B: Yes. Understanding the needs of customers in each market is essential in logistics success. But we can't just throw our logistics experts into another country without training them. You see, no matter how smart they are, they will make all sorts of mistakes unless they become sensitive to cultural differences.A: Certainly. We should focus our training programme on promoting the global mindset, being open-minded and tolerant of a different culture is the most important thing.B; We should include training items on thought patterns, buyer-seller relationships, shopping habits, etc.A : Of course, logistics system can't clash with the culture of the target market and respect for the native culture is extremely important. So we also need to consider cultural taboos. For example, in countries like Japan and China, customers don't like goods packed in four together, as "four" is regarded as an unlucky number.B: You're right. Different shopping habits should also be included in our training programme.In some countries, people rely on public transportation, so goods must come in small packages that can be easily carried on the bus. But in countries where people rely on personal automobiles, goods in large packages are more attractive.A: Besides that, we should also acquaint our logistics professionals with differences in language, laws and social customs.Follow-up Questions1)Is it a good idea for companies to provide cultural training courses to their employees? (Why? /Why not?)2)Is it important for companies to anticipate cultural barriers in their services? (Why? /Why not?)3)Do you think that in future English will become the official language of the business world? (Why? /Why not?)4)How important is it for employees in multinational companies to learn a foreign language?5)What should companies do to improve staff awareness of cultural differences?Suggested Answers1)Yes. Cultural training courses can help employees find out differences among people, including cultural, historical, language, laws and social values. Understanding differences can enhance mutual trust. It's important in promoting business abroad.2)Sure. If companies are sensitive to cultural differences and can anticipate cultural barriers in international business, they would be more prepared for any possible difficulties and would certainly become globally competent.3)I think it will. As a matter of fact, more and more multinational companies use English as their official corporate language nowadays. English has become an international language.4)Learning a foreign language enables people to be more open-minded, to see things in the perspectives of other people. And that would enhance cultural exchange and promote mutual understanding.5）Companies can offer cultural training courses or foreign language courses to their employees. Or they can also design some exchange programmes, or relocate some of their employees to work abroad.1.8.4 Sample TestPart One: Interview Interlocutor's Questions1)Do you think companies should place high priority on business ethics? ( Why? / Why not?)2)Is it necessary for every company to have clearly stated business ethics? (Why? / Why not?)3)How important is integrity in business operation?4)What are the usual unethical behaviour in business activities?Suggested Answers1)Yes. Companies should follow moral principles when they conduct business, because their decisions can affect society, and they have responsibility to their customers, employees, stockholders and creditors, etc. So operating in an ethical manner is essential to company success. 2）It is essential that every company should establish a specific code of business ethics and responsibilities that sets guidelines for business activities. All employees must keep that in mind and constantly apply it to the performance of all activities for the company.3）Companies should apply the highest standards of integrity to everything they do. You see, without integrity, a company cannot possibly gain the trust of customers, clients and the public, asa result, it will certainly fail to survive in this highly competitive age.4)Major unethical behavior in business include fraud, tax-avoidance cheating, lying and corrupt practices like offering and taking bribery, secret commissions, insider trading, etc. These things erode the principle of integrity that lies at the heart of our business organisations.Part Two: Mini-presentationWhat's important when... ? Measuring corporate performance1）Business ethics 2）Environmental protectionSuggested AnswerWell, measuring company performance is not just a case of looking at turnover, profits and dividends. We should also evaluate it in terms of its business ethics. Code of ethics is the core of company culture and is an important tool for companies striving for long-term prospects and growth. You see, ethical behavior pays off in financial returns.Business activities can have environmental impacts. Companies have the social responsibility to protect the environment. We should also see if companies have tried their best to mitigating their own environmental impacts, for instance, to see if they have tried their best to minimise waste in their operations and efficient management of resources.Besides these, it's also important to examine if the company has conducted their business with integrity and in compliance with applicable laws and regulatory requirements.Part Three: Collaborative Task and DiscussionSolving the Food Safety CrisisThe confectionary you work for is now facing a serious safety crisis ; a small kid was choked on the gel candies you have marketed to children. You have been asked to help