Ceraulen's Blog - Express yourself in English!

23 novembre 2006

How to describe a company?

Dear readers,

Well, I realized this week how difficult it was sometimes for the members of the DC English circle to describe their companies and activies in their previous jobs. To help you in this way, here is a keys box with essential words :

COMPANY STRUCTURES / STRUCTURES D'ENTREPRISE
a multinational         une multinationale
a group                     un groupe

The group is made up of / consists of a parent company and subsidiaries
Le groupe est compose d'une maison mere et de filiales

a branch                   une succursale / filiale / un secteur
a joint venture          une entreprise commune

The group is divided into : le groupe est divise en

Divisions/sectors/departments        departements/secteurs
The public/private sector                le secteur public/prive
The company was founded in           la societe a ete creee en

LEGAL ENTITIES / STRUCTURES JURIDIQUES
A corporation                                     une societe commerciale / une SARL (US)
A partnership                                    une societe en nom collectif
A holding company                             une societe de portefeuille
A one-man company                           une entreprise individuelle
A family business                               une entreprise familiale
A private Limited company (Ltd)         une societe a responsabilite limitee (SARL)
A public Limited company (PLC)          une societe anonyme
The annual turnover is...                 Le chiffre d'affaires annuel est de...

PRODUCT OR SERVICE / PRODUIT OU SERVICE
The main product / business activity is        Le produit principal /La production principale est

The company manufactures / produces / makes / sells / supplies
L'entreprise fabrique / produit / vend / fournit...

Certain spare parts are contracted out / subcontracted / outsourced to other companies
Certaines pieces detachees sont sous-traitees par d'autres entreprises

The company specializes in... L'entreprise est specialisee en...

LOCATION / SITUATION GEOGRAPHIQUE
Head office / headquarters                 Siege social
The Regional headquarters                  Sieges sociaux
The company is located in...                La societe est basee a ...
It is a Paris-based company                  C'est une societe basee a Paris
The factory/plant/works is in...           L'usine se trouve a
A warehouse                                        Un entrepot

TASKS / TACHES
She reports to...                            elle reporte a...
he is accountable to...                   il est responsable devant
he is responsible for...                  il est responsable de
he is responsible to...                   il est responsable devant
she is in charge of...                     elle est en charge de
he is assisted by...                        il est assiste de
he assists...                                  il assiste
he oversees all the department      il supervise tous les services

Hope these words will be helpful for a future interview or on your daily job.

With best wishes,
Ceraulen

22 novembre 2006

Job advertising and recruiting

Dear readers,

Pleased to come back to you! Well today, we will draw our attention on the vocabulary related to job advertising and recruiting as it is quite important for you to know some of them and be able to talk in a professional language when you meet your employer-to-be (future employer). Here is a list of specific words you may use/understand and their definitions:

* ABUNDANT: adj. plentiful, in large quantities  / n. a large number
The computer analyst was glad to have chosen a field in which jobs were abundant.

*  ACCOMPLISHMENT: n. an achievement, a success
The success of the company was based on its early accomplishments.

* BRING TOGETHER: v. to join, to gather
Every year, the firm brings together its top lawyers and its newest recruits for a training session.

* CANDIDATE: n. one being considered for a position, office or award
The recruiter will interview all candidates for the position.

* COME UP WITH: v. to plan, to invent, to think of
In order for that small business to succeed, it needs to come up with a new strategy.

* COMMENSURATE: adj. in proportion to, corresponding, equal to
Generally the first year's salary is commensurate with experience and education level.

* MATCH: n. a fit, a similarity
It is a difficult to make a decision when both candidates seem to be a perfect match.

* PROFILE: n. a group of characteristics or traits
The recruiter told him that, unfortunately, he did not fit the job profile.

* QUALIFICATIONS: n. requirements, qualities, or abilities needed for something
The job seeker had done extensive volunteer work and, therefore, was able to add his experience to his list of qualifications.

* RECRUIT: v. to attract people to join an organization or a cause
The company's policy is to recruit new employees once a year.

* SUBMIT: v. to present for consideration
Submit your resume to the Human Resources Department.

* TIME-CONSUMING: adj. taking up a lot of time, lengthy (plein de longueur)
Even though it was time-consuming, all the participants felt that the open house was very worthwhile (qui en vaut la peine)

WORD FAMILIES
V. to qualify / n. qualification / adj. qualified
V. to recruit / n. recruitment / recruiter
V. to accomplish / n. accomplishment / adj. accomplished
V. to submit / n. submission / submittal
I am sorry the submission date was last week / the submittal of his resignation prompted (pushed) his colleague to apply for his job.

