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Практика делового общения на английском языке. Учебное пособие

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5. The largest ... of heat generated is utilizable, but the rest escapes.
b) Translate into English
1. Это способствовало увеличению производительности труда на 10%.
2. Около 50% всего оборудования хранится на этом складе.
3. Они считали этот процент очень невысоким.
4. Почему Вы настаиваете на изменении процента?
Ex. 17. a) Supply the preposition where necessary.
Poland near agreement on bulldozer venture with US
POLAND is in an advanced stage ... negotiation with Dresser Industries of the US for a joint venture to produce bulldozers and earth-moving equipment, Mr. Andrej Wojcik, Foreign Trade Minister, said. The joint venture would be the largest agreed since legislation permitting such operations was passed ... the middle of last year. It could generate sales worth as much as $ 200m (Ь 125m), said. Mr. Wojcik during a visit ... London which ended yesterday. Agreement on the deal would mark a breakthrough for the joint venture scheme, which is regarded as an important plank in Poland's efforts to boost sales ... manufactured products as its traditional exports, notably coal, decline. So far, only a couple ... Western companies have signed joint ventures amid concern over conditions. However, Mr. Wojcik said, Poland was also adopting a cautious approach. «We want the first ones particularly to be successful.» In a separate effort to boost its trade, the Polish Government is discussing with its banks a new system ... foreign currency accounts in which exporters may hold part ... the proceeds of their hard currency foreign sales.
b) Say what the newspaper writes about the Polish American joint venture.
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Ex.18. Read the letter.
Gentlemen:
Our client, Lewis International, has requested us to utilize the opportunity of being in Moscow on other business to bring to your attention its outstanding capabilities in constructing on a turnkey basis complete factories for the Food Industry and the Meat Dairy Industry. If you have any technical assignments for buying such facilities, Lewis International would be pleased to review your requirements and, if appropriate, present their offer and/or send their technical specialists to Moscow to discuss your requirements and their capabilities.
The Lewis companies, Inc., which is the subsidiary involved in construction, construction management, and turnkey, has been awarded contracts in many countries for the turnkey supply of cold storage plants and vegetable processing operations. The contracts included site and building design, bonding construction, furnishing and installation of all equipment, plant start-up, personnel training, production guarantees, and a major maintenance program.
Lewis has a great deal to offer to the Eastern European market, particularly in the food industry.
Perhaps we could take the opportunity of my next visit to Moscow m April to discuss the possibilities for organizing scientific and commercial cooperation between Kazanimport and Lewis International.
Sincerely yours,
…
Ex.19, a) Read the dialogue.
Slayton: Mr. Bragin, I wonder if I could have your views on our proposal to build a hotel on turnkey basis for you in Kazan. What are your ideas? Bragin: Well, our experts have studied it thoroughly and think it meets most of their requirements. But I’m afraid I can't give you a definite answer yet.
Slayton: When will you be able to? Bragin: I never like promising a date until I know I can honour it —
however, I think you can have our answer in a fortnight. Slayton: Good. We'll be expecting to hear from you in due course.
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And we do hope you'll entrust us with this Bragin: Well. Mr. Slayton, just one more point I’m like to bring up. We need to have the hotel commissioned in April, project. Well, but not in June, as we wrote in our enquiry. Do you think you'll be able to meet this new date? Slayton: You must certainly understand it would involve changes in the delivery schedule, construction programme, number of workers and engineers and so on. This is, of course, a big problem. But soluble, I think. So, to be specific, I’ll contact you next Tuesday at the latest and let you have our decision then.
Bragin: Fine. No more problems so far. Slayton: If anything urgent crops up, just ring me up. If by any chance,
I'm not available, you should speak to Mr. Stewart. He's fully informed about the project, and will have full authority to act on my behalf. Bragin: Thank you.
b) Reproduce the parts of the dialogue where the businessmen speak about:
1. the proposal of the foreign company; 2. the possible changes.
c) Think and answer
1. What projects have been developed on a turnkey basis in the
Russia?
2. What problems may arise in the execution of turnkey contracts?
d) Say what you know about plants supplied by the Russia to some developing countries on a turnkey basis.
Ex. 20. a) Read the newspaper article.
Funds for revival
Two new investment funds are set to be launched this week investing in the economic regeneration of Eastern Europe and the depressed British smaller companies sector.
The $ 50 million East European Development fund is to be established by American group Invesco MIM and the European arm of Daiwa, the Japanese investment house. To be managed by London-
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based MIM Britannia International, the trust will have a minimum subscription of $ 250,000 and is set to appeal to international institutions.
The fund expects to be invested in two years, and managing director Roy Bracher hopes to bring it to a stock exchange listing — possibly on an emergent east European market
ASCoT, the Aberforth Smaller Companies Trust, is to be launched by Edinburgh-based Aberforth Partners.
A £ 15m investment trust investing exclusively in British smaller companies, the fund has already been preplaced with financial institutions. Dealings should start in early December.
