Khon Kaen University - SDG Alignment for Bachelor of Arts Program in English for Business Communication

SDG Alignment for Bachelor of Arts Program in English for Business Communication

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Bachelor of Arts in English for Business Communication is holistically aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals by cultivating graduates with the essential skills of intercultural communication and business acumen needed for the globalized economy. The curriculum's philosophy, emphasizing practical language skills, business knowledge, and ethical communication, provides a robust framework for contributing to a more prosperous and interconnected world. The program is a powerful engine for SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by equipping graduates to facilitate international trade and business. It directly champions SDG 4 (Quality Education) by providing a high-quality, specialized education. Furthermore, the curriculum addresses key social goals by fostering the cross-cultural understanding necessary to reduce inequalities (SDG 10, SDG 5) and promote peaceful, just institutions (SDG 16). The collaborative and international nature of business communication embodies the spirit of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

SDG Related Course(s)

SDG 4: Quality Education

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Alignment Summary: This program provides a high-quality, specialized education that equips students with the advanced communication and business skills required for the global workplace. It fosters critical thinking, digital literacy, and the ability to communicate effectively in professional settings, which are essential skills for lifelong learning and sustainable development.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
IN724787	Cooperative Education	Provides inclusive and equitable quality education through extensive, supervised practical work experience, ensuring students acquire the vocational skills for employment in international business (Target 4.4).
IN724701	Seminar in English for Business Communication	Enhances education for sustainable development by enabling students to conduct research on current issues in global business communication, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills (Target 4.7).

SDG 5: Gender Equality

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Alignment Summary: The program contributes to gender equality by empowering all students with a powerful tool for global economic participation. Advanced English for business communication skills can provide women with greater access to leadership roles, international markets, and economic opportunities, thereby promoting their empowerment.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
IN723106	Cross Cultural Communication in Business	Supports gender equality by fostering an understanding of diverse cultural perspectives, which is essential for challenging gender stereotypes and promoting inclusive communication in the global workplace (Target 5.5).

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

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Alignment Summary: The program is a direct driver of decent work and economic growth by preparing graduates with the high-demand communication skills essential for international business, trade, and tourism. The curriculum's focus on professional communication, business ethics, and entrepreneurship is designed to enhance productivity and create high-value employment.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
IN721102	Introduction to Business	Forms the foundation for sustained and inclusive economic growth by teaching the fundamental principles of business operations, which drive job creation (Target 8.2).
IN723106	Cross Cultural Communication in Business	Contributes to economic growth by enabling effective communication in international trade and foreign direct investment.
IN713105	Entrepreneurship	Directly encourages entrepreneurship and the creation of micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises, which are vital for job creation and economic growth (Target 8.3).

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

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Alignment Summary: This program supports the development of resilient infrastructure by focusing on the communication and information systems that are vital to modern industry. Effective business communication is a key component of the "soft infrastructure" needed for innovation, global collaboration, and the efficient functioning of all industries.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
IN723207	Digital Communication for Business	Upgrades the technological capabilities of all industries by teaching the use of modern digital platforms for business communication and commerce (Target 9.C).

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

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Alignment Summary: The program works to reduce inequalities by dismantling language and cultural barriers in the business world. By teaching the language of global commerce and fostering cross-cultural understanding, it provides individuals from non-English speaking backgrounds with a tool to access global markets and economic opportunities, promoting equal opportunity for all.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
IN723106	Cross Cultural Communication in Business	Directly addresses inequality by promoting understanding and respect for different cultural communication styles, which is essential for inclusive and equitable international business interactions (Target 10.3).

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

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Alignment Summary: The program contributes to strong institutions by instilling a deep understanding of business ethics and law. This is fundamental to creating a business environment that operates with accountability and transparency, combating corruption, and respecting the rule of law in commercial practice.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
LA301101	Business Law	Promotes the rule of law by ensuring that future business professionals understand and comply with the legal frameworks governing commerce (Target 16.3).

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

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Alignment Summary: As a program focused on international communication, it is a key enabler of partnerships for the goals. Proficiency in English for business is the foundation for international collaboration, trade, and investment. This curriculum provides the essential tools needed to strengthen the global partnership for sustainable development.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
IN724787	Cooperative Education	Directly encourages and promotes effective public-private and civil society partnerships by immersing students in real-world international business environments, building collaborative experience (Target 17.17).
IN723106	Cross Cultural Communication in Business	Enhances the global partnership for sustainable development by providing the communication skills necessary for effective international cooperation (Target 17.6).