Tag: Business English

The Economics of IKEA 

B2 – Upper Intermediate

IKEA is the world’s largest furniture retailer with a unique business model. They have designed a minimalist flat-pack furniture and customers have to assemble it. One of the secrets of IKEA’s success has been identified as “The IKEA Effect”. It simply states that when you help build something, you are more attached to it.

Watch the video to learn more and be able to answer the questions that follow.

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the video, what is The IKEA Effect? What do you think of it?
  2. Do you agree that people tend to love an item more when they have put effort into creating it? Explain.
  3. Is flat-packing an effective retail strategy? Why or why not?
  4. How do you feel about IKEA? Share some of your shopping experiences.
  5. What things have you built on your own and are attached to?

Used Luxury Goods Growing Popularity

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In the midst of the economic crisis and financial uncertainties, the market for used luxury products is booming in China. More and more owners of such items now know that they can make good money from their luxury goods and on the buyers’ end, they get a good bargain.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the growing popularity of used luxury goods in China.

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/in-china-used-luxury-goods-growing-in-popularity-/6768412.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why are second-hand luxury products becoming popular in China?
  2. Is this trend happening in your country too? Why or why not?
  3. Do you think it is a good investment to buy luxury items in the middle of an economic crisis? Explain your point.
  4. Do you have luxury items and would you be willing to sell and why?
  5. What are ways to get through an economic crisis?

Why Great Businesses Fail

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Experts believe that when a successful company fails to deal with disruption, it might collapse. On the other hand, what sets companies like Amazon and Walmart apart from those that fail, is their ability to decide quickly. They do not let the slow process of decision-making kill innovation.

Watch the entire video that explains why great businesses fail.

Discussion Questions:

  1. The video talks about the term ”ideation”. How do you define it in your own words?
  2. Think of a successful company in the past that failed and went bankrupt. What were the reasons for it going under?
  3. According to the speaker, some companies are good at the incubation period. Why do you think these companies fail when they decide to scale up?
  4. What lessons can companies in the world learn from Amazon?
  5. The video teaches companies about ideation and scaling up. How can these concepts be applied in your personal and professional life?

How Adidas Turns Plastic Bottles Into Shoes

B2 – Upper Intermediate

According to studies, there will be more plastic bottles in the seas than fish in thirty years. This prediction could spell trouble for both humans and animals. By turning plastic bottles into shoes, Adidas, a multinational corporation, helps prevent such plastics from getting to the ocean.

Watch this video to learn how Adidas uses plastic bottles to manufacture shoes.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think Adidas is successful in reducing marine pollution? Explain your answer.
  2. Recycling is one of the topics covered in the video. Talk about some recycling ideas that you see in your community.
  3. Aside from Adidas, do you know any other companies that have exerted effort to help the environment? Talk about these companies.
  4. Have you ever tried purchasing any Adidas sportswear? If so, what can you say about its quality?
  5. What recommendations do you have for Adidas relative to sustainability initiatives?

Solar Panel Sales Boom

B2 – Upper Intermediate

As the saying goes, “When one man fails, another man rises in his shadows”. As the whole world falls to its knees due to the sharp increase in energy prices, the solar industry booms.

Read the article about the boost in solar panel sales. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-62524031

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this news?
  2. What might be the good and bad things about using solar energy?
  3. Do you think solar panels are good investment? Why or why not?
  4. How does the solar energy sector fare in your country and why is this the case?
  5. What are your thoughts on using solar panels to generate energy in homes and buildings more in the foreseeable future?

Chip Shortage

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Technological products run because of computer chips, also known as semiconductors. However, there has been chip shortage nowadays. Because of this, there is a problem with the supply of some popular tech items.

Read the article to find out the reasons for this chip shortage, how tech firms are addressing this crisis, and how it affects us. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-58230388

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why is there a chip shortage? What is reaction to/thoughts on this?
  2. How are tech firms dealing with this problem?
  3. How does this impact us? How does this affect you?
  4. Some tech firms stockpiled and ordered the chips in advance as the pandemic was beginning in 2020 which lead to the other companies to have problems acquiring the components. Share your opinion on what big tech firms did back there.
  5. How often do you buy new electronic gadgets or appliances?

Industrial Zones in Egypt

B1 – Intermediate

The Suez Canal in Egypt is an important way that connects Asia and Europe. Egypt is developing four new industrial zones along the canal and in one of them, a new city where workers can live and so they don’t have to travel far to get to work.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the new industrial zones in Egypt. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/new-industrial-zones-in-egypt-level-1/

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of all the developments they are planning for the canal?
  2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a new city near the industrial zones?
  3. Talk about the most important industrial area/s in your city/country. 
  4. How do these areas help your country’s economy?
  5. What are other things you know about the Suez Canal and Egypt?

Investments

B1 – Intermediate

Everyone of us wants to live a comfortable life and be financially stable. Having a stable income gives you peace of mind, but some people also choose to take the risk and invest their money.

Nowadays, people have become more curious about investments. Many are looking for ways to grow their money and achieve their financial goals. Are you one of those people?

Listen to the thoughts of one person about investments on this link.

https://listenaminute.com/i/investments.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is an effective way to handle one’s money?
  2. Have you ever thought of investing your money? Please elaborate.
  3. Where is it best to invest? Where is it risky?
  4. What are some common forms of investment in your country?
  5. Do you know someone who invested their money? How was their experience?
  6. Do banks offer a good opportunity for money to grow? Why or why not?
  7. Should courses on investments be more available? Please explain.
  8. What are some other forms of investment not related to money?

The Secret to Being a Successful Freelancer

B2 – Upper Intermediate

You are your own business when you start being a freelancer.
You have to market yourself and you have to know how to run your business on your own. It could be tough but it’ll give you the freedom to choose and do what you want the most.

Watch as Paco De Leon talk about the secrets to becoming a successful freelancer.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think that artists are way too underpaid these days?

2. When starting a freelancing career, why is it important to know your target customers?

3. Explain: “When you earn enough working with clients that value your work, you don’t have to compromise by working with clients who don’t. “

4. Do you want to be a freelancer? If yes, what kind of business would you want to start?

5. Are the tips mentioned above helpful? Which one is your favorite?

Do Employers Look for Experience or Education?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Education is often described as an investment. Does having a high academic qualification still remain an important consideration in landing a job? Do companies hire employees based on their skills and experiences?

Let us read some of the factors to consider when it comes to the duel between education and experience.

https://www.investopedia.com/financial-edge/0710/experience-or-education-which-one-lands-you-the-job.aspx

Discussion Questions:

1.What is more important – skills without a degree or a degree without skills?

2. How does a college degree improve a graduate’s employment opportunities?

3.What are some jobs where college qualifications aren’t required?

4. Is a college degree necessary in the job you have? Why do you think you were hired by your company?

5. What are some of your job-seeking experiences?