VOA 商务英语 lesson23

Diaolog 1
Stay on schedule, component¹
F:The supplier is another important player.
M: absolutely critical, we need good suppliers to stay on schedule.
(表赞同，of course/exactly/You bet/you’re right)
F:They supply computer components² to the hub.
M: where the computers are assembled.
F: but again, you can’t have a huge inventory³ of components.
M: For the same reason, the components become outdated⁴.
F: but you need enough components on hand to assemble the computers as they are ordered.
M :We can’t afford to wait for missing components.
Q:How do the components get to the hub?
A: The suppliers send the components.
Dialog 2
Logistics(后勤工作)
F: You operate on a very tight schedule.
M: You bet, these components have got to be the hub or else.
F: You have 3 hubs, it must be a logistical nightmare.(感叹困难)
M: Only if the right component isn't on hand at the right time.
F: your suppliers need to know which components to manufacture.
M: which components and how many.
F: and when and where to send them.
M: each hub requires different quantities of components.
What is a logistical nightmare for suppliers?
Send the right number of components at the right time.
Dialog 3:
Flexible
F: you need to be well-organized.
M: We are well organized.
F: The components you need must change (from) month to month.(表频率，from day to day)
M: week to week in some cases.
F: How do your suppliers stay on top of(掌握) changes in technologies.
M: the smaller suppliers are more flexible, they can change more rapidly.
F: You must pay a premium⁵（extra cost）for that flexibility⁶.
M: I do , I pay a premium for flexibility and knowledge.
Q: What is the advantage of a small supplier?
A: the smaller suppliers are more flexible.
Small talk(为迟到道歉)
――I am so sorry I’m late/I hope I didn't keep you waiting/the traffic is terrific /My bike had a flat tyre.
-----don’t worry about it

1 component   

n.组成部分，成分，元件；adj.组成的，合成的

参考例句：

• Each component is carefully checked before assembly.每个零件在装配前都经过仔细检查。
• Blade and handle are the component parts of a knife.刀身和刀柄是一把刀的组成部分。

2 components   

（机器、设备等的）构成要素，零件，成分； 成分( component的名词复数 )； [物理化学]组分； [数学]分量； （混合物的）组成部分

参考例句：

• the components of a machine 机器部件
• Our chemistry teacher often reduces a compound to its components in lab. 在实验室中化学老师常把化合物分解为各种成分。

3 inventory   

n.详细目录，存货清单

参考例句：

• Some stores inventory their stock once a week.有些商店每周清点存货一次。
• We will need to call on our supplier to get more inventory.我们必须请供应商送来更多存货。

4 outdated   

adj.旧式的，落伍的，过时的；v.使过时

参考例句：

• That list of addresses is outdated,many have changed.那个通讯录已经没用了，许多地址已经改了。
• Many of us conform to the outdated customs laid down by our forebears.我们许多人都遵循祖先立下的过时习俗。

5 premium   

n.加付款；赠品；adj.高级的；售价高的

参考例句：

• You have to pay a premium for express delivery.寄快递你得付额外费用。
• Fresh water was at a premium after the reservoir was contaminated.在水库被污染之后，清水便因稀而贵了。

6 flexibility   

n.柔韧性，弹性，（光的）折射性，灵活性

参考例句：

• Her great strength lies in her flexibility.她的优势在于她灵活变通。
• The flexibility of a man's muscles will lessen as he becomes old.人老了肌肉的柔韧性将降低。