English for crisis management

English for crisis management

 

Рекомендовано Ученым советом Государственного образовательного учреждения высшего профессионального образования "Оренбургский государственный университет" в качестве учебного пособия для студентов, обучающихся по программам высшего профессионального образования по специальности «Антикризисное управление»

 

 

Оренбург

ИПК ГОУ ОГУ

УДК 65.016(07).773.3 (076.5)

ББК 65.291.931я7 32.973.202я73

И 20

 

 

Рецензент – профессор, доктор педагогических наук Н.В. Янкина

 

И 20	Иванова, С.Г. English for crisis management: учебное пособие / С.Г. Иванова, Н.Ю. Шпекторова; Оренбургский гос. ун-т. – Оренбург: ОГУ, 2010 – 169 с.

ISBN

 

Учебное пособие состоит из 10 разделов и 2 приложений, в которых представлены разнообразные тексты, упражнения, тесты, направленные на развитие умений и навыков перевода оригинальных текстов по специальности «Антикризисное управление».

Учебное пособие предназначено для студентов 2 курса, специальности «Антикризисное управление».

 

 

 

И

УДК 65.016(07).773.5)

ББК 65.291.931я7

 

 

ISBN	ã Иванова С.Г., Шпекторова Н.Ю., 20 10 ã ГОУ ОГУ, 2010

 

Содержание

 

 

Введение………………………………………………………………….......... 1 Unit1 Crisis management speciality ………………………………................ 2 Unit 2 What is Crisis? Crisis definition …....................................................... 3 Unit 3 Types of Major Crises ……………….………………..…………..….. 4 Unit 4 Crisis Management………………….................................................... 5 Unit 5 Crisis Management Team …………………………………………..... 6 Unit 6 Crisis Preparedness..………………………………………………..… 7 Unit 7 Government and Crisis Management………………………………..... 8 Unit 8 Crisis Management in Business World………...................................... 9 Supplementary Texts…………………………….…………………………… 10 Keys……………………………………………………………………….. Список использованных источников………………………………………... Приложение А Грамматический справочник …………………….……….. Приложение Б British and American Financial Terms ……..……………….

 

Введение

 

Данное учебное пособие предназначено для обучения чтению, пониманию и прямому и обратному переводу оригинальных текстов по антикризисному управлению. Целью пособия является расширение знаний по специальности в сфере типов кризисов, кризисных ситуаций и способов управления ими.

Учебное пособие предназначено для студентов 2 курса, специальности «Антикризисное управление». Пособие состоит из восьми разделов. Каждый из которых включает три основные части, состоящие из дотекстовых и послетекстовых заданий. Пособие также содержит тексты для самостоятельной внеаудиторной работы студентов с последующим контролем в аудитории. Практическая ценность пособия заключается в наличии аутентичного материала, системы разнообразных упражнений на развитие коммуникативных умений и навыков по активному усвоению и использованию терминов профориентированных текстов для работы как в аудитории под контролем преподавателя, так и самостоятельно.

В пособии содержатся упражнения, тексты, тесты и в конце каждого раздела приводится словарик с текущей лексикой.

Задания к текстам направлены на расширение терминологического аппарата, корректировку навыков распознавания грамматических и лексических единиц по их формальным признакам, использование новых терминов, фразовых глаголов и аббревиатур в процессе выполнения коммуникативно-направленных заданий.

Большое количество разнообразных упражнений на словообразование позволяет преподавателю дифференцировать выполнение заданий в зависимости от уровня подготовленности группы.

 

Unit 1. Crisis management speciality

Pre-text exercises

1.1.1 Practise the reading of the following words and say what Russian words help guess their meaning:

 

- crisis; - crises; - discipline; - sphere; - technique; - diagnosis; - career; - procedure; - analysis; - process; - license; - bankruptcy; - potential.

 

1.1.2 Memorize the following words and word-groups from the text:

 

a non-profit – некоммерческая организация;

devastating – опустошающий, разоряющий;

to perfect – совершенствовать, улучшать;

arbitrary – арбитражный;

to initiate a speciality – вводить специальность;

to achieve an objective – достигать цели;

assets – имущество, фонды;

financial recovery – финансовое оздоровление;

performance (зд.) – деятельность;

failure (зд.) – несостоятельность;

insolvency – неплатежеспособность;

prevention – предупреждение, предотвращение;

to enable – давать возможность, право;

to assess – оценивать, определять (размер ущерба);

to take on advanced courses – поступить на курсы повышенного типа;

an acute need – острая необходимость;

to deal with – иметь дело с…

 

1.1.3 Review the meaning of the following verbs that are in the text:

 

- to manage;

- to include;

- to require;

- to offer;

- to avoid;

- to complete;

- to ensure;

- to determine;

- to provide;

- to obtain.

