I. Background

In the wake of an ever-increasing number of corporate scandals, business writers are pressured more than ever to delve into and analyze the facts that explain business behavior. With a growing public demand for accurate and transparent information, a firm knowledge on the fundamentals of business and finance is vital for reporters.

Realizing the value of good business journalism, the Asian Institute of Management's Gov. Jose B. Fernandez' Center for Banking and Finance, also known as the JBF Center, leveraged its academic research alliance with the Institute's Faculty of Economics and Finance in developing a series of business seminars designed exclusively for journalists. First launched in 1999, the Language of Business (LOB) Seminar is the Center's response to helping journalists develop and maintain the skills needed for cutting edge business reporting.

Since its establishment by the Asian Institute of Management and the Far East Bank & Trust Company in 1994, the JBF Center has remained committed to its mandate of focusing on the encouragement of research and discussion of issues in the financial services industry, the improvement of the competence of Asian financial manager and the forging of beneficial alliances among business institutions in Asia.

II. The Language of Business (LOB) Seminar for Journalists

The Language of Business (LOB) Seminar aims to help journalists understand key issues relating to the "traditional" areas of corporate finance, strategy and marketing and addresses current trends and innovations that are shaping today's business scene. It aims to enrich the participants understanding of business and finance while working to uphold the standards of great business journalism.

III. Target Participants

The LOB Seminar is intended for business/economic reporters, feature writers, investigative journalists, researchers, freelance writers, publishers, editors, media managers, broadcast anchors/hosts/producers, AIM staff, JBF Center alumni, social investors and partner institutions. Media companies can also look at the seminar as a tool to develop talented investigators looking for greater opportunity in journalism.

Ces Drilon of ABS-CBN, Margie Espino of Philippine Daily Inquirer, Gaby Tabuiiar of CBS News and Salve Duplito of Business World were some of the more than a hundred (100) alumni of the LOB Seminar.

The participants should have basic computational skills and must be familiar with basic EXCEL@ spreadsheets.

IV. Course Objectives

The program equips the participant with basic knowledge of statistics, economics, accounting and finance enabling them to deepen their understanding of both national economics and corporate finance. For the journalists, the course aims toward the improvement of the quality of reportage on Asian business and economic affairs. While, for the non-journalists the course presents both learning and networking opportunities.

V. Course Topics

The following topics are as follows:

Statistics - concentrates on the "value-added" insights of concepts such as; elementary statistics, probabilities, hypothesis testing, regression and correlation, etc.

Economics - provides sound economic foundation and fosters the development of sound economic reasoning.

Accounting - develops the ability to understand, interpret, and analyze accounting and financial information.

Finance - examines the financial decisions of firms with forecasting, capital budgeting, capital structure and valuation.

VI. Duration

The LOB Seminar will be held from 8am to 12nn for 2 weeks. The seminar comprises ten four-hour sessions designed to cover many of the fundamental issues in business and finance today.


LANGUAGE OF BUSINESS (LOB) SCHEDULE
Schedule: 1st Week

Schedule: 2nd Week

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