Business Objectives Vicki Hollett
Sibyl Piccuillo
Business Objectives by Vicki Hollett: A Review
Business Objectives is a course book for intermediate-level learners of Business English. It was written by Vicki Hollett, a graduate of Reading and Essex Universities in the UK, and now a teacher of Business English in the USA. The book aims to develop the skills students need to participate in a variety of business contexts, such as meetings, negotiations, presentations, and socializing. It also offers controlled grammar practice, systematic teaching of relevant vocabulary, and challenging activities that encourage students to use their own business experience. In this article, we will review the main features and benefits of Business Objectives by Vicki Hollett.
Structure and Content
Business Objectives consists of 30 units, each covering a different topic or function related to business communication. The units are organized into six sections: Getting Started, Making Contact, Exchanging Information, Reaching Agreement, Solving Problems, and Finishing Up. Each unit has four pages and follows the same format: Introduction, Language Focus, Skills Development, and Case Study. The Introduction presents the topic and the objectives of the unit. The Language Focus provides clear explanations and examples of grammar and vocabulary relevant to the topic. The Skills Development offers practice exercises and tips on how to improve specific skills, such as listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The Case Study gives students the opportunity to apply what they have learned in a realistic business scenario.
The book also contains an interactive CD-ROM that contains additional material for self-study or classroom use. The CD-ROM includes audio recordings of all the listening texts in the book, interactive exercises for grammar and vocabulary practice, video clips of authentic business situations, and a progress test for each section. The book also has a glossary of key terms, a reference section with useful phrases and expressions, and an answer key for the exercises.
Strengths and Weaknesses
One of the main strengths of Business Objectives by Vicki Hollett is that it covers a wide range of topics and functions that are relevant and useful for business communication. The book is suitable for students who work or plan to work in different fields and industries, as it covers topics such as marketing, finance, human resources, production, quality control, customer service, and more. The book also focuses on developing both linguistic and pragmatic competence, as it teaches not only grammar and vocabulary, but also how to use them appropriately in different contexts and cultures. The book also encourages students to use their own business experience and knowledge in the activities, which makes the learning more meaningful and personalized.
Another strength of Business Objectives by Vicki Hollett is that it provides clear explanations and examples of grammar and vocabulary items that are often difficult or confusing for learners of English. For example, the book explains the difference between countable and uncountable nouns, the use of articles and quantifiers, the formation and use of modal verbs, the structure and function of passive voice, and more. The book also introduces and practices a lot of useful business vocabulary related to each topic or function. For example, the book teaches words and phrases such as agenda, minutes, chairperson, rapporteur, proposal, counterproposal, concession, compromise, deadlock, breakthrough, contingency plan, troubleshooting, feedback loop, etc.
A possible weakness of Business Objectives by Vicki Hollett is that it may be too challenging or demanding for some learners who are not familiar with business concepts or practices. The book assumes that students have some background knowledge or experience in business or related fields. Some of the topics or functions may be too complex or abstract for beginners or elementary-level learners. For example, some units deal with topics such as market research methods, financial statements, quality management systems, etc., which may require some prior knowledge or explanation from the teacher or other sources. Also,
some of the activities may be too difficult or time-consuming for some learners who are not used to working in groups or doing projects. For example,
some case studies require students to prepare presentations, write reports, conduct surveys, etc., which may be challenging for some learners who lack confidence or skills in these areas.
Conclusion
In conclusion,
Business Objectives by Vicki Hollett is a well-designed and comprehensive course book for intermediate-level learners of Business English. It covers a wide range of topics and functions that are relevant and useful for business communication. It also provides clear explanations and examples of grammar and vocabulary items that are often difficult or confusing for learners of English. It also encourages students to use their own business experience and knowledge in the activities, which makes the learning more meaningful and personalized. However, the book may be too challenging or demanding for some learners who are not familiar with business concepts or practices. The book assumes that students have some background knowledge or experience in business or related fields. Some of the topics or functions may be too complex or abstract for beginners or elementary-level learners. Also, some of the activities may be too difficult or time-consuming for some learners who are not used to working in groups or doing projects. Therefore, the book may require some adaptation or supplementation from the teacher or other sources to suit the needs and levels of different learners.
References:
- : [Business Objectives: Student's Book by Vicki Hollett Goodreads]
- : [Business Objectives Student Book: International Edition - Vicki Hollett - Google Books]
- : [Business objectives : Hollett, Vicki : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive]
- : [Hollet Vicki. Business Objectives Student's Book - Sciarium]