 

1.1.4 Translate the following words and word – groups into Russian:

 

a) to manage, manager, crisis – manager, management;

b) to assess, to assess damages, assessor, assessment;

c) to consult, consultant, consulting, to work for a consulting company;

d) to develop, developer, development, the latest developments in crisis management.

 

1.1.5 Explain the difference in-“ed”-forms and translate the sentences into Russian

 

- To achieve this objective, the Crisis Management specialty was initiated at the Faculty of Economics and Management in 1998.

-Lectures are based on a subject- centered approach and active learning determined both by professors’ view-points and theories.

 

1.1.6 Put questions to the parts underlined

 

- Crisis Management deals with skills and techniques required to avoid or manage crises.

- Crises are a reality of everyday life.

- The University offers state grants and scholarships to those who are well-prepared to take on advanced practical courses.

- The Crisis Management department provides profound knowledge in different spheres.

- The Crisis Management speciality was initiated at the Faculty of Economics and Management in 1998.

Assignments

 

1.3.1 Give the Russian equivalents from the text for the following word-groups:

- vitally important;

- skills and techniques;

- legal basis;

- a subject-centered approach;

- to attach importance;

- independent study;

- to complete graduation thesis;

- to ensure success.

 

1.3.2 Say whether the following statements are true or false

 

- Crises are a reality of everyday life.

- CM speciality was initiated at the Faculty of Economics and Finance in 1998.

- CM department attaches great importance only to managerial skills development.

- After a six-year period of study students … obtain a qualification of engineers - economists.

- The University does not offer grants or scholarships to any graduates.

 

1.3.3 Answer the following questions basing your answers on the text

 

- Crises can affect all parts of society, can’t they?

- Why is it very important to develop and perfect crisis management?

- What does CM deal with?

- Why and when was the CM speciality initiated?

- What spheres does the CM department offer training in?

- What does the CM department program include?

- What qualifications do CM graduates obtain?

 

1.3.4 Find in the text the English equivalents for the following word-groups:

 

-быть хорошо подготовленным к чему-либо;

- избежать кризис;

- арбитражный процесс;

- деятельность предприятий;

- глубокие знания;

- развивать антикризисное управление;

- финансовое оздоровление;

-определять цели.

 

1.3.5 Match each word on the left with the correct definition on the right:

 

- licence; - to initiate; - assessment;   - expertise; - to ensure;   - assets; - insolvency; - research; - approach(n).

- to guarantee; - a detailed study of a subject; - anything owned by a company that has money value and can be sold; - the way to deal with sth; - an official document giving permission to do or to use sth; - to introduce; - fixing the value of property; - excellent knowledge, skill or training; - inability to pay debts.

 

1.3.6 Fill in the gaps with the words from the text:

 

a) business; b) assets; c) diploma; d) recovery;

e) scholarship; f) to affect; g) non-profits; h) approach.

 

1) We expect economy to show the signs of … over the period of two years.

2) Many factors … prices, wages and earnings.

3) A company’s total … include cash, buildings and any other property.

4) John has recently won … to the University.

5) Ann is now planning to start her own … in furniture

6) Applicants are required to earn a high school ….

7) … are universities, hospitals and social work agencies.

8) We need to find a more effective … to the problem.

 

1.3.7 Translate the last paragraph of the text in written from

 

1.3.8 Retell the text in detail

 

1.3.9 Translate the following sentences into English using the active vocabulary of the text

 

1) Студенты не только изучают программный материал, но и занимаются научно-исследовательской работой.

2) Поступая в университет, многие абитуриенты (applicants) выбирают специальность «Антикризисное управление».

3) За последние 10 лет профессия антикризисный менеджер быстро и успешно развивается.

4) Кафедра готовит специалистов для работы в фирмах, оценивающих ущерб, причиненный (caused) разными типами кризисов.

5) Частые случаи неплатежеспособности приводят к банкротству.

 

1.3.10 Act out the dialogue

 

Happiness

 

Ann: You look happy today!

Paul: I am happy. I just heard I passed my English exam.

Ann: Congratulations! I'm glad somebody's happy.

Paul: Why? What's the matter?

Ann: Oh, I'm just worried, I guess I have to take a Business Basics exam next week.

 

Notes:

- Notice the intonation of I am happy. This intonation, with the strongest stress on am, is the emphatic, confirmatory form normally used in response position (as here). It is similar, in meaning and intonation, to the short answer form, I am-which might, in fact, be used here, with the weak-stressed happy simply dropping off. I just heard I passed... Notice that the that is omitted in this bit of reported speech. Exam = examination.

