单选题Speaking Your Customers" Language Modern international trading practices are highlighting the growing importance of language training. Modern-day business really does transcend national barriers. Thanks to sophisticated IT and communications systems, businesses can now market their products on a truly global scale. The world is indisputably becoming a smaller place, as service and manufacturing companies search the international marketplace for new suppliers and clients. Businesses must, however, be aware that once they expand the area in which they operate, they face increased competition. The standard and quality of their goods become increasingly important in keeping up with competitors. But most of all, it is the service element accompanying the goods which is crucial to a company"s success in a particular market. This new philosophy has led to many companies, some of which have even offered products of a lesser quality, gaining success overseas. Although globalization may, in some senses, have brought national economies closer together, societies around the world still have radically different expectations, processes and standards. These are not a function of economic change, but are more deep-rooted and difficult to alter. They can be a major problem for businesses expanding abroad, with the greatest obstacle of all being the language barrier. If you have to deal with clients, suppliers and distributors in a range of countries, you will not only need the skills to communicate with them, you will also need to reconcile any national biases you have with the diverse ways of doing business that exist around the globe. The value of effective communication is not to be underestimated. New technology such as video-conferencing and email has played a part in making the communication process easier and it may also be possible that the introduction of language interpretation software will help with some global communications problems. But, of course, it is the human element of the communication process that is so vital in business, especially in negotiations, presentations and team-building. It is essential for managers to meet regularly with staff, customers and partners, so that issues can be discussed, messages communicated and feedback obtained. The value of well-organized language training is immense, and can bring benefits to all levels and departments within a multinational organization. Unfortunately, however, many organizations have a very narrow view when it comes to training of any kind. Often, an urgent requirement has to be identified before training is authorized. Then, a training company is employed or a programme is developed in-house, the team is trained, and that is seen as the end of the matter. However, the fact remains that training programmes are effective only if they are relevant to a company"s broader, long-term needs. They should be regarded as an investment rather than a cost. Changes in expectations and attitudes are certain to continue for companies that trade globally. Although such companies are not yet faced with their international partners and clients demanding that business be conducted in their mother tongue, they realize that overseas competition is increasingly fast. If these companies want to continue to achieve success on the international trading circuit, they must be prepared to adapt to situations and speak the local language. If not, someone else will.

单选题Why many people find it attractive to start a family business?

单选题What should be done when a relative decides to join?

单选题Gianni Agnelli, Chairman of Fiat, Italy's largest private industrial corporation, is known in Italy as the lawyer, because he trained in law at Turin University. Though he has never practiced, his training may soon be useful. On April 17th Mr. Agnelli admitted to a group of Italian industrialists in Venice (19) Fiat had been (20) in some corruptions in Italy. On April 21st, Fiat's lawyers and Cesare Romiti, its managing director, met Milan magistrates to (21) the firm's involvement in, bribery to win business from state-owned companies. Fiat is not the (22) Italian company caught up in Italy's increasing political corruption scandal. According to the latest figure, some 200 businessmen and politicians were sitting in prison (23) a result of judicial inquiries into kickbacks paid to politicians by firms. Hundreds more are still (24) influence of Fiat, (25) sales are equal to 4% of Italy's home product, the scandal at the company has (26) the industrial establishment. Though neither Mr. Agnelli (27) Mr. Romiti has been (28) of wrong doing, several other senior Fiat managers have allegedly been involved in paying kickbacks to win state-owned contracts. (29) arrested include Francesco Mattiol, Fiat's finance director, and Antonio Mosconi, the (30) head of its Toro insurance branch. (31) men have been (32) about their previous roles on the board of Cogefar-Impresit, Fiat's construction subsidiary. Last May, Enzo Papi admitted paying a 1.5-million-dollar bribe for a contract, (33) to Milan's underground.