Aberforth has decided to concentrate all its energies on managing smaller company portfolios. In the New Year, it hopes to follow ASCoT with an open-ended smaller companies fund with no front end charges 2 and a competitive 0.8 per cent annual charges.
b)Summarize what the article says about each fund.
c) Think and answer.
1. Will the funds most probably realize the goals set?
2. Do emergent markets and depressed sectors of economy usually
require new investment funds?
3. Are many funds launched at an international level in such cases?
Ex. 21. Give extensive answers.
1. What forms of international business are widely practiced besides
conventional trade?
2. What is the difference between conventional trade and the above
forms of cooperation?
3. What factors are taken into account when this or that form of
business is chosen?
4. How do financial aspects affect international business?
Ex.22. Agree or disagree with the following statements. Give your reasons.
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1. Various forms of financial support are practiced in international
business.
2. Similar documents are used in international business irrespective of the form chosen.
Ex.23. Read, translate and discuss.
Cocoa Futures Tumble as Tensions Ease in Ivory Coast
NEW YORK — Cocoa-futures prices slumped Friday, with continued bearish sentiment caused by the apparent easing of political tension in Ivory Coast triggering aggressive long liquidation and new short selling, traders said.
July futures closed $ 76 lower at $ 1,235 per metric ton on the New York Coffee, Sugar and Cocoa Exchange. The September contract also slipped $ 76 closing at $ 1,265.
Analysts said the settlement of a strike at Brazil's chief cocoa­exporting port of Recife and reports of much-needed rain in growing regions of West Africa also inspired bearish-ness.
Life-of-contract highs had been reached in late May following public unrest in Ivory Coast caused by the proposed implementation of austerity measures. But an easing in those tensions, reports of tradehouse selling in the cash market and a slowdown m the accumulation of supplies had combined to pressure prices, traders said.
Commission-house analysts said solid selling was sparked when July and September contracts broke through $ 1,280 and $ 1,305 per ton, respectively.
The U.S. declines followed steep falls in London, where July futures went the £ 40 ($ 7.50) limit down shortly before the close at £ 810 offered, and the market was shut until the start of the closing call.
July then closed £ 46 per ton down at £ 805, while September lost £ 50 to £ 822 a four-week low.
Ex.23. Read and reproduce.
8 Ways to Avoid Litigation When You Sell a Business
Based on recent litigation storm clouds, business owners
planning exit strategies better batten down their legal hatches.
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As a small business owner, your company most likely represents a significant portion of your net worth. That’s why it’s crucial not to let litigation wash it away when the time comes to convert your years of hard work into cash.
Selling a business involves substantial amounts of money and a wide range of issues including warranties and representations, disclosures and contractual obligations. Consequently, there are many opportunities for litigation to arise. Not only is litigation highly unpleasant and disruptive to your lifestyle, it is also very, very expensive - even if you win.
But other than wishing, hoping and praying, what’s a small business owner to do? Rather than complaining try something more constructive. Here are eight strategies to follow when selling your business that can help minimize litigation issues.
1. Honesty is the best insurance policy. Tell the truth about your
business. Do not attempt to hide any problems or issues that, if left undisclosed, might be the basis for future litigation. Rest assured that the cost of disclosure in a transaction is very small when compared to the cost of litigation for non-disclosure.
2. Develop a confidential business review. This is a high-quality
and comprehensive document that describes your business and its background. Within this document, clearly disclose any negative issues that are involved in the business. Not only will disclosure reduce litigation risks, it will also add to your credibility with potential buyers and save you time by eliminating those who are unwilling to accept the realities of your business.
3. Accurately communicate historical financial results. Do so
in a manner that demonstrates the earning power of your business. Ideally, this information will be presented in a summarized format that recasts your discretionary and certain other expenses to show EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization).
4. Require your buyer to go through extensive due diligence.
Due diligence is the process by which a buyer conducts an independent investigation of the information you have provided about your business. The written due diligence materials should be incorporated into the final legal documents to minimize your litigation risks.
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5. Assemble a strong team of experienced professionals. Your
accountant and your attorney will play key roles, and their expertise will reduce litigation risks. You may also benefit from the assistance of an experienced intermediary, broker, or merger and acquisition firm that specializes in selling privately owned businesses. However, before hiring an intermediary, make certain that they do not charge up-front fees and that they have a litigation-free track record.
6. Ensure that closing documents are thorough and complete.
Not only must these documents contain appropriate legal language, they also must anticipate and address potential disagreements that may occur after closing – disagreements on issues like equipment or inventory values and condition, collection of accounts receivable and more. These issues are easily addressed during the courtship phase with a buyer, but they can cause major problems after the transaction is closed and the honeymoon phase is over.
7. Be careful with employment, transition and consulting
agreements. If you enter into longer term agreements with your
buyer, make sure the terms are entirely consistent with your retirement plans. Otherwise you run the risk of being unwilling or unable to perform your obligations, and that can lead to litigation.
