Unit
1
#7
A: Hi
Ana, I need some help with this poster for next month's jobs fair.
B: Hi
Maro, Sure, have a seat. What can I do?
A:
Well management wants a display that shows our core values. The problem is, the
manual lists a lot of values, but I can only show four.
B:
I'd start with customer care. You could write about how we keep our software
affordable.
A:
That's good, thanks. What do you think of including environmental issues
though?
B:
Yeah, why not? You could mention a few of our environmental initiatives. Like
our recycling program.
A:
Good idea. But it's a job fair, and there's nothing about our employees yet. I
should include something about them right? B: What do you have in mind?
#8
Adidas
Core Values: Adidas core values inform every aspect of our business. Firstly,
we strive to provide great customer care: that means providing quality products
at affordable prices, as well as treating each customer as an individual and helping
them feel important and valued. Secondly, we value innovation and use this to
stay one step ahead of the market: we carefully monitor trends and move quickly
to fill gaps in the market. Last, but not least, we see our employees as our
greatest asset. As such we endeavor to provide a pleasant, friendly working
environment, supply our staff with training opportunities and perks, and foster
their professional, development and growth.
Unit
2
#7
A:
I've been reading up on Japanese etiquette. It's got me worried.
B:
What are you worried about?
A:
It's full of pitfalls! I'm scared I'm going to make some terrible social gaffe.
B:
I'm sure that if you're careful of your manners you'll be fine.
A: That's
not the point. Good manners in Japan are different from manners here. Sometimes
they're the complete opposite!
B:
Like what?
A:
Well, here you make eye contact when you shake hands. In Japan that's rude.
B:
Really? I wasn't aware of that.
A:
And it's customary to give gifts to your hosts, but there are so many gifts
that can be offensive.
B:
Like what?
A:
Let me see. Here it says avoid giving white flowers, and don't give anything
linked to the number four because it's unlucky!
B:
So, what gifts are you going to take?
A:
Well, the guide says people normally thank others for their hospitality by
giving candies.
B:
Then you should buy something nice from the candy shop on the corner.
A:
Yes. Great idea.
#8
In the UK, people have a tendency to over-apologise. For example, if you tell someone
about something unfortunate which has happened to you, it’s quite likely
that they will apologise.
E.g. “I’m so sorry to hear that you have been unwell”.
British people cannot resist the urge to apologise, for example,
if someone accidentally bumps into you, it would be common for you to apologise
and say “I’m sorry” as though you are sorry for being in their way. If
you have reserved a seat on a train but somebody is sat in it, it would be
common to say “I’m so sorry but you appear to be sat in my seat”
Unit
3
#7
A:
Do you have a complaint about one of the managers?
B:
Well, it's not really a complaint. It's just that Ms. Henry is so, I don't
know, distant.
A:
You mean she's hard to approach?
B:
Exactly. And when you do, she doesn't really listen to what you have to say.
A:
Can you give me and example?
B:
Sure. Just last week I suggested to her that we email documents instead of
printing them. It would save a lot of money. But Ms. Henry didn't even comment
on it.
A:
Hmm. Thanks for letting me know. I don't imagine that does much for morale,
does it?
B:
Oh, it's not so bad. In fact, I know everyone really likes Mr. Tracey's
management style.
A:
What is it about him that people like?
B:
He listens. He lets us contribute.
A:
So he's a bit more democratic than Ms Henry?
#8
From:
Mario Balbuena
To:
Ms Julio
Cc:
Subject: Management style
As
part of your performance review I have spoken with a number of employees who
have complained
Unit
4
#7
B:
We need to choose our team carefully for this web design project.
A:
Yes. Last time the team didn't gel and the project flopped.
B:
So who should we use?
A:
Well, let's think about personality types and roles first.
B: I
guess that's worth a shot. We need someone who takes charge. A coordinator.
A: I
agree. But we only want one. We don't need two people arguing over what to do
next.
B:
Good call. Let's use Bob.
A:
But Bob tends to be too focused on planning, don't you think?
B:
So we'll pair him up with someone who can get work done fast.
A:
Fair enough. What do you think of Sonya? She's pretty efficient.
B: I
like her as an implementer, yes. So we have a leader and a hard worker - what
else do we need?
A:
I'd say we need a plant. Somebody creative. Our client wants a really
attractive page.
