Unit 1. Decision-making

Vocabulary

1-h, 2-d, 3-a, 4-j, 5-c, 6-g, 7-e, 8-b, 9-f, 10-i

3.

1. objective, 2. pilot testing, 3. problem solver, 4. problem avoider, 5. systems thinking, 6. brainstorming, 7. conditions of uncertainty, 8. linear thinking

4.

1. learning organization, 2. procedure, 3. performance standards, 4. decision-making process, 5. crises management, 6. decision, 7. certainty, 8. concepts

Reading 1

E

1. into; 2. out; 3. for; 4. from.

F

Sample synonyms:

1. tactical; 2. idea; 3. finally; 4. central; 5. guideline; 6. to make the most important thing

G

1. d; 2. c; 3. b; 4. a.

Speaking

Preparation for the activity: print handouts, bring scotch tape or magnets.

The duration of the activity (if it is given in class) - 90 minutes (50-minute preparation + 40-minute presentation and discussion). The preparation for the activity can also be given as a home task.

The teacher makes students form 3 teams A, B and C and hands them out the corresponding parts of the mind map (a good idea is to prepare separate A4 paper sheets with corresponding titles for each team). During 50 minutes students work in their groups and complete the parts of the mind map. Then the groups compile their parts into one mind map (with the help of a scotch tape), present and discuss them.

MANAGEMENT DECISION-MAKING: TYPES AND STYLES (The central element)

Team A: sheet 1) Decision-making process: linear thinking and systems thinking, sheet 2) Programmed decisions and non-programmed decisions, sheet 3) Styles of decision-making: the problem avoider.

Team B: sheet 1) Levels of decision-making in an organization: strategic decision-making, tactical decision-making, operational decision-making, sheet 2) Decision-making under different conditions: conditions of certainty, conditions of risk, conditions of uncertainty, sheet 3) Styles of decision-making: the problem solver.

Team C: sheet 1) Steps in the decision-making process: situational analysis, setting performance standards, generation of alternatives, consequences evaluation, pilot-testing and full implementation, sheet 2) Styles of decision-making: the problem seeker.

Example sheet for styles of decision-making: the problem solver/ the problem seeker/ the problem avoider.

Reading 2

C

1. it’s high time; 2. to keep pace; 3. to be in a different league; 4. information artifacts.

D

2. f; 2. h; 3. b; 4. e; 5. g; 6. a; 7. d; 8. c.

E

1. on; 2. into, out; 3. across; 4. on.

Grammar

1.

1. does she do; 2. are you doing; 3. are you working; 4. I'm dealing with; 5. operate, are setting up new; 6. demand, goes up; 7. is increasing; 8. change; 9. need; relies; 10. is always breaking down.

2.

1. am waiting/need 2. understands/want 3. offer(s) 4. are becoming 5. works/ supply(supplies) 6. relaunch 7. become /work/ do not get 8. are negotiating 9. does not/is facing 10. is monitoring/ is elaborating/ aim.

3.

1. will open; 2. am giving; 3. are going to launch; 4. will improve; 5. will not be working; 6. is not working; 7. does the meeting start; 8. is coming/is travelling/ arrives; 9. will be staying; 10. will inform.