8. Maintain confidentiality throughout the entire selling
process. Although confidentiality will not directly protect you from
litigation, it will help minimize the risk of losing valuable employees, customers and vendors during the process. One of the best ways to avoid litigation is to help ensure your buyer’s success, because that success significantly reduces the basis for damage claims.
The goal is a successful, worry-free transition. Take the time to recognize and act on the many opportunities you have to minimize your litigation risks and reap the benefits later.
Barry Evans
A New Vision of Leadership
The 21st century leader is one who empowers others to be leaders. Managers and supervisors must now embrace the techniques, challenges and benefits of Facilitative Leadership.
Consider the following quote: The old world was composed of bosses who told you what to do
and think, told you to keep your head down and mouth shut, and made
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all the decisions, .....In the new world, no manager can know
everything or make every decision. Now, to be successful, a manager has to work in partnership, in collaboration, with everyone, and tap everyone's ideas and intelligence. Managers now are coaches, counselors and team builders...Their job is to find people with talent and skill, and help them work together toward a common purpose.
From: Ron Zemke, 'The Call of Community', TRAINING,
Vol.33, No.3, 1996, p.28
The statistics are alarming.
• Less than half of all employees feel a strong personal attachment
to their organizations.
• Sixty percent of employees don't feel their companies develop
them for the long term.
• Only 40% of employees feel their organizations show care and
concern for them.
• The average employee has 12-15 jobs during his or her career
and 5-7 by the time he or she turns 30.
• Only 24% of employees are truly loyal to their organizations ­meaning that they have a strong personal attachment to their companies and plan to stay for the next two years.
• Replacing key employees costs between 70 to 200% of their annual salaries.
• 57% of employees say they are unhappy in their current job.
With a talent shortage looming, unhappy and disloyal employees, costly turnover and decreasing productivity---all of which have a huge impact on an organization’s bottom line---leaders and managers are finding it difficult to stay competitive in today’s global marketplace. How is a leader to retain the best and brightest talent, foster productivity, and cultivate a competitive edge?
Leaders first need to understand the changing mindset of American workers.
What contributes to job satisfaction? It is rarely just a paycheck. According to the Retention and Engagement Drivers Report by The Jordon Evans Group, August 12, 2004:
48.4% say Exciting Work and Challenge
42.6% say Career Growth, Learning, and Development
41.8% say Working with great people in positive relationships
Underlying these statistics are employees’ expectations of certain unwritten privileges: to maintain their differences, to be who they are,
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to have the opportunity to express themselves and their ideas, and to be heard in a meaningful way.
The good news is that employees who are given these “privileges” have a much higher sense of job satisfaction, are more committed to the organization, more productive and have higher retention rates. They deliver high performance, and give their very best in completing tasks in which they have assumed some personal control.
Across the board in today’s society, people are demanding more involvement in the decisions that affect them. No longer do we find the blind acceptance of previously unchallenged authorities such as governments, institutions, or even workplace management. Whether leaders like it or not, today’s norm of rapid-fire, on-demand information transfer has set up a cultural expectation of choice, responsibility and freedom.
Today’s challenges call for a fundamental transformation of management style and culture.
To accommodate this transformation, leaders will need to develop new skills and put on several more hats than they may currently be wearing. The 21st century facilitative leader must act as:
Coach The new leader must make a conscious effort to hear and understand the content, meaning, and feeling related to what is said. He or she must raise employees’ awareness of facts, issues, and implications, and impart responsibility to increase individual and corporate productivity.
Dreamer The new leader must be non-judgemental when looking at new ideas. Be receptive to new visions, even if they may seem impractical or unrealistic at first.
Innovator The new leader must ignite a fire within the staff or group, and keep it well lit. The leader must establish the organizational momentum and keep the pace. He or she must generate and embrace change.
Explorer The new leader must follow experimental trails in the search for new ground. Be adventurous, unconventional. Challenge your personal limits and take risks.
Connector The new leader must find similarities and commonalities where others
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see only differences. He or she must look for individuals’ potential in forming teams and assigning tasks. He or she must be flexible and open, and observe with all senses.
Builder The new leader must be detailed, resourceful, focused and inventive. He or she is process-oriented and can visualize materials coming together to create a finished product.
Clairvoyant The new leader must be aware of the signs of potential strain, weariness, aggravation and disempowerment, and be proactive to avoid dysfunctional behavior.
Praiser The new leader should, at every opportunity, praise the effort put forth, the progress made, and the results achieved. Praise well, praise often, praise specifically!
All of these skills and qualities must be developed in today's leader. But it is just as important to know where these qualities are represented on your team, or if any of them are missing. Knowing how your co-workers think and are prone to act is paramount to effective teamwork. This knowledge is also extremely valuable for leaders when forming sub-teams and assigning tasks to know the
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creative mindsets of their team members
.
Travis Blackwell
Ex. 24. Vocabulary
to adapt conventional conventional trade, conventional weapons turnkey transactions joint joint efforts joint-stock company venture mixed companies mixed commissions marriages feelings
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http://www.acquisitionservicesgroup.com
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