口语部分
整个考试时间：16分钟左右。
第一项：询问个人信息
本项考试的时间：3分钟左右。
本项考试的形式：由考官逐个向考生提出问题，考生进行回答。
本项考试内容：涉及个人信息的诸多方面，考官的提问更是千变万化，但一定设计个人信息的某个方面。通常，为了核对考生资格，考官会问以下问题：What’s your name?/can you spell your family name?/can you spell your surname?/ what’s your number? 回答范例：My name is Ray. That’s R-A-Y, Ray.
本项考试的目的是：考官借助于对考生个人信息的提问，核对考生考试资格，并通过与考生之间的交流，考察考生的发音，语法和用词。
本项考试从难度上来说是口语三项考试之末，但由于其为考试第一项，所以考生在本项中留给考官们的印象至关重要。考生们必须认真对待。
考生在本项考试中必须做到：
1．克服考试开始时的紧张情绪。方法：提前进入考场，适应考场环境。了解考试模式，进行模拟训练。
2．听清考官所问之问题。若没有听懂，可以要求考官重复其问题。方法：使用I am sorry but could you repeat your question?/I beg your pardon, Madam(Sir)?等句型。
3．全面地回答考官提出的问题，不能跑题。
实用技巧：A. 对于考官提出的特殊疑问句，首先使用单词、词组或句子给予明确的答复。然后阐述理由。B. 对于考官提出的一般疑问句，首先答复yes或者no，然后阐述理由。C. 对于考官提出的选择疑问句，方法同A。
4．不要与另一位考生交流，不要干扰另一位考生的答题。
5．有时由于时间问题，考官有可能非常简单地进行本项甚至打断考生的答题，这考生的临场表现没有任何关系。出现上述情况，切忌紧张。
Part One (interviews)
In the first part of the test the interlocutor addresses each candidate in turn and asks general questions. Candidates will not be addressed in strict sequence. This part of the test lasts about three minutes and during this time, candidates are being tested on their ability to talk about themselves, to provide personal information on their home, interests and jobs, and to perform functions such as agreeing and disagreeing, and expressing preference.
General Procedure
Examiners’ greeting and self-introduction
Candidate’s names and hometowns
Marksheets required
Questions for reference
Can you tell me about yourself?
Can you tell me about your hometown?
Can you tell me about your friends?
Could you tell me about the facilities in your hometown?
Could you tell me about your reasons for learning English?
Could you tell me about your interests outside college or work?
Could you tell me about your ambitions for the future?
Could you tell me why you chose this type of work?/these studies?
Could you tell me how much you use English at work?/in your studies?
Could you tell me what you like best about your work?/studies?
Could you tell me what you like least about your work/studies?
Could you tell me how important you think English is in business life in China?
Could you tell me how important you think imports and exports are to China?
Could you tell me what effect you think technology is having on business life in China?
Could you tell me what effect you think advertising has on people in China?
Could you tell me how working life is changing in China?
Could you tell me how important you think the tourist industry is to China?
Can you tell me about your reasons for choosing your profession or studies?
Can you tell me what you hope to achieve professionally in the next five years?
Can you tell me how important a foreign language is to you in your work or studies?
Can you tell me how you relax from your work or studies?
Can you tell me what you would like to change about your work or studies?
Can you tell me whether you would like to work or study in a foreign country?
Can you tell me which foreign language you think will be most important in the future for business in China?
Can you tell me what you think is the biggest change in working life in China?
Can you tell me how important you think it is for people who work in business in China to be familiar with information technology?
Can you tell me which professions are most useful for China?
Can you tell me how people’s attitudes to work are changing in China?
Can you tell me which you think are the most important new commercial activities in China?
第二项：话题的讨论
本项考试的时间：6分钟左右
本项考试的形式：每个考生从给定的三个话题中任选一个进行一分钟的阐述，在阐述之前有一分钟进行准备，可以做笔记。另一考生认真听取对方阐述（可以作笔记），并在对方阐述完毕后，提问其一到两个问题，对方给予回答。
本项考试内容：本项考试中所給出的话题的范围包括：广告、求职、通信联系、商业交流、经营者与顾客的关系、财政、会计、生产管理、生产安全、员工健康、员工管
理、员工招聘、 员工培训、市场、销售、货物运输、技术等等。
本项考试的目的是：考官借助考生对自选观点话题的解释与阐述，考察考生的英语语言组织能力（包括个人意见、观点的提出、表达、解释和结论）。同时附带考察考生的发音，语法和用词。
本项考试从难度上来说居于口语三项考试之中。
考生在本项考试中必须做到：
1．充分利用本项开始之前的一分钟准备时间做好笔记。笔记格式范例：
Opening sentence:______________________________
Main points
*___________________
*___________________
*___________________
Supporting ideas
*___________________
*___________________
*_________________
Concluding sentence:______________________________________________
2．本项考试的顺序问题：考生一定要遵守以下的顺序。首先提出观点（参见3）。然后阐述理由，随即给出具体论据。最后进行总结。
3．开头陈述观点时所使用的句型：
A. 所选择的观点本身是特殊疑问句的格式。例如：how to fill a key vacancy
使用：to…, we should…/ we should…in order to…/we can solve the problem by doing…等句型。例如：To fill a key vacancy, we should…./We should…in order to fill a key vacancy./We can solve the problem by….
B. 所选择的观点本身短语的格式。例如：the importance of having a good CV
使用：I think … is …/In my opinion, … is …/From my point of view, … is …等句型。
例如：From my point of view, the importance of having a good CV is that…
4．结尾总结时所用的句型：Therefore,…/In a word,…/That’s my opinion./
5．由于考生在本项考试中只有一分钟的时间，因此建议考生只陈述一个观点，给出两个理由，两个论据，一个总结。共计六句话，时间分配为每句十秒钟。
6．考生相互询问以及回答中的注意事项：不要提问对方难度较大或模棱两可的问题，以免产生不必要的对抗心理。导致后续考试中合作的不愉快。提问方可以针对某个细节向对方提问，使得对方可以自然的重复自己的观点。回答方对提问方的问题仅做简要回答，主要是重复自己的观点。
Part Two
In this part each candidate’s task is to choose one topic from a set of three, and to talk about it for one minute. Candidates have one minute in which to prepare and should use this time to make brief notes. The other candidate listens to the talk and is invited to ask one or two questions at the end. Candidates may make notes while listening to their partner. Each candidate is given a different set of three tasks from which to choose.
General procedure
A choice of three different topics
One minute preparation while making notes
A/B starts with the other listening---one minute
Question asked
1. Customer relation: the importance of offering incentives to customers
Offering incentives to customers can help you to strengthen your customer base and enhance customer loyalty. If you offer incentives such as vouchers, complementary tickets, miles, gifts in the promotion or sales, you will attractive more customers and get them buy your products or services. At the same time the image of your company will be improved and your brands are more likely to be known by customers.
