4. Describe a goods flow using the notes below. Write at least 150 words.

International supplier – manufacturing facility – domestic supplier – distribution center – city hub – retail store – consumer.

2. Write an essay about the ways of achieving the mission of a company: “Our mission is to offer safe, defect-free services, with competitive pricing to importers, exporters and to our partners. We aim at being the most reliable agency in the business of handling goods, with a dedicated approach to serving our Customers” (250 words).

Culture

Read the text and discuss the following questions:

1. What is English business punctuality?

2. What do you know about British, European, American and Russian business dress codes?

3. What presents are possible in business in Britain, Europe, the USA, Russia and Asia?

English Business⁴⁸

In general, the British value time-keeping for business arrangements. If you set up a meeting for seven o’clock, the chances are your counterparts will arrive on time or just before. Since the British are so time-conscious, sometimes you may feel their lives are very rushed. In fact, however, they are doing their best, to avoid losing time, which is valued as an economic resource. It is considered very impolite to arrive late to a business meeting. If your delay is inevitable and you arrive late, it is usually sufficient to excuse yourself with an apology. If, however, you are more than a few minutes late, you should call ahead to apologize and give identification of how long you will be; in the case of a longer delay that would compromise the value of attending the meeting, you should consider offering the meeting to a new time or day. The busier people are, the greater the likelihood that they will have to leave for another engagement, so respecting their time is very important.

Gift diving is not a usual part of British business etiquette, although reciprocation is good practice when gifts are received. Some organizations are encouraged not to accept any form of gift and some are prevented from doing so on the legal grounds However, where a gift is offered, it is important to ensure that it is not expensive enough to be considered a bribe or so inexpensive to be considered an insult.

There is a large range of suitable gifts to choose from: company greeting cards, pens, books, diaries, alcohol, flowers, souvenir from the visitor’s country or invitations to a cultural event, etc. If a gift is received in public, it is advisable to open it immediately and express your gratitude to the giver.

Usually, the successful conclusion of negotiations presents the ideal opportunity for gist giving. Here the meaning is an acknowledgment of the occasion. Ideally, such gifts will be gold, silver or porcelain and it is important to consider the suitability of the gift and the taste of the recipient. It is not usual to exchange business gifts at Christmas: however, it is still good practice to send a greeting card to express thanks to your counterparts. If you receive an invitation to dinner or a party at home of your colleagues, it is normal to bring a bottle of wine and possibly a small gift such as flowers or chocolates. When giving flowers be aware that red roses (which signify romantic intentions) and white lilies (which express grief and are used for funerals) are best avoided.

When it comes to business dress business codes, classical conservative attire is the norm for both men and women in British culture and dark colours such as black, dark blue and charcoal grey are predominant. It is common for women to wear trousers or skirt in an official environment, and headscarves are accepted as part of religious freedom. Many senior managers are fond of quality and express their status through their choice of clothing. Shopping in designer boutiques is popular among British society and bespoke suits, designer shirts, silk ties and hand-made shoes are sigh of affluence and status.