EXERCISES

Choose the word that best completes the sentence:

1) Your resume shows you have ____________ a great deal in your last position.
(A) accomplish
(B) accomplishment
(C) accomplished
(D) accomplishing

2) After __________________ all his materials, he had no option but to sit back and wait for some response.
(A) submitting
(B) submitted
(C) submission
(D) submit

3) The company hired a professional ________________ to fill the vacant positions.
(A) recruited
(B) recruiting
(C) recruitment
(D) recruiter

4) The applicants who ________________ will be flown to the corporate office and interviewed there.
(A) qualification
(B) qualify
(C) qualifying
(D) qualifies

Read the following passage and write the appropriate form of the new word in the blanks below:
ABUNDANT  / CANDIDATES  /   MATCH   / RECRUIT
ACCOMPLISHMENTS  / COMING UP WITH  /  PROFILE
SUBMIT  / BRING TOGETHER / COMMENSURATE
QUALIFICATIONS / TIME-CONSUMING

Recruiting employees is a (5)__________________ and costly process. Therefore, employers want to (6) _________________ the right person with the right job the first time around. There are many ways to (7) _________________ good employees: advertising in newspapers and professional journals, recruiting on college campuses or at conferences, or getting referrals from headhunters.

Recruiting is a time for a company to brag (se vanter) about its (8) ______________ and excite people about its future. Each company is trying to (9) _______________ the best and the brightest, but they are not alone. Their competition is trying to do the same thing. When jobs are (10)_____________ and there is low unemployment,, employers may face higher demands from job seekers. Conversely (inversement), when the economy is slowing down and jobs are few, employers are in better position for attracting the best (11) __________________.

Employers look for certain characteristics and (12) ___________________ in their employees. (13) ________________ a very specific (14) _______________ that fits the company culture and the specific job requirements is a difficult job. Employers want to see a well-rounded (solide) candidate and someone who has related work experience. They are willing (consentir a) to offer a salary that is (15)____________ with that experience. Employers will make hiring and salary determinations based on the information candidates (16)_______________ throughout the application and interview process.

Have you found these exercises difficult?
Hope you guess easily the answers. Keys are as follows:

For 1st exercise: 1C - 2A - 3D and 4B
For the 2nd one:

5- time-consuming          6- match
7- recruit                       8- accomplishments
9- bring together           10- abundant
11- candidates               12- qualifications
13- coming up with        14- profile
15- commensurate         16- submit

Talk to you shortly!

With best wishes,
Ceraulen

17 novembre 2006

What is the point of speaking correct English?

Dear readers,

I was quite pleased this week to meet newcomers within my English circle in DC Association and would like to dedicate them this article on "what is the point of speaking correct English?" (l'anglais correct, pour quoi faire?) Hi also to the American and Hong Kong readers!

Well, just be aware that opportunities to speak English are numerous. It is the official language in 44 countries (and only in 27 for French). It is the mother tongue (langue maternelle) of about 350 million people (about 100 million people for French). Of course, we cannot forget Mandarin Chinese as one of the most spoken language but need to be careful in terms of really Mandarin speakers as the diaspora is quite representative all over the world.

The main reason why more and more people speak english is linked to the impact of English-speaking countries on military, political, economical and cultural fields. Moreover, and sorry to disturb a little the American myth, we can meet English speakers who are not interested in learning foreign languages such as Spanish, German or French for different reasons.

a) Understanding English

Expressing oneself correctly in a language and understanding it are two sides of the same coin. It means to understand English, you are supposed to have a large vocabulary, master word position and grammar rules. It is quite normal to feel sometimes not so at ease to understand speaking English than writing one as you do not control the accent or delivery (debit).

b) What is to be gained from reading English? Avantages de la lecture en anglais

First of all, it is commonly noticed that you can find more articles written in English than in French in various matters. In addition, the publishing law is based on the potential number of readers and a book written in English is more likely to be published only because the number of English readers is higher than French ones. Thus, if you enter on the reading English  world, you will be lucky to discover multitude of articles and can take advantage of being the first to read the new published books before French translation.

c) Will poor English do when dealing with Anglophones? Peut-on se contenter d'a peu pres dans la pratique de l'anglais avec les anglophones?

Of course, not as a rough (approximatif) English can lead to misunderstandings and you could have some trouble (avoir des ennuis). Imagine in a commercial environment, especially for negotiations, how crazy the dialogue could become!

d) English as a language for international communication? L'anglais, langue de communication internationale?