2. Product promotion: how to ensure that products are promoted effectively at international trade fairs
You should send a professional team of experts to arrange the promotion at the trade fair. They must be familiar with the products you want to promote at the fair. Meanwhile they must be good at dealing with clients especially foreign clients.
You should use advanced technology to display your products at the fair. Necessary equipments such as DVD, overhead projector, high-definition screen can help you demonstrate the quality, function and specification of your products.
You should design your show room and stand carefully to attract more customers. Your stand should be put up at an obvious place so that every customer can get an easy access to your products.
3. How to reduce labor turnover rates
In order to reduce labor turnover rates we must take the following effective measures:
Set up a clear staff appraisal process to make sure that the performance of every staff can be evaluated openly and honestly and their promotion is based on their contribution to the company. Thus no one will complaint about unfair promotion which once forced some of your staff to leave their jobs.
If permits enhance the staff benefits including their base pay annual bonus and other benefits. An incentive system should also be necessary to encourage the staff to work with the company longer.
Improve the work environment of your company or factory. Try to foster a spirit of mutual help among your staff and let them understand that the company or factory is far more than just a workplace. It’s a family where all members are supported and valued.
4. Career development: the importance of being willing to acquire new skills throughout your career
With the unceasing development of science and technology the workplace is now undertaking profound changes. The way you do your work and the equipment you use in your work will definitely change or upgrade in the future, which means you have to learn new skills to deal with these changes. Remember: you are never too old to learn. New skills will make you keep up with the latest technology and help develop yourself throughout your work life.
5. International sales: how to research foreign markets effectively
You should notice the difference between foreign and domestic market and set your target according to specific situation of foreign market. For example: given the different state of living standard the purchasing power of your target market may be higher or lower than the domestic market. If you ignore the difference you are likely to make mistakes in products’ pricing in foreign market.
You should ensure that your research team is excellent at carrying out research in a foreign country. That means every member of the team should mater the native language and be familiar with the specific culture of the target market.
6. Production management: how to implement an effective just-in-time system
What is a JIT production system?
- JIT is an approach to achieving excellence in a manufacturing company based on the continuing elimination of waste (waste being considered as those things that do not add value to the product).
- A repetitive production system in which both the movement of goods during production, and deliveries from suppliers, are carefully timed so that at each step of the process, the next (usually small) batch arrives for processing just as needed.
- The logic behind JIT: Nothing will be produced until it is needed.
7. Travel: the importance of being able to speak foreign languages in international business
8. Marketing: how to assess whether there is a market for a new product
You should carry out a research on the customer demands to see if there is a read need in the market for your new product. The feedback or result will help you to decide whether to launch the new product on the market.
You should pay special attention to your competitors. Detect whether they are going to launch their new product onto the market. if the answer if yes that probably means there is a demand in the market for some new product. Then be quick and put on your rival product to coincide with them.
9. Human resources: how to use staff appraisal schemes
You should see to it that the staff appraisal schemes be a chance for management and employees to come together and exchange ideas, set joint targets and improve the way decisions are reached.
The scheme should have a clear appeal process and any negative feedback should be accompanied by evidence such as dates, times and outcomes. Most importantly ratings should reflect measurable element of the job requirements.
10. Advertising: the importance of television and cinema advertisement
In fact television and cinema advertising both function as a kind of media which tells or even guides people to buy products or services. With the development of the telecommunication television has become the most important carrier of advertisement and as a result of that TV advertising has the largest amount of audience all over the world. They have penetrated into people’s daily life and persuaded them to buy whenever they turn on them. On the other hand the popularity of the movie make every audience be under the influence of cinema advertising at the beginning and end of the movie.
11. Staff management: how to ensure effective lines of communication between the workforce and management
As the leader of the company you should open up a channel for the workforce and management to communicate directly. For example you can hold a monthly meeting within the company, which is attended by both the reps from workforce and management. They are allowed to talk with each other openly and freely to exchange views and opinions. They can also set common objectives.
You should achieve this effectiveness by making use of up-to-date technologies. For example you can set up a forum on the intranet of your company so that every member can air and exchange their views on the forum. In this way a effective line of communication will be set up.
You should set up an incentive system to make your staff talk with their line managers.
12. Finance: how to ensure accurate cashflow forecasts
you should establish a monitor system in the first place to detect any possible cashflow gap which will occur during your production and operation. This system can calculate the balance between your income and expenditure on a daily base. And should there be any sign of cashflow problems the system will warn your staff to do something about it before hand.
In order to achieve the accuracy you must set up a report system which demands every manager report the current financial status of his or her departments. The information will be collected everyday for you to take consideration.
13. International sales: how to decide which sales incentives to offer a new foreign customer (本题做为思考题，请大家考虑一下。我们下次课将要学到。)
14. Recruitment: how to ensure that the best applicant for a job is selected (how to ensure that the best candidate for a post is selected)
During the selection process we should pay attention to the candidates’ quality and attribute. Quality refers to the candidate’s ability to conduct his or her future work. During the interview candidates will have to be asked to demonstrate their ability to solve problems and deal with emergencies.
In addition the other important factor should also be considered. That is the attribute of the candidate. It has something to do with the candidate’s character and value. Those whose value is in the conflict of the company’s ethics will not be considered as best candidate even if they demonstrate remarkable ability in their work.
15. How to decide whether to float a company on the stock market
A: we should check the policy concerning listing a company onto the stock market. Different stock exchanges have different policies and requirements. We should check these policies or requirements to see that if our company meets the demand so as to be listed on the stock market. For example according to the policy of many SEs, the total capital of a company should meet a certain level before it can be listed. Besides, its after-tax profits should also reach a certain level. So check these policies to see if our company is qualified to be listed onto the stock market. Second, we should understand and are willing to take the responsibilities that a listing company has to bear such as disclosure director’s duty all kinds of expenses tax and so on.
16. Training: the importance of training staff to use new technology
A: it is a very important step to train your staff in how to use the new technology. First of all most of your staff won’t be familiar with this technology since it is new and unless you train them they will spend much more time in getting used to it. Therefore your training is worthy in getting your staff to understand the new technology. Secondly you still won’t enjoy the high efficiency brought up by the new technology if you can’t achieve the perfect combination of your staff and the new technology which is only possible through training. The last but not the least you can improve your staff’s ability to harness the new technology through your training program and make them more confident in their work, which will definitely enhance the efficiency of your company.
17. The importance of selecting appropriate members of staff to attend exhibitions
A: your aim of exhibiting your products at the trade fair is to show your customers the high quality of your products through fine demonstration and careful explanation, which will only be achieved by selecting right staff to attend the trade fair. The staff you select should at least have a good understanding of the products you display. They must know the quality function description production packing and other important fields of your products. Besides they must have strong ability of promoting and marketing. These elaborately-selected staff can answer any kind of question produced by the customers about your products and can secure contracts with them skillfully, which will make your display a complete success.
18. Production management: how to organize an effective stock control system
A: there are three important steps: first step up a monitoring system in the company to watch closely the level of inventory so that the inventory can be maintained at an appropriate level. Second set up a reporting system to inform the manager of any possible changes in the level of inventory. If the level is too low try to improve it and reduce its negative effect on the production. If the level is too high try to reduce it and pay attention to the lack of capital and difficulties it will exert on the management. Third make everyone in the company clear about the importance of stock control so that every part of this system is operating effectively and altogether achieve a high proficiency of the whole.
注释：stock control system 存货控制 （对各种物资库存量的管理。目的在于使各种物料的库存量保持在适当的水平，既不会因库存过低而使生产收到影响，也不会因库存过多而占压资金并增加管理上的困难。）
19. Meeting: the importance of regular meeting with suppliers
A: first improve your cooperation with your supplier. It is not just a simple deal you make with your supplier. That is to say you should do your business with your supplier on the basis of equality mutual respect and mutual benefit. Second try to let your suppliers know that you are willing to establish the long-term relationship with them so that they are more confident in the current business with your company. Third it is your PR department’s job to communicate with your suppliers on the regular basis and enhance the friendly relationships between you and your suppliers.
20. The importance of teamwork for the effective management of projects
A: to manage projects involves heavy workload and requires much of the company’s energy and human resource. However by using teamwork we can make this complicated work become simple and easy. First when we set up a project-oriented teamwork all members of the projects are united and work in a teamwork spirit. That means they work more systemically and coordinate more with each other. As leaders we won’t worry about the time we will have to waste on the coordinating procedures anymore. Second by using teamwork we can create a sound and effective communication with the project and monitor the communication between members as well as the communication between boss and subordinates. Third in a team everyone tries to help others in their work and a lot of problems can be solved quickly after they occur. The managers can thus save the energy and time for trouble-shooting.
21. The importance of providing employees with clear job descriptions
A: if you give your employees clear job descriptions they will have a better understanding of what their jobs are and what their bosses expect from them. Then they can work according to their aims without any misunderstanding of their jobs which will definitely improve the efficiency of your employees’ work. In addition for managers clear job description can enable them to know their subordinates’ work better and to monitor and control their work effectively.
22. The importance of understanding cultural differences when working in an international environment
A: (请根据课本第七课所划之内容进行回答)
23. How to ensure that company growth proceeds at the optimum rate
A: first we should control the expansion of our company which if not appropriate can cause too much bubble and give a false impression of prosperity. Second plan our company’s future carefully. This includes considering in detail the budget of our company; opening more markets for the company’s products and gearing our company towards a right direction in which its development can be sustainable sound and rapid. Third make sure that we can get all the resources needed for our company’s development including the materials we need to produce our products the capital we need to make investments and the human resource we need to keep our staff highly-qualified.
24. How to manage a heavy workload effectively
A: first we should have a timetable illustrating all the details about the work of every staff within a day, a month or even a year. We can deal with more workload while shouldering more responsibility if we can arrange our work in advance. Second make sure that we can communicate with our colleagues effectively so that we can make use of their advice or ideas to help us solve the problems or unexpected things occurring in our work. Third as for ourselves we should keep ourselves physically sound to handle the stress a heavy workload might bring about.
25. The importance to a company of having a Health and Safety policy
A: as a kind of legal document Health and Safety policy can help a company to reduce the possible injuries or accidents that may happen in the process of production or office work as it explains in detail what the staff should and should not do in order to keep themselves safe in their work. If those accidents or injuries do happen the Policy made by the company can also be used as reference in case of civil liability. Besides the Health and Safety policy can serve as a record which will be very useful if an inspector questions the company’s precautions on health and safety.
26. How to ensure that staff at all levels receive appropriate feedback on individual performance
A: we should establish a complete set of evaluating system within the whole company to monitor individual performance of every employee and to report their performance to the board and the department they belong to. Their performance is judged on the basis of their position and responsibility and in accordance with their personal abilities. Of course any other factors that will affect their performance directly or indirectly will also be taken into consideration. Besides the feedback will be sent directly to our employees’ mailbox immediately after their performance is evaluated.
27. How to maintain customer interest in a company’s products
A: usually customers are interested in the products which have high reputation or world-wide brand names. Therefore a company should try to keep the fame of their products and develop its products into a global brand in order to attract its customers. And of course customers are often concerned about the quality of the products they are intended to buy. In this regard a company should make their products reliable to use. In addition a company should upgrade their products in a direction that will lead to a multi-functional and user-friendly kind of products. Try to show your customers that your products have great potentials so that they will keep their interest in your products.
28. The importance of having a career plan in order to achieve high levels of success at work
A: a career plan is very important for employees. If you plan your career in advance you will have a better idea of what you should do and what you have to achieve at the different stages of your career, which will make you more realistic at work. The plan will guide you throughout your career and make you easier to climb the ladder within the framework of your company. Every time you start your work you will find there is a clear goal before you and every time you achieve your goal another goal has already been set for you to continue. You will never feel lost in the complicated environment and can gain advantage among the tense competition with your colleagues. Gradually you will find yourself moving steadily towards your success and finally reach the top of your career. All of these are not your dreams and they can be realized if you have your career plan.
29. The importance of product diversification to the success of a business
A: in today’s increasingly-competitive market product diversification is crucial to the success of a business. Today’s market is becoming more and more diversified which means a single range of products produced by a certain company cannot survive since the competition is extremely high. And even if you survive you will find your earnings via a single product won’t cover even a small fraction of your cost. Therefore a business should diversify its product range. A diversified product range will make you avoid the tense competition in the specific area and give you more opportunities to open up more potential markets which will reduce to a large extent the risks due to the high competition.
(还可从吸引顾客的角度来说)
30. The importance in business of maintaining personal contact with clients
A: some of your clients are your important suppliers and others are your distributors. Therefore keeping contact with them means you keep a good communication with your suppliers or distributors whose information is crucial to your production and sales. Any information you gain from your client can be used to test the popularity of your products. Usually formal or official contact with your clients won’t give you much more opportunities to get the information you need. Personal contact however can be developed into a very useful contact since it can produce a sound environment in which you talk to your clients personally. And you can even get some information about your revival through personal contact which you can use to take the advantage in the competition. And of course you will know better what your clients think of your products and what they expect from you since most of your clients are reluctant to tell you because of the strict environment of formal contact.
31. How to balance company growth with production capacity
A: in order to balance company growth with production capacity we must keep our production capacity at an appropriate level so that it can promote the growth of our company. If we pay too much attention to the development of production capacity while neglecting the possible harms it can cause we will have to face the stagnation in the grow of our company or the growth bubble which will eventually burst. If we accelerate our production capacity without any consideration of the current market demand or current situation of the company’s sales we will definitely increase our inventory which will cause the break of the cash flow.