solve the problem. Discuss the situation together, and decide;1）what should be done with it 2）how to improve the productSuggested AnswerA: I'm most sorry to hear that a five-year-old girl was choked yesterday on our gel candy. Thank goodness she didn't die.B: Yes. The choking hazard hit the headlines, and everybody is talking about that. We should do something immediately.A; I'm quite with you. First of all, we should go visit the girl, offer compensation to her parents,and of course, bring some gifts to the poor girl.B; Yes. We should stop selling the candies immediately, I mean, to recall all the product from the market to prevent possible tragedies. We should also warn people and ask them to get rid of the product, particularly those small grocery stores that may stock the candies.A: You're right. It's really time we reexamine the safety of our product. You see, the candy that the girl choked on is our new product, the sweet gel that comes with a piece of fruit inside a shell of jelly.B: Yes, I see. We should add choking safety notices on the labels of our products, just to warn parents of choking dangers.A; Well, it doesn't help much I'm afraid. As a manufacturer, we're entirely responsible for that accident, we should seek to improve our products. You know, the gel in the candy doesn't readily dissolve, so it's not safe for young children. We should replace the gel with some other ingredient. B; Oh I see, that's really a good idea, and the piece of fruit should be chopped into bits. In this way, it will certainly prevent risks for choking injury and death. I always believe that food producers could save the lives of dozens of kids each year by turning out safer products.A: And I think the packing also needs to be improved. Our gel candy is packed in a small, soft plastic cup, but the size of the gel is a bit too small, the kids can just readily swallow it. We should make it larger, so that it will take a few bites to eat it up.B: Or the parents can cut it up for small kids.Follow-up Questions1）How important is the issue of ethics in the workplace?2）What should be done to ensure that all company staff follow the code of conduct set by the company?3）What do you think integrity will bring to the company?4）What corporate responsibility objectives should companies set for themselves?5）Do you think emphasizing business ethics is contradictory to making profits? (Why?) Suggested Answer s1）The issue of ethics in the workplace is of vital importance. In today's competitive market, any company without a coherent ethics policy cannot possibly survive, they would certainly lose their competitive advantage to their rivals.2）The issue of ethics should be put into company development programmes for all employees, from the shop floor to the boardroom. Companies need to offer training courses, lectures, case analysis to make sure that all staff act in compliance with the highest standards.3）Integrity will surely create wealth. If you act with integrity in business, you can enjoy good reputation and a good public image. That would keep good people in your employ, and keep customers coming back for your products or services.4）Companies should not just seek profits only, they also have social obligations , or what is called Corporate Social Responsibility. They should be concerned with the well-being of the society, they're responsible for environmental protection and upholding the principle of integrity. 5）No. I don't think business and ethics clash. Indeed, good ethics means good management. If companies ignore moral concerns, violate laws, or act unethically, they cannot possibly survive, let alone making any profits.2.1.4Sample TestPart One : Interview Interlocutor’s Questions1）Are there any advantages of filling openings from internal sources? (Why? /Why not?)2）What do you think of recruiting employees through the Internet?3）Are there any advantages of external recruitment? (Why? /Why not?)4）When interviewing candidates, which do you prefer, traditional one-to-one interview or the panel interview? (Why?)Suggested Answer s(1) Yes. Promotion-from-within has some motivational value. It is a kind of reward for employees for their past performance and will encourage them to continue their efforts and also give other employees anticipation of promotion for similar efforts. This can improve morale within the organisation.2）It is a new and modern source of recruitment and is becoming popular. Undoubtedly, Internet recruiting is of low cost and wide coverage, which can reach a large audience of possible applicants and is very convenient.3）No. Excessive reliance upon external sources will deprive present jobholders of career anticipation, thus discouraging them from working harder for the companies.4）I prefer the traditional one-to-one interview, especially for small companies, because it can reduce recruiting costs. In my opinion, the number of interviewers isn't as important as the capability, personality and experience of an interviewer.Part Two: Mini-presentationWhat's important when...? Selecting an employment interviewer1）Personal quality 2）Interviewing skillsSuggested AnswerWhen selecting an employment interviewer, personal qualities are important, which can ensure his/her decision sound and fair. Qualities desirable include humility, the ability to think objectively and poise. For example, to think objectively can prevent extreme opinions and biases , thus avoiding employment discrimination.In addition to qualities, interviewing skills, such as the skill to raise questions, is also important. For instance, questions concerning marital/family status are generally recognized as inappropriate. But