Task VI. Complete the passage about 3M using the words from the box and facts from the text.

Since the beginning of the 20^th century, 3M has known that it must continually ___1___ in order to survive. The company has been responsible for the ___2___ of 60,000 products, each of which is protected by a ___3___.

The successful ___4___ of 3M over the years is due to several factors. Firstly, the company spends a large part of its annual __5___ on the creation, improvement and testing of the products. The company also has a flexible structure, which allows employees to change jobs very often, from ___6__ to manufacturing or from manufacturing to marketing. The exchange of ideas and information is also a key aspect of 3M’s activities. Top technical people attend a yearly meeting at the __7___ in St Paul where many 3M laboratories show their latest products. The unusual feature of 3M’s structure is ETAMs that are responsible for reaching the company’s European objectives. All this helps the company do business worldwide successfully.

Task VI. Find answers to the following questions in the text:

1. How has the company managed to become such a successful company?

2. What does “the EMAT” mean? What role do the EMATs play in 3M’s European organization?

3. What does 3M’s future in Europe depend on?

Task VII. Choose the best answer from three alternatives and explain your choice:

1. The company structure of 3M is

a) traditional;

b) product-oriented;

c) customer-oriented.

2. 3M worldwide is divided into four main:

a) divisions;

b) departments;

c) sectors.

3. The sectors are divided into strategic business centers

a) to manage operations effectively;

b) to make quick decisions;

c) to establish a common business culture.

4. ETAMs are formed

a) to control the company staff in Europe;

b) to direct the company strategy;

c) to realize the company’s European objectives.

5. The key elements in its organization are

a) people, money and activities;

b) people, activities and time;

c) people, structure and activities.

6. A major advantage of the company structure is the following:

a) the managers become knowledgeable in several areas;

b) the chain of command is clear;

c) morale is improved through participative decision making.

7. Regular meetings of ETAMs help

a) achieve the company’s goals;

b) quick launching new products;

c) formulate strategic planning of the company.

Task VIII. Make up a plan of the text and write key phrases on each item.

Task IX. Look at the text as a comprehension chart. Write down key phrases to speak on the chart.

Task X. Work in pairs:

Date: 2015-12-24; view: 1241