English to communicate with non-native speakers of English seems to be easier as the delivery is not speed. Other fact: non-native speakers can make mistakes and find a way to communicate efficiently without being critized by natives.

English to "communicate" with French people: it is a kind of fashion to use English words in catchphrase (slogan publicitaire) or description. Nevertheless, these words are not always used as they need to be.

e) English is not a reliable tool for international communication. L'anglais n'est pas un outil de communication international fiable

Considered as a worldwide tool, English is not systematically based on the same notions. How could we be sure that reference English is New York English, Texas English, British English or else for your speakers? Some countries located closed to English-speaking countries can catch earlier the language change and new developments in English than others.

f) Correct English for a person whose native language is not English. L'anglais correct pour un non-anglophone.

Correct English for a person whose native language is not English is the language used so that it can be identified as a correct one by one or another English-speaking groups. For instance, we can quote British people who have knowledge in American English and accept it even if they are not in use in Britain or have a different meaning.

On the opposite side, common expressions in Britain even if they are not identified by American people take part from correct English.

g) Reminder: Modern English is the outcome (resultat) of a three-century process merging (fusionnant) the Germanic language Old English with a Romance Language, Norman French. In English, whether a form is correct or not us mostly determined by usage. Rules framed by usage have replaced many formal but incompatible rules that structured Old English and the Norman version of French.

A Romance language is a language developed from Latin such as French, Italian and Spanish. The word Romance, an adjective in the previous sentence, is akin (etre apparente a) to the noun romance, which means the same as "romance" in French.

If you are curious to get more details about English language and English origin, you can look at the folowing websites:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_language

http://www.edu-cyberpg.com/Linguistics/english.html

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/columnist/aprilholladay/2005-07-07-english-part1_x.htm

http://eleaston.com/etymology.html

http://www.worldwidewords.org/articles/index.htm

With best wishes,

Ceraulen

15 novembre 2006

Emotional intelligence

  Hugs to those laughing people!

Dear readers,

After this exotic and business trip in Hong Kong and Guangdong area, we will travel on the psychology sphere with an introduction about EQ (Emotional Quotient) which cannot be represented in figures like your IQ (Intelligence Quotient). It is rather (plutot) a complex mixture of self-awareness (confiance en soi), empathy, persistence and social skills.

Some definitions:

- self-awareness: scientist use the word "metamood" which is the ability to stop in the middle of a feeling and recognize it.
- empathy: social emotion, the ability to feel for other people, to analyze and evaluate a social situation.


THE INTERPERSONAL SKILLS (abilities = habiletes, capacites)

Emotional intelligence is a term coined (created) by two Yales psychologists and popularized by the psychologist, journalist, author and former Harvard academic, Daniel Goleman, in the book entitled "Emotional Intelligence", published in October 1995.
The author sets out (tries) to present the results of recent scientific studies into the emotions, a "flood of neurobiological data" (flux de donnees neurobiologiques), and help the reader "understand what it means - and how - to bring intelligence to emotion".
Daniel Goleman places his aims (goals) in the largest context, including emotional education of children, and bringing "civility to our streets and caring to our communal life".

This book became a worldwide bestseller and there are now dozens of me-too (similar) books featuring (showing) "emotional intelligence" in their titles. Daniel Goleman lectures (to talk during conferences) to businessmen the world over (all over the world).

Evidently (evidemment), it has long been known that success in work -or in private life- does not depend merely (simplement) on the individual's IQ ("intelligence quotient") but also on his interpersonal skills or "emotional intelligence", which Daniel Goleman defines as including "self-control, zeal (empressement) and persistence, and the ability to motivate oneself", "empathy" or being sensitive (sensible) to the emotions of others, knowing how to handle (manage) relationships smoothly (doucement / ici: avec tact).

Stress is increasing in companies as the protected markets in which they were used to working in are eroded. In the increasingly knowledge-based (base sur le savoir) society we live in, companies must be effective (efficient, efficace) "learning organizations", where people collaborate to learn together and share what they learn, and to do this well it is necessary that they get on well together (aller bien ensemble, etre en harmonie). Companies are increasingly (more and more, de plus en plus) involved in (implique dans) multicultural structures as integration of the countries of the European union proceeds (process) and European companies merge (fusionner). The accelerating globalization of the economy means that companies participate more and more in international alliances with suppliers and customers. For these reasons and others, interest in interpersonal skills has taken on a new urgency today.

