Themes

Knowledge of foreign languages and intercultural skills are the first challenges that need to be faced in the world of international business. In international companies, one of the questions raised is as to whether a uniform business language should be adopted, as well as to how the use of various foreign languages affects day-to-day business. Topics to be presented and discussed will include: new methods of intercultural language training, the challenges of cross-border cooperation (e.g. in virtual teams), the prospects for international mobility and intercultural team management.

Smartphones and tablets are growing in importance in the modern business world. This means that mobile applications in particular provide employees with new opportunities to further their training. As such, language training using online tools and providers, as well as software and language communities, exerts an increasing influence on our learning process and on our learning environment. What opportunities do these new types of technology offer trainers and learners? How can online courses and mobile applications be used effectively and efficiently in order to help employees continue their training? Do digital learning environments offer more cost-efficiency and flexibility for professional training? How does the commercialisation of online communities affect the language training market?

This theme aims to address and discuss the current developments in the language training market using examples of best practice. Various approaches and methods will reflect the diversity of the international training market. Furthermore, innovative programmes for language training from the European Union will be presented. There will also be an opportunity to suggest projects that promote language training and new ideas for essential programmes.

Supply and demand determine business practice. This is also true for the demand for foreign language skills. This topic creates a bridge between the business and academic sectors. Opportunities for cooperation, groundbreaking projects and innovative ideas will be presented here. Concurrently, the presentation on best practices will reflect current company demand, how it must be taken into account early on in training new employees, and which sustainable training programmes are offered for specialist and management personnel.

Quality assurance for training, and especially the practical applicability for relevant operational areas, is essential in business communication. A significant point here from the point of view of a company is return on investment of training. Methods and types of quality management and the criteria in place to ensure quality standards will be presented and discussed. Furthermore, the question of how the quality of further training in companies can be guaranteed given increasing cost pressures will be discussed. Further topics will include the role of language portfolios as proof of performance in the business world, and which assessment methods guarantee international comparability. The new requirements for trainers and their future qualifications will be presented.

The demand for industry-specific training is growing and it is enabling access to the workforce in terms of international mobility. Which languages are on the training plan here? What is the future of business English? Do we still have a need for a lingua franca in the international business world? What part does small talk have to play in business communication? Is basic, business-orientated language knowledge the key to economic success?