Needs Analysis for University EFL Learners Majoring in Business English: From Theoretical Frameworks to an Empirical Study in Vietnam

Abstract

In the era of global economic integration, Business English (BE) is becoming more and more important worldwide. In Vietnam, although BE is essential in international economic transactions, there is little research in BE needs analysis. Building on our paper “Needs Analysis for University EFL Learners Majoring in Business English: A Scoping Review of Research and Practice” published in the World Journal of English Language in 2024, the current research aimed to investigate (1) the expectations of BE students and other stakeholders about the English language needed for the business workplace in Vietnam, and (2) the perceptions of BE graduates’ proficiency in workplace English from business professionals’ perspectives. This mixed-method research included two phases. In Phase 1, questionnaires were sent to 100 undergraduates from one university in Vung Tau City in Vietnam (96 responses) and 43 business professionals in the same city. In Phase 2, semi-structured interviews were conducted with three lecturers, three BE graduates, and five undergraduates from the university. Seven department heads, and seven staff from commercial companies in Vung Tau with international business dealings were also interviewed. This research revealed BE students and other stakeholders alike wanted to see improvements in listening, speaking and writing skills. Most needed topics were banking, sales, and business management. Regarding the current English proficiency, although the business professionals and students self-rated their English proficiency at CEFR B1 level, their lecturers and supervisors judged them to be weak at auditory, oral, and writing skills. The results of this study should provide insights into BE major needs to help university business department heads and instructors to understand the demands for BE both inside and outside the university context, and to adapt curricula, to improve the effectiveness of BE courses as well as learner satisfaction, and better meet the linguistic requirements in business workplaces in Vietnam.