32. How to achieve and maintain high motivation among a workforce
A: first set up an incentive mechanism within the company to ensure that every highly-motivated employee is awarded. Second try to produce a healthy and sound environment within the company to ensure that every employee know the importance and benefit of keeping high motivation in his or her job. Third help very employee to plan his or her future career within the company to make them sure that they are paid close attention to by the company and they will have a better future if they stay with the company.
33. The importance of training staff in how to use new technology when introducing it into the workplace
A: it is a very important step to train your staff in how to use the new technology. First of all most of your staff won’t be familiar with this technology since it is new and unless you train them they will spend much more time in getting used to it. Therefore your training is worthy in getting your staff to understand the new technology. Secondly you still won’t enjoy the high efficiency brought up by the new technology if you can’t achieve the perfect combination of your staff and the new technology which is only possible through training. The last but not the least you can improve your staff’s ability to harness the new technology through your training program and make them more confident in their work, which will definitely enhance the efficiency of your company.
34. How to maintain good relationships with suppliers
A: first improve your cooperation with your supplier. It is not just a simple deal you make with your supplier. That is to say you should do your business with your supplier on the basis of equality mutual respect and mutual benefit. Second try to let your suppliers know that you are willing to establish the long-term relationship with them so that they are more confident with the current business with your company. Third it is your PR department’s job to communicate with your suppliers on the regular basis and enhance the friendly relationships between you and your suppliers.
35. How to achieve a strong visual impact in advertising
A: first we should use an impressive and unique color design or slogan in our advertising. Each of them is expected to achieve strong visual impact which will make your advertisement a complete one-off. In addition, we can apply multi-media technology to our ad to achieve some special visual effects such as 3D animation.
36. The importance of being able to cope with the stress in a job
A: as today’s businessmen we shoulder more and more responsibilities and experience more intensive stress which if not appropriately deal with will lead to mental fatigue or other mental illnesses or even worse the total breakdown. Therefore the ability to cope with the stress in our jobs is one of the most important skills we should acquire in today’s business world. Furthermore, we will inevitably encounter some stress in our daily work. Without appropriately dealing with these stresses we cannot continue our work in a normal way and the stagnation will appear to offset any achievement we have made in the previous work.
37. The importance of a safe working environment for maintaining staff morale
A: in a safe working environment your staff will work more comfortably without worrying about the possible risk or “danger” resulting from the neglect of safety procedures. In this case the possible injuries or death will occur rarely and your staff will appreciate the company’s ponderance over their safety. They will feel valued by the company and therefore they will try their best to work and maintain a high morale.
38. How to maintain a balance between quality control and speed of production
A: we should maintain our production at an appropriate speed while keeping the quality control in the production. We cannot afford to speed up our production at the cost of quality. Quality control will inevitably slow down our production. However it is worthwhile. Strict quality control method is in itself a cost-effective measure which will reduce the cost you have spent on the interior products. Of course it is not necessary for us to set quality control in every single step of our production. We can keep quality control in some key procedures or areas of our production. Therefore we can achieve a relatively high speed of production.
39. The importance of a cumulous program of staff training within a company
A: given the different state in the development of your staff’s knowledge skill and ability it is impossible for you to carry out staff training on all of your employees simultaneously. You have to conduct the training in a step-by-step way. That is to say you must carry out cumulous program. You should first divided your staff into several groups according to their educational background and then train them to achieve different goals. For the staff with high proficiency of skills you train them towards the direction of managers and for those who have relatively weak abilities your focus should be to improve their professional skills and knowledge. Besides a cumulous program will actually last a year or longer. So you won’t have to worry about the shortage of money or time.
40. The importance of selecting appropriate members of staff to attend exhibitions
A: your aim of exhibiting your products at the trade fair is to show your customers the high quality of your products through fine demonstration and careful explanation, which will only be achieved by selecting right staff to attend the trade fair. The staff you select should at least have a good understanding of the products you display. They must know the quality function description production packing and other important fields of your products. Besides they must have strong ability of promoting and marketing. These elaborately-selected staff can answer any kind of question produced by the customers about your products and can secure contracts with them skillfully, which will make your display a complete success.
41. The importance of adequate supervision and training of staff who deal with the public
A: in order to keep a sound image of your company in public and maintain good relations with the public you should pay special attention to the staff who deal with the public because they are in fact the key element of the success of your PR police. If your staff have the strong abilities of communicating and negotiating when they are dealing with the public your company will definitely reap the fruits of it. Therefore every PR staff will have to receive enough training before they can fulfill their duty. Of course training in itself is not enough. Supervision is always necessary to find out what still needs improving regarding the job of your PR staff and adequate supervision can also enable you to change and improve the training when necessary.
42. How to provide effective support for new members of staff
A: what the new members of staff need most at the beginning of their career is the detailed description of their work including what their jobs are; what kind of correct procedure they have to follow during their work; which area they should pay special attention to and other useful information. Therefore we must focus on the above areas when we provide support for our new members of staff. Besides we should pay attention to the way we use to provide support. Being the freshmen most of them are not familiar with the current situation and we should keep enough patience when giving support. Any impatience will harm their feeling and make our support an ineffective one.
43. The importance of being aware of differences in appropriate behavior in other cultures
A: today’s world is moving towards globalization. In the business world this is particularly true. The employees of the large companies especially the transnational companies come from different countries and therefore have different cultural background. Difference will inevitably occur during their work in the company. These differences if not be dealt with appropriately will become obstacles and make it difficult for the employees to cooperate with each other in their daily work. A certain behavior such as a gesture which is appropriate to a culture will possibly be regarded as inappropriate to the other culture. Therefore we should be aware of the differences and behave ourselves appropriately in the cross-culture environment.
44. How to ensure that stock control system are run effectively
A: there are three important steps: first step up a monitoring system in the company to watch closely the level of inventory so that the inventory can be maintained at an appropriate level. Second set up a reporting system to inform the manager of any possible changes in the level of inventory. If the level is too low try to improve it and reduce its negative effect on the production. If the level is too high try to reduce it and pay attention to the lack of capital and difficulties it will exert on the management. Third make everyone in the company clear about the importance of stock control so that every part of this system is operating effectively and altogether achieve a high proficiency of the whole.
注释：stock control system 存货控制 （对各种物资库存量的管理。目的在于使各种物料的库存量保持在适当的水平，既不会因库存过低而使生产收到影响，也不会因库存过多而占压资金并增加管理上的困难。）
45. The importance of using environmentally friendly means of transport whenever possible
A: in today’s society more and more people are aware of the importance of environmental protection. Their awareness has deeply gone into their consuming habits. Therefore if your company can use environmentally friendly means of transport you will set up a sound image in the local community as well as the society that you are paying your attention to these issues so that you can get good public relationship with the people who will likely turn into your customers if they are satisfied with your environmental protection practice. In addition this practice can be cost-effective and you will save a considerable amount of money each year.
46. How to access the career opportunities provided by different types of companies
A: 此题看似复杂但实际上和“选择职业时要注意什么”等问题类似，因此不再赘述。
47. Q: how to run a meeting successfully
A: 此题看似专业但实际上和“选择参加一个会议时应注意什么”等问题类似，主要可从：agenda；timetable; content; length等方面回答。
48. The importance of packaging products appropriately
A: the packaging of our products is in fact a kind of advertisement for our products. So when we decide on packaging for products we must first consider if the packaging can reflect the image of our products. It must best represent the quality of our products through its design and layout which can attract our customers to buy our products. The packaging should show the distinctive features of our products so that every customer can have a better understanding of our products after just taking a look at our products. And we should make sure that the customers can identify our products immediately through the packaging. Besides, the production process decides the physical characters of your products. For example, what they are made of, metal glass or wood? Because of these characters you have to select different kind of packaging. For example being fragile your products made of glass should be packaged in a soft container which can stand the impact of collision. Your wood products should be kept in the anti-wet and anti-mold packaging. As for metal products anti-wet and anti-rust packaging is necessary. Appropriate packaging can ensure the quality of your products during the delivery.
49. The importance of involving staff in setting the objectives of a company’s business plan
A: when you involve your staff in setting objectives of your company’s business plan you actually have established a kind of teamwork. Every staff belongs to the team and they have a common objective. Therefore they will feel valued by the company and they will have hard to realize their common goal. In order to achieve this they will help each other learn from each other and coordinate with each other. The communication of your staff is greatly enhanced and a good environment of equality and mutual help is produced. You will absolutely draw upon fruits on your wise practice.
50. Marketing: how to ensure that a product is packaged appropriately for a specific market
51. Management: the importance to a company of an effective personnel management policy
52. Customer relations: how to ensure that a client’s visit to your workplace is successful
53. Personnel management: the importance of a clear career structure for ensuring job satisfaction for all employees
54. Product promotion: how to choose the most appropriate method for promoting a particular product
55. Personnel management: the importance of internal promotion as an incentive for staff
56. Customer relations: how to persuade an important client to place a substantial order for a company’s products or services
57. Strategic planning: the importance of appointing external consultants to evaluate a company’s performance
58. Recruitment: the importance of assessing personality when interviewing job applicants
59. Financial management: how to reduce costs on business trips
61. The importance of making customers feel valued
A: in my opinion making your customers feel valued is very important. First, It can maintain the customer’s loyalty to your products so that you can further strengthen your company’s customer base. Second, valued customers often pay their attention to your company’s development and they would like to give you some advice or suggestions which you can use to further promote the quality of your company’s products or services. This will in turn help you to attract more customers and make them feel valued. Therefore I believe that making your customers feel valued is of great importance.
62. The importance to a company of controlling expansion
A: it is very important for a company to control its expansion. First, if a company expands too fast without any control it will soon face a variety of problems. For example the budget of this company will become tight because it has to spend money in setting up branches or recruiting more employees. Besides, the structure of this company will become more and more complex which will probably lead to the lack of efficiency in terms of communication, responsiveness and leadership. On the contrary if a company can keep itself at a reasonable size which keeps up with its development, high efficiency will be achieved in the operation and management of the company. Therefore, this company will have a better chance to develop itself.
63. How to ensure that agents maintain a high level of effectiveness when representing a company
A: there are several methods we can use in order to make our agents maintain a high level of efficiency. First, we must enhance our agents’ awareness that they are parts of the company and what they do and say when representing our company is of great importance to the development and benefits of the company. In this way we can improve our agent’s work ethics and give them clear objective. Second, we can train those who are lacking of experience or skills to improve the level of their effectiveness. Third, we can build an incentive system in our company to encourage our agents to maintain high level of effectiveness. Of course those who are unwilling to work hard will be punished or even fired.
64. The importance of planning work time effectively
A: first an effective timetable planned by the company can avoid unnecessary time-consuming work which will have to be done by more staff than necessary. Therefore individual efficiency can be achieved. Second, an effective timetable explains in detail every step the staff need to follow to finish the work and the exact time they will spend, which will enable the staff to get clear idea about the time limitation and to finish every step before deadline. Therefore the production or service of the company will go at a fast pace.
65. How to ensure inter-departmental co-operation on new projects
A: to ensure inter-departmental co-operation on new projects the first thing we should do is to set up a clear objective among all departments. Everyone in every department should know exactly what the company will do with these new projects, what the company expects from the new projects and what each department should do during the inter-departmental co-operation. Second, an intra-net should be built in the company so that every department will have the chance to communicate with others about their plans on the new projects. In addition, different ideas can be discussed and final decision can be made on net. Third, a sound environment of teamwork should be encouraged and special attention should be paid to establishing inter-departmental teamwork spirit.
66. How to evaluate and select new products
A: the evaluation and selection of new products should be based on two aspects. First, we can evaluate and select new products according to their performances in market. We can carry out an investigation on how customers like these new products. The results can be used to help to establish the guideline under which new products are evaluated and selected. Second, we can make a trial purchasing of the new products and test their qualities to see if they meet our demands. If the result of the test is fine then we just go ahead to make large orders with the producers and if not we just stop and won’t suffer any loss.
67. The importance to a company of having well motivated staff
A: first a company consists of individuals whose morale is crucial to the image of the company. It’s hard to believe that a company full of low-spirited employees can have better performance that the one staffed with well motivated employees. Second, well motivated staff often work hard think creatively and are willing to shoulder more responsibilities, all of which are exactly what the company need to develop itself further. Well motivate staff can also help create a sound environment of mutual help and mutual understanding within the company and stimulate their colleagues’ morale, which will definitely improve the efficiency of the company. Therefore it’s very important for a company to have well motivated staff.
68. How to decide whether to purchase or rent company premises
A: first we should see to it that we check the financial situation of our company before we decide whether to purchase or rent company premises. As we all know we will have to spend much more money in purchasing premises than renting them. Therefore we should check our company’s financial situation to see whether we now have enough money to purchase premises. Any ignorance of current financial situation will break company’s cash flow or even undermine the company’s normal production.
Second we should ask ourselves the aim that makes us purchase or rent premises. Do we want to set up our headquarters for a long-term investigation which will definitely need us to purchase buildings or just build a branch for a short-term project which requires only some rented houses?
After all these careful studies we can make our decision.
69. How to ensure that price levels for new products are set appropriately
A: first we should consider the cost of our new products before we put them into the market. The price level we set should at least include all the cost and investment and make us gain some margins. Second we should carry out an investigation or market research in the target market to see what price level can be accepted by our potential customers. We will also have to study the consumer’s habits and the popularity of our new products in the target market. Only through these comprehensive investigations can we ensure the appropriate price levels of our new products.
