Studies On Optimization Of Undergraduate Business English Curriculum Design Based On Needs Analysis

Based on needs analysis theory, this research adopts both quantitative and qualitative methods to investigate 125 business English undergraduates in School of Economics and Finance, Xi’an International Studies University and 81 business English employers through questionnaire surveys. It aims to find out students’ learning and employment needs, social needs for business English talents, and whether the current curriculum design can meet their needs. The research results show that:1. Students’ learning needs include 1) in terms of course variety, they desire more business practice and skill courses, Chinese and foreign culture and literature courses; 2) the teaching hours of(business) English speaking and listening are desired to be lengthened, and some business courses should be advanced to the earlier semester; 3) students hope for various assessment methods and applying ability should be paid more attention to.2. Students’ employment needs include: 1) with regard to employment target, management, finance and foreign trade related jobs are more welcomed; 2) certificates of TEM-8, BEC and English translation & interpretation are considered more useful in future workplace; 3) various internships like post practice, visit internship are desired.3. Business English employers’ needs include: 1) they need more foreign trade, English translation and interpretation, marketing employees; 2) as to the importance of business English knowledge and skills, business etiquette, business communication and international trade are the most required; 3) business practice ability, English applying ability and speculation & innovation ability are more emphasized; 4) certificates of TEM 4/8, BEC, English translation & interpretation, and computer are more welcomed; 5) more campus internships are preferred.Based on the results of needs analysis, despite of some aspects unsatisfied, the current curriculum design can basically meet students’ needs. Besides, they are generally satisfied with teaching contents, teaching methods and materials. While the current curriculum design can not meet the social needs very well. Thus some suggestions for optimization are put forward from modularized courses, practical teaching, teaching methods, materials and assessment methods.Though gained from a case study on merely one school, the author hopes the results can provide references and guidance for the development of business English curriculum design.