- I'm glad somebody's happy. Note the omission of that in reported speech, and the strong contrastive stress on somebody (implying that the speaker herself is not happy).

- What's the matter? A common idiom meaning What is troubling you? What is wrong?

- I'm just worried. Here just means merely, only. In line b (I justheard...) it is used in its meaning of very recently. Have to = must. Notice the /f/ in the pronunciation of this idiom: /haefte/.

- I guess = / think (that).

Pre-Text Exercises

2.1.1 Memorize the following words and word-groups from the texts:

 

definition – определение;

to dummy up tight(зд.) – сжиматься от страха;

to occur – случаться, происходить;

safety – безопасность;

threat – угроза;

property – собственность, имущество;

common – общий, общепринятый;

well-being – материальное благополучие;

to exact a toll on – вызывать потери, унести жизни;

to exact a cost – требовать расходов;

more often than not – чаще всего, в большинстве случаев;

simultaneously – одновременно;

to handle oneself – вести себя, управлять собой;

with regard to – в отношении, что касается.

 

2.1.2 Practise the reading of the following words:

 

-major;

-occur;

-purpose;

-whole;

-toll;

-threaten;

-precise;

-unfortunately;

-although;

-tremendous;

-simultaneously.

 

2.1.3 State what parts of speech the following words belong to and what words they are derived from:

 

Model: earn – verb; earnings – noun pl.

 

- pressed;

- threaten;

- completely;

- unfortunately;

- abnormal;

- certainly;

- decision;

- unpredictable.

 

2.1.4 Review the meaning of the following verbs. Consult the dictionary if necessary:

 

- to decide;

- to harm;

- to destroy;

- to vary;

- to flee;

- to contain;

- to offer;

- to fight.

 

2.1.5 Translate the following words and word-groups into Russian:

 

a) decision, short decision time, to make a decision, a series of decisions;

b) to explain, explanation, to offer an explanation, explanatory;

c) to act, action, a course of action, action plan, to work out an action plan.

d) potential(n) – in potential, to realize a potential, potential(adj), potentially.

e) threat, a major threat, threaten, threatening;

f) to predict, to predict a crisis, prediction, predictable, unpredictable.

 

2.1.6 Refresh your grammar. Translate the following sentences paying attention to reflexive pronouns

 

- It is a true test of what we are, how we handle ourselves in the middle of a crisis.

- The good news is we can prepare ourselves in principle for a crisis.

- She was trying to calm the people hurt in the accident but I noticed she herself was very upset.

- The company defended itself from the oncoming crisis.

- The company CEO will speak about crisis management strategies.

- The manager must take responsibility for the critical situation himself.

 

Text A What is Crisis?

2.2.1 Text A. What is Crisis? Read the text, translate it and be ready to give the crisis definition

 

The word crisis comes from the Greek krisis meaning “decision”. “We’ve all been there. Those moments when we’re pressed in an instant to decide a course of action. Move to the left or move to the right. Fight or flee. Offer an explanation or dummy up tight”.

It’s a true test of what we are, either as a company or a person, how we handle ourselves in the middle of a crisis. The bad news is we never know for sure how we’ll do until it’s test time. The good news is we can prepare ourselves in principle.

At this point, it is important to say a few words about the definition of a crisis. Definitions are only really important with regard to the purpose they serve. Unfortunately, it is not possible to give definition of a crisis any more than it is possible to predict with complete certainty how a crisis will occur, when it will occur and why. The most common definitions are:

- a crisis is an abnormal situation which threatens the operation, safety and reputation of the whole of an organization;

- a crisis is a major unpredictable event that threatens to harm the whole of an organization.

Although the definitions can vary greatly, three elements are common to most of them: (a) threat to the whole organization; (b) the element of surprise or shock; and (c) a short decision time. If something affects or threatens only a small part of an organization, it may not be a major crisis.

In order for a major crisis to occur, it must exact a major toll on human lives, property, financial earnings, the reputations, and the general health and well-being of an organization. More often than not, these occur simultaneously. That is a major crisis is something that “cannot be completely contained within the walls of an organization”. Although they are rare, a few crises have the potential to destroy a whole organization. And, as recent experience has shown, a major crisis can exact a tremendous financial cost, potentially in the billons of dollars.

 

2.2.2 Before reading the text learn some new words and word-groups:

 

prone to – предрасположенный к чему-либо;

to anticipate – ожидать, предвидеть;

in place – на месте;

to require – требовать, нуждаться в чем либо;

to head off a crisis – препятствовать, преграждать путь кризису.

once – как только.

