Themes

This topic thread uses case studies to discuss tried-and-tested strategies and pioneering concepts for multilingualism in companies. What makes a suitable strategy for international business communication and how can it be integrated into the business management? What are the current challenges concerning language training and further development in business and how are these regarded by personnel management? Which languages, apart from English, are in demand in international communication? How much importance is placed on language knowledge and social skills at times when there is a shortage of skilled workers? Which strategies have proved successful in language training in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)? How can the transfer of knowledge from theory into practice be optimised? How can training services be marketed effectively in the company?

Strategies and methods regarding both the effective management of international teams and the attainment of successful business relationships on a global scale need to be presented and discussed. What is the secret to success of multinational cooperation? What does effective team building beyond language and cultural barriers look like? How can everyday work issues be better taken into account with coaching? What demands does a new generation of managers and employees make on intercultural training? Which training methods are particularly successful and what are the trends in intercultural training?

Teaching languages in a connected world forms the core of this topic thread. What challenges and opportunities are emerging due to collaborative learning in social networks and sharing expertise in online communities? What is the situation regarding media literacy amongst learners and trainers? What does the effective use of podcasts, videos, blogs and wikis look like in practice? How can personalised learning environments be created and lasting learning success be achieved using digital media? How can greater cost efficiency and flexibility in professional training be ensured with virtual learning worlds? What successful blended learning models are there?

How can the level of further training in companies be guaranteed given increasing cost pressure? Which models provide a reliable measurement of learning success? Which test and evaluation methods are appropriate under which conditions? How can success be measured with respect to intercultural skills? What role do language portfolios play in business as a record of achievement? Which assessment standards and methods provide international comparability? Which forms of self-evaluation have proved their worth for trainers and coaches?

The public sector plays a key role in promoting multilingualism and international communication – the European Union in particular. We want to present the most important programmes for the economy and put their success and sustainability under the microscope. Which training initiatives can businesses and their employees profit from in particular? How can the needs of businesses be taken into account during language teaching in schools?

How have the demands made on trainers and coaches changed over recent years? What would the ideal coordination process with businesses look like and which methods for determining requirements in businesses serve as examples? What is being done in terms of theory and methodology for the transfer of knowledge and how can these findings be transferred into practice? How can employees be motivated to engage in further training in the long term? What must be kept in mind when training different generations? Which current training programmes and certifications are available for trainers and language teachers?