It is important to notice that people in positions of great responsability and power will have had to be able to empathise with people, display social deftness (adresse) and persistence to get where they are. We can mention for instance (as examples) JFK, John Fitzgerald Kennedy (1917-1963) as in 1960, this Democrate candidate became the youngest man and the first Catholic to be elected US president (the 35th) and Ronald Reagan (1911-2004), a Republican who became presidentof US from 1981-1989 (the 40th).

Official biographies of JFK and R. Reagan:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents/jk35.html
http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents/rr40.html

Fur further details about interpersonal skills, EQ and Daniel Goleman:

http://ilearn.senecac.on.ca/careers/succeed/developing.html
http://science.uniserve.edu.au/projects/skills/jantrial/interpersonal/interpersonal.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emotional_intelligence
http://www.eiconsortium.org/

http://www.eiconsortium.org/members/goleman.htm
http://www.shareguide.com/Goleman.html
http://www.edutopia.org/php/interview.php?id=Art_699&key=020

With best wishes,
Ceraulen

11 novembre 2006

Hong Kong - Guangdong Business Conference

Business Fair for European and Guangdong - Hong Kong Economic, Technology & Trade Cooperation 2006

Yesterday a great event took place at the Palais des Congres of Paris as for the first time, the People's Government of Guangdong and the Governement of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) jointly organized the "Business Fair for Europe and Guangdong - Hong Kong Economic, Technology & Trade Cooperation".

The aim of this event was to facilitate trade and economic cooperation between Europe and Guangdong - Hong Kong to larger scale, higher level and wider range by introducing the economic development and investment environment of these two regions, especially the achievements and prospects of the regional cooperative mechanisms of "Great Pearl Delta River" and "Pan Pearl Delta River".

M. Huahua Huang, Governor of Guangdong Province and Mr Donald Tsang, Chief Executive of HKSAR graced this ceremony with their presence (honorer cette ceremonie de leur presence) together with M. Jinjun Zhao, Chinese Ambassador in France, M. Loos, Industry Minister. M. Claude Pernes, President of the Association from Ile-de-France Mayors was the master of ceremony (maitre de ceremonie).

                                             M. Donald Tsang and M. Huahua Huang
                                                       before the Conference in the VVIP Room

M. Didier Balme, Coverage and Territories International from BNP-Paribas and M. Steve Cornell, Asia and Far East General Manager from Total Petrochemicals  gave a testimony (temoignage) of their investment respectively in Hong Kong for BNP-Paris and Guangdong for Total.

About 160 partnerships' projects on various fields like information technology, infrastructure, agriculture, chemical engineering, evironmental cooperation, logitics, out-going services and trade contracts of about 2 billion USD were launched by Guangdong Province. Among the fifth signed agreements, two were linked with German groups. Hope this will give French businessmen the will to push their efforts towards China as it is quite time!

About 300 managing directors of Chinese firms travelled also to join this event in the scope of meeting future European/French partners. 21 mayors and municipalities from Guangdong Province accompanied the Chinese delegation and played fair (jouer le jeu) taking part to the direct exchanges with French companies and speakers around stands while Hong Kong organized a conference on the business on this area.

 

This business fair was planed and prepared by Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Development of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Investment Promotion Agency and undertaken by Commerce Office of Chinese Embassy in France and coordinated in France by the French-Chinese Company Heads Association (ASSOGES). Other important institutional and private actors also contributed to invite and promote this event towards their members, customers, suppliers, distributors and else.

Some details from M. Huahua Huang's speech
M. Huang underlined (a souligne) the fact that France and China both have a long history and fabulous civilization.
French are "brave, courageous and intelligent" and "created a rich and brilliant civilization left plentiful cultural inheritages in scientific and social fields largely contributing to human society improvements"...
He quoted François Rabelais: "la bouteille de sagesse se trouve en Chine" (the wisdow bottle is located in China) before reminding the first mutual Presidential encounter between China and France in 2004 to contract a "general strategic partnership" and introduced his province, advantages in terms of economic development, services and industry capacities, markets, investment environement.

A few words about Guangdong Province
It is the southmost (la plus au sud) province from the mainland (mere patrie, which is one of the earliest and most important Chinese trading ports and the startingpoint of the historic "Maritime Silk Road".
Since the reform and opening of China, the economic and social construction of Guangdong Province has obtained significant achievements by actively participating in international economic cooperation and competition.

Some figures:
- 2005: provincial GDP 260 billion USD (1/9 of the national value)
- trade volume: 428 billion USD (1/3 of the national value)
- Accumulated actual value of foreign investment since 1979 surpassed 160 billion USD amounting 1/4 of the national value

For further details:
http://gddoftec.gov.cn/en/index.html
http://www.getgd.net/gd_surv/gd_sur6.html
http://atimes.com/atimes/Others/guangdong.html
http://www.newsgd.com/
http://www.idrc.ca/media/ev-68159-201-1-DO_TOPIC.html

Some details about Hong Kong
I had the opportunity to live in Macau for six months in 1997, the year of Hong Kong handover. I discovered a very modern city and was quite impressed about the mixture of traditions and opening towards Western countries. Give you more details later...
Hong Kong is on the southmost point of Chinese mainland and adjacent to Guangdong Province. With its well-developed legal and financial system as well as a clean government, Hong Kong has become the international center of finance, trade, tourism and logistics in Asian-Pacific region. It is also a prestigious tax-free zone with excellent infrastructure, advanced information. Moreover, capitals can flow in and out freely.
As one of the important gateways of Mainland China, Hong Kong is a very important intermediary platform in the process of Chinese integration into the world.

For further information:
www.InvestHK.gov.hk
http://www.heritage.org/research/features/index/country.cfm?id=HongKong
http://www.business-in-asia.com/hongkong.htm
http://www.state.gov/e/eb/ifd/2005/42057.htm

EXCLUSIVELY FOR YOU! SOME OTHER DETAILS ABOUT THIS EVENT!
Indeed, as the Communication Responsible from the French coordinator of the event, I have helped for two months the Chinese organizers especially from Guangdong Province.
My role among others consisted in :

- sourcing French firms likely to be interested in taking part to the event or having a partnership project matching with the major or new fields of the 21 Guangdong cities or with one of the 160 projects

- contracting friendly partnerships with French group, middle or small companies to support and promote the event  towards all their contacts

-  writing  press releases (communique de presse) before the event and getting in touch with all the medias

- proposing any assistance to correct French documents written by the Guangdong governement...

The Day D, as you can imagine, I had an intense and great planning.
On the morning, to take care about the organization of the stands and buffet, to welcome the VIP and meet the journalists (among them I met a Romanian reporter in charge of filming the event for the local TV). I was disappointed that the French media was not so numerous (maybe because of the declaration from the future candidates to the elections or the death of the oldest "Poilus" one day before November 11th!).



As a member of the French coordination team, I had the priviledge to enter on the VVIP room to take a picture of the two Governor and Chief Executive among a very restricted comity of institutional personalities. How lucky you are to get it on this blog as only three journalists and myself were authorized to take pictures!
After this short talk in Mandarin Chinese, of course!, the two VVIPs joined the VIPs on a special room to greet them.
Around 10:15 AM, they entered on the conference room to chair (presider). From 9:00 AM, a report on Hong Kong and Guangdong areas were broadcasted to the first participants.

I went a few minutes to the conference room to listen M. Pernes, M. Zhuo and M. Huang speeches while the room included 1,800 seats was quickly filled so much so that everyone cannot have audio headphones for translations. Another room with about 500 seats was also quickly assailed. For your record, the entrance was free but it was adviced to be registered in advance to get a card and enter on the speedest way.
It seems totally the visitors were more than 2,000 people.

 
AT 8:00 PM                              

While the conference was continuing, I talked to some visitors waiting on the hall, looked at the stands and buffet, helping exhibitors in their preparation or solving last minute worries...

For the buffet, the fact is than only 1,500 seats were booked. You can imagine the rush of people before the end of the conference to reach it . As I cannot find any member of the Chinese delegation in charge of the booking, I took the initiative to inform the catering responsible. After negotiation, it was agreed some additional plates, knives and forks had to be given  even if any other table were available and informed responsibles as soon as I met one of them. Apparently, they were less worried than me but you can imagine the pressure as any guardian was located at the entrance of the restaurant to limit the access on the two entrances.
In maybe three quarters, there were any main dish (plat de resistance)...

On the afternoon, the stand I was in charge with the Vice-President was largely visited so that it was difficult to manage. Victim of our success ! I had short talks with very different speakers: companies' managers, buyers, salesmen, communication responsible, presidents of French-Chinese associations, students...

The Day D finished about 5:00 PM and I realized my nicest coat and scarf in Tibet yak hair offered by a Chinese supplier in a previous job had been stolen as I lost my ticket. Bad luck!