 

2.2.3 Text B. What Is Different about Today's World? Read the text and say why man-made crises escalated in the last twenty years

 

What is it about our modern information/industrial society that makes it more prone to crises? And, in particular, why have man-made crises escalated especially in the last twenty years? The vast majority of organizations and institutions have not been designed to anticipate crises or to manage them effectively once they have occurred. Neither the mechanisms nor the basic skills are in place for effective CM. Most fundamental of all, the managers and executives of most organizations and institutions still do not understand the "new management and thinking skills" required to head off crises. CM is broader than dealing with crises alone. It provides a unique and critical perspective on the new management skills and the new types of organizations that will be required in the twenty-first century.

 

2.2.4 Translate the following sentences into Russian paying attention to the meaning of the word “most”

 

- Most fundamental of all, the managers and executives of most organizations still do not understand the new management and thinking skills.

- Most oil companies have emergency plans that they test every year.

- Most likely the plan addresses the situations that pose the most dangerous threats.

- Most organizations only consider at most one or two categories of crises.

 

2.2.5 Give English equivalents of the following:

 

- в частности, в особенности;

- огромное большинство;

- иметь дело (только) с кризисами;

- обеспечить реальную перспективу;

- как только …

 

2.2.6 Comment on the use of Present Perfect forms in the text

 

Assignments to Text A

 

2.3.1 Which of the statements is incorrect?

 

- Three elements are common to most definitions of crisis.

- Only a few crises have the potential to destroy a whole organization.

- A major crisis can be completely contained within the walls of an organization.

- The word crisis comes from the Greek krisis.

 

2.3.2 Answer the following questions

 

1) How can a crisis be defined?

2) What are the three elements common to most definitions of crisis.

3) Why is it not possible to predict with complete certainty how, when or why a crisis will occur?

4) What is a major crisis?

5) What aspects of an organization does a major crisis affect?

 

 

2.3.3 Find in the text the sentences close in meaning to the following ones

 

-There are moments in a crisis when we have to decide very quickly what we must do.

-A crisis shows clearly what we are like as people or as a company, and how we behave in the crisis.

-If a serious crisis happens, it results in great losses of people.

-A serious crisis can demand a very great amount of money.

 

2.3.4 Give English equivalents for the following words or word-groups:

 

- полная уверенность;

- чаще всего;

- опыт последних лет;

- дать точное определение;

- угрожать работе организации;

- вся организация;

- одновременно;

- непременно, несомненно.

 

2.3.5 Make up sentences with the following word-groups based on the text. Be ready to use them while discussing the text:

 

- a test time;

- to decide a course of action;

- to harm an organization;

- a common element;

- an unpredictable event.

 

2.3.6 Match the words to their definitions. One item has been done for you

 

1) operation; 2) to flee; 3) major; 4) to predict; 5) simultaneously; 6) earnings; 7) to vary; 8) to harm.

a) the amount of money one is paid for the work he/she has done; b) to change or to be different; c) at exactly the same time; d) to injure or damage physically; e) an action or a way of doing sth; f) to run away from danger; g) more important or serious than others of the same type; h) to say that an event will happen in the future.

 

2.3.7 Translate the following sentences into English using the vocabulary of the text

 

- Кризис – это очень трудная и опасная ситуация. Кризисы часто непредсказуемы и требуют быстрых решений.

- Эта статья описывает несколько потенциальных кризисов, которые могут случиться в организациях.

- В условиях экономического кризиса многим коммерческим банкам угрожает банкротство.

- Наш регион имеет огромный потенциал для экономического развития.

- Кризис повлиял на работу всех отраслей промышленности.

 

 

Pre-text exercises

3.1.1 Practise the reading of the following words

Accident, earthquake, typhoon, hurricane, physical, counterfeiting, malicious, rumours, personnel, graph.

 

3.1.2 Memorize the following words and word-groups from the text:

 

natural disaster – природное бедствие;

explosion – взрыв;

depending on – в зависимости от;

man-made or human-caused crises – кризисы, связанные с деятельностью человека;

human resource crisis – кризис, связанный с потерями человеческих ресурсов;

breakdown – поломка;

slander – клевета;

plant disruption – срыв в работе завода;

market crash – крах рынка;

decline in earnings– снижение заработка;

counterfeiting – подделка;

workplace violence – насилие на рабочем месте;

kidnapping – похищение людей;

to tamper with sth – вносить самовольные изменения во что-либо.

 

 

3.1.3 Find out English or Russian equivalents for the words and word-groups given below:

 

вред, ущерб; --------------- потерянная информация; несчастный случай; --------------- непосещение работы, прогул; включать в себя; --------------- --------------- нехватка рабочей силы; в зависимости от; --------------- повышение.

