CHAPTER 05 OF 30
Business
10 Sual
91 İdeya
48 Termin
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The Closure of Small Businesses
SUAL
In many towns, small local businesses are closing as large international chains expand. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?
FOR
5
1
Local businesses do not offer as broad a range of products as bigger businesses do.
DV
2
Large, international businesses provide more job opportunities.
DV
3
Globalisation renders international companies inevitable.
DV
4
Chains buy in bulk and pass lower prices on to customers, which matters most to low-income households.
AD
5
Large employers offer training, promotion and job security that a small shop cannot.
DV
AGAINST
5
1
Small businesses are more aware of local needs and demand for specific products or services.
DV
2
Local businesses support local communities and get involved in their activities.
DV
3
Local businesses build a sense of community.
DV
4
Money spent in a local business largely stays in the local economy, whereas chain profits leave the area.
AD
5
Small firms are the main source of new jobs and of first jobs for inexperienced workers.
DV
Problems with International Businesses for Local Communities
SUAL
The spread of large international companies is creating problems for local communities. What problems does this cause, and what could be done about them?
PROBLEM
SOLUTION
PROBLEM
Local businesses cannot compete with large, international businesses.
→
SOLUTION
Local businesses should be subsidised by the government.
PS
PROBLEM
Large businesses do not shape the local community, whereas local businesses do.
→
SOLUTION
Big companies should work alongside local businesses to support the community.
PS
PROBLEM
The burden of high taxation makes it difficult for many small businesses to survive.
→
SOLUTION
Small businesses should be granted tax relief.
PS
PROBLEM
Local communities lose their uniqueness as international companies are the same the world over.
→
SOLUTION
Local people should remain loyal to local businesses.
PS
Businesses Providing Sports Facilities for Employees
SUAL
Companies should be required to provide sports and fitness facilities for their staff. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
FOR
4
1
Staff have the chance to improve their health.
DV
2
Healthy staff means increased productivity.
DV
3
It provides an incentive for staff to remain loyal to the company.
DV
4
It can encourage new staff to join the company.
DV
AGAINST
4
1
A person’s health is their own responsibility, not a company’s problem.
DV
2
Sports facilities are too expensive for small businesses.
DV
3
It would be better for companies to spend more money on other aspects of work, such as salary increases, bonuses and extra time off.
DV
4
Paid maternity and paternity leave is a much better incentive than sports facilities.
DV
Businesses Should Support Local Communities
SUAL
Some believe companies have a duty to support the communities they operate in, while others argue their only responsibility is to their owners. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
FOR
4
1
It ensures the cooperation of the community.
DV
2
A thriving community is essential for good business.
DV
3
It offers a chance for marketing and promotion.
DV
4
People realise that not all businesses are run with the sole purpose of making as much profit as possible for their owners.
DV
AGAINST
4
1
Communities should be supported by the government, not by businesses.
DV
2
Most businesses do not have the funds available.
DV
3
Businesses should focus on their own growth.
DV
4
International companies should not be responsible for solving local problems.
DV
Marketing is the Key to Success
SUAL
Marketing is the single most important factor in the success of a business. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
FOR
4
1
Marketing helps promote products to the public.
DV
2
Unless people hear about a product, they are unlikely to buy it.
DV
3
Marketing encourages people to buy and increases sales.
DV
4
Companies can become better known and raise their profile.
DV
AGAINST
4
1
Well-trained, competent staff are the key to success.
DV
2
Without good budgeting, a business can go bankrupt.
DV
3
A good product should sell itself.
DV
4
A good location is essential for public access to a business.
DV
People Buying Things They Do Not Need
SUAL
People are buying more and more products they do not really need. What are the reasons for this, and what effects does it have?
CAUSE
5
1
Advertising influences people and encourages them to buy things.
TQ
2
Some people always want the latest model of anything in order to enhance their self-image.
TQ
3
People like to compete with their neighbours — the “keeping up with the Joneses” syndrome.
TQ
4
Some people become addicted to shopping and fashion.
TQ
5
People who are unhappy think retail therapy will help them.