70. The importance of foreign language training for selected employees
A: companies often select some of their employees and appoint them as representatives to deal with foreign trade, export and other international businesses. Therefore it’s vital for companies to give selected employees foreign language training. First in order to do international business well sales persons should know different cultures of different countries in which people are doing business with each other. The most effective way to understand these is through foreign language learning which can be reinforced in the foreign languages courses sponsored by companies. After training employees can communicate freely with their foreign clients and more contracts will be signed. Second, with employees mastering a variety of foreign languages cross-nation cultures can be introduced to companies and contact with the outside world can be promoted, which will gradually make a company evolve into a multi-national one.
71. How to select a suitable agency to handle a company’s advertising
A: three points should be considered in order to select a suitable agency. First, the selected agency should be familiar with the character of the products which the company wants to advertise so that the best features of the advertised products of the company can be demonstrated by the advertisement. Second, the agency should have profound knowledge in designing producing and publishing advertisement which is not only a kind of art but also an important marketing method. Third, the selected agency should have the strong ability to combine the aesthetic presented by the advertisement with the need of the company to promote products.
72. How to decide whether to float a company on the stock market
A: we should check the policy concerning listing a company onto the stock market. Different stock exchanges have different policies and requirements. We should check these policies or requirements to see that if our company meets the demand so as to be listed on the stock market. For example according to the policy of many SEs, the total capital of a company should meet a certain level before it can be listed. Besides, its after-tax profits should also reach a certain level. So check these policies to see if our company is qualified to be listed onto the stock market. Second, we should understand and are willing to take the responsibilities that a listing company has to bear such as disclosure director’s duty all kinds of expenses tax and so on.
73. The importance to a company of offering its products on the world-wild web
A: first offering your products on the internet is in itself a new and very effective means of advertising which you can make use of. People at very corner of the world with the access to the Internet will get to know your products as well as their quality price functions. You won’t have to worry about putting a large sum of money on your advertising because the on-line advertisement is much cheaper than TV commercials. Second you can sell your products directly on the internet and you don’t even need to open your sales channels which used to take up too much money and resource of your company. Your products will be purchased through world-wild web and you will get your money through the E-bank which will automatically transfer the money into your account.
74. How to evaluate the effectiveness of company training programs
A: the following procedures can help us to evaluate the effectiveness of our company’s training programs. First we should carry out examinations on our staff who attend the programs and we check the results to see if the goals of our training programs have been achieved. Readjustment will be made accordingly to ensure that our programs are moving towards the correct direction. Second we should hand out questionnaires to find out how our trainees like their training programs. The feed-back will be presented on the board and all the senior staff in charge of programs will discuss the feed-back and make necessary changes. Third we will encourage everyone attending the programs to give us their advice which we can use to improve the effectiveness of our programs.
75. How to decide when it is the right time for a business to expand
A: you should check the current status of your company including the capital you own the technology you apply and the human resource you have. As we all know money is an important factor in business expansion. So make sure that you have enough money for your expansion. Another importance factor is technology and advanced technology can help you in your expansion because it will provide you with decisive driving force and enhance the efficiency of your business. You will also need qualified staff who will shoulder more responsibility and are willing to meet the challenges resulted from your expansion. When you find your business meets the above three criteria go ahead and expand yourself.
76. The importance to a company of sponsoring well-known personalities from the arts and popular culture
A: In many cases personalities from the arts and popular culture are the idols for the public and they are what we call stars who can have great influence on the public’s opinion because people are keen to know what their idols are wearing using or buying and then try to follow suit. That is to say if you sponsor well-known personalities to promote your products or services you will very much likely to attract more customers and persuade them to buy your products. Therefore it is very important for a company to sponsor well-known personalities from arts and popular culture.
77. How to ensure that the best candidate for a post is selected
A: during the selection we should pay attention to the candidates’ quality and attribute. Quality refers to the candidate’s ability to conduct his or her future work. During the interview candidates will have to be asked to demonstrate their ability to solve problems and deal with emergencies. In addition the other important factor should also be considered. That is the attribute of the candidate. It has something to do with the candidate’s character and value. Those whose value is in the conflict of the company’s ethics will not be considered as best candidate even if they demonstrate remarkable ability in their work.
78. How to analyze and make effective use of information
First we should set up our own data base to restore useful information which is not only the resource but also the asset of our company. Second we should monitor and control the information so that every piece of useful information can be retained for our further analyze and every piece of irrelevant or redundant information can be deleted. Third we should emphasize on the timing of the information we get. We won’t allow the using of any obsolete information so that we can ensure that our information flow runs without any blockage and every piece of information we get is up-to-date.
79. The importance of brand image in ensuring that products or services sell well
A: the brand image is plays an important role in ensuring that your company’s products or services sell well. First a sound brand image means that the products or services of your company enjoy a high prestige and have high qualities which will drive automatically both current and potential customers to buy your products or services on a regular basis. It therefore helps you to expand your customer base or even open some new markets. In addition companies with sound brand images can attract their customers not only through their high-quality products or services but also through the popularity and fame presented by their brand images. In any case it’s easy for a company with sound brand image to promote and sell its products or services.
80. The importance to a company of keeping up-to-date with internet development
A: it is undoubted that the Internet will exert great impact on people’s work and lives. Any company cannot afford to neglect importance of the internet which is changing and will continue to change the way people do their business at an unprecedented speed. The latest internet technology can enable you to get more opportunities to propagandize promote and sell your products or services on the net. With the help of the latest net technology you are more likely to win in the increasingly competitive market of today and tomorrow. Therefore companies should watch closely the latest development of the internet and try to apply it in their daily business.
81. How to ensure that a company consistently maintains quality control standards
A: first the company should build an independent quality control system which can monitor the implementation of quality control at any stage of the production and can report the results directly to the board. Second the company needs an incentive system to encourage and reward the employees who meet exactly the quality control standards and punish those who fail. Third the company should ensure that everyone in the company knows the importance of quality control and should keep their employees in mind that their company needs their devotion to the consistent maintenance of quality control standards.
82. How to make effective use of the media when promoting a new product or service
A: first you should ensure that the media you are going to use knows the importance of promoting a new product or service for you. Let them know the quality or function of your product or service and demonstrate to them that your product or service is really good and suits the need of the public so that they will spare no efforts to help you promote the product or service. Second think about the suitable type of media you’d like to use. If you are to present to the whole world your new product then use the internet and if you just want to sell your products to the local people you can select the local newspaper or other local media. This way you can control the money you spend on the advertisement and thus make more effective use of the media you choose.
83. The importance of teamwork for the effective management of projects
A: to manage projects involves heavy workload and requires much of the company’s energy and human resource. However by using teamwork we can make this complicated work become simple and easy. First when we set up a project-oriented teamwork all members of the projects are united and work in a teamwork spirit. That means they work more systemically and coordinate more with each other. As leaders we won’t worry about the time we will have to waste on the coordinating procedures anymore. Second by using teamwork we can create a sound and effective communication with the project and monitor the communication between members as well as the communication between boss and subordinates. Third in a team everyone tries to help others in their work and a lot of problems can be solved quickly after they occur. The managers can thus save the energy and time for trouble-shooting.
