企业英语学习3
第三课时Reducing Production Cost 降低生产成本
Result in 导致，造成
Cut corners 抄近路，走捷径，偷工减料
Greener pastures 更绿的牧场（比喻更好的谋生去处，更好的工作、职位）
Deadwood 枯枝，朽木；无用的人
Nuisance 讨厌的人或事，麻烦事
Ex-customer 过去的顾客，以前的顾客
In the short run 在短期内
Go through the roof 大大增加，上涨到处乎意料的程度
TQM (total quality management) 全面质量管理
Under the umbrella of在…的保护下
Cost accountant 成本会计师
Cost control 成本控制
Prognosis 预告 预言
Customer service 客户服务中心，客户服务
Customer satisfaction 客户满意度
Cost effective (有)成本效益的
Competitive edge 竞争优势，竞争力
Cost-efficient 成本效益高的
Cost management 成本管理
Cut down 削减，减少
Raw material 原料
To a large extent 在很大程度上
Cost-conscious 注重节约成本的
Production line 生产线，流水线
Ergonomics 功效学
Specialist 专家
User-friendly 方便用户的
Shift work 倒班制，轮班工作（一般指三班倒，即 day shift, evening shift,以及 night shift）
Permanent schedule 固定班（亦称 fixed schedule）
Rotating schedule 轮班制
Out of step with 与…步调不一致
Adjust to 对…适应
Fight off 竭力避免
Body rhythm 生理节奏
Stressful （心理、生理或情绪上的）紧张、压力
Out of step with 与…不协调，失调
Consultancy service 咨询服务
Night shift blues 夜班忧郁症
All this 所有这一切
Health counseling facilities 健康咨询设施
Health facilities 健身设备
Round the clock 24 小时
Translate to 转化为
Hazard危害，公害
Adequate lighting 充分的照明，足够的照明
Proper heat 适当的室温
Reducing Business Costs降低经营成本
Cost reduction is an important factor in improving the state of a business.
降低成本是改进企业状况的一个重要因素。
It can obviously result in higher profits and a stronger enterprise.
它可以明显地提高利润，壮大企业。
Most business leaders and managers would like to reduce costs, but many find it difficult to do the right things.
大多数企业主管和经理都想降低成本，但大多感到难以找到正确的途径。
There are several methods business leaders or managers use to reduce costs that can be damaging to the health of the organization.
企业主管和经理采用的削减成本的有些方法对企业健康发展是有害的。
These include downsizing, reducing customer service, and cutting corners in production methods.
这些方法包括缩小企业规模、减少客户服务，以及在生产中偷工减料。
Downsizing
缩小企业规模
Some company leaders feel they can reduce costs by simply downsizing or reducing the number of workers or middle managers.
有些公司领导认为，可以通过缩小企业规模或者精简员工或中层管理人员来减少成本。
If this is done after applying ISO 9000 and defining the exact role of everyone, it may be a necessary and effective method.
如果是在实施 ISO9000 质量体系之后，并已对每个成员的角色做出了细致的规定之后，这有可能不失为必要并且有效的一种方法。
Unfortunately, most companies that downsize do so without really knowing the impact on the company’s operations.
但遗憾的是大多数削减规模的公司采用了裁员这种方法，但并不真正知道这种方法对公司运作所产生的影响。
One of the biggest effects of downsizing to reduce costs is that the good employees quickly leave the company for greener pastures.
以裁员的方法来削减成本，一个最大的副作用就是不少好的员工很快就会离开公司另谋高就。
Thus the company is left with the deadwood employees, who are supposed to do twice the work as before.
公司就只剩下一些庸员，而这些人要承担两倍于以前的工作量。
Reducing Customer Service
减少客户服务
Customer service can be a nuisance and is often expensive.
客户服务可能是件麻烦事并且耗资巨大。
Sometimes companies will reduce or eliminate the service they give to the customers. Unfortunately,
有时公司会减少甚至取消为客户们提供的服务。
a neglected customer is an ex-customer.
但遗憾的是，一个被冷落的客户就不在是你的客户了。
Cutting Corners
偷工减料
A quick way to cut costs is by cutting corners in production or service methods.
削减成本的一个捷径是在生产或服务过程中偷工减料。
Some company leaders feel that by using cheaper materials and labor, and by eliminating part and steps, they can cut costs and save money.
有些领导认为，他们可以利用更为廉价的原材料和劳动力，减去一些步骤，以此减少成本，节省费用。
It is true that costs may be cut in the short run, but often the product or service is of such a low quality that repair and rework costs go through the roof.
诚然，这样做在短期内可以削减成本，但是往往会使产品和服务的质量低下，结果是补救、返工的成本奇高无比。
Also customers may be come unhappy with the low quality and move on to another supplier.
而且造成客户对产品质量不满并另找供应商。
Effective ways to reduce costs include training your workers, getting quality goods from suppliers, and using Total Quality Management (TQM) tools.
降低成本的有效方法包括对员工进行培训、从供应商处购买优质的产品，以及启用全面质量管理（TQM）工具。
Because to reduce costs means to reduce waste. That is wasted materials, wasted effort, and wasted time.