单选题Good Communication Counts in the Workplace Effective communication is essential for all organizations. It links the activities of the various parts of the organization and ensures that everyone is working towards a common goal. It is also extremely important for motivating employees. Staff need to know how they are getting on. what they are doing right and in which areas they could improve. Working alone can be extremely difficult and it is much easier if someone takes an interest and provides support. Employees need to understand why their job is important and how it contributes to tile overall success of the firm. Personal communication should also include target setting. People usually respond well to goals, provided these are agreed between the manager and the subordinate and not imposed. However firms often have communication problems that can undermine their performance. In many cases, these problems occur because messages are passed on in an inappropriate way. There are, of course, several ways of conveying information to others in the organization. These include speaking to them directly, e-mailing, telephoning or sending a memo. The most appropriate method depends on what exactly it is you are communicating. For example, anything that is particularly sensitive or confidential, such as art employee's appraisal, should be done fee-to-face. One of the main problems for senior executives is that they do not have the time or resources needed to communicate effectively. In large companies, for example, it is impossible for senior managers to meet and discuss progress with each employee individually. Obviously this task can be delegated but at the cost of creating a gap between senior management and staff. As a result, managers are often forced to use other methods of communication, such as memos or notes, even if they know these are not necessarily the most suitable means of passing on messages. The use of technology, such as e-mail. MP3 and network systems, is speeding up communication immensely. However, this does not mean that more investment in technology automatically proves beneficial: systems can become outdated or employees may lack appropriate training. There are many communications tools available but a firm cannot usually afford all of them. And even if it could, it does not actually need them all. The organisation must weigh up the potential gains against the costs, and firms should realise that more communication does not necessarily mean better communication. As the number of people involved in an organisation increases, the use of written communication rises even faster. Instead of a quick conversation to sort something out numerous messages can be passed backwards and forwards. This can lead to a huge amount of paperwork and is often less effective than face-to-face communication. When you are actually talking to someone you can discuss things until you are happy they have understood and feedback is immediate. With written messages, however, you are never quite sure how it will be received. What you think you have said and what the other person thinks you have said can be very different. The amount of written information generated in large organizations today can lead to communication overload. So much information is gathered that it gets in the way of making decisions. Take a look at the average manager's desk and you will see the problem --it is often covered in letters, reports and memos. This overload can lead to inefficiencies. For example, managers may not be able to find the information they want when they need it. Communication is also becoming more difficult with the changes occurring in employment patterns. With more people working part-time and working from home. managing communication is becoming increasingly complex.

单选题{{B}}PART ONE{{/B}}·Look at the statements below and the following introduction about the types of ownership. ·Which type of ownership (A, B or C) does each statement (1-7) refer to? ·For each statement (1-7), mark one letter (A, B or C). ·You will need to use some of these letters more than once. {{B}}A Partnerships{{/B}} On the whole, this is not a popular form of business organization, but it is often used by people in the professions, like doctors, dentists or lawyers, to expand their business.Greater efficiency is possible because people in this sort of association can spend their time doing what they are best at. If one person is sick, then the remaining partner(s) can carry on the work. The main disadvantage is that even with this form of ownership, the amount of money available to the business may be limited. If people quarrel or disagree over decision-making there can be problems and serious delays. B Public (PIC) Companies These are the largest businesses in the private sector. There is no limit to the number of people holding shares in it and many of the larger companies have their shares listed on the stock exchange. The advantage of big businesses like this is that they find it easier to raise money as banks consider them a "good risk". There are strict laws governing the setting-up of this kind of business and each year the company has to publish its accounts. The larger such businesses grow, the more difficult it is to control them. Workers in such businesses may feel that management doesn't understand their problems. C Private (Ltd) companies Such businesses are not allowed to sell shares to the public. They must consist of at least two members, but there is no upper limit to the numbers who own the company. The larger size makes it possible for such companies to borrow more money from the banks or from issuing additional shares to its members. The advantage is that such a business is able to offer its members limited liability (responsibility) for debts and losses. Many companies of this type exist in England, Europe and the U.S.