---------- research; ---------- ---------- survey; ---------- ---------- personnel; market crash; labour shortage; ---------- decline; ----------

3.1.4 Form adjectives according to the model and translate them into Russian:

 

Model: finance – financial

финансы финансовый

 

crime – преступление; information – информация; reputation – репутация; politics – политика; resident – житель;

sex – секс, пол; practice – практика; manager – менеджер; essence – сущность; type – тип.

 

3.1.5 Check if you remember the meaning of the following verbs:

 

- to depend on; - to involve; - to earn; - to cause; - to decline; - to violate;

- to represent; - to tamper; - to counterfeit; - to lose; - to explode; - to survey.

3.1.6 Put questions to the parts underlined

 

1 Research demonstrates that all crises can be sorted into two general classes.

2 The class of natural clisasters includes floods, earthquakes, fires, typhoons hurricanes and explosions.

3 The other class can be divided into different categories depending on the causes.

 

Text B

3.3.1 Read the text and suggest a title for it

 

Product tampering does not apply only to food or pharmaceutical organizations. All organizations are vulnerable to a form of product tampering that applies specifically to them. For instance, computers are a necessary part of every organization. The true value of computers is the information that they con­tain about customers and other key stakeholders. For in­stance, a person or persons gaining access to and tamperingwith an organization's key records could seriously affect that organization's products and services. An interesting example is the famous French authorof encyclopedias, Larousse. As it is known, the French are avid collectors and eaters of mushrooms. At special times of the year, they go into the forest with their Larousse encyclopedias at their side. In one section of the encyclopedia there are two facing pages. One side has pictures of the mush­rooms that are safe to eat, and the other side has pictures of the unsafe mushrooms. For some unknown reason, thelabels on the two pages in one book were reversed. Thus, the safe mushrooms were labeled unsafe, and vice versa. This is a prominent example of product tampering. The moral should be absolutely clear: One ignores all or any major types of crises at one's peril.

Note to the text:

Larousse encyclopedias – знаменитый французский энциклопедический словарь, опубликованный Ляруссом. Содержит сведения по всем отраслям знаний

 

3.3.2 Choose the right title for the text:

 

- pictures of the mushrooms;

- the moral of product tampering example;

- the value of computers;

 

3.3.3 Find in the text the English equivalents for the following Russian word-groups:

 

- съедобные/несъедобные грибы;

- подлинная ценность;

- на свой страх и риск;

- страницы, расположенные друг против друга;

- получить доступ к чему-либо;

- подделка очень важных записей;

- серьезно повлиять на что-либо;

- названия, данные в обратном порядке.

 

3.3.4 Translate the sentences with these word-groups into Russian

 

3.3.5 Find out in the text adjective or participles used with the nouns given below:

 

pages; author(2); moral; organizations(2); reason; example(2); collectors; mushrooms(2); part.

 

3.3.6 Comment on and develop the following statements

 

- Computers are a necessary part of every organization.

- One ignores all or any major types of crises at one's peril.

 

3.3.7 Retell the text including the answer to the question

 

- Why is it dangerous to ignore any of the major types of crises?

 

Assignments

 

3.4.1 Answer the following questions

 

1 What general classes can all crises be sorted into?

2 What do natural disasters include?

3 How can man-made crises be classified depending on the causes?

4 What category of crises do terrorism and corruption belong to?

 

3.4.2 Match the words and word-groups to their Russian equivalents:

 

- flood; - absenteeism; - human resource; - counterfeiting; - breakdown of equipment; - slander; - gossip; - explosion.

- человеческий ресурс; - поломка оборудования; - взрыв; - клевета; - наводнение; - подделка; - сплетня; - отсутствие на работе.

 

3.4.3 Match the words and their definitions (one item has been done for you):

 

1) corruption; 2) earnings; 3) to sort into; 4) vandalism; 5) decline; 6) terrorism; 7) survey.

a) moving to a lower position; b) an examination made by asking questions; c) the act of damaging property; d) dishonest usage of position or power (for money); e) the money paid for the work; f) to separate into groups; g) violent action for political purposes.

 

3.4.4 Make up sentences with Passive Voice using the following verbs:

 

- to demonstrate;

- to represent;

- to give;

- to include;

- to sort into;

- to involve.

 

3.4.5 Read the text and fill in the gaps with suitable words from the box

 

1 Types of potential crises … fires and natural disasters. A fire or … disaster is a common type of crisis. The … of fire is great for several reasons. It may be … by smoking. Many residents smoke in their rooms where it is not easy … their smoking. A few may have difficulties remembering to put their … out end inadvertently (нечаянно) and drop them. Preventive measures include education, reminders, and staff … of the buildings: e.g. staff can discuss fire … in house meetings and conduct regular fire … with residents.