#8
From:
Mario Balbuena
To: Ana
Saucillo
Cc:
Subject: Project Team
Ana,
I need another three people in my team. It's important to have good
coordinating and planning skills in the team. But I also need hard workers too.
Creative skills are very important in this project as the client wants a really
attractive page. And of course finishing skills are always necessary. So I want
Marlon on my team as he is a coordinator and good at planning. I also want
Sonya as an implementer as she will get the work done. And finally I want Bruce
as he is very creative and has designed some beautiful pages before. Sincerely,
Mario
Unit
5
#7
B: I
spent two years with a manufacturer of machine parts.
A:
What did you do there? B: My role was to oversee the assembly line and keep
output levels high.
A:
Were you involved in quality control?
B:
Yes. Actually, I managed those operations. I'm pleased to say that when I was
manager, product recall fell by 37 percent.
A:
Congratulations, that's impressive. How did you accomplish that?
B: I
brought in some lean manufacturing measures.
A:
Well, we're very interested in that type of change. Tell me, where you
responsible for any other duties?
B:
Of course. I also had to purchase raw materials and avoid shortages.
A:
And how did you decide what materials to go with?
B: I
just made sure that we met the specifications our clients wanted.
A: I
see. And did you conference with clients?
B:
No. I didn't work on that side of the business.
#8
Dear
Sir, Marlon
With
reference to your advertisement, I am writing to apply for the position of
Production Supervisor. I have worked in manufacturing for eight years. In my
last job I was responsible for overseeing the assembly
Unit
6
#7
B:
Have you had any thoughts about marketing strategies for the new cream?
A:
Definitely. I've been thinking a lot about our prospective buyers.
B:
So. What ... women of a certain age?
A:
Not necessarily. My research shows that men are becoming more interested in certain
products.
B:
That's good news for us. Yes?
A:
Yeah, I think that's where our competitors go wrong. They mostly target women.
B:
But you think we could target men?
A: I
do, widen the market so to speak.
B:
That's a very interesting idea.
A:
Of course, it means we may need to explore new avenues for advertising.
B:
And I assume we'd need new distribution channels too.
A:
Probably, I thought we might stock the cream in supermarkets as well as the
usual pharmacists and on line.
B:
Good thinking. Any thoughts on packaging?
#8
Dear
Ana,
As
requested I've been giving some thought to the marketing of our new cream. I
think that all adults are prospective customers for our product: everybody
wants to have nice skin and look younger. So the best way to reach our target
market is through advertising in places that the majority of people see: this
means newspapers, magazines, television and, of course, the Internet. As for
distribution channels, supermarkets and pharmacies are obvious choices and I
also recommend the Internet for those customers who are more concerned with
price: they can be sold to direct from our factory. Yours, Mario.
Unit
7
#7
A:
Have you completed the financial report for this quarter?
B:
Yes, here it is, income is here on the left, and expenditure is on the right.
A:
How do our earnings compare to last quarter?
B:
Well, they're up from the last quarter, but we actually suffered a net loss
over the three months.
A: A
loss? Why is that?
B:
We updated the computer systems. It was pretty expensive.
A:
Oh yes, of course.
B:
But I expect us to make a profit in the next quarter. We'll finally collect the
revenue from the Hilton project.
A:
And with any luck we'll get that small business grant too.
B:
It could be a very good quarter for us.
A:
Could you come up with an estimate for the upcoming quarter? I'd like to show
that to the board.
B:
No problem. But there's no guarantee that we'll have a profit.
#8
From:
Mario Balbuena
To:
Mr. Marlon
Subject:
Last Quarter
Dear
Mr. Marlon,
As
you are aware from the annual financial report, there was a net loss in the
previous quarter. Takings actually increased over the period so this was not
the problem. The reason for the loss was that our expenditure increased
considerably during the quarter as we updated our computer systems: this is
always expensive. This loss should not detract us from the fact that the
business is essentially profitable. Indeed we expect earnings to increase still
further in the next quarter, though we're not quite sure yet whether we will
show a profit for the period. Sincerely, Mario Balbuena.
Unit
8
#7
B: I
saw this flyer for a sales seminar and I think it would benefit our team.
A:
Mm, these things are expensive. Do you think it's necessary?
B:
Well. We have some salespeople who haven't generated an appointment in months.
