on Business English
Show steps
  • Organize regular online meetings with a small group of classmates.
  • Prepare discussion topics or questions based on the course content.
  • Share your perspectives, ask questions, and provide feedback.
Vocabulary Practice Exercises
Improve your vocabulary and understanding of business concepts through repetitive exercises.
Browse courses on Business Vocabulary
Show steps
  • Choose a set of vocabulary words to practice.
  • Complete exercises such as fill-in-the-blanks, matching, and multiple choice.
  • Review your answers and identify areas where you need improvement.
Review: English Vocabulary in Use: Business & Law
Reinforce and expand your English business vocabulary, giving you a solid foundation in business terms and concepts.
View English Vocabulary in Use Upper-intermediate... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the introduction and skim the table of contents to get an overview of the book's structure and content.
  • Focus on one chapter at a time, reading the text and completing the exercises to practice the new vocabulary.
  • Use a dictionary or online resources to look up any unfamiliar words or phrases.
  • Review the vocabulary regularly to improve your retention.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Business English Communication Tutorials
Enhance your business communication skills through structured tutorials that cover key topics and provide practical tips.
Browse courses on Business English
Show steps
  • Identify areas where you want to improve your communication skills.
  • Find tutorials that address those areas, such as email writing, public speaking, or negotiation.
  • Follow the tutorials and complete the exercises to practice the techniques.
Attend Industry Events
Expand your network and connect with professionals in the business field to gain insights and learn about industry trends.
Show steps
  • Identify industry events related to business leadership or organization.
  • Attend events and actively network with professionals by introducing yourself and asking questions.
  • Follow up with contacts and exchange information.
Business Presentation
Develop your presentation skills and showcase your understanding of business concepts by creating a presentation on a topic related to the course.
Browse courses on Communication
Show steps
  • Choose a topic that you are interested in and that is relevant to the course material.
  • Research the topic and gather information from credible sources.
  • Create a presentation outline and develop your main points.
  • Use visual aids, such as slides or videos, to support your presentation.
  • Practice your presentation and time yourself to ensure it fits within the allocated time.
Business English Blog or Podcast
Deepen your understanding of business English and share your knowledge by creating a blog or podcast on a topic related to the course.
Browse courses on Business English
Show steps
  • Choose a topic that you are passionate about and that is relevant to the course content.
  • Research the topic and gather information from credible sources.
  • Create a blog post or podcast episode outline and develop your main points.
  • Write or record your content, ensuring that it is clear, concise, and engaging.
  • Edit and refine your content before sharing it with others.

Career center

Learners who complete English for Developing a Business will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Management Analyst
Management Analysts use business knowledge and analytical tools to help organizations solve problems, improve processes, and make better decisions at the highest level. You will also be tasked with helping a company or organization through the process of restructuring or improving their organization through data analysis and business strategy. This course may help you if you are seeking the communication and problem solving skills needed in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Management Analyst
Operations Manager
Operations Managers are responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the operations of a business. They work to ensure that the business operates efficiently and effectively. This course may help you if you are seeking the leadership and problem solving skills needed in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager
Business Analyst
Business Analysts work with organizations to identify and solve business problems. They use their knowledge of business processes and technology to help organizations improve their efficiency and effectiveness. This course may help you if you are seeking the analytical and problem solving skills needed in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst
Business Consultant
Business Consultants help organizations improve their performance by providing advice on strategy, operations, and technology. They work with clients to identify problems, develop solutions, and implement change. This course may help you if you are seeking the strategic thinking and problem solving skills needed in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Consultant
Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Managers are responsible for managing the human capital of an organization. They work to recruit, hire, train, and develop employees. This course may help you if you are seeking the communication and interpersonal skills needed in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager
Customer Service Manager
Customer Service Managers are responsible for managing a team of customer service representatives. They work to ensure that customers are satisfied with the products or services they receive. This course may help you if you are seeking the communication and interpersonal skills needed in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Customer Service Manager
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers are responsible for developing and executing marketing campaigns. They work to promote products or services to potential customers. This course may help you if you are seeking the communication and analytical skills needed in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager
Data Analyst
Data Analysts use data to identify trends, patterns, and insights. They use this information to help organizations make better decisions. This course may help you if you are seeking the analytical and communication skills needed in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst
Information Systems Manager
Information Systems Managers are responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the information systems of an organization. They work to ensure that the information systems are reliable, secure, and meet the needs of the organization. This course may help you if you are seeking the leadership and problem solving skills needed in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Information Systems Manager
Market Research Analyst
Market Research Analysts are responsible for conducting research on market trends, customer needs, and competitor's strategies. They use this information to help companies make better decisions about product development, marketing, and sales. This course may help you if you are seeking the research and communication skills needed in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Market Research Analyst
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts are responsible for evaluating the financial performance of companies. They use this information to make recommendations about investment decisions. This course may help you if you are seeking the analytical and communication skills needed in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst
Project Manager
Project Managers are responsible for planning, organizing, and executing projects. They work to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality. This course may help you if you are seeking the leadership and problem solving skills needed in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager
Investment Banker
Investment Bankers help companies raise capital and provide financial advice. They work with companies to develop and execute financial strategies. This course may help you if you are seeking the analytical and communication skills needed in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Investment Banker
Sales Manager
Sales Managers are responsible for leading and motivating a team of salespeople. They work to develop and implement sales strategies, and to achieve sales goals. This course may help you if you are seeking a role in management, as it may help develop communication and leadership skills.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager
Product Manager
Product Managers are responsible for planning, developing, and launching new products. They work to ensure that products meet the needs of customers and are successful in the marketplace. This course may help you if you have interest in product management, as it may provide some of the vocabulary needed to succeed within the role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Reading list

