If all Business Education Were in English, Would it Matter?

2011 ◽  
Vol 161 ◽  
pp. 111-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Wilkinson
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Business Education ◽  
Language Use ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Business Practice ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Content Learning ◽  
English Medium Instruction ◽  
English Speaking ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Increasingly, English is becoming the dominant language of business education. The reasons are well known: internationalization, globalization, and the desire to prepare students for the business environment in the coming decades. This paper speculates about the impact of English-medium instruction in business education on the nature of English proficiency, the nature of the content learned, and the perspective for business practice. Firstly, students can learn content effectively through a foreign language, and have been doing so for centuries. However, with English-medium instruction in a non-English-speaking environment, the growth in language competences in English may rather lie in specific skills, with the acceptance of ‘fossilized’ language use, reduced accuracy and less nuanced communication, even if CLIL approaches are adopted. Secondly, regarding the impact on content learning, it is possible that the learning itself may be relatively unaffected, but if both students and staff have a less accurate and less nuanced competence in English, the expressive competences may be affected. Thirdly, a language imposes its own perspectives on the world. Business education through the medium of English may engender an English filter on students’ perspectives on business practices and communication. This paper suggests that this matters.

Conventional banks and Fintechs: how digitization has transformed both models

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (6) ◽  
pp. 19-29
Author(s):  
Elisabeth Paulet ◽  
Hareesh Mavoori
Keyword(s):  
Business Model ◽  
Financial Institutions ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Digital Revolution ◽  
Banking Strategy ◽  
Conventional Banks ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The digital revolution has substantially changed the business environment. Most banks have acknowledged the importance of new technologies to improve performance and client satisfaction. The development of these innovations has led to the entrance of the so-called Fintechs. This paper aims to evaluate the impact of these transformations on the performance of financial institutions and on their business model. Design/methodology/approach The authors use data envelopment analysis and Malmquist total productivity indices to measure financial institutions’ efficiency and their influence on strategy. Findings The main finding is that clients are more than ever at the core of banking strategy. The irrelevance of distance in basic banking transactions has reduced expenses and contributed to increasing revenues for all financial institutions. Banks will have a card to play in the advice they can bring to their clients. Practical implications This research could be of interest for financial managers who wish to re-examine their current business practices and imagine their business model for the future. Originality/value The contribution will be to further define the correlation between the provision of electronic banking services and its performance by including diversified institutions (conventional banks, Fintechs, Gafas) in the sample from multiple geographic zones to identify differences as regards their efficiency and business practices.

scholarly journals Linguistic Markers and Stylistic Attributes of Hedging in English Academic Papers Written by Native and Non-Native Speakers of English

MANUSYA ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-22
Author(s):  
Amara Prasithrathsint
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Academic Writing ◽  
Language Use ◽  
Native Speakers ◽  
Linguistic Features ◽  
Linguistic Markers ◽  
Native Speakers Of English ◽  
English Academic Writing ◽  
The Impact

Hedging means mitigating words so as to lessen the impact of an utterance. It may cause uncertainty in language but is regarded as an important feature in English academic writing. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the style of academic writing in English with particular reference to the significant role of hedging and the linguistic features that mark it. The data was taken from academic articles in the humanities written by native speakers of English, Filipino speakers of English, and Thai speakers of English. It is hypothesized that speakers of English as a foreign language use fewer and different hedging devices than native speakers of English. The result of the analysis shows that the prominent linguistic markers of hedging are the auxiliaries may, might, could, the verbs suggest, appear, seem, and the adverbs perhaps and often. They are divided into three groups according to their stylistic attributes of hedging; namely, probability, indetermination, and approximation. The use of hedging found in the data confirms what Hyman (1994) says; i.e., that hedging allows writers to express their uncertainty about the truth of their statements. It is also found that English native speakers use hedges most frequently. The Filipino speakers of English are the second, and the Thai speakers of English use hedges the least frequency. This implies that hedging is likely to be related to the level of competence in English including knowledge of stylistic variation, and that it needs to be formally taught to those who speak English as a second or foreign language.

scholarly journals The Impact of Native Language Use on Second Language Vocabulary Learning by Saudi EFL Students

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Saleem Khan
Keyword(s):  
Community College ◽  
Second Language ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Secondary Students ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Use ◽  
Native Language ◽  
Vocabulary Learning ◽  
Target Language ◽  
The Impact

<p>This paper strives to explore the impact of Native Language use on Foreign Language vocabulary learning on the basis of empirical and available data. The study is carried out with special reference to the English Language Programme students in Buraydah Community College, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia. The Native Language of these students is Arabic and their Second Language is English. The participants in this research study are the post-secondary students of Buraydah Community College in Intensive Course Programme. The instrument used in this study was in the form of two tests. It is well known that in language assessment tests play a pivotal role in evaluating the EFL learners’ language proficiency. The use of native language as a semantic tool for assessing second language learners’ understanding shouldn’t be rejected altogether especially for the undergrad Saudi EFL (English as a Foreign Language) students. The outcomes of the study show that in learning the vocabulary of target language is significantly helped by the use of translation method of native language (Arabic) in understanding the meaning of novel words and expressions of foreign language (English). This method is widely welcomed by majority of the students of Buraydah Community College. It’s recommended to use this method in order to take the students directly to the core meaning of the word or expression. It also, sometimes, gives a sense of accuracy of the meaning of native language equivalents.</p>