there are some cases when you have to get some information of the applicant's marital/family status, so with the necessary skill, you can ask in this way— What is the name, address and telephone number of a person we may contact in case of an emergency? This question is perfectly legal and appropriate.In addition, experience in associating with people from various backgrounds is also important because the workforce of a company is varied and diverse. Training, of course, cannot be neglected.Part Three: Collaborative Task and Discussion Advertising for a Job Opening Your company is going to fill the job vacancy of personnel manager by advertising. You have been asked to make recommendations. Discuss the situation together, and decide:1）what type of publication to choose 2）what should be included in the advertisement Suggested AnswerA; You see, the former personnel manager resigned two weeks ago, we just cannot manage without a personnel manager. To fill the vacancy, we are going to advertise the post.B: Good idea! Nowadays advertising is one of the most common methods of attracting applicants. When advertising a job opening, the choice of publication is important.A: I agree with you. When choosing a publication, we should consider its readers. We should make sure whether it is directed to a wide range of readers or just to a particular group. Besides, it's also important to consider advertising fee. The advertising cost should be reasonable and affordable, somewhere around the company's budget.B: Exactly. So, in our case, we should choose a local publication instead of a national one. As a commercial and cultural center, we have a lot of talents here. What do you think of an influential local newspaper?A: It's undoubtedly an ideal choice. Newspaper advertising is the cheapest way of reaching large numbers of readers of various backgrounds, including the general public, our potential job applicants and clients.B: Yes. Besides, as an influential newspaper, its advertising staffs ability and creativity can be guaranteed. Then the money we invest will surely pay off.A: Yes. It's important to insure that our advertisement effort is cost-effective. To recruit the right person, we should also consider the contents of the advertisement.B: In my opinion, Besides the basic information as time, place and contact address, the description of applicants' qualification and the specifications of the openings should be included, because it can cut down the number of applicants, attract the desirable ones and thus reduce staff turnover.A: Yeah, to attract ideal applicants, it's also necessary for our job advertisement to show the responsiveness of our company to the job and career needs of the applicants.B: Exactly. Besides, this is also a chance to publicize the image of our company. To publicize our company, the advertisement should be well-designed and cover general information of our company.A; I cannot agree more.Follow-up Questions1) Do you think it's important to consider potentiality of the company when deciding to accept a job offer? (Why? /Why not?)2) Is it necessary to consider challenge when deciding to accept a job offer? ( Why? / Why not?) 3）How important is working environment to people in their choice of work?4）Would you consider salary when choosing a new job? (Why? /Why not?)5）Is it important to consider qualification when selecting a job applicant? (Why? / Why not?) Suggested Answer s1)Yes. In a company with potentiality, you can expect new opportunities for career advancement, handsome salary and other material success which ensure comfortable life.2)Yes. A challenging job will get you improved and competitive in your range of knowledge, abilities and skills. Being competitive will then bring you new chances and success in the society with fierce competition.3）The interpersonal relationship among colleagues and that between the employer and employees are mentally and spiritually crucial to one and will affect the development of one's career.4）Yes. Salary is important for bread and milk and should be reasonable and match what I've contributed to the organisation.5）Yes. Certificates can at least prove a person's abilities, knowledge or techniques pertinent to that job. And companies don't have to prepare further training for them and thus reduce costs.2.2.4 Sample TestPart One: Interview Interlocutor’s Questions1)How do you think a supervisor should select employees for training courses?2)Is it important for you to be offered opportunities for training in a job? (Why? / Why not?)3)How to make a training course successful?4)Who do you think should contribute towards the cost of employees' training, the employees or the employer? ( Why? )Suggested Answer s1)As a supervisor, you must be impartial in selecting employees for training. You should base your training decisions on sound management practices without regard to factors such as race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age.2)Yes, training is important for me to handle new and more demanding assignments, maintain effective and satisfactory performance. Offering employees training should be the obligation of modern organisations.3)To make training effective, you should consider location, making sure that you choose an appropriate location for your presentation, and eliminate environmental distractions, such as noise, poor seating arrangements, poor lighting, etc.4) Both the employees and the employer should pay for the training, because training brings mutual benefits to both parties. After an effective training, both organisation and individual will become more competitive.Part Two: Mini-presentationWhat's