2. Is there a business case for investing in foreign language training for employees? Copyright Ad_Lib Language Service Ltd. 2010 In the current economic climate every investment tends to come under close scrutiny and training budgets usually are the first to get cut. Yet, a recently published research suggest that even though cost cutting might be in order in many areas, neglecting language training can have a very detrimental effect on the company's reputation and revenue. The data quoted in this document comes from a report published recently by TIRF - The International Research Foundation for English Language Education - a non-profit organization whose goal is to generate new knowledge about English language teaching and learning. “ Plurilingualism, and proficiency in English as a second or foreign language in particular, matter greatly in the global economy, and they matter to employers as well as to individuals. Indeed, it is possible to estimate the effect of language on business performance.” (The Impact of English and Plurilingualism in Global Corporations - TIRF Report)

12. YES YES NO Students need to be introduced to new technologies YES YES DIFFICULT Students need to master long distance communication skills YES YES NO Geographically dispersed students YES YES NO Highly mobile students YES YES YES Content involving interpersonal skills DIFFICULT YES YES Limited computer experience YES YES NOT RECOMMENDED Shift work, difficult to schedule training NOT RECOMMENDED NOT RECOMMENDED YES Poor internet connection / low internet speed NOT RECOMMENDED NOT RECOMMENDED YES High Internet connectivity costs DIFFICULT YES YES Low learning motivation levels DIFFICULT YES YES Learners need high levels of guidance Asynchronous Online Synchronous Online Synchronous Off Line Requirements: Virtual Blended Learning Traditional Language Training