When you think of projects, what comes to mind? You might think of something quite complicated and extensive, like the new office project we’ll be hearing about today. But in fact, most of the tasks we do in business are part of a project. Even something as simple as writing a proposal is a project in itself: First you collect data, then you analyze and evaluate the data before writing a draft. 最后, you edit the draft proposal and present a final version to the decision-makers. So knowing how to refer to different elements of a project and describe them with interesting collocations is important for practically everyone involved in business today.
Following on from our two video podcasts on basic vocabulary for project management (维维 07 & 维维 08), today we’re going to listen in to a briefing by Kerri, the manager of a direct marketing company, and Martina, a member of her staff. We’ll be focusing on collocations useful for describing a project and its execution.
听力问题:
1) What does Kerri want Martina to do for the company? 2) How much time will Martina have to complete this project? 3) What does Kerri promise to do to make Martina’s work easier?
Negotiations don’t always go according to plan. Disagreement is part of life. But to build lasting relationships, coping with failure is even more important than celebrating success. So in this show, we’ll examine a deal that does not get completed. We’ll look at making a final offer as well as expressing dissatisfaction and regret. 尤其, we’ll focus on maintaining goodwill even when talks break down.
Peter is the owner of mobile phone ringtone and game provider, Textacular. He is in discussions with Maxine about buying her company, Gamester. 最终, Peter wants to sell his business to a larger, regional service provider for a profit, so he is attempting to roll up or buy other small companies to increase the value of his business. But Maxine wants €15 million for her business, and Peter isn’t prepared to pay that much.
当你听, pay attention to how Peter makes a final offer, how Maxine declines it, and how they both work to maintain goodwill.
听力问题
1) What are Maxine’s reasons for staying firm on price? 2) What does Peter say to justify not being able to pay more? 3) How does Maxine leave open the possibility for future cooperation?