因为降低成本意味着减少浪费，即对原材料、人工和时间的浪费。
Train Workers
培训员工
In these days of changing technologies and methods, it is necessary to train your workers to keep them up to date.
在技术和生产手段日新月异的今天，有必要对员工进行培训，使他们赶上新的发展。
Get Quality from Suppliers
从供应商处购买优质的产品
Low quality goods from suppliers are a major source of waste.
购买低质量的产品是最大的浪费源。
You should not only try to get quality suppliers but also work with your suppliers to help them improve their operations and quality of output.
你不仅需要寻找能提供高质量产品的供应商，而且还要帮助他们改进经营和产品质量。
TQM Tools
全面质量管理工具
There are a number of improvement methods that can be placed under the umbrella of Total Quality Management (TQM).
在全面质量管理工具体系内有许多改善经营的方法。
In conclusion, crude methods to reduce costs—such as downsizing—are not effective and can actually harm a business.
总之，粗劣的降低成本的方法，例如缩小企业的规模，不仅无效，而且还会对企业造成损耗。
Helping your suppliers, training your workers, and using TQM-type improvement tools can help to eliminate waste and improve the profits of your business.
为你的供应商提供帮助，对员工进行培训，并启用全面质量管理型改进工具，这些将有助于减少浪费，提高企业的盈利能力。
Real interview
PART ONE: Interview
- Why do you think you're fit for the position?为什么你认为自己适合这个职位？
The position you recruit requires solid theory, teamwork and hardworking spirit.During the school period, I studied hard and won many honorary titles such as scholarships, organized or participated in various activities. Moreover，I completed xx tasks together with my colleagues during xx units' work on xx projects and receive an award.These experiences cultivate my teamwork and endurance.So, I believe I can do the job.贵单位招聘的某某岗位要求应聘者具有扎实的理论、有团队合作和吃苦耐劳精神。在校期间，我学习努力，多次获得奖学金等荣誉称号，组织开展过或者参加各种活动，另外，在xx单位从事xx项目工作期间，与同事一道完成了xx任务，收到嘉奖。这些经历培养我的团队合作和吃苦耐劳精神。所以，我相信我能胜任这个岗位。
- What is something to pay special attention to on your resume？谈谈你的简历上有些什么值得特别关注的吗？
The flash of light on my resume should be in my project experience and internship experience, which will help me a lot in the position I am applying for, and my professional background will also be a shining spot, such as Page 2 and Column 4 of my resume about my internship experience. I think I need to focus on the focus of your attention.
我简历上的闪光点应该在我的项目经历和实习经历上，这些经验对我应聘的职位有很多的帮助，另外我的专业背景也是一个闪光点。比如简历的第2页第4栏关于我的实习经历，我认为是我需要重点向您推荐关注的地方。
Turn to relative questions.
(1) Is it important to consult a cost accountant when starting a new project?(Why/Why not)
启动新项目时，向成本会计师咨询是否重要？（为什么？）
Yes. It’s paramount in cost control. The cost accountant can prepare budgets and give a prognosis for the project. His advice is essential in deciding whether to undertake or abandon the planned project.
(2) In what ways is customer service related to cost reduction?
客户服务在哪些方面与降低成本有关？
Customer service can enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. Good customer relationship helps to improve your company image and boost sales. As a result, large scale production will be cost effective for your company.
(3) Do you think people can be trained to work more efficiently? (Why/Why not?)
你认为人们通过培训可以提高工作效率么？
Yes. I think staff training is extremely important nowadays. You see, technologies keep changing and if employees get regular training, they would be able to work more efficiently. It’s the competence of the workforce that sharpens the competitive edge of the company.
(4) What changes in cost management do you expect will happen in the future?
你认为将来在成本管理方面会有哪些变化？
I expect it will head towards more cost-efficient methods, involving more parties in the process of production: not only corporate management and staff, but also suppliers, retailers and even customers.
PART TWO: Mini-presentation
What’s important when…?
Aiming to control production cost 要控制生产成本需要考虑哪些要点？
*Quality supplier高质量的供货商
*Efficiency of production line生产线的效率
In cost management, it’s important to cut down the cost of raw materials, as to a large extent, it helps to determine the product prices. Cost-conscious companies always seek to work with good supplier s who can offer quality raw materials with reasonable prices. Low quality materials from suppliers are actually a waste of money.
Efficiency of production line is another important thing to consider. When introducing a production line, it is important to consult an ergonomics specialist and see that it’s user-friendly and will not cause too much physical stress and strain. Meanwhile, workers should get full-trained to work more efficiently on the line.
Measures should also be taken to eliminate waste. On top of that, management should develop good benefits system to boost the morale of the workers.