2 Certain areas of the country are more prone (предрасположены) to natural … than others. These disasters may include hurricanes, floods … and others. Each residential place should have programs to provide staff with adequate measures … crises.

 

to handle; earthquakes; safety; to include; cigarettes; to monitor/monitoring; disasters; risk; trainings; natural; caused.

 

3.4.6 Translate the text given above into Russian in written form

 

3.4.7 Speak in detail about the types of major crises using the figure in text A and the one given below. Mind the verbs associated and used with the noun “crisis”

		Live well with these verbs!

 

3.4.8 a) Translate the following English sentences with the verbs given above

 

1) Crisis causes serious problems.

2) The practice of CM attempts to avoid or manage crisis situations.

3) All the actions undertaken for overcoming the crisis should be thoroughly analyzed.

4) Crises are easier to manage when staffs feel competent and supported.

5) If you don’t prepare for a crisis, you will take more damage.

6) When dealing with crises, there is a need for immediate response.

7) Assessing the crisis situation is the first step that can not be taken in advance.

8) Special programs should provide staff with training structure to handle crises.

9) To forecast exactly what type of crises can occur is practically impossible.

10) Many crises that could potentially develop can be prevented.

11) For a resident who has experienced a crisis the time period after the crisis is crucial.

12) In the acute stage of crises the main point is to control a crisis as much as you can.

13) There are many ways to get help to prevent crisis situations.

14) The plan will assist people to manage crises to the greatest extent possible.

15) To handle a crisis a dedicated CM team should be gathered.

 

b) Make up sentences of your own with some of the verbs associated with the noun “crisis”

 

3.4.9 Compose a story about any natural disaster you have heard/read or the one that occurred within your lifespan.

 

Text C Kidnapping

3.5.1 Scan the newspaper item to get an idea of the way kidnapping really happens

 

The four had planned to visit a group of Muslim religious leaders in Baghdad.

They were about 100 metres from the entrance to the mosque where the meeting was to take place when they were abducted.

The kidnappers published a video shown worldwide by Arab satellite channel in which they claimed the hostages were spies. They threatened to kill all hostages unless the US freed all Iraqi prisoners held in the US by December, 10.

More than a month passed until the next word from the kidnappers. On January, 28, 2006, the channel broadcasted a video showing the four hostages alive, dated January, 21. The captorts stated that the US had one last chance to free all Iraqi prisoners or the hostages would be killed.

On March, 10, the body of one hostage was found in a garbage dump in Baghdad, killed by gunshot wounds to the head and chest.

On March, 23, 2006, the three surviving hostages were rescued from a house near Baghdad by a multinational force. The three hostages were in good medical condition. None of the kidnappers were found in the house.

 

On December, 8, 2006, the three ex-hostages held a press conference in London.

 

Notes:

Muslim – the Islam religion followed in the Arab world;

Baghdad – the capital of Iraq;

Mosque – a building in which Muslims say their prayers.

 

 

3.5.2 Find English equivalents for the following Russian word-groups given below. They will help you understand the text:

 

- произойти, иметь место;	- быть в хорошем состоянии;
- похитить заложника;	- проводить пресс-конференцию;
- транслировать видео;	- найти кого-то жестоко убитым;
- удерживать заключенных;	- многонациональные силы;
- выстрелы в голову и грудь.	- по всему миру.

 

- to hold a press conference;	- to take place;
- gunshot wounds to the head and chest;	- worldwide;
- to find sb murdered;	- to broadcast a video;
- to be in good condition;	- to hold prisoners;
- to abduct hostages.	- multinational force.

 

3.5.3 There are five paragraphs in the text. The headings given below cover the main issues of the text. Arrange them in the order they come in the text

 

1 One hostage found murdered

2 Press conference of the survivors

3 Circumstances of kidnapping

4 Rescue of surviving hostages

5 Kidnappers' demands (требования)

 

3.5.4 Translate the following sentences into Russian

 

- The four visitors were about 100 metres from the entrance to the mosque … when they were abducted.

- In an Arab video the kidnappers claimed the hostages were spies.

- One of the hostages was found killed by gunshot wounds to the head and chest.

- The three surviving hostages were rescued.

- More than a month passed until the next word from the kidnappers.

 

3.5.5 Work with dates:

 

a) write the following dates as they are given in the newspaper item and business papers:

- the twenty-eighth of January;

- the ninth of May;

- the first of September;

- the fourth of July;

- the twenty-fifth of December.