单选题Why We Need Insurance? Insurance is a cover used for protecting oneself from the risk of a financial loss. It is important to understand that risk is a part of any person's life and that it increases as a person increases in age, responsibility and wealth. Throughout the living existence, everyone is faced by numerous risks--failing health, financial losses, accidents and even fatalities. Insurance addresses all these uncertainties on financial terms. Insurance is risk coverage against financial losses and should not be taken as an investment instrument. Everyone needs insurance if they are worried about economic loss, or if they lose something. The purpose of insurance is to give them peace of mind. Having the right kind of insurance coverage is an essential part of building a solid financial future. Insurance protects people from risk and guarantees that, once they accumulate assets, they will be able to keep them. The basic definition of insurance is risk management. There are mainly two parties involved in this--the insurer and the insured. The insurer is the insurance company who will provide the cover to the insured against any financial losses. The insured may be an individual person or a group of people like an employer, members of a society, etc. A policy is the contract between the insurer and the insured, which states the risks covered, the exclusions, if any, and the benefits reimbursed on the happening of an event like death, illness etc. The policy is paid through what is called a premium, which is a set amount that must be paid by the insured on a monthly, semi- annual or annual basis. On the happening of an event like death, disability, fire, etc., for which the insured is covered, the benefit amount stated in the policy contract can be claimed by the insured. The way insurance goes is that the premium plus thousands or sometimes even millions of other people's premiums go together in a big pool. The insurance companies use that pool. They invest it, and then they pay it when there's a claim. There's property and casualty, and life and health insurance. Life and health insurance includes life, disability, health insurance, long-term care insurance. Property casualty insurance is a type of insurance that insures one's home, auto, and airplane, things like that. Change is perhaps that only static constant within the dynamics of life and risks always move in tandem within a changing environment. Life insurance is more of a hedging mechanism rather than a real investment avenue. It is essentially a mechanism that eliminates risks primarily by transferring the risk from the insured to the insurer. It is not that life and existence are constantly fraught with danger and uncertainty. But it is essential that people plan for the future. The chances for a fatality or an injury to occur to the average individual may not be particularly high but then no one can really afford to completely disregard his or her future. Insurance is the most reliable tool an individual can use to plan for his future.

单选题WhatwasthecourtrulingastoMicrosoft'sbusinesspractice?

单选题Business and Social Responsibility Today more and more people believe that business should play an active role in improving society and solving social problems. For example, we expect that businesses will take care not to pollute the air we breathe or the water we drink. We also expect them to offer fair wages and employee benefits and to provide a satisfactory product or service at a reasonable price. Many companies recognize this and have stated publicly that they will act as a good citizen. They support local arts, build parks, raise funds for charities, and try to put back some of their profits into the community that has made their success possible. A good reason for businesses to be socially responsible is that society gives business organizations the right to exist. A social setting or environment, with its laws, customs, and other social and cultural norms, allows businesses to form and function. It is only right for businesses to participate in making the community in which they operate a better place. To be socially responsible also benefits businesses. In many cases, a company will make greater profits in the long run if it considers benefits to society. Customers actually vote for products and companies when they make a purchase. If a product is of good quality and priced fairly, they will probably buy it from time to time. But when customers find out that a manufacturer produces only inferior or shoddy products which cheat them out of their money, they may become so angry that they will never purchase their products any more. Consumers may also shun firms that pollute the environment or engage in unethical practices by not purchasing their products. When enough people believe a business no longer serves society's best interests, they may pressure the firm into its doom by boycotting its goods or services, influencing officials against it, condemning it in the media, or patronizing other firms. A business whose aim is to maximize its profits is not likely to act out of a sense of social responsibility although its activities will probably be legal. Only businesses that are concerned about society as well as about maintaining profitability are likely to invest voluntarily in socially responsible activities. For example, the former president of Pizza Hut, Orr Gunther, implemented a program called "Book—it." This program rewarded children with a free pizza for reading a certain number of books. Such a business may win the trust and respect of its customers and in the long run will increase profits. In order to succeed, a business must determine what customers and society want or expect in terms of social responsibility. Although social responsibility may seem an abstract idea, managers consider it on a daily basis as they deal with real issues. A business must monitor changes and needs in society in order to behave in a socially responsible way.

