Cross-Cultural Communication with Business Management

Cross-cultural Communication with Business Management is a three-year degree programme designed for EU and International students who are particularly interested in developing expertise in the two interrelated areas of cross-cultural communication and business management, and in aspects of translation studies. It is taught jointly by the Norwich Business School and by the School of Language and Communication Studies.

In a globalised world where economies are interdependent, cross-cultural awareness is crucial. International businesses generally have a highly diverse workforce in terms of nationality and cultural background and face challenges from differences in language, values, belief systems, business ethics, business practices, behaviour, etiquette, and expectations. The enlargement of the EU and the world economy are not only creating new markets but also generating an awareness of a range of issues relating to language mediation in international business. For EU or International students, studying foundation Business Management in the context of a British university is the best way to develop insights into business practices in a different culture. On the other hand, cross-cultural work on translation and language issues will develop your sensitivity to cross-cultural transfer. As a graduate of this programme, you will be able to operate more effectively in international business because of your enhanced awareness of cross-cultural communication issues.

Two working languages are required to apply for this degree: English as a foreign language (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent with 6 in all categories) and your own native language.

The programme structure in Business Management is designed to provide the core disciplines of business and management. The design of the Business Management strand of the degree reflects a business management (BSc) rather than a business studies (BA) approach: the nature, tasks and context of the organisational management process are the chief focus. Modern principles of business management are introduced throughout the degree programme. Students devote approximately one third of their time to the study of Business Management in the Norwich Business School.

The language issues and translation issues modules make up the remaining two thirds of the degree. These modules deal with issues associated with globalisation and the rapid development of communication and communication media, and enable students to explore materials from a linguistic, cultural and cross-cultural perspective. Their concerns are both theoretical and practical, and work in each entails hands-on sensitisation to a range of questions relating to cross-cultural communication today. A variety of materials are considered, to uncover and investigate key aspects involved, for example, in the transposition and translation of a range of text types into other media and/or other languages across different genres (e.g. multilingual publications, multilingual packaging, web texts, film subtitles). While the modules consider issues across a range of languages, your own project work relates to your own language pair. Progression over three years is ensured by the shift from introductory modules in the first year, to greater specialisation, sophistication of approach and more choice in subsequent years.

The programme is flexible and comprises a range of modules, particularly in years two and three. There are 20 credits free choice in years two and three which enable students to take further Business Management modules or language or translation issues modules.

Distinctive Features

New Module for 2011-12: Intercultural Communication in Practice - Available in your 2nd or 3rd Year of Study

This module explores how students can become more effective communicators in international settings, by developing their intercultural competence. It is relevant to those wishing to pursue careers in international management and multilingual business. Invited speakers will introduce students to how intercultural communication operates in specific government and business organisations.

The optional translation work experience module provides you with the opportunity to experience professional translation first-hand. You will be taught alongside UK students, thus constantly enhancing your linguistic and cross-cultural communication skills. You will have the option of extending or consolidating your proficiency in another language from the wide range offered by the School to further broaden your access to other cultures.

Structure

Year 1

The first year is made up mostly of compulsory modules. In the Norwich Business School, these modules are: Introduction to Business; Developing Business Skills; and Introduction to Organisational Behaviour. The first year programme in LCS consists of a Study, Research and Communication Skills introductory module. The first year is completed by a module in the School of Political, Social and International Relations on globalisation and one module chosen from a range covering media, communication and language.

Year 2

The second year of study comprises two core modules in Business Management - Principles of Marketing and Human Resource Management. These modules are complemented by a choice of three 20-credit modules in LCS relating to cross-cultural communication and discourse and the choice of one module of a subsidiary language. Our range of Subsidiary languages is currently as follows: British Sign Language, Mandarin Chinese, French, German, Modern Greek, Italian, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish. Many of these can be studied for a second year (to intermediate level, i.e. A level equivalent); there are also one-year and two-year post-A level subsidiary courses in some languages. A further free choice of one module gives students the opportunity to further their expertise in Business Management or Cross-cultural communication, or to continue the study of the subsidiary language chosen in the first semester. Students may also choose a module from the range offered across the university.

Year 3

The third year comprises two modules in Business Management, including - Strategic Management and a choice of one other. These two modules are complemented by a choice of 4 modules relating to cross-cultural communication and translation and multicultural issues. Modules taken at level 2 in year two cannot be repeated at level 3 in year three. There are also 20 credits of free choice in year three.

Resources

The James Platt Language Centre houses a language laboratory, a viewing and editing room, a digitised interpreting suite for advanced language training and a large, multimedia self-access resources room with up-to-date computers linked to the internet, and translation software.

Events

Public Lecture Series: This public lecture series involves speakers from the UK, France, Spain and elsewhere and enables our students, local secondary school students and teachers, and the public, to have access to outside input into debates about language, translation and culture. More information on these can be found on our news and events website.

Employment prospects

The enlargement of the EU and the world economy are not only creating new markets but also generating an awareness of a range of issues relating to language mediation in international business. The business world has been learning its lessons very fast. This is making cross-cultural communication and translation an up-and-coming topic/discipline, likely to attract increasing numbers of applicants. Employers themselves are looking not just for business or mediation skills, but for an awareness of wider issues involved in business and in the process of mediation, and a concomitant ability to adapt to fast-paced change.

The acquisition of knowledge and understanding, skills and aptitudes required for a career in international business will enhance employability both in the UK and internationally for students on this programme. Students will be able to pursue careers in the areas of communication and intercultural consultancy in multinational and international business, in particular in the fields of intercultural training, human resource management, communication and marketing. Careers in government overseas agencies and organisations for international cooperation, the voluntary sector, local government community initiatives and business consultancies, as well as in the communication and media industries will also be open to students on this degree.