 

b) write the following dates in traditional spelling:

 

1955; 1812; 2010; 1147; 1743; 2001.

 

3.5.6 Find the synonyms for the words from the box:

 

state; kill; chance; visit; free; worldwide.

 

1) say, claim, declare, announce;

2) opportunity, possibility;

3) in the whole world, all over the world, throughout the world;

4) murder, assassinate;

5) rescue, save;

6) come to see, call on sb, drop in.

 

3.5.7 Translate the following sentences into English using the active vocabulary of the text

 

- Журналист был похищен (to be abducted) вооруженными бандитами (gunmen).

- Террористы взяли в заложники двадцать человек.

- Освобожденные поблагодарили солдат за спасение.

- Глава делегации сделал заявление для СМИ.

- В марте была проведена пресс-конференция, посвященная освобождению заложников.

 

3.5.8 Retell the story about the kidnapping in Baghdad in seven-eight sentences

 

 

Unit 4. Crisis Management

Pre-text exercises

4.1.1 Practise the reading of the following words:

 

- fraud;	- cease;
- issue;	- perceive;
- accuracy;	- ensure;
- processes;	- crucial;
- nonetheless;	- continuity;
- consequence.	- contingency.

 

4.1.2 Memorize the following words and word-groups from the texts of the unit:

 

A

fraud - мошенничество;

computer hacking - взлом компьютера;

environment contamination - загрязнение окружающей среды;

sexual harassment - сексуальное домогательство

B

inevitable - неизбежный;

unlike - в отличие от;

resposible - ответственный;

nonetheless - тем не менее;

impact - воздействие, влияние;

essential basics - основные положения;

issue - вопрос, проблема;

framework - основа, структура чего-либо;

in conjunction with - в сочетании с …;

implementation - выполнение;

ownership - собственность;

accuracy - точность;

stakeholder - заинтересованная сторона, совладелец;

consequence - последствие;

continuity planning - планирование непрерывных действий;

contingency planning - планирование непредвиденных действий;

prompt (adj) – безотлагательный.

 

4.1.3 Check up the meaning of the following verbs:

 

- respond to;	- encourage;
- undertake;	- contain;
- reflect;	- provide;
- affect;	- ensure;
- confirm;	- indicate;
- prove;	- cause;
- fail.	- cease.

 

4.1.4 Translate the following words and word-groups into Russian:

 

a) act, action, to take an action, a prompt action, to activate, to activate the plan;

b) situation, crisis situation, dangerous situation, to face a situation;

c) crisis, effective crisis management, the aim of crisis management, crisis management framework, an expert in crisis management, essential basics of crisis management, crisis management team.

 

4.1.5 Transform Active constructions into Passive according to the model

 

Model: Active - They should start recovery procedures at this point.

Passive - Recovery procedures should be started at this point.

 

- Experts in CM can manage or sometimes foresee crises.

- The CM framework must reflect existing lines of communication.

- Crises may affect many organizations.

- The corporation had to face the crisis situation.

- The team members should perform all the functions.

 

4.1.6 Translate the Passive constructions into Russian paying attention to the models

 

4.1.7 Put five types of questions to the following sentences (general, special, alternative, disjunctive and a question to the subject of the sentence)

 

- Crisis Management is a discipline within the broader context of management.

- The field of Crisis Management deals mainly with man-made crises.

- The Crisis Management should be dealt with as an operational management issue.

 

Text A Crisis Management

4.2.1 Read the text, translate it and do the assignments that follow

 

Crisis Management is a discipline within the broader context of management. CM consists of skills and techniques required to assess, understand and cope with any serious situation, especially from the moment it first occurs to the point that recovery procedures start.

The field of CM deals mainly with man-made crises, such as computer hacking, environmental contamination, executive kidnapping, fraud, product tampering, sexual harassment and workplace violence. Unlike natural disasters, man-made crises are not inevitable. They do not need to happen. For this reason, the public is extremely critical of those organizations that are responsible for their occurrence. Why do crises occur in the first place, and what can be done to manage them better before, during, and after their occurrence. Nonetheless, even with the best of frameworks and the best of preparations, not all crises can be prevented.

This even is true for those crises that we know with almost complete certainty will occur. But the impacts of all crises can be lessened if one has a detailed understanding of the "essential basics" of CM. While not all crises can be foreseen, all of them can be managed much more effectively if we understand and practise the best of what is humanly possible.