To conclude, I can say in a few words, I  lived a very interesting experience as a cultural middle-woman in a a real Chinese team with real  Chinese personality and way of working. It was not so easy even if I am fond of this culture and had experiences in total immersion (in Baoding - Hebei Province in 1999 for 4 months working for the High-Tech New Development Economic Zone on the Promotion Center Department).
The fact is that I had to accept my French corrections were corrected by Chinese people working for the government and speaking French...

Wish you a good week-end!
Ceraulen
 

04 novembre 2006

Revision

 

Dear readers,

Today, we will revise a little ! Here we go!  
** Mind your “faux amis”! Select the correct meaning.

1) He lives in front of the barracks.

a. caserne c. barricades

b. baraques d. taudis

2) I do not like this fabric.

a. fabrique c. tissu

b. atelier d. fébrilité

3) She is very sensible, you know.

a. sensée c. sensible

b. triste d. sensuelle

4) Have you ever read that novel ?

a. nouvelle c. romance

b. nouveauté d. roman

5) She has gone to the library.

a. libraire c. bibliothèque

b. librairie d. bibliothécaire

6) Do you know the editor of the paper ?

a. rédacteur en chef c. éditeur

b. imprimeur d. distributeur

7) He used to be a labourer.

a. laboureur c. laborieux

b. travailleur manuel d. distributeur

 
8) Have you passed the exam ?

a. passé c. raté

b. réussi d. échappé à

9) Do you know his surname ?

a. surnom c. nom de famille

b. prénom d. pseudonyme

Keys: 1a – 2c – 3a – 4d – 5c – 6a – 7b – 8b – 9c

** Read these extracts from a weekly magazine.

FILMS ON TV

East of Eden. Anyone (Elia Kazan) who had the chutzpah to try to make a movie from Nobel-winner John Steinbeck’s great novel by taking only the last third would, you might think, deserve opprobrium as well as failure. Well, yes, but you reckon without James Dean, whose first starring role this was, and who was already dead by the time this film was released in 1955. That ensured its lasting success (he made only three films), but for the wrong reasons. Rigid father raises two boys. Family conflicts abound.

Jaws: The Revenge. Now look. Let us get one thing quite clear for the record. I saw the giant shark being blown up at the end of jaws, right? With my own eyes. So how come it keeps coming back? I mean, are we talking some kind of fishy Freddy Krueger, or what? Of course moeny, not reincarnation, is the answer to that mystery, and fortunately this film was such a turkey – dull, derivative and unimaginative – that it did not make any. Which if you think of it, is pretty neat revenge.

Select the correct answers.

10) The Film East of Eden is based.

a. upon Steinbeck’s third novel

b. upon the end of Steinbeck’s novel

c. upon the whole of Steinbeck’s novel

11) According to the journalist, the film East of Eden was a success.

a. because of James Dean’s personality and destiny

b. because its theme: family conflicts

c. because Steinbeck was a Nobel-winner

12) According to the journalist, Jaws: The Revenge is:

a. a rather good film

b. a bad film

c. which has had c. much success d. no success

Keys: 10b – 11a – 12b and d

What is your score? Wish you a pleasant week end!

With best wishes,

Laurence

02 novembre 2006

What "a global mindset" means

Dear readers,

As you know, I really like cultural exchanges and open-minded (receptive to new and different ideas or the opinions of others; ouvert) people in general. Today, I have found for you a very relevant (having a bearing on or connection with the matter at hand, pertinente) definition of the expression “global mindset” and would like to share it with you.

WHAT “A GLOBAL MINDSET” MEANS

** mindset or mind-set (mīnd'sĕt') n. – definition from the website www.answers.com/

1. A fixed mental attitude or disposition that predetermines a person's responses to and interpretations of situations.

2. An inclination or a habit.

In employees, having a “global mindset” means not only the ability to communicate in other languages but also an attitude of mind : having an international perspective, the ability to overcome cultural barriers, sensitivity to different cultures and values (or cross-cultural awareness), the ability to adapt to and work effectively in different cultures and with people from different national cultures where there may be differences in hierarchy, authority, humour, attitudes to work...

**ability (ə-bĭl'ĭ-tē) n., pl. -ties.

1. The quality of being able to do something, especially the physical, mental,financial, or legal power to accomplish something.

2. A natural or acquired skill or talent.

3. The quality of being suitable for or receptive to a specified treatment;capacity

** perspective (pər-spĕk'tĭv) n.

1. 1. A view or vista.

   2. A mental view or outlook: “It is useful occasionally to look at the past to gain a perspective on the present” (Fabian Linden).