TQ
EFFECT
5
1
Consumerism can boost the economy: it creates business and jobs. (+)
TQ
2
People can keep pace with fast-changing technology. (+)
TQ
3
People may overspend and get into debt. (−)
TQ
4
Society becomes a throw-away society, producing unnecessary waste. (−)
TQ
5
Increased demand for products can result in more low-quality products being made. (−)
TQ
Business & Staff Uniforms
SUAL
Many companies require their employees to wear a uniform. Do the advantages of this practice outweigh the disadvantages?
FOR
5
1
A branded work uniform sets a company apart from its competitors.
DV
2
It promotes equality between staff.
DV
3
Uniforms look professional and project a good image.
DV
4
It fosters solidarity between staff and makes them feel part of a team.
DV
5
Some uniforms are essential for hygiene or safety reasons.
DV
AGAINST
5
1
People should have the right to wear what they want.
DV
2
Uncomfortable uniforms can have a negative effect on work performance.
DV
3
It is better to have a dress code than a uniform.
DV
4
Some uniforms are not flattering for some employees.
DV
5
Some staff do not like wearing uniforms.
DV
Business Success is Measured by Money
SUAL
The success of a business should be measured by the profit it makes. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
FOR
4
1
A successful business must make a profit.
DV
2
If a business fails to make money, it will close.
DV
3
No company can be successful if it is failing financially.
DV
4
Shareholders naturally expect a company to make a profit.
DV
AGAINST
5
1
Good customer feedback shows that people are satisfied with the product or service offered.
DV
2
Job satisfaction in running a business is a sign of success.
DV
3
The number of customers shows the potential of a healthy company.
DV
4
The reach of a company is more important than the money it makes.
DV
5
Employee performance is a good way to measure productivity and efficiency.
DV
Family-run Businesses are Best
SUAL
Some people believe family-run businesses are more successful than other companies, while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
FOR
8
1
Work schedules can be adjusted and cover more easily found.
DV
2
Family members trust each other.
DV
3
Decisions will be made that benefit the entire family.
DV
4
Family members have a shorter learning curve because they have grown up with the business.
DV
5
The business can be passed down through the generations.
DV
6
Directors and managers who are family members will work harder and be more dedicated.
DV
7
The work atmosphere will be more relaxed.
DV
8
Family businesses are usually a lot less bureaucratic.
DV
AGAINST
6
1
Not all family members will have the same aims for the company.
DV
2
Family members might not have the required skills to be successful managers or directors, resulting in mediocre business performance.
DV
3
Business disputes can lead to family conflicts because issues become subjective rather than objective.
DV
4
There might be a bias toward promoting family members ahead of non-related staff.
DV
5
Ideas may become stale and fresh perspectives might be difficult to find.
DV
6
Non-family employees may find it difficult to integrate.
DV
Running Your Own Business or Working for a Company
SUAL
Some people prefer to run their own business, while others would rather work for an established company. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
RUNNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS
5
1
Owners keep the profits their work generates instead of a fixed salary.,DV
DV
2
There is complete freedom over hours, location and the direction of the business.,AD
DV
3
Decisions can be taken immediately, without layers of approval.,AD
DV
4
The work carries a sense of ownership that employment rarely provides.,OP
DV
5
A successful business can be sold or passed on, becoming a long-term asset.,DV
DV
WORKING FOR A COMPANY
5
1
A regular salary arrives whether business is good or bad.,DV
DV
2
Employees receive paid leave, sick pay and pension contributions.,AD
DV
3
Responsibility for losses and legal problems falls on the employer.,AD
DV
4
Large firms provide structured training and a clear path to promotion.,DV
DV
5
Work can be left at the office, while an owner is never fully off duty.,OP
DV
BUSINESS · WORD BANK · 48 Termin
Faydalı anlayışlar
& akademik lüğət
Termin · Məna · Kollokasiya və nümunə cümlələr.
