GABALL Project: Serious Games Based Language Learning

The European Community introduces a variance of views and approaches for common problems and issues - however it is also a barrier for companies trying to internationalize or establish joint ventures in the European market or outside of it. The use of an intermediary language, like English or German is an incomplete solution as good commercial relations always depend on full understanding and confidence between the parts. In particular, this can be a problem for Micro Enterprises (start-ups) and SMEs that do not have dedicated staff for this purpose. As a consequence, these companies still depend largely on their domestic markets despite the opportunities made available by the enlarged single market and by globalization at large. Business to Business (B to B) e-commerce and e-marketing possibilities are not being effectively exploited by these companies. This article presents an approach that seeks to address the reinforcement of Micro and SME's managers' skills in the process of internationalization to internal and external markets through electronic business platforms. Therefore, the project aims for the improvement of languages and culture skills relative to the use of e-marketing and e-commerce tools, the establishment of relations through electronically supported social platforms and the encouragement of entrepreneurship. The project methodology is based on a Serious Game approach that provide rule-based, professional, real-life situations and contexts of interaction where the player tries to achieve learning objectives and improve personal skills and social competencies. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd.