Business Case Analyses

Course Description

LABU 2040 seeks to equip students with persuasive communication skills, both oral and written, through analyzing business cases and presenting solutions to problems identified. It provides students with a solid framework and hands-on practice to communicate persuasively and professionally in business settings. In presenting case problems, analysis and recommendations, students learn to identify issues, develop and organize key ideas, and eventually to persuade the audience of the validity of the arguments and proposed actions. The course sharpens students’ ability to explain and support ideas logically, coherently and cohesively using various techniques, to communicate clearly, concisely and accurately, and in appropriate tone and style. Through a range of learning activities involving reading, discussion, writing and making oral presentations, students also develop critical reading, critical thinking and problem solving skills as well as teamwork and leadership skills.

Key Course Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

Communication and Language Skills

1. Write effectively to persuade a specific audience
   • Adapt the message to the purpose and context of the communication and to the audience’s needs;
   • Identify, develop and organize ideas logically, coherently and cohesively;
   • Use clear, concise and accurate language;
   • Adjust style and tone to suit the purpose, context and audience.
2. Give an oral presentation effectively to persuade a specific audience
   • Identify and adapt the message to the purpose, context and audience’s needs;
   • Identify, develop and organize ideas logically, coherently and cohesively;
   • Create effective openings and closings;
   • Build rapport, make the message effective, sustain the audience’s attention and impact the audience using space, facial expression and eye-contact, gestures, body posture and movement;
   • Create effective visual aids;
   • Handle questions and answer sessions professionally;
   • Use voice, tone and style effectively to enhance the message.

Critical Reading, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Skills

3. Develop critical reading, critical thinking and problem-solving skills by analyzing a business case.

Knowledge/ Content Related

4. Apply knowledge/ concepts across business disciplines.

Leadership and Teamwork, International Outlook, Vision and Orientation to the Future, and Ethical Standards and Compassion

5. Display teamwork and leadership skills.
6. Manage learning individually and in teams.
7. Use technology to enhance learning.
8. Demonstrate awareness of cultural sensitivity and ethical issues.