Unit 1
Project Reporting Tense Review
Focus: Two colleagues discussing the progress of a marketing campaign
Listening Task
A: OK, let’s go back to the original plan and see where we have got to. The preliminary market
test was due to start last September, is that right?
B: Yes, that’s right. We set up a small-scale trial in the North. We ran the market test for 2 months,
until the middle of November.
A: And what were the results like?
B: Very encouraging. Sales reached their target and generally consumer reaction was good.
A: So what was the next step?
B: Well, as you know, the plan was to move to a national launch fairly quickly. We had planned
January this year for a major TV advertising campaign.
A: So what’s gone wrong?
B: Basically, we’ve had problems in production. It seems that scaling up production for a national
launch has been much more difficult than expected.
A: That’s ridiculous. We had no problems with production during the test market phase.
B: I know, but that was on a much smaller scale. It seems that they’ve run into difficulties with the
tooling for the machines-you’ll have to talk to Brian about that.
A: I don’t want to talk to Brian. I want you to tell me where we stand.
B: Of course. We now have a launch date for early next month-May 5th. The TV advertising will
start the weekend before on 2nd May. At the moment, we’re working on some new promotion
literature, which will be used in the shops.
A: I thought you finished that ages ago.
B: Yes, that’s true. But because of the delay on the launch date, we’re having to update it.
A: I see.
B: So, besides the launch advertising and promotion campaign, we are going to hold both national
and local press conferences so that we maximise the media coverage during the launch phase.
A: When are they due to take place?
B: Next week actually, on 15th and 16th April.
A: Right, I must go now, but keep me up-to-date with developments.
B: I certainly will.
Unit 2
Information Technology
Present Tenses
Focus: A meeting in which a new information system is being discussed
A: What I’d like to do is explain how the current system works and then outline what we’re
working on at the moment. Let me first run over the physical configuration. We’ve got ten
terminals in a network connected to a central server. Five of these terminals are used y admin and
clerical staff, the other five by supervisory staff and management. There are three major applications on the network-work-processing, accounts and data-base management. From a recent
survey, it’s clear that four of the terminals are being used predominantly for word-processing and
one for data input using the accounts application. The other five are essentially used for
management information, either accessing the accounts or the data-base for customer information.
However, what is very striking is the fact that these five terminals are rarely used and, in some
cases, never switched on.
B: How did you get this information, if you don’t mind me asking?
A: Very simple really: the operating system keeps a record of when each terminal is switched on
and which application is accessed.
B: Oh, I didn’t know that. It sounds a bit like Big Brother.
A: Not at all, it’s a useful way for the network supervisor-in fact, me,- to monitor usage on the
network and sometimes track down problems that occur. Anyway, I was talking about the five
management work stations. The question is: how are the managers getting the information they
need? Very simple-they’re constantly asking admin for printouts rather than bringing the
information up o screen.
C: What’s wrong with that?
A: Quite a lit really. Firstly, it means an expensive information system is not being used as
specified; secondly, admin time is being wasted unnecessarily in printing out management
accounts, customer information, etc; and thirdly, management decisions are being delayed by
having to wait for printouts, when the information could easily be displayed on screen.
B: I must admit I regularly ask my secretary for printouts. I suppose I’ve always thought it’s easier.
A: That’s what I suspected. So, what are we doing about it? We are currently installing some new
Windows software which enables users to find their way around the system by using very simple
icons and menus.
C: I suppose that means more training?
A: No, not really. What it means is that when you get to your desk in the morning, you should
switch on your machine and the first screen you see will be a menu inviting you to choose
documents, accounts or customer information. Now let’s say you choose accounts: it then asks you
to select from a list-which type of accounts and so on. Another big advantage is that you can bring
another file up on screen at the same time. For example, if you want to check some customer
information at the same time, you can open a window on this while maintaining the accounts on
screen.
C: Sounds complicated to me.
A: Not at all. I am sure it will make your life a lot easier. It’ll certainly help your secretary!
Unit 3
Focus: A telephone call between two colleagues discussing quarterly results
Listening Task:
A: Could you put me through to Pierre Jonquart, please?
B: Just a moment …
C: Pierre Jonquart.