The Role of Electronic Business in the Reengeneering and Integration of Business Processes

2017 ◽  
Vol 55 (4) ◽  
pp. 539-560
Author(s):  
Slavoljub Milovanović ◽  
Tanja Janaćković ◽  
Jovica Stanković
Keyword(s):  
Enterprise Resource Planning ◽  
Information Technologies ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Resource Planning ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Customer Relationship ◽  
Planning System ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Electronic Business ◽  
The Impact

AbstractElectronic business leads to the reengineering of business processes in a company, which encompasses integrating processes through customer relationship management, supply chain management, and an enterprise resource planning system. The aim of the paper is to analyse the impact of electronic business on enterprise transformation through reengineering and integration of business processes. The significance of the research is to emphasise management problems and challenges encountered by companies due to electronic business and application of information technologies. The research applies an analytical method to examine the effects of electronic business on business processes. The main contribution of the research is to look at electronic business as an initiator and the cause of radical changes in business processes characterised as reengineering. By transforming their business practices into electronic business, companies make significant efforts in their restructuring in order to deal with the changes in the competitive environment. The basis of these efforts is a redesign and change of business processes. The conclusion is that introducing the Internet and Web-technologies in business does not require only a radical reengineering of existing basic business processes but also generation of new ones, which would support the new business environment.

Co-developing science literacy and foreign language literacy through “Concept + Language Mapping”

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 261-288
Author(s):  
Peichang He ◽  
Angel M. Y. Lin
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Design ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Student Teacher ◽  
Language Mapping ◽  
Teacher Interviews ◽  
Student Work ◽  
Language Knowledge ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
English Medium Instruction ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Drawing on Lemke’s (1990) “thematic patterns” theory, this research proposes a “Concept + Language Mapping” (CLM) approach and tried it out in an English Medium Instruction (EMI) biology classroom in Hong Kong. Lessons were observed and samples of student work were collected during the intervention with student/teacher interviews conducted afterwards. A quasi-experimental design was also adopted to estimate the impact of the CLM approach. The analysis indicated that CLM facilitated the development of both content and language knowledge.

Holistic, Continuous Assurance Integration: e-Business Opportunities and Challenges

2002 ◽  
Vol 16 (s-1) ◽  
pp. 1-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marilyn M. Greenstein ◽  
Amy W. Ray
Keyword(s):  
Value Chain ◽  
Organizational Structures ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Global Business ◽  
Accounting Firms ◽  
Accounting Firm ◽  
Assurance Services ◽  
Client Firm ◽  
The Impact

This paper explores the impact of web-based e-business operations on client firm processes and accounting methods, and addresses related issues for accounting firm assurance services teams to consider. In particular, some of the complications and potential problems associated with the use of traditional assurance methods on e-businesses with digital operating environments are discussed. The flexibility required to respond to the everchanging business environment of e-enabled client firms will require accounting firm leaders to rethink and reengineer existing management structures and practices. While clients of accounting firms are realizing tremendous value by streamlining information flows and increasing information sharing internally and externally, accounting firms remain organized primarily into discreet functions that often compete internally for customers. An e-business model, the Customer-Oriented Value Chain, is employed to frame the discussion of emerging accounting issues resulting from new digital business practices. Within this context we develop 16 propositions regarding potential methods accounting firms may consider applying for two purposes: (1) better alignment of traditional assurance practices with client firm e-business activities, and (2) better integration of existing assurance offerings. Subsequently, the challenges associated with offering integrated assurance services given current accounting firm organizational structures is discussed and a model of suggested organizational changes to accounting firms is presented. This model is inspired by the CPA Vision Project, the AICPA's Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) designation, and the new Global Business Credential initiatives, and is intended to serve as a prototype upon which to build improved organizational structures. Some of the potential benefits of reorganization and better services integration include more efficient use of firm resources, greater profitability, more efficient associate training, a clearer understanding of client business processes, and greater value provision to clients.

scholarly journals Transnational Universities and English Medium Instruction in China: How Admissions, Language Support and Language Use Differ in Chinese Universities

RELC Journal ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 003368822110200
Author(s):  
Jim McKinley ◽  
Heath Rose ◽  
Sihan Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Language Use ◽  
Entrance Examination ◽  
College Entrance Examination ◽  
College Entrance ◽  
Chinese Universities ◽  
Language Support ◽  
English Medium Instruction ◽  
Group Interviews ◽  
National College Entrance Examination ◽  
The Impact