84. How to develop a responsible attitude among staff to the health and safety requirements of a company
A: first we should let our staff know the importance of the health and safety requirements which are not only connected closely to the well-being of the company but also the well-being of the staff themselves. Required by law the health and safety requirements play an important role in protecting individuals against any possible harm during the work. Any failure to meet these requirements can lead to the loss of property or even lives. Second we can build an incentive system to reward staff who have responsible attitude and punish those who do not. This way we can relate our staff’s attitudes to their individual interests and then help them or force them to develop the right attitude.
85. The importance of computer skills for the workplace of the future
A: the workplace of the future has the following features: mobile virtual and on-line. All of these features require the application of computer skills at workplace. By using PDA and mobile PC technology we can change the traditional workplace into a brand new one with high mobility. In addition network technology enables us to communicate at any place with the access to the internet which will fundamentally change the concept of workplace. The old workplace will be therefore replaced by the virtual and on-line one which might be your home your car or your cabin where you spend your holiday. It is clear that the computer skills are very important to the workplace of the future.
86. How to ensure that e-mail is used appropriately by staff for internal and external communications
A: first we should train our staff how to use e-mail to conduct internal and external communications. The training should includes how to build one’s own on-line mailbox to receive and send e-mail how to circulate e-mail and how to update the information. Second we should build the monitoring system to watch if our staff use their e-mail correctly. Under the surveillance of this system any irrelevant or redundant e-mail will be deleted automatically to ensure our staff won’t waste their time on them. Third we should make sure that the intra-net of our company is quick and efficient enough to allow our staff to use the function of e-mail and we should also ensure that our company’s access to the Internet remain stable and unblocked.
87. How to administer staff budget effectively
A: staff budget refers to the company’s expenses on recruitment and management of human resources. To administer it effectively we should first make a set of guidelines under which every activity involving staff recruitment or management is to be reported and planned in detail so that the cost of these activities will be under the administration of the people concerned. Second we can introduce a simple and realistic corporate culture to our company so that everyone of our company knows well the importance of cost-cutting especially in staff budget. Third members in charge of staff budget administration should be open with other members. They should explain in detail where the budget goes why the budget is cut or expanded and what company can expect from the budget.
88. The importance of finding out about customer’s habits and attitudes
A: as we all know your customer’s habits and attitude will exert a great influence on the production and sales of your products or services. Customer’s habits especially their consuming habits will decide to what extent they can accept the price of your products which will directly affect the pricing of your products. Customer’s attitudes towards your products or service reflect the quality of your products or services and will decide whether your products or services can remain popular on the market. So if you carry out research to find out about their habits and attitudes you can gear the production and sales of our products towards a right direction.
89. How to identify ways of reducing costs in a company
A: first we can hold a meeting within the company and ask every member attending the meeting to discuss openly where they think the costs originate and how to reduce the costs. Afterwards we collect the feedback and carry out the research on it to see if our staff’s opinion is true. If their opinion reflects the current situation then we set out to list every possible way of reducing costs and follow it to reduce our costs. Second, as top leaders we should ask department managers to create a diagram showing clearly the exact procedures of their tasks and check every procedure to see if there is extra cost and to decide how to solve it. Third we can learn from other companies’ experience of reducing costs and check if there is any similarity between us and those companies in reducing costs. Their ways will probably become great helps for us.
90. How to achieve an effective working relationship between different Departments within a company
A: first we should try out best to create a team spirit within the company and between different departments so that members from different departments can know the importance of team work and share the identity that what they are doing now is not just for their own departments but for the well-being of their company. This way there will be a sound environment of mutual help and mutual trust between different departments which can help all members to work effectively. Second company should do something to help people from different departments to understand and communicate with each other. For example we can hold monthly gathering in which everyone can have the chance to know each other speak to each other and share their experience in work so that they will work in a spirit of shelving differences while retaining common ground.
第三项 问题的讨论和解决
本项考试的时间：7分钟左右
本项考试的形式：每个考生得到相同的文字资料，按照要求对需要解决的问题进行讨论，并最终得出结果。考生在进行考试前有30秒时间阅读文字材料，并且在考试过程中可以参考材料。
本项考试内容：本项考试为考生模拟了商业工作的真实环境，包括商业活动中任何可以进行双向交流的场合。但仍然处于以下范围中：广告、求职、通信联系、商业交流、经营者与顾客的关系、财政、会计、生产管理、生产安全、员工健康、员工管理、员工招聘、 员工培训、市场、销售、货物运输、技术等等。
本项考试的目的是：考官考察考生运用英语进行交流的能力。包括：正确的组织和进行对话的能力；对问题做出正确的回应和分析的能力；做出判断的能力。
本项考试从难度上来说居于口语三项考试之首。
考生在本项考试中必须做到：
1．仔细阅读本项考试文字材料，明确所要达到的目的。（讨论什么；决定什么）
2．在讨论的开头迅速对所讨论的话题的背景进行简单介绍。
实用技巧：将文字材料中的字句进行简化并表达出来。（见范例）
3．两名考生讨论和解决的问题进行。
实用步骤1：一问一答式的讨论（范例1）
A提问（一句话）——B回答（一句话），阐述理由（两句话），A附和（一句话），阐述理由（两句话）——一B提问（一句话）——A回答（一句话）,阐述理由（两句话），B附和（一句话），阐述理由（两句话）.——A或B定下决定（一句话）——B或A支持决定（一句话）。
这种方法思路清晰明确，但切忌回答过于简单。
实用步骤2：各自阐述观点的讨论（范例2）
A阐述观点（一句话）和理由（两句话）——B对A的观点表态（一句话），阐述自己的观点并阐述理由（两句话）——双方讨论，深入阐述本人观点（A，B各两句话）——定下决定（A，B各一句话）。
这种方法适合对问题的辩论。但考生需注意彼此的交流。
实用技巧（见范例）：
A.提问者将文字材料中规定讨论的部分（通常特殊疑问句）改为一般疑问句并进行表述。
B.使用第一人称I或We进行表述，自然进入虚拟的工作环境中。
C.使用工作场合中常用的套话使得交流更加自然。例如：Shall we get down to our business?
D.在讨论中表达同意时所用的句型：I think so. / You are right. /That’s quite true. /Definitely. /I have the same view. /I share your concern. /That’s a good point. / No doubt about it.
E. 在讨论中表达不同意时所用的句型：That’s true but…. Yes I know but…. I understand but…. I don’t think that I agree with you. I don’t think so. I can’t agree with you. I have some difficulty with your view.
Attending Trade Fairs
Your company has been invited to take part in a trade fair, which will take place during the busiest time of the year. You have been asked to decide whether staff should be sent to this trade fair.
