Developing an ESP needs profile of Iranian students of Business Administration

Abstract

The main purpose of conducting this study was to investigate the current academic and the future professional English language needs of Business Administration students in Iran. A total number of 270 undergraduate students, 98 graduate students, 67 subject-specific instructors and 6 EFL teachers as well as 48 senior staff of 19 of the major Iranian companies participated in this research based on a mixed method (quantitative and qualitative) using the data collection techniques of interviews and questionnaires. Extensive qualitative and statistical analyses of the data indicated that, above and beyond the conventionally emphasized reading skills, there is a growing need for the other three major skills of the language which ought to be substantiated in learner-centered class activities. The solid majority of the participants displayed their dissatisfaction regarding the inadequate materials presented in the ESP books, overcrowded classes, class time and teaching methodology. The results of the study further indicated that the courses offered did not sufficiently prepare the students to practically utilize their language capabilities to succeed in their academic or occupational environments, for they do not effectively take into account their present level of English language proficiency, learning needs, wants and interests, neither are they sensitive to the real objectives of the course and the resources available in terms of staff, materials, equipment and time constraints.