We've selected 14 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in English for Developing a Business.
Business Communication for Success
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of business communication, covering topics such as effective writing, public speaking, and interpersonal communication. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to improve their communication skills in a business setting.
Business Communication for Success Version 2.0
Paperback
$$$
Business Communication for Success (Canadian...
Paperback Bunko
$$$$
Cover image
Leadership in Organizations, Global Edition
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of leadership in organizations, covering topics such as leadership styles, effective leadership practices, and the challenges of leadership. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about leadership in a business setting.
Leadership in Organizations, Global Edition
Paperback
Check
Leadership in Organizations, Global Edition
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Hbr's 10 Must Reads for New Managers Collection
Save
Provides a practical guide to management, covering topics such as planning, organizing, staffing, and controlling. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the basics of management.
Hbr's 10 Must Reads for New Managers Collection
Paperback
Check
Hbr's 10 Must Reads for New Managers Collection
Kindle Edition
Check
Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use...
Save
Provides a practical guide to building a successful startup, covering topics such as customer development, product development, and marketing. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the challenges of starting a business.
The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use...
Hardcover
$$
The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Disruptive Innovation Set (2 Books)
Save
Provides a framework for understanding how disruptive innovation works. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the challenges of innovation in a business setting.
The Disruptive Innovation Set (2 Books)
Paperback
$$
The Disruptive Innovation Set (2 Books)
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Crux
Save
Provides a practical guide to developing and implementing a good strategy. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the challenges of strategic planning in a business setting.
The Crux: How Leaders Become Strategists
Hardcover
$$
The Crux: How Leaders Become Strategists
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
What You Do Is Who You Are: How to Create Your...
Save
Provides a practical guide to building and running a successful technology company. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the challenges of entrepreneurship.
What You Do Is Who You Are: How to Create Your...
Hardcover
$$
What You Do Is Who You Are: How to Create Your...
Kindle Edition
$$
Zero to One: Notes on Startups, Or How to Build the...
Save
Provides a contrarian view of entrepreneurship, arguing that the best businesses are built by creating new markets rather than competing in existing ones. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the challenges of innovation in a business setting.
Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the...
Hardcover
$$
Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Lean Six Sigma - An Introduction and Toolkit (EBOOK...
Save
Provides a practical guide to Lean Six Sigma, a methodology for improving quality and reducing waste in a business setting. It would be a valuable reference tool for students who want to learn more about process improvement.
Lean Six Sigma - An Introduction and Toolkit (EBOOK...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Hydraulics in Civil and Environmental Engineering
Save
Provides a practical guide to project management, covering topics such as planning, executing, and closing a project. It would be a valuable reference tool for students who want to learn more about the basics of project management.
Hydraulics in Civil and Environmental Engineering
Paperback
$$$
Hydraulics in Civil and Environmental Engineering,...
Hardcover
$$$$
Hydraulics in Civil and Environmental Engineering
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Software in 30 Days
Save
Provides a brief overview of Scrum, a framework for software development. It would be a valuable reference for students who want to learn more about Scrum.
Software in 30 Days: How Agile Managers Beat the...
Paperback
$$
(中文) 30天软件开发：告别瀑布拥抱敏捷 (图灵程序设计丛书 84) (Chinese Edition)
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
The DevOps Handbook
Save
Provides a practical guide to DevOps, a set of practices for software development and operations. It would be a valuable reference for students who want to learn more about DevOps.
The DevOps Handbook: How to Create World-Class...
Paperback
$$
The DevOps Handbook: How to Create World-Class...
Kindle Edition
$$
The Phoenix Project
Save
Provides a fictionalized account of how a software development team implemented DevOps. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the challenges and benefits of DevOps.
The Phoenix Project: A Novel about IT, DevOps, and...
Paperback
$$
The Phoenix Project
Paperback
$$
The Phoenix Project: A Novel about IT, DevOps, and...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Electric Cables
Save
Provides a framework for understanding and building a positive and productive organizational culture. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the importance of culture in a business setting.
Electric cables, their construction and cost, 1909...
Leather Bound
$$$

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Course image
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of California, Irvine
Instructors
Karen Vallejo
Marla Yoshida
Language
English
Transcripts
Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша
This course belongs to a collection called Essential English for Business Professionals. It's comprised of three courses:
  1. English for Running a Successful Business
  2. English for Effective Business Communications
  3. English for Developing a Business (viewing)
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Focuses on leadership and organization; can apply to various business settings
Develops a strong foundation in business communication
Suitable for learners with entry-level business experience
Taught by Marla Yoshida and Karen Vallejo
Caution: learners should have a basic understanding of business vocabulary
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