global trade - 15 united

global  trade - 15 united 



To understand this first united you will need to know this words:

• World trade organization
• Oversees
• Venue
• Agreements
• Trade barriers
• Quotas
• Controversial
• Contradict
• Trade Sanctions
• Free trade
• Boosts

SPEAKING

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.

WRITING 

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.

global Economy - 14 united

global Economy - 14 united



To understand this first united you will need to know this words:

• Economic output
• Countries
• Industrialized
• Debts
• global domestic product
• Market
• Interdependence
• Downturn
• Wall Street Trends

SPEAKING

A: Professor. I'm John Dexter, 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. 

WRITING 

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. 

Innovation - 13 united

Innovation - 13 united 




To understand this first united you will need to know this words:

• Innovation
• Creativy
• Optimistic
• Anonymous

SPEAKING

A: Hi Mike. 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 ...

WRITING 

Dear John, 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. Grace 

Competition - 12 united

Competition - 12 united



To understand this first united you will need to know this words:

• Booming
• Minor player
• Competitors
• Threat
• Key player
• Adventage
• Edge
• Recommend
• Land
• Contract

SPEAKING

B: Come on, Alexandra. 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.

WRITING 

From: Danna Pineda 

To: All staff

Date: April 23

Subject: Axiom Associates

Since Axiom Associates won the bid for the city`s downtown revitalization contract they have been getting a los of publicity and their business is booming. Before this they were not a serious competitor to us, but now they are a key player in the industry. But we do not need to worry too much about them. We have a big adventage over them; our reputation is solid as we have spent years building customer loyalty through hard work and dedication . They beat us to one contract but this does not mean the end of howster copeland inc. In fact we are still the top grossing contracting and construction company in the city.

Business Strategy - 11 united

Business Strategy - 11 united



To understand this first united you will need to know this words:

• Esteemed
• Dominate
• Foothold
• Strategic goal
• Profitability
• Defend
• Industry leader
• Planning
• Resource allocation
• Stabilizing
• Formulate

SPEAKING

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. 

WRITING 

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. 

Achieving Perfection - 10 united

Achieving Perfection - 10 united 



To understand this first united you will need to know this words:

• Benchmarketing
• Methods
• Managment strategy
• Quality managment
• Competitive
• Functional
• Best practice
• Six sigma
• Detractors

SPEAKING

B: Hi Pete. 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.

WRITING 

Anthea, 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

Quality standars - 9 united

Quality standars - 9 united 



To understand this first united you will need to know this words:

• Polices
• Statutory requirements
• Statues
• Criteria
• Resources
• Certification
• Specifications

SPEAKING

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.

WRITING 

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.

Sales - 8 United

Sales - 8 United



To understand this first united you will need to know this words:

• Effective
• Appointments
• Analyze
• Capitalize
• Key contacts
• Influence
• Consultative
• Attentive
• Resistence
• Demonstrate

SPEAKING

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. 

WRITING 

From: Jim

To: Tony

Subject: Sales seminar

Tony, 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.

Finance - 7 united

Finance - 7 united



To understand this first united you will need to know this words:

• Financial report
• Profit and loss
• Deductions
• Quarter
• Income
• Net loss
• Expenditure incurred
• Balance
• Assets
• Depreciation
• Liabilities

SPEAKING

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. 

WRITING 

From: Eduardo Styles

To: Mr. Pineda

Subject: Last Quarter 

Dear Mr. Ingol, 

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, Eduardo Styles. 

Marketing - 6 United

Marketing - 6 United

To understand this first united you will need to know this words:

• Niche
• Prospective
• Market research
• Target market
• Competitors
• Flyer
• Billboard
• Distribution channels
• Outlets
• Avenues
• Promotions
• Consumers
• Brand

SPEAKING

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? 

WRITING 

Dear Danielle, 

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, James. 

Production - 5 united

Production - 5 united



To understand this first united you will need to know this words:

• Manufacturer
• Oversee
• Assembly line
• Operations
• Raw Materials
• Surplus
• Output
• Recall
• Conferencing
• Measures
• Lean Manufacturing
• Implementing

SPEAKING

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.

WRITING 

Dear Sir, 

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 

Team Building - 4 united

Team Building

To understand this first united you will need to know this words:

• gel
• Flop
• Creative
• Unconventional
• Objetive
• Delegate
• Practical
• Scrutinize
• harmonious
• Thrive
• Passion
• In-Depth

SPEAKING

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. 

WRITING 

From: Danna Pineda

To: Luis Rivera

Cc: Subject: Project Team

Michael, 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 Bob 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, James.

Managment Styles - 3 united

Managment Styles - 3 United



To understand this first united you will need to know this words:

• Ambition 
• Resourcefulness
• Distant 
• Subordinates
• Limiting
• Consult
• Empowers
• Autonomy
• Morale
• Motivation
• Make or break

                                                                           SPEAKING

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?

                                                                              WRITING

From: Danna Pineda

To: Ms Andersons

Cc: Subject: Management style

As part of your performance review I have spoken with a number of employees who have complained, about the way you give them instructions, you need to change your Managment Style.

BUSINESS IN DIFFERENT CULTURES - 2 united

Business In Different Cultures


To understand this first united you will need to know this words:

• Pitfalls
• Etiquette
• gafffe
• Title
• Surname
• Aware
• Eye contact 
• Customary 
• Avoid
• Conscious
• Offend
• Manners
• Blunder

SPEAKING

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. 

WRITING 

Etiquette guide for business people When people greet each other in the USA it is customary to address them by their title and surname and ask them how they are. If it is someone you are meeting for the first time then you should shake their hands and say "Pleased to meet you". If you go out for, say, a business lunch then generally you can eat as much as you like. However, if you are invited into someone's home for a meal you should try and leave your plate empty. Gifts are not expected but a small gift, like some flowers, would be appreciated. 

COMPANY CULTURE - 1 united

Company Culture -1 united.


To understand this first united you will need to know this words:

• Affordable
• Innovation
• One step ahead
• Trends
• gaps
• Endeavor
• Asset
• Opportunities
• Perks
• Environmental
• Priority
• Initiatives

                                                                           SPEAKING 

A: I need some help with this poster for next month's jobs fair.

B: 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?

                                                                           WRITING 

Our Company's Core Values: Our company's 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.

BUSINESS STRATEGY EXPOSITION