important when... ? Choosing a training program to attend1)Content/subjects covered 2)TrainerSuggested AnswerWhen choosing a training program, it's important to consider the training content. As we know, the purpose of training is to improve your knowledge, skills and abilities needed for high quality performance and optimum contributions to the goals and objectives of your organisation, so whether the subjects covered is targeted at your KSA of your job and whether the content is above your level are crucial. Otherwise it would be a waste of time and money.In addition to content, trainers9 qualification and status are important. To make a training course effective, trainers play an important role. Qualification and status can at least prove that trainers' KSA are of higher level, if not profound level, while trainers' experience can guarantee effective training techniques and strategies, thus ensuring interesting, responsive and quality training. Besides, location of training cannot be overlooked. Place of interest is preferable. Experts, together with beautiful scenery, make the training more attractive to trainees. Everyone would agree that it is a good idea to kill two birds with one stone.Length of training cannot be ignored either, training shouldn't last too long or too short. Lengthy training will be boring and tiring, while too short training inadequate.Part Three: Collaborative Task and Discussion Planning a Formal Orientation Program Your company are discussing about a formal orientation program for new staff. You have been asked to make recommendations about the orientation program. Discuss the situation together, and decide:1)whether it's necessary to organise a formal orientation 2)what should be covered in the orientation programSuggested AnswerA: You see, our company are currently discussing about a formal orientation program for new staff. People's opinions are various. Some are enthusiastically for it, others are violently against it, and still others stand between them. What' your opinion?B: In my opinion, to get new employees off to a good start, providing them formal orientation is necessary and important. Since formal orientation will get them familiar with the organisation, their work units and their jobs.A: I cannot agree more. The more time and efforts we spent in helping new employees, the more likely they are to identify with our company and become valuable members of it.B: Precisely. Besides, a well-planned orientation program is effective in helping to retain and motivate employees.A: In addition to motivation, there are still many other benefits, like increasing productivity, reducing the new employees' anxiety, improving employee morale etc.B: So it's really worthy to put effort and time on the planning of the orientation.A; Of course. Firsdy, it is essential to consider topics to be covered while planning.B: Yes. We should introduce our company's history, company's purpose and strategic goals, a framework of job-related tasks, specific job goals and descriptions, appraisal criteria...A: And job duties and responsibilities. Discussing responsibility can give the new comers a clear idea of their future job and obligations, and can help them on the right track in no time.B: Yes. Besides topics, what do you think of methods of organising and presenting them?A: They cannot be ignored either. Effective methods ensure effective orientation. For instance, it would be a good idea for the supervisors or other managerial personnel to arrange co-workers to welcome the newcomers and show them around the premises.B; Good idea! Showing the new hires around the premises will give them a concrete map of the whole company, and get them familiar with the layout of the organisation. Familiarity with the premises undoubtedly contributes to the efficiency of their future job.A: Furthermore, showing the new hires around the premises will give the new staff a sense of being valued, which will result in retention.Follow-up Questions1)What training would you hope to have in the future? ( Why?)2)Is it better to attend a full-time or a part-time training course? (Why?)3)Do you think companies should provide training for all their staff? ( Why? /Why not?)4)Do you think companies will use external agencies to run their staff training program more in the future? ( Why? /Why not?)5)Are there any disadvantages of turning to an external agency to run staff training program? (Why? /Why not?)Suggested Answer s1)The training of foreign languages, such as English. The globalisation of economy and the wide-spread international cooperation all need the bridge of a common language. And English is one of the most widely-used languages.2)A part-time training is preferable. Since I can not only improve my skills and knowledge, but also take care of my job and my family at the same time.3)Yes. Colleagues should be treated equal. Their knowledge and skills need to be improved.4)It's difficult to predict. It depends on the development and reputation of the external agency, on people's attitudes towards training agency, on the finance of the companies, etc.5)Yes. Using external agency to train staff involves a great deal of investigation and can be risky. An inexperienced external agency will not only cost time but also waste money.2. 