Clearly, they need to adjust their pitches somehow.
A:
Yes, good point. But isn't that something that we can do in-house?
B:
We could try. But I think they would benefit from some practice with other
professionals.
A: I
see. Well, if you think it's worth it, go ahead. But this brings up some other
concerns.
B:
What's that?
A: I
need to know if our sales team can manage our existing accounts.
B:
Well, some of our key contacts have shown some resistance to our latest sales
drives. But we haven't lost any accounts.
A:
Do we need to bring in new personnel?
B:
Not yet. Let's see if the seminars help.
#8
From:
Iván
To: Julio
Subject:
Sales seminar
Julio,
I think it would be a good idea for our sales team to attend a sales seminar.
I've found a course which promises to equip salespeople with everything they
need to fulfill our clients' needs. As it stands our salespeople are unable to
generate new appointments and, in fact, are even having difficulty in selling
our products to clients who have accounts with us. I think going on this
seminar and working with other sales professionals would really benefit our
sales team: I think they lack some confidence and that last little bit which
makes the difference between getting a sale and not getting a sale.
Iván
Unit
9
#7
A:
Have you had a chance to read the guidelines yet?
B: I
have, but they're a bit confusing.
A:
Just try to focus on the areas that apply to our industry. It addresses
plastics in section seven.
B:
Great, thank you.
A:
Any other questions before we get going?
B:
Yeah, actually. I'm just working on the assembly line. But I'm responsible for
monitoring statutory requirements?
A:
Actually, that's the manager's responsibility. Making sure we're in compliance
with all regulations, have our permits ...
B:
But I have to know about it anyway?
A:
We find that it helps things run smoothly if everyone understands what we have
to do and why.
B:
OK. One last question. How long does this
certification
last?
A:
It lasts for 5 years.
#8
We
take great pride in the quality of our work. All new employees must learn about
the guidelines published by the International Organization for Standardization
(ISO) that apply to our field. You must learn about these things to ensure that
our company remains In compliance with all the statutes regulating our industry
and to maintain the highest quality standards. You need to focus on the areas
that apply to our industry. Plastics are addressed in section seven. We are all
responsible for every product that leaves our factory. Every employee must
complete a course and will get certification when you complete the course.
Unit
10
#7
B:
Hi Danna. What were the results from the benchmarking study?
A:
We got great results. In fact, we're better than our competition.
B:
That's great news. But how can you be sure?
A: I
compared production numbers. We're a smaller company so naturally produce
smaller amounts overall.
B: I
see. But why is that better?
A:
Because we're way more efficient. We spend about a quarter of our budget on
production. But the bigger competitors spend almost twice that.
B: I
see. They produce more overall, but our methods save more money than theirs.
A:
Exactly. In fact, the quality management standards on our production line could
be applied elsewhere.
B:
How so?
A: I
noticed it while checking the internal benchmarks. As efficient as our
production line is, our marketing department needs work.
B:
So what are you suggesting?
A:
We take the production best practices and apply them to the marketing
department.
#8
Danna,
We have recently completed our benchmarking study and the results are very
encouraging. We are way more efficient than our larger competitors. We can see
this because we only spend about 25% of our budget on production compared to
almost 50% by our competitors. So even though they produce more overall, our
methods save more money than theirs. The report also considered some internal benchmarks.
Although our production line is very efficient the marketing department is not
so good. The report suggests that we can improve the company further by taking
the production best practices and applying them to the marketing department.
Martin
Unit
11
#7
A:
Hello. I just received your email about needing new strategic goals.
B:
Yes. This company was at the top of the industry, but we're no longer dominant.
That needs to change.
A: I
agree completely.
B:
I'm glad to have your support Belen. I know the other board members value your
opinion.
A:
The email says that you and the company vice- presidents have formulated a plan
to achieve this?
B:
Yes, we've been working on it for a month now.
A: I
had no idea that you've been thinking about it that long.
B:
Well, I wanted to make sure the goals were feasible before presenting them to
the board of directors.
A:
And you'll be presenting it to us tonight?
B:
Yes, I'll be making a formal proposal
A: I
assume it will have all the details of the new strategy and how to achieve our
goals?
B:
That's right.
#8
Time
and location: The meeting will take place in the boardroom on the night of May
1st, at 7 pm.