从管理成本的角度来看，降低原材料的成本是至关重要的，在很大程度上，原材料决定产品的价格。具备成本意识的公司总是想办法寻找能提供物美价廉的优秀的原材料供应商。去低质量的供应商那里购买原料其实就是在浪费金钱。
生产线的效率是另一个需要考虑的因素。当引进一条生产线时，咨询人体工程学专家以及看一下它是否容易操作且不会导致太多的身体上的压力和劳累。这些都是很重要的。同时，操作者应该得到充分的培训使工作能够更有效率的进行。
还应该采取措施，消除浪费。除此之外，管理者应该更好的开发系统来提高操作者的士气。
PART THREE: Discussion
Introducing Shift Work
Your company would like to introduce shift work operation to optimize the production process. You have been asked to help co-ordinate the project. Discuss the situation together, and decide:
l how to arrange the work schedule
l how to match staff to this new work requirement
实行倒班作业制
你们公司正在考虑实行倒班作业制以优化生产过程。请你们协助策划这一计划。讨论并决定：
l 怎样安排工作时间表
l 怎样使工人达到这一新的工作要求
A： When introducing shift work, the most important thing is to work out good work schedules. I think we can divide our twenty-four hour operation into three shifts: day shift, evening shift and night shift. And we’ll have the permanent schedule. It’s tough to work at night, but once you get used to it, it’s easier to fight off the night -time fatigue.
B: Well, I partly agree with you. I mean “the three shifts” is a good idea, but I think it would be better if we adopt the rotating schedule. You see, shift-work disrupts the body rhythm and is very stressful. Besides, it affects home life; the night shift worker is out of step with his family.
A: That’s the problem. Night shifts really affect our health conditions. So you’re right, the rotating schedule has more advantages over the fixed schedule.
B: All right. So we’ll adopt the rotating schedule, three shifts and the day shift is from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm with a lunch-break. And evening shift, 5:00 pm to 1:00 am including coffee breaks, and then…
A: And night shift from 1:00 am to 8:00 am, also with a coffee break.
B: Right. We should also provide our shift workers with training programmes to help them better adjust to this new work requirement. We should inform them of the harmful effects of night shifts and give them tips on how to prevent and fight off these hazards.
A: Yes. We can arrange health specialists to give them training courses and provide online consultancy service for the convenience of our shift workers. And I think we should also provide psychological consultancy just in case they get too stressed. We need to help them to cope with night shift blues.
B: Good. It’s also important to provide some nutritious food during the evening and night shifts.
A: 引进倒班工作制，最重要的事情是制定好工作计划。我认为我们应该把 24 小时的操作时间划分为三个班次：白班、晚班和夜班。而且我们应该有一个永久的时间表。夜班作业非常艰苦，但是一旦习惯，适应夜班的疲劳也不是那么困难。
B：我同意你的部分观点。我的意思是说“三班倒”是一个好办法。但是我认为如果我们通过轮换制定工作计划是不是更好一些呢。你知道，倒班工作会扰乱身体的节奏压力也会很大。除此之外，也影响家庭生活。夜班工作的工人总是没有时间与家人在一起。
A：那是个问题。夜班确实影响我们的健康情况。因此你是对的，轮换工作表比固定的工作表更有益处。
B：是的，因为我们通过轮换工作表，三班交替包括：白班：上午 8：:0~下午 5:00，中间一顿午餐；晚班下午 5:00~上午 1:00，包括茶歇时间，然后…
A：夜班 上午 1:00~8:00 也包括一次茶歇时间。
B：是的。我们也应该为倒班工人提供培训课程来帮助他们更好的调节新的工作需求。我们应该告知他们夜班对身体的影响及伤害，为他们提供一些预防这些伤害的小窍门。
A：是的，我们安排健康专家来给他们进行培训并且提供在线的咨询服务来为倒班工人提供方便。而且我认为我们也应该提供心理咨询以免他们遭受太重的心理压力。我们需要帮助他们应对夜班忧郁症。
B：是的。在晚班和夜班时提供有影响的食物也是很重要的。
Follow up questions
（1） What benefits will your company gain from shift work operation?
你公司可从倒班制中获得什么好处？
If we keep our equipment operating round the clock, we’ll be able to use our productive equipment to its fullest potential, which would help to optimize the production process. You see, improved productivity translates directly to higher profits.
（2） How important is it to inform workers of the hazards of night shift?
把夜班的害处告知工人有何重要性？
It’s certainly of great importance. Employees’ well-being and security should be the first priority of the management. When shift workers are fully aware of the hazards, they will take better care of themselves.
（3） Do you think companies should provide health counseling facilities? (Why? /Why not?)
In my opinion, it’s a must in this highly competitive age. Employees often become stressful and develop health problems. Management should provide health counseling facilities to help improve the physical and mental health of the staff and boost their morale.
（4） Should work environment be taken into consideration when designing shift work? (Why? / Why not?)
设计倒班制时是否应该考虑工作环境？
Poor working conditions add to the strain of shift work. Adequate lighting, clean air, proper heat, air-conditioning and reduced noise will help to reduce the shift worker’s burden.
（5） Is regular exercise important for shift workers? (Why? /Why not?)
经常运动会倒班工人是否重要？
Physical exercises are extremely important for night shift workers. Jogging, walking, cycling or swimming will help them to relax and to minimize stress. You see, shift work disrupts the body rhythm and is very harmful to your health.
