Video Tasks

Task I. Answer the questions :

1. What products does Visitron produce ?

2. Where are its markets situated ?

3. Which sectors of the market did Visitron originally specialise in ? Why?

4. What factors changed the situation ?

5. Who is Richard Hamilton ?

6. What recommendations did Mr Hamilton make to the Visitron board?

7. Did the board follow the recommendations ?

8. Why was the board removed by the shareholders ?

9. Who is Sir David Stokes ?

10. What are the names and positions of the new board members ?

Task II. You are one of Visitron's major shareholders. After the removal of the old board you decided to invite Mr. Parker to become Visitron's new CEO. Write a letter to Mr.Parker with full information about the situation in the company.

Unit 1. Starting the meeting

Vocabulary Tasks

Task I. Define the meaning of the following words and expressions, translate them into Russian:

1. a revival

2. an objective

3. on the agenda

4. an unidentified buyer

5. to acquire

6. a stake *

7. a press-release *

8. to restore credibility

9. vague promises

10. to tackle a problem at source

11. to undertake

12. hostile activity

13. first half figures *

* definitions are available in the glossary

Task II. Translate the sentences into Russian :

1. Company reorganisation was only the first step in the long process of corporate revival.

2. At the meeting the new board's objective is to agree a plan of action.

3. Now we have three items of business on the agenda this morning.

4. We've now had confirmation that an unidentified buyer has acquired a 5 % stake in this company.

5. Experience tells me that the activity is hostile.

6. The aim of our press-release is to restore credibility.

7. Financial analysts don't want vague promises about a wonderful new future for Visitron.

8. Let's show them we're tackling this problem at source.

9. Show them the first half figures.

10. Visitron is about to undertake major new growth based on new products and new markets.

Task Ш. Translate the sentences into English :

1. Возрождение нашей компании зависит от того, сумеем ли мы вернуть доверие акционеров.

2. Вместо того, чтобы давать туманные обещания, Вы бы лучше подумали о том, как решать проблему в корне.

3. Цель официального сообщения - показать, что мы не боимся неизвестного покупателя.

4. Враждебная деятельность наших конкурентов очень ослабила нашу позицию.

5. Данные за первое полугодие позволили сделать вывод, что компании необходимо предпринять шаги по выработке новой стратегии.

6. На повестке дня - обсуждение путей выхода из кризиса.

7. Поздравляю, мы сумели приобрести солидную долю в этой компании, что принесет нам значительную прибыль уже в следующем полугодии.

Task IV. Make up your own sentences using the vocabulary of the unit.

Video Tasks

Task I. Answer the questions:

1. What are the three items on the agenda ?

2. What news does Parker confirm ?

3. What is the aim of the press-release ?

4. What new product is mentioned ?

5. What is the financial situation in the company ?

6. What structure of the press-release has been agreed upon ?

7. What time will the announcement be released ? Why ?

8. Which item has been discussed during the first phase of the meeting ?

Task II. Study the draft press-release and answer the questions: