Section 3. You will hear two students called Tom and Bella attending the third meeting
of the after school club. They are talking with their professor about the furniture company.
First, you have some time to look at questions 21 to 26.
Now, listen carefully and answer questions 21 to 26.
Before we start, Tom and Bella, thanks for coming in today to talk about the key case studies
that will help you to understand your classwork better.
Now, I hope you've read the notes I gave you last week on the furniture company Willows.
As this will be the focus of our discussion today, let's begin.
Who can tell me what the current focus of the company's business is?
The company used to be very large with many retail outlets across the country.
However, since the recession, there have been fewer people spending money on furniture
and so the company was forced to close all of its outlets and now only operates online.
Well done, Tom. Bella, can you add anything?
Willows used to produce a very large number of products such as tables, chairs and light fittings.
However, through market research, they realized that most of their profit was made from the sale of bookcases
so they now specialize in this one product.
Very good. Does anyone know how our department began its contact with Willows?
Did you contact the company, Professor?
No, Tom. It wasn't through me.
Our headmaster saw an article that the manager had written in the newspaper
and became very interested in the company.
He contacted Willows and arranged for a student to work their full time during the summer.
Yes, exactly. Does anyone know what the student thought of their time working at Willows?
Yes, he is a friend of ours. He worked as a member of the design team, creating technical drawings of the furniture using a computer.
There was a special software that he used, which he said had a bad interface and was very difficult to predict.
However, it was very efficient and helpful for quickly drawing up furniture designs.
How interesting.
Yes, it was. We both visited him whilst he was working there and he showed us around.
Unfortunately, visitors were not allowed to access the IT department, but it was great to chat with his colleagues.
Did you meet his manager?
His manager is a very busy man, so he didn't have time to meet with us.
However, we were allowed to inspect the accounts, which really helped us to understand the effects of the software on the company.
Well, what an exciting experience.
Now, before I forget, next week I'll be conducting face-to-face interviews with each of you to prepare for job interviews.
Can we do it as a group?
I'm afraid not, Bella. I want to give each of you my undivided attention, and there will be too much disturbance if I interview you altogether.
Plus, it will be more realistic if I interview you alone.
Have you finished writing the feedback on our exam results, Professor?
Yes, I have, Tom. And I must say that I was not disappointed.
I am glad to say that your performance has dramatically increased since you began attending this after school club, and you have both scored above the average.
If you continue to work hard, your results should soon improve significantly.
Before you hear the rest of the conversation, you have some time to look at questions 27-30.
Now, listen and answer questions 27-30.
Now, back to our discussion about Willows. Can anyone tell me what business decisions might benefit the company?
A new system would definitely benefit Willows. Their system is very outdated. I don't think it would help them to gain more profit.
However, the system is capable of doing the work of hundreds of people. This would, therefore, significantly lower labor costs.
I agree. Unfortunately, unless they also replace the machinery in their workshop, the new system won't reduce the production time.
That is a shame. If they can't reduce their production time, they won't be able to increase sales.
The answer is to hire more staff in order to increase the efficiency of the production line.
Yes, you have both made interesting points. Now for one final question before we finish this week's session.
How will new clients be affected by the new system?
Unfortunately, the new system does not allow clients to connect to the Willows system from home, so they are unable to access their work online.
This also means that the system presents no opportunity to attract more contacts, since clients are unable to view it from their homes.
Yes, that's true. However, it could definitely benefit clients who visit the showroom.
The system is very interactive and allows clients to easily browse the furniture catalog, which will save them a lot of time.
It's a shame that staff are still needed to guide clients through the online system, as it means that no savings can be made in labor costs.
I think the major benefit of the new system is that it enables staff to design the furniture in front of the client, which allows them to get a lot more involved in the design.
Bravo, you've both contributed fantastic points to our conversation. That concludes our session for today. I'll see you next week.
That is the end of section 3. You now have half a minute to check your answers.
Now turn to section 3.
section 4.