This article reports on a study of policymaking at transnational and local universities in China concerning English Medium Instruction (EMI) provision, and the impact this has on stakeholder experiences. It explores policymaking at two transnational universities, which are compared and contrasted with data collected at six other Chinese universities that offer EMI programmes. Data were collected via individual and group interviews with 26 key policy stakeholders during fieldwork at the eight universities and centred on language-related policy diffusion surrounding admissions, language support, and language use. Findings revealed a reliance on foundation year studies at transnational universities versus the Gaokao (national college entrance examination) at other universities to ensure students had the requisite proficiency upon admissions. Findings also revealed transnational universities were more likely to offer language support to their students and have language policies governing language use. Overall, the findings reveal a range of affordances and caveats associated with each institution’s contextualized policy making, causing ease and conflict for EMI stakeholders.

scholarly journals Am I truly monolingual? The importance of understanding linguistic experiences in monolinguals

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sofía Castro ◽  
Zofia Wodniecka ◽  
Kalinka Timmer
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Language Processing ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Foreign Languages ◽  
Language Experience ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
English Speaking ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Monolingualism has typically been understood as a homogeneous phenomenon. The linguistic experiences of monolinguals are usually overlooked when analysing the impact of foreign language experiences on language processing and cognitive functioning. In this study, we analyse the linguistic experiences of 962 English-speaking individuals from the United Kingdom (UK) who identified as monolinguals. Through an online survey, we found that more than 80% of these monolinguals had in fact learned at least one foreign language, dialect, or type of jargon. More than half of this 80% of monolinguals also used languages they had learned at some point in their lives. Moreover, nearly 40% of all the studied monolinguals confirmed that they had been exposed to foreign languages or dialects in their environment; approximately a fourth of these monolinguals who declared exposure to at least one foreign language (or dialect) confirmed that they also used these languages. Furthermore, activities that involved passive use of languages (e.g., watching TV) were occasionally carried out in foreign languages: around 26% of these monolinguals confirmed the passive use of more than one language. Lastly, around 58% of them who had visited one or more non-English-speaking countries declared the active use of foreign languages during their stay(s). These results suggest that the linguistic experiences of monolinguals from the UK often include exposure to and use of foreign languages. Moreover, these results show the need to consider the specificity of the monolingual language experience when analysing the impact of foreign languages on cognitive functioning, as differences in the language experiences of bilinguals also have divergent impacts on cognition. Lastly, monolingual experiences are different from bilingual experiences; therefore, questionnaires that target the particular linguistic experiences of monolinguals should be developed.

First and second language use in English medium instruction contexts

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 382-402 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ernesto Macaro ◽  
Lili Tian ◽  
Lingmin Chu
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Use ◽  
First Language ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Academic Disciplines ◽  
Chinese University ◽  
English Medium Instruction ◽  
Efl Classrooms ◽  
Academic Content

Although there is a wealth of research on the use of the first language (L1) in English as a foreign language (EFL) classrooms, there is as yet very little research of this kind in classrooms where the prime pedagogical objective is to teach academic content through English as a second language (English medium instruction; EMI). It is important to begin filling this gap because a purported aim of content-based programs is to expose students to large quantities of the target language. We investigated the practices of five EMI teachers in a Chinese university and measured the reactions of their students both quantitatively and qualitatively. Our findings show that these teachers switched to the L1 rarely (although with considerable differences among the teachers) and mostly to explain both simple and complex concepts in their academic disciplines. Although students were unperturbed by the switches to the L1, some felt that the teacher could have made more of an effort to explain it in L2 first.

scholarly journals The Drivers of Managerial Practices: Firm and Country Characteristics Explaining Managerial Performance

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (11) ◽  
pp. 221
Author(s):  
Roberto Iorio ◽  
Maria Luigia Segnana
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Empirical Support ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Firm Characteristics ◽  
Firm Level ◽  
Managerial Practices ◽  
The Impact

A large body of researches in recent years resulted in the growth of knowledge about better or worse management practices. However, comparative research using firm-level data has been limited by the different styles on management and by the unavailability of homogeneous data sources, especially in former transition and Asian countries. This study fills this gap, by using the firm-level survey by EBRD and World Bank (BEEPS V-MENA ES, 2012-2014) and by looking at the determinants of a Management quality score (MQS) for more than 17.000 firms in 36 countries of Central Asia, Eastern Europe and Northern Africa. We find that both country and firm characteristics matter for managerial skills but the ladder weight differently. In fact, the country-grouping changes, accelerates or dampens the impact of firms&rsquo; characteristics on management performance and identifies the channels conducive of better managerial practices. Competition, education, and technology are important channels for the high-income countries only, whereas global value chain participation and ownership are significant channels for the low-income countries only. In particular, GVC participation enhances significantly managerial practices of firms in low-income countries especially for the lower quartile firms. Hence, this study provides empirical support for interplay between country and firm characteristics in transitional and emerging markets. In addition, it provides support for an enhanced connection between business environment reforms devoted to managerial upgrading and industrial policy devoted to enhancing best-performing firms&rsquo; characteristics. As such, it suggests that only their complementary and targeted use can support management and business practices upgrading.

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