3.4 Sample TestPart One: Interview Interlocutor’s Questions1)Do you prefer to start and stay with the same organisation for your whole life long? (Why? /Why not?)2)What do you think of job rotation?3)What do you need to consider when making a self-evaluation for a successful career development?4)Do you think people should take career counseling when planning their careers? (Why? /Why not?)Suggested Answer s1)It depends. According to one expert, the probability that the first job choice one makes is the right one for him/her is roughly one in a million. So, if my first job choice luckily happens to be the "one" in a million, then Yes; if not, then No.2)Both employers and employees benefit from job rotation. After carrying out different jobs, the employees will develop multi-skills and become more competitive. For employers , they can move people across when they are short of hands in one area.3)In making a self-evaluation for a successful career development, one needs to consider such external factors as family values and expectations, economic conditions, employment trends, job market information and perceived effect of physical and psychological disabilities on success. 4)Yes, career counseling from managers, supervisors, and consultants is necessary. Their professional advice on the individual's current job activities and performance, personal and career interests and goal, skills and suitable career development objectives, etc. can be very useful and helpful.Part Two: Mini-presentationWhat's important when... ? Choosing a new career chance1)Location 2)Starting salarySuggested AnswerWhen choosing an employer, it's important to consider location, especially for one who is married and has children. If the new job means relocation, moving to a strange city, it can be a great threat to one's family life, and various problems will arise, such as the conflict between the desire to advance career and family root, children adaptability and education, etc. Besides, people just have to consider whether the climate, the food, and the culture there fit them or not.As for starting salary, I don't think it important, because salary fluctuates with your job performance. What is important is the opportunity for further promotion, since promotion normally provides an increase in pay and status and brings you a sense of career achievement.In addition, whether your new job fits you or not is also an important factor in your choice of an employer. As we know, employees who fit into the climate of an organisation are rewarded more and are more satisfied than those who fit in less well.Part Three: Collaborative Task and Discussion Losing Managerial StaffSome managers are leaving your company in recent years, and your company is worried about the situation. You have been asked to make recommendations about the situation. Discuss the situation together, and decide:1)why some managers are leaving your company 2)how to improve the situation Suggested AnswerA; You see, more and more managers are quitting our company. It's high time for us to face the problem, otherwise we will lose more talents and will suffer heavier loss.B: Yes, it's really impending. So many managers joined us and resigned in the past years and there must be some reasons behind. What do you think are responsible?A: The reasons can be various. Perhaps some are quitting just for individual reasons, such as private problems concerning family, career growth, etc. You know, nowadays more and more people are pursuing boundary-less careers. They move from one employer, occupation, or industry to another, since during the process they can develop and utilise their marketable skills. B; I see. These individuals place premium on flexibility and the capacity to do several different types of tasks, to learn new jobs, and to adjust quickly to different group setting and organisational culture.A: Precisely. For this group, it's really difficult and impossible to keep them stay.B: I think so, too, for they no longer identify career success with ascending a corporate hierarchy. Besides individual reasons, there must be, in my opinion, some problems concerning the management style of our company.A; Definitely. We should examine our succession planning, our motivation system, system for performance appraisals, etc.B: Yeah. You see, our job of managing talents seems quite poor, several times we failed to promote high-potential managerial staffs to a higher position, besides we should make full use of job rotation and transfer to motivate the employees.A: I cannot agree more, as to retaining young managers with high potential, we may offer a fast-track program. This can enable them to advance more rapidly than those with less potential. B: Good idea! Besides, we can offer them meaningful assignments that are interesting and involve challenge, responsibility, and a sense of empowerment.A: Yes that is also important and helpful. In fact, we can do a lot to win back the talents.B; Yes, if we determine to. You know, where there is a will, there is a way.Follow-up Questions1)Is career planning important for people? (Why? /Why not?)2)Is further study or training important to managerial staff for career development?(Why? /Why not?)3)How important is flexible working management for you when considering a career change? (Why?)4)How important is first impression when taking a new career chance? (Why?)5)How important is it for a new manager to have good relationships within the team?(Why?) Suggested Answer s1)Yes. Career planning is important. A successful career planning can lead people to a satisfying and rewarding lifestyle.2)Yes. Further study and further training will improve skills, knowledge and strengths which are important for career development.3)Flexible working management is important to me, because it allows me a certain degree of freedom.4)First impression counts. The impact you make in the first days and weeks in a new job can have。
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