English for Getting Down to Business (Coursera)

English for Getting Down to Business (Coursera)

In this course, as you read passages and watch videos, you will learn about the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of sales professionals in every company, and how to read numbers and graphs in sales reports. You will also learn how important project management and sustainability are for companies in modern times. Additionally, you will learn the correct usage of modal verbs and phrasal verbs as well as how to clearly ask for clarification.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see Coursera's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

Your professional communication skills will improve as you incorporate these lessons into your English. This will help you to be more successful in using English in your business life.
Course 3 of 3 in the Essential English for Business Professionals Specialization

Syllabus

WEEK 1
Entrepreneurship
This week, we’ll focus on entrepreneurs—people who start a new business, even though they know it may not succeed. What qualities and skills are needed to become an entrepreneur, and what factors determine why some businesses succeed and others fail? You’ll hear about some steps to follow in starting a business and writing a business plan. You’ll also learn about how to use modal verbs for many purposes—to talk about possibilities, predictions, and requirements, or to give advice.

WEEK 2
Sales
This week’s topic is about sales in a company. Sales is the driving force and money-making activity in business. You will read about sales team activities and listen to a talk about strategies of sales outlets. You will also see presentations about housing sales reports and how sales numbers are reported in graphs and in English writing.

WEEK 3
Project Management
In any type of business, there are many projects. This week, you’ll learn about project management—planning, organizing, and keeping track of projects so the work is finished correctly and on time. You’ll learn about some special concepts and terms used in this field and think about the importance of teamwork in getting a project done smoothly. You’ll also learn some useful expressions for asking for clarification or getting more information if you don’t understand something.

WEEK 4
Sustainability
The topic of sustainability, or being environmentally friendly, has become a key goal many companies plan to incorporate into their businesses. This week, we will read and listen to some passages about sustainability in business. In addition, we will listen to an interview about how one multinational company is incorporating sustainability into many facets of their corporate operations. We will also learn about how to use some phrasal verbs in writing and speaking situations in English.

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Social Business Model and Planning for Social Innovation (Coursera) Coursera
Copenhagen Business School

Social Business Model and Planning for Social Innovation (Coursera)

In this course we will take the social business opportunity that you have identified in the first course to a higher level. Specifically, you will develop a business model using the Business Model Canvas. Gradually you will also start writing your business plan. Moreover, you will be able to assess different organizational forms and select the one that is appropriate for your developed business model.

Sep 14th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Our Share: Employee Ownership as a Wealth Sharing Tool (Coursera) Coursera
Rutgers University

Our Share: Employee Ownership as a Wealth Sharing Tool (Coursera)

In this course, you will learn about a well-researched tool for building a more equitable economy: “employee ownership.” You will learn what it is, how it differs from traditional business ownership models, and the forms it can take. You will learn how employee ownership can share wealth and profits with employees--while making businesses more productive. You will learn what the research shows about the benefits of this tool for employees, retiring business owners, and the economy.

Sep 14th 2026
4 Weeks
Sustainable Fashion (Coursera) Coursera
Copenhagen Business School

Sustainable Fashion (Coursera)

Sometimes when we say we work with sustainable fashion people look at us like... "Mmmm, is it really possible for something like fashion to be sustainable?" And let's face it, people are right being suspicious. If anything the fashion industry has become increasingly unsustainable over the last decades, using more and more natural resources and creating more and more waste.

Sep 14th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Algae Biotechnology (Coursera) Coursera
University of California, San Diego

Algae Biotechnology (Coursera)

For decades, researchers have been studying microalgae to understand their biological functions and how we can use technology to harness algae’s power to create a wide range of commercial products. In this course, we will cover how synthetic biology, genetic engineering, and metabolic engineering is used in algae biotechnology, and also examine the current state of algae biotechnology research and tools. We’ll also explore some of the common bio-products we can make from algae, and take a look at some real-world algae companies that are using algae biotechnology to create products consumers can buy today.

Sep 14th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Project Management Essentials (Coursera) Coursera
Howard University

Project Management Essentials (Coursera)

This introductory course provides a comprehensive overview of project management principles, methodologies, and best practice. The Project Management Essentials course is designed for professionals at various career stages, from beginners to those seeking a refresher. The course equips learners with a foundational understanding of the key elements of project management.

Sep 14th 2026
4 Weeks
Sustainability through Soccer: Systems-Thinking in Action (Coursera) Coursera
University of Virginia

Sustainability through Soccer: Systems-Thinking in Action (Coursera)

This course takes learners on a journey through a progression of systems-thinking and sustainability concepts. Using the beautiful game of soccer as an analogy, we'll work together to illuminate real-world interdependencies (such as between climate change and human rights), building the chain of concepts in a fun, accessible way. Soccer nerds and newbies alike will be entertained and, ultimately, rewarded with the epiphanies that come from seeing in systems more clearly.

Sep 14th 2026
4 Weeks
The ABC of sustainability (Coursera) Coursera
Campus BBVA

The ABC of sustainability (Coursera)

The sustainability agenda is currently key to companies, governments and citizens. It’s vital for people to have first-hand knowledge of the basic concepts in order to understand all issues related to sustainability as a vector of systemic change in the economy, society, companies and our lives. The course is an introduction to sustainability, regarded as a cross-cutting discipline in our society (in the public and private international spheres) that’s based on the most updated public information on economic, social and environmental issues.

Sep 14th 2026
4 Weeks
Dairy Production and Management (Coursera) Coursera
Pennsylvania State University

Dairy Production and Management (Coursera)

With the world's first MOOOOO-C, you will gain a broad and comprehensive understanding of all aspects of dairy management such as genetics, nutrition, reproduction, animal health, farm economics, and sustainability of dairy production systems. There's something here for everyone whether you are just looking for the basics or have years of experience in the dairy industry.

Sep 21st 2026
5-12 Weeks
How to Validate your Startup Idea (Coursera) Coursera
UNSW Sydney - University of New South Wales

How to Validate your Startup Idea (Coursera)

Starting a new business begins with an idea that needs to evolve through experimentation, iteration and interactions with people. This course is for existing and potential entrepreneurs who are looking for guidance and support to make their ‘great idea’ a reality. In addition to reviewing the basic principles of entrepreneurship, this course guides you through the process of actively validating your idea in the market.

Sep 14th 2026
5-12 Weeks