2. The appearance of objects in depth as perceived by normal binocular vision.

3. 1. The relationship of aspects of a subject to each other and to a whole: a perspective of history; a need to view the problem in the proper perspective.

   2. Subjective evaluation of relative significance; a point of view: the perspective of the displaced       homemaker.

   3. The ability to perceive things in their actual interrelations or comparative importance: tried to keep my       perspective throughout the crisis.

4. The technique of representing three-dimensional objects and depth relationships on a two-dimensional surface.

** overcome (ō'vər-kŭm') v., -came (-kām'), -come, -com·ing, -comes. v.tr.

1. To      defeat (another) in competition or conflict; conquer. See synonyms at defeat.      

2. To      prevail over; surmount: tried to overcome the obstacles of poverty.

3. To      overpower, as with emotion; affect deeply.

v.intr. To surmount opposition; be victorious

** sensitivity (sĕn'sĭ-tĭv'ĭ-tē) - n., pl. -ties.

1. The quality or condition of being sensitive.

2. The capacity of an organ or organism to respond to stimulation.

** cross-cultural (krôs'kŭl'chər-əl, krŏs'-) adj.

Comparing or dealing with two or more different cultures: a cross-cultural survey; cross-cultural influences on an artist's work.

** awareness noun

The condition of being aware: cognizance, consciousness, perception, sense 

** effectively (ĭ-fĕk'tĭv-lē) adv.

1. In an effective way.

2. For all practical purposes; in effect

How “a global mindset” is developed

Training courses and above all international experience at business schools and in companies, for instance (for example) in multicultural project team, are among the ways “a global mindset” is developed, even if some hold that the true cross-cultural manager is born and not made.

** among (ə-mŭng') also amongst (ə-mŭngst') prep.

1. In the midst of; surrounded by: a pine tree among cedars.

2. In the group, number, or class of: She is among the wealthy.

3. In the company of; in association with: traveling among a group of tourists.

4. By many or the entire number of; with many: a custom popular among the Greeks.

5. By the joint action of: Among us, we will finish the job.

6. With portions to each of: Distribute this among you.

7. Each with the other: Don't fight among yourselves. See Usage Note at between

** To hold : To retain one's attention or interest

Why it is important for companies to have managers with a global mindset

With the integration of the economies of the European Union, European companies are working more and more closely together while cross-border mergers are taking place with increasing frequency. Companies are increasingly working in international alliances, for example to exploit technology through licences and other agreements, or because they source internationally and have international suppliers.

** closely adverb To a point near in time, space, or relation

** while conj. 

1. As long as; during the time that: It was lovely while it lasted.

2. At the same time that; although: While the grandparents love the children, they are strict with them.

3. Whereas; and: The soles are leather, while the uppers are canvas.

** cross-border adj. - transfrontalier

** merger (mûr'jər) n.

1. The act or an instance of merging; union.

2. The union of two or more commercial interests or corporations.

3. Law. The absorption of a lesser estate, liability,right, action, or offense into a greater one.

** increase (ĭn-krēs') v., -creased, -creas·ing, -creas·es.

1. To become greater or larger.

2. To multiply; reproduce.

v.tr. - To make greater or larger.

Barriers between markets are being broken down at ever greater speed in the rich countries of the O.E.C.D. as well as the emerging economies of Southeast Asia, China, Mexico, Brazil... This means there will be increasingly fierce competition for firms on their domestic markets as these markets open up to global competition and, simultaneously, innumerable opportunities in overseas markets for companies that are ready to export or invest abroad. Globalisation enables companies to choose to relocate production from high-cost countries to low-cost countries. It has been estimated that the value of the markets open to global competition will be worth about USD21 trillion by the year 2000, whereas their worth was of USD4 trillion in 1995.

** to break down: défoncer, démolir

** OECD: abbr. Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development – In French OCDE

** as well as conj. And in addition: courageous as well as strong.

prep. In addition to – aussi bien que

** Emerging Market

A foreign economy that is developing in response to the spread of capitalism and has created its own stock market. Analagous (similar or alike in such a way as to permit the drawing of an analogy) to small growth companies, emerging markets have high potential as well as high risk.

** fierce (fîrs) adj., fiercer, fiercest.

1. Having a savage and violent nature; ferocious. See synonyms at cruel.      

2. Extremely severe or violent; terrible: “the fierce thunders roar me their music” (Ezra Pound).

3. Extremely intense or ardent: fierce loyalty. See synonyms at intense.      

4. Strenuously active or resolute: a fierce attempt to escape.

5. Informal. Very difficult or unpleasant: a fierce exam.

6. Savage or threatening in appearance.

** domestic (də-mĕs'tĭk) adj.

Here : Of or relating to a country's internal affairs: domestic issues such as tax rates and highway construction. Produced in or indigenous to a particular country: domestic oil; domestic wine. 

** open up : Become available or accessible 

** enable (ĕ-nā'bəl) tr.v., -bled, -bling, -bles.

1. 1. To supply with the means, knowledge, or opportunity; make able: a hole in the fence that enabled us to       watch; techniques that enable surgeons to open and repair the heart.      

   2. To make feasible or possible: funds that will enable construction of new schools.

2. To give legal power, capacity, or sanction to: a law enabling the new federal agency.

3. To make operational; activate: enabled the computer's modem; enable a nuclear warhead.

** worth¹ (wûrth) n.

1. The quality that renders something desirable, useful, or valuable: the worth of higher education.

2. Material or market value: stocks having a worth of ten million dollars.

3. A quantity of something that may be purchased for a specified sum or by a specified means: ten dollars' worth of natural gas; wanted their money's worth.

4. Wealth; riches: her net worth.

5. Quality that commands esteem or respect; merit: a person of great worth.

adj. 

1. Equal in value to something specified: worth its weight in gold.

2. Deserving of; meriting: a proposal not worth consideration.

3. Having wealth or riches amounting to: a person worth millions.

** trillion (trĭl'yən) n.

1. The cardinal number equal to 10¹²

2. Chiefly British. The cardinal number equal to 10¹⁸.

This movement is being accelerated by the revolution in broadcasting, communications and computing which increases the possibilities for information to pass over borders unimpeded. Companies can instantaneously reach customers worldwide via the Internet, for instance. Multinational are exploiting such new technologies as videolinks and interactive computers to enable teams of designers throughout the world to work together on the same projects, which means that they can talk with each other as they work on the same images. Such methods also lead to valuable time gains as engineers working in Asia pursue during America’s nighttime the work done by the US engineers during their daytime. It also permits these companies to profit by input of skills and knowledges from different parts of the world. All this to provide competitve edge.

** broadcasting
IN BRIEF: The process of transmitting radio or television signals on airwaves.

** pass over v

Definition: ignore, disregard
Antonyms: attend, heed, take care, tap

** to pursue v.intr. 

1. To follow in an effort to overtake or capture; chase.

2. To carry on; continue.

** input (ĭn'pʊt') n.

1. Something put into a system or expended in its operation to achieve output or a result, especially:
   1. Energy, work, or power used to drive a machine.

   2. Current, electromotive force, or power supplied to an electric circuit, network, or device.

   3. Computer Science. Information put into a communications system for transmission or into a computer       system for processing.

   4. Computer Science. A position,terminal, or station at which input enters a system.

   5. Any of the items, including materials, equipment, and funds, required for production.

2. 1. The act of putting in; infusion: a steady input of fuel.

   2. An amount put in.

3. Usage Problem.
   1. Contribution of information or a comment or viewpoint: a discussion with input from all members of the group.

   2. Information in general.

** knowl·edge (nŏl'ĭj) n.

1. The state or fact of knowing.

2. Familiarity, awareness, or understanding gained through experience or study.

3. The sum or range of what has been perceived, discovered, or learned.

4. Learning; erudition: teachers of great knowledge.

5. Specific information about something.

6. Carnal knowledge.

** an edge : A margin of superiority; an advantage

Another factor is the increasingly vast amounts of capital which are increasingly mobile, so investors are ready and able to invest in any part of the world in ventures whose likely rate of return is attractive.

In such a context of global markets, companies which do not have a global mindset will become increasingly vulnerable.

** venture (vĕn'chər) n.

1. An undertaking that is dangerous, daring, or of uncertain outcome.

2. A business enterprise involving some risk in expectation of gain.

3. Something, such as money or cargo, at hazard in a risky enterprise.

** likely : Probably

** Rate Of Return

The gain or loss of an investment over a specified period, expressed as a percentage increase over the initial investment cost. Gains on investments are considered to be any income received from the security, plus realized capital gains.

** attractive (ə-trăk'tĭv) adj.

1. Having the power to attract.

2. Pleasing to the eye or mind; charming.

** vulnerable adj Liable to succumb, as to persuasion or temptation.

Hope you have found this article interesting! Thanks to let me know your comments and remarks about it! I have tried to give you explanations in English to enlarge your vocabulary. Hope this will be helpful for you!

With best wishes,

Ceraulen