Proposal:
Note that the company has slipped and allowed competitors a foothold in the
market. Emphasize the need to dominate the market again and the fact that the
company has lots of experience in the market. Propose a new strategic goal that
will increase profitability and defend the company's position as industry
leader.
Main
goals: Stabilizing the company's assets and improving name recognition Note that
appropriate resource allocation has been discussed with all the company vice
presidents.
Board
members' vote: Next board meeting.
Unit
12
#7
B:
Come on, Gissela. Out with it. What is it you wanted to talk to me about?
A:
It's just some of us are concerned that the company isn't as strong as it used
to be.
B:
Does this have anything to do with losing the bid for the city contract?
A:
Sort of. It just seems like since Axiom Associates got the contract, their
business has been booming.
B: I
can assure you, Alexandra, that Hewster-Copeland is doing just fine. We
actually have the edge on Axiom Associates.
A:
We do?
B:
We've been in this business a long time. Hewster-
Copeland
has a great reputation in the city.
A:
That is true.
B:
And our excellent relationship with our suppliers also gives us an advantage
because they recommend us to their clients.
A:
It's just been alarming to see the competition grow so quickly.
Unit
13
#7
A:
Hi Juan. How did the focus group for the new Shelbourne ad go?
B:
It went well, Nancy.
A:
Great!
B:
But there were some things the participants didn't like about it.
A:
Oh ... I thought it was really innovative. What didn't they like?
B:
Well, the target audience for the product is adults over forty, right?
A:
Yes, that's right. Most young people wouldn't be interested in that type of
vehicle.
B:
Ok, well, some of them thought the ad was too edgy ...
#8
Dear
Juan, Just to let you know about yesterday's focus group for the new Shelbourne
ad. Although the participants like some parts of the ad and found it
innovative, they were not so keen on the edgy nature of the advert. After all,
as they pOinted out, the car is aimed at adults over forty. Most young people
wouldn't be interested in a car like that, yet the focus group felt that the
advert seemed to be designed to appeal to this group. I'm afraid we probably
need to rethink this particular advertising campaign as this is not the first
time we have had this response from a focus group to this ad. Mario
Unit
14
#7
A:
Professor. I'm Mario Balbueba, from 'Market News'. Do you have a minute?
B:
Oh yes, I can spare a few minutes to talk.
A:
Do you think that your lecture was well received?
B:
Yes, the audience seemed interested in what I had to say about the global economy.
A:
And does global commerce always benefit a country?
B:
Well, there are some downsides to globalization. But the good usually outweighs
the bad.
A:
Can you give me an example of one of the downsides?
B:
Well, in some industrialized countries globalization has led to loss of
employment. But I'd prefer you not to mention that in your article.
A:
That's OK. I have plenty of other material.
#8
How
globalization affects the world economy: it leads to increased economic output
in many places, which in turn leads to a higher standard of living. Why global
trade benefits countries: global trade allows developing countries to trade
with industrialized nations. This can help increase gross domestic product,
reduce national debts and consumers may also benefit by getting goods at lower
prices. Why global trade makes countries dependent on each other: once
countries start buying and selling things between each other this means that
the decisions of consumers in one country make on what to buy have an effect in
the other country, even if it is very far away.
Unit
15
#7
A:
Aren't they having some sort of meeting in London right now?
B:
Yes, it's called a Ministerial Conference.
A: I
thought I saw something on the news about people protesting outside.
B:
Well, like I said in my blog ... the WTO is controversial.
A: I
don't see why. I mean, there needs to be some kind of organization to oversee
international trade.
B:
Some people think governments should be able to regulate it instead.
A:
Yeah, but who's going to regulate the governments when they make trade deals?
B:
Well, other governments could put their own trade sanctions on a country that
violated any agreements.
A:
It still seems like it's more practical to have one organization that govern's
global trade.
#8
There
is a World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference taking place in
London this week. These things are pretty controversial, there are those that
say the WTO has too much power, for example a nation's laws mustn't violate the
WTO's laws. Also the WTO can place trade sanctions on member countries if they
violate a law. But without the WTO trade would only be regulated by trade deals
made between countries, though it might be possible for other governments to
put their own trade sanctions on a country that violated any agreements. And
the WTO helps developing countries establish trade with industrialized nations,
boosting the trade of all involved. It also ensures that global business
between nations is equal and fair.