单选题Getting the Most out of Meetings One aspect of business life which many managers are unhappy with is the need to attend meetings. Research indicates that managers will spend between a third and a half of their working lives in meetings. Although most managers would agree that it is hard to think of an alternative to meetings, as a means of considering information and making collective decisions, their length and frequency can cause problems with the workload of even the best-organized executives. Meetings work best if they take place only when necessary and not as a matter of routine. One example of this is the discussion of personal or career matters between members of staff and their line and personnel managers. Another is during the early stages of a project when the team managing it needs to learn to understand and trust one another. Once it has been decided that a meeting is necessary, decisions need to be taken about who will attend and about the location and length of the meeting. People should only be invited to attend if they are directly involved in the matters under discussion and the agenda should be distributed well in advance. An agenda is vital because it acts as a road map to keep discussion focused and within the time limit allocated. This is also the responsibility of the person chairing the meeting, who should encourage those who say little to speak and stop those who have a great deal to say from talking too much. At the end of a well organized meeting, people will feel that the meeting has been a success and be pleased they were invited. They will know not only what decisions were made but also the reasons for these decisions. Unfortunately, at the end of a badly organized meeting those present will leave feeling that they have wasted their time and that nothing worthwhile has been achieved. Much thought has been given over the years to ways of keeping meetings short. One man who has no intention of spending half his working life in meetings is Roland Winterson, chief executive of a large manufacturing company. He believes that meetings should be short, sharp and infrequent. "I try to hold no more than two or three meetings a week, attended by a maximum of three people for no longer than half an hour," he says. "They are clearly aimed at achieving a specific objective, such as making a decision or planning a statement, and are based on careful preparation. I draw up the agenda for every meeting and circulate it in advance; those amending are expected to study it carefully and should be prepared to both ask and answer questions. Managers are best employed carrying out tasks directly connected with their jobs not attending endless meetings. In business, time is money and spending it in needless meetings that don"t achieve anything can be very costly. Executives should follow the example of lawyers and put a cost on each hour of their time and then decide whether attending a long meeting really is the best way to spend their time."

单选题·Read the following letter.·Choose the best word to fill each gap.·For each question (19-33), mark one letter (A, B, C or D) on your Answer Sheet.·One answer has been given as an example. Dear Mr. Jackson, Further to our recent exchange of communications, we are happy to confirm having{{U}} (19) {{/U}}the deal with you in the{{U}} (20) {{/U}}of processing goods from buyers' raw materials. Our factory has informed us that they can, at present,{{U}} (21) {{/U}}an order of processing 1,000 dozens of gloves.{{U}} (22) {{/U}}your email of 26 Aug., 20--, you expected that the shipment of raw materials would be{{U}} (23) {{/U}}from Japan late November or early December. Emphasis has, however, to be laid on the{{U}} (24) {{/U}}that shipment must be made according to planned time. You know, if you can't{{U}} (25) {{/U}}the raw materials in time, our factory will run{{U}} (26) {{/U}}of raw materials and it will be impossible for our factory to{{U}} (27) {{/U}}the commodities. We are now attaching our Sales Contract No. 79 P52076 in{{U}} (28) {{/U}}Please countersign and return us one copy for our{{U}} (29) {{/U}}. You may rest{{U}} (30) {{/U}}that we shall start production without any{{U}} (31) {{/U}}after receiving your raw materials. We{{U}} (32) {{/U}}your cooperation and trust that our products will{{U}} (33) {{/U}}to your satisfaction.Sincerely,

单选题·You will hear a radio interview with Ross Rayburn, who is a successful small businessman. ·For each question 23-30, mark one letter (A, B, or C). ·You will hear the recording twice.

单选题Mr.Scotthaspresentedatindustryevents