Discuss and decide together:
*what the advantages and disadvantages are of attending trade fairs
*which members of staff would most usefully represent a company at a trade fair
Model Answer 1:
A: You know our company has been invited to this year’s Guangzhou Trade Fair in July. But July is our busiest time. So we have to decide whether to send our staff to attend this fair. What’s your opinion?
B: I think we should send our staff because….
A: I agree with you. From my point of view, we should…because….
B: Which members of staff will you choose to represent our company to attend the fair?
A: My ideal members of staff are … You know…
B: I think that is the exact reason why we should …
A: I am very happy that we hold the same idea.
B: So let’s make this decision.
A: Ok. I’ll let our boss know our decision this afternoon.
Model Answers2:
A: You know our company has been invited to this year’s Guangzhou Trade Fair in July. But July is our busiest time. So we have to decide whether to send our staff to attend this fair.
B: I think we should send our staff because…
A: To be frank, I don’t agree with you…
B: But the fact is we can benefit much more from sending our staff to the fair than keeping them at work. You know…
A: Ok, maybe you are right.
B: Let’s move to the next agenda. Which members of staff should our company send?
A: …
B: I agree with you. …
A: Ok. Let’s make this decision.
B: Ok. I’ll let our boss know our decision this afternoon.
Promoting Tourism
An international conference on tourism will held soon. You have been appointed to a committee which will make recommendations on how your region should be promoted at the conference.
●Which types of tourist attractions and facilities generate most income from foreign visitors?
●How other attractions and facilities should be promoted effectively to foreign visitors?
Recruitment Video
Your company wishes to recruit more young business graduates. You have been asked to produce a recruitment video, which will be used to attract more job applications from business students.
●What types of information about the company to include in the video?
●Which members of staff should be involved in making the video?
Foreign Workers
Your company has recently singed an agreement with a foreign company, which means that foreign business people will be working in your company for short periods. You have been asked to help with preparations for their arrival.
●How to familiarize foreign business people with the working practices of your company?
●What arrangements need to be made for the foreign staff for outside working hours?
Newspaper Article
A local newspaper is planning a series of articles about successful companies in the area, including your company. You have been asked to communicate with the newspaper about the content of the article on your company.
●What kinds of information about the company should be included?
●How the company could benefit from the newspaper article?
Cost cutting
Your company has decided to try to reduce costs. You have been asked to investigate the possibility of cutting the financial costs of operating your department.
●Which are the areas where costs could be cut?
●What problems might arise from cutting costs?
Customer complaints
Your manager is not satisfied with the way staff reacts to complaints from clients about products or services. You have been asked to suggest how this could be improved.
●How the company can make effective use of will be available in the new office?
●What training will be needed for these jobs?
Staff recruitment
Your factory urgently needs to recruit a large number of temporary staff in order to fulfill an unexpected order. The staff needs to be ready to start work as soon as possible.
●What you need to do in order to find suitably skilled staff?
●What type of induction program the new staff will need before they start work?
Modernization Program
You work for a large company which has decided to introduce a program of modernization and improvement. You are involved in setting up this program.
●How to prepare staff for major changes within the company
●What other factors have to be considered when introducing major changes in a company
Language Courses Abroad
Your company has offered you the opportunity of attending a six-month English language course abroad. You have to decide whether to accept, and are therefore going to attend a meeting to find out more about the offer.
●What the advantages are of learning languages abroad
●What plans you will have to make for work and home if you go away for a long period
Potential Supplier
A potential supplier will soon be visiting you at your workplace. You think this supplier and the products or services they offer could be very important for the future of your company.
●What you need to find out about the supplier and the products or services before the visit
●How you could entertain the supplier the negotiations
Foreign Business Travel
Your company has decided that it needs to introduce a clear policy on foreign business travel. You have been asked to help draw up the guidelines.
●What the various reasons are why members of a company make business trips abroad
●In what ways a company might be affected if the number of foreign business trips was reduced
Company Directory
Your company is going to be included in an international directory of all the types of businesses operating in your country. You have been asked to write a brief profile of your company for the directory.
●What information you will include about your company
●How the directory would be useful to companies
Teamwork
Your company is keen to encourage staff to work together in teams. You have been asked to suggest ways in which this could be implemented.
●How to convince staff of the advantage of teamwork
●How to evaluate the results of the company's policy
Staff Fitness
Your company is keen to have a fit and healthy workforce. You have been asked to suggest ways in which this could be achieved.
●What the advantages are to a company of having a fit and healthy workforce
●What facilities a company should provide in order to encourage staff to be fit and healthy
Investing in Staff Training
Your company has recently had a problem with staff leaving the company shortly after completing training courses. You have been asked to write a report for senior management on this situation.
●How to encourage staff who have undertaken training courses to stay with the company
●How to ensure that a company benefits from providing a range of facilities for its workforce
Corporate Entertainment
Your company is keen to establish a policy for entertaining important clients.
You have been asked to make recommendations for a policy for corporate entertainment.
●What are the advantages and disadvantages to a company of entertaining clients
●What are the criteria for selecting entertainment for clients
Staff Retirement
Your company wants to introduce a program to help staff prepare fully for retirement.
●What practical preparations staff need to make for their retirement
●What the advantages and disadvantages are to a company of staff retiring
Working from Home
Your company is considering allowing some employees to work from home for part of the working week. Your managing director has asked you to write a report on this proposal.
●Which employees this system would be most suitable for
●How technology could help to make the system of working from home effective
Export Office
Your company has decided to open an export office in order to deal with an increase in orders from abroad. This office will be responsible for the company’s exports and will be visited by foreign representative.
●What kinds of jobs will be available in the new office
●What training will be needed for these jobs
New Factory
Your company is expanding and wants to open a new factory in another area. You have been asked to consider where the best place would be to locate it.
●What factors need to be considered in choosing a good location
●Which of these factors are the most important to consider
Business Presentation
A local college has asked your company to give a short presentation to a group of young business students about the work of one of the departments in your company. You are in charge of organizing the presentation.
●Which department would be the most interesting for the students to hear about
●Which methods or aids could be used to make the presentation interesting for young people
Staff Turnover
The managing director of your company is keen to reduce the number of staff leaving after a short time. You have been asked to suggest ways of encouraging staff to stay in the company.
●What kinds of incentives might help to retain staff
●How to ensure that staff satisfaction is maintained
Market Research
Your company is considering introducing a new product and wants to assess the market potential. You have been asked to suggest ways of doing this.
●What kinds of information would be useful to obtain
●How to decide whether to go ahead with the product
Product Recall
Your company has discovered a design fault in a new product and needs to recall this product from customers. You have been asked to make recommendations about the best way to handle this incident.
●What would be the most effective method of informing customers of the product recall
●How to ensure the company’s reputation remains undamaged by the incident