01
globalisation
n
Universal
The growth of trade and companies across borders.
globalisation has reshaped local high streets
02
multinational
n / adj
A company operating in many countries.
multinationals dominate the sector
03
chain
n
A group of identical shops under one owner.
a nationwide retail chain
04
buy in bulk
v
To purchase large quantities at a lower unit price.
chains buy in bulk and undercut small shops
05
undercut
v
To sell more cheaply than a competitor.
supermarkets undercut local grocers
06
competitive edge
n
Universal
An advantage over rival firms.
gain a competitive edge
07
overheads
n
The fixed running costs of a business.
high overheads force small firms to close
08
profit margin
n
The difference between cost and selling price.
work on very thin profit margins
09
revenue
n
Universal
The money a business takes from sales.
revenue rose by twelve per cent
10
cash flow
n
The movement of money in and out of a business.
poor cash flow sinks new firms
11
start-up
n
A newly established company.
start-ups struggle to attract investment
12
entrepreneur
n
Someone who sets up a business and accepts the risk.
support young entrepreneurs
13
self-employed
adj
Working for oneself rather than an employer.
the self-employed receive no sick pay
14
job security
n
Universal
The likelihood of keeping one’s job.
staff value job security over pay
15
workforce
n
Universal
All the people employed by a company or country.
a skilled and motivated workforce
16
staff turnover
n
The rate at which employees leave and are replaced.
reduce high staff turnover
17
morale
n
Universal
The confidence and enthusiasm of a group.
bonuses lift staff morale
18
productivity
n
Universal
The amount produced per worker or per hour.
healthy staff raise productivity
19
corporate social responsibility
n
A company’s duty towards society and the environment.
publish a corporate social responsibility report
20
stakeholder
n
Universal
Anyone affected by a company’s actions.
consult local stakeholders
21
expand
v
Universal
To grow larger.
expand into overseas markets
22
monopoly
n
Total control of a market by one company.
a near-monopoly on deliveries
23
red tape
idiom
Universal
Excessive official rules and paperwork.
cut red tape for small firms
24
sole purpose
n
Universal
The only aim of something.
run with the sole purpose of making profit
25
a niche market
n
A small, specialised group of customers.
serve a profitable niche market
26
economies of scale
n
Savings that come from producing in large quantities.
chains enjoy economies of scale
27
to corner the market
idiom
To gain control of most of a market.
corner the market in cheap deliveries
28
a level playing field
idiom
Universal
Conditions giving all competitors equal chances.
tax rules deny small firms a level playing field
29
to go under
phr v
To fail and close down.
half of new restaurants go under
30
to break even
v
To make neither a profit nor a loss.
break even in the second year
31
seed capital
n
The first money invested to start a business.
raise seed capital from family
32
on a shoestring
idiom
Universal
With very little money.
launched on a shoestring
33
word of mouth
n
Recommendation passed between customers.
grow through word of mouth
34
brand recognition
n
How easily customers identify a brand.
global brand recognition
35
customer retention
n
Keeping existing customers over time.
retention costs less than winning new buyers
36
to outsource
v
To pay an outside firm to do work once done in-house.
outsource customer service overseas
37
a supply chain
n
The network moving goods from producer to buyer.
a fragile global supply chain
38
to diversify
v
To expand into different products or markets.
diversify to spread risk
39
a trade-off
n
Universal
A compromise giving up one benefit for another.
a trade-off between price and quality
40
to poach staff
v
To recruit employees away from a rival.
poach staff from competitors
41
a glass ceiling
idiom
An invisible barrier to promotion.
women still hit a glass ceiling
42
a hostile takeover
n
Buying a company against its managers’ wishes.
fend off a hostile takeover
43
insolvent
adj
Unable to pay debts as they fall due.
declared insolvent within a year
44
profiteering
n
Making excessive profit, especially unfairly.
accused of profiteering during shortages
45
a vested interest
n
Universal
A personal reason for wanting an outcome.
firms have a vested interest in weak regulation
46
to cut corners
idiom
Universal
To save money by skipping proper steps.
cut corners on safety
47
due diligence
n
Careful checking before a business decision.
carry out due diligence
48
an incumbent
n
An established firm already in the market.
incumbents block new entrants
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