EDITORIAL

Until recently the methods for describing levels of English competence around the world were equally confusing. Each examination had its own scoring system, and words such as "elementary" or "intermediate" were used inconsistently. Comparisons between different qualifications, courses and countries were almost impossible. Recently, the introduction of the Common European Framework (CEF), with a system of six levels, from A1 up to C2, has helped to make things clearer. In our language feature, which begins on page 10, we explain the CEF and guide you through the various business English qualifications. And on page 5, we show you (approximately) how the language levels of the articles in Business                         Spotlight fit in with the CEF system. 

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WORKING WORLD

            Names and News
            The latest from the world of business

            Office Blues
            Kathrin Hauger on the silly side of work

LANGUAGE

            Qualifications
            A guide to business English certificates and assessment tests

GLOBAL BUSINESS

            Death by overtime
            Why Japanese employees work too hard and too long

            Head-to-Head
            Should religious symbols be banned at work?

            Business Press
            Comments from the world's media
            Also: Behind the Headlines

            Eurovision
            Alkman Granitsas on the recovery of the Greek economy

INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION

            The View from Here
            Siri Schubert in the US
            Also: Country File

            Dialogue
            A discussion between two people in the cosmetics industry

BUSINESS SKILLS

            Coaching
            How coaches can help to improve performance
            Also: A language survival guide to pull out and keep

            The Write Way
            Improve your writing style

            Say It in Style
            Expressing (un)happiness

            On the Line
            Preparing for an important call

MANAGEMENT

            Marketing
            How Visit London, the city's official tourist organization, is selling London to  the world

            Executive Eye
            Adrian Furnham on the dangers of putting specialists in management ositions

            Business Basics
            What is... CRM?

            People and Trends
            News from the world of management

TECHNOLOGY

            Profile
            Steve Jobs, head of Apple

            Technically Speaking
            Eamonn Fitzgerald on problems with gene patents

            Innovations
            New product developments

            Language Focus
            Railways
            Water industry terms

CAREERS

            Administrative work
            The changing role of assistants

            News
            Career tips and trends