Business Case Analyses I

Course Description

LABU 2051 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 a recommendation report effectively.
   • Adapt the message to the purpose and context of the communication and to the audience’s needs.
   • Structure a recommendation report appropriately.
   • Organize ideas logically, coherently and cohesively to meet the purpose, context and needs of audience.
   • Use the appropriate style (direct and concise) and tone to suit the purpose, context and audience.
   • Use accurate language.
2. Give an oral presentation effectively.
   • Adapt the message to the purpose, context of the communication and to the audience’s needs.
   • Organize ideas logically to meet the purpose, context and the audience’s needs.
   • Use voice, space, facial expression and eye contact, body posture and movement, and gestures to build rapport with the audience, make the message effective, sustain the audience’s attention and impact the audience.
   • Use accurate grammar and pronunciation.

Critical Reading, Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills

3. Read and think critically, and solve problems.
   • Read business cases critically, discuss and comprehend the situation.
   • Identify and define the problem.
   • Research, select and analyze accurate and relevant information.
   • Generate and evaluate alternative solutions.
   • Make and justify recommendations.

Knowledge/ Content Related

4. Acquire an understanding of decision-making.
   • Apply the principles of decision-making in business contexts across a few 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.