 

Assignments

 

4.3.1 Answer the following questions

 

1 What is Crisis Management?

2 What does the field of Crisis Management mainly deal with?

3 What crises are included into the category of man-made ones?

4 Man-made crises are not inevitable, or are they?

5 What is the most important problem of Crisis Management?

6 Why is it necessary to know the "essential basics" of Crisis Management?

 

4.3.2 Complete the following sentences using the text

 

- CM is a discipline within ….

- The field of CM deals mainly with ….

- … man-made crises are not inevitable.

- … the public is extremely critical of those organizations ….

- … not all crises can be prevented.

- But the impacts of all crises can be lessened ….

 

4.3.3 Pick out the sentences from the text close in meaning to the following ones

 

- As a subject studied at university Crisis Management is part of General Management.

- Man-made crises are different from natural disasters in that they can be avoided or prevented.

- The bad influence of crises can be less strong if people know how to control them.

- The sphere of CM studies human-caused crises.

- What do crises happen, to begin with?

 

4.3.4 Find the sentences in the text with the following words and word-groups. Translate these sentences into Russian:

 

- the broad context of management;

- the field of CM;

- for this reason;

- essential basics;

- to manage effectively;

- to cope with a serious situation;

- to be responsible for crises’ occurrence;

- to know with certainty;

- the best of what is humanly possible.

 

4.3.5 Match the words or word-groups to their Russian equivalents:

 

- fraud;	- природные бедствия;
- man-made crises;	- подделка изделия;
- product tampering;	- загрязнение окружающей среды;
- sexual harassment;	- сексуальное домогательство;
- environmental contamination;	- мошенничество;
- workplace violence;	- взлом компьютера;
- computer hacking;	- кризисы, связанные с деятельностью человека;
- executive kidnapping;	- насилие на рабочем месте;
- natural disasters.	- похищение администратора.

 

4.3.6 Give the opposite of the following using negative prefixes in/im/ir/un/mis/non:

 

- possible;

- complete;

- certainty;

- understand;

- true;

- essential;

- responsible.

 

Speaking

4.4.1 Comment on the following statements

 

- Crisis Management is a discipline within the broader context of management.

- The impacts of all crises can be lessened if one has a detailed understanding of the "essential basics" of CM.

- Man-made crises are not inevitable.

 

4.4.2 Retell the text in detail using the following phrases:

 

- I think;

- I don’t think so;

- In my opinion;

- I’m sure;

- As far as I know;

- I’m of the opposite opinion.

 

Text B

 

4.5.1 Read the text and suggest a title for it

 

Crisis management consists of methods used to respond to the reality of crises such as a Crisis Management Plan. It is believed that the crisis should be dealt with as an operational management issue that is being undertaken in extreme circumstances. The crisis management framework for response is normally based on existing management structures and responsibilities. It must also reflect existing lines of communication, both within the company, and with other organizations which may be affected. This approach, when developed in conjunction with the operational managers, will confirm ownership of plans and prepare the proposed framework for practical implementation.

The primary aim of crisis management is to do the following:

- Respond to what is happening now without wasting time on getting 100 percent accuracy on the cause of the crisis. This may prove impossible, in any case.

- Assess the situation from inside and outside the organization as all stakeholders might perceive it.

- Identify the immediate consequences and get ahead of them.

- Take direct actions to contain the damage spread (this includes reputation, brand protection and so on).

- Identify and activate obvious features of the business continuity plan which are needed to cope with.

- Encourage decision makers to take prompt actions.

 

4.5.2 Find in the text the answers to the following questions

 

1 What does Crisis Management consist of?

2 How should the crisis be dealt with?

3 What is the CM framework for response based on?

4 What is the primary aim of CM? Name the items included.

 

4.5.3 Give English equivalents of the following word-groups:

 

- абсолютная точность;

- прямые последствия;

- существующие коммуникационные линии;

- основа для практического осуществления;

- в любом случае;

- безотлагательное действие;

- первостепенная цель;

- сдержать/ограничить ущерб;

- план антикризисного управления;

- защита торговой марки;

- явные черты.

 

4.5.4 Match the words or word-groups to their definitions. One item is done for you:

 

1) to encourage;	a) working and ready for use;
2) approach;	b) a question that arises for discussion;
3) prompt;	c) to give hope/support;
4) to identify;	d) purpose/objective;
5) aim;	e) a way of doing sth;
6) operational;	f) to be successful in sth;
7) to get ahead of;	g) done in a good time;
8) issue;	h) to recognize or name sth;
9) primary.	i) main, more important than others.

 

4.5.5 Translate the following sentences into English, using the vocabulary of texts A, B

 

- Кризисы неизбежны, но они не должны (should not) быть неожиданными.

- В любом случае важна безотлагательная реакция на кризис.

- Основные типы кризисов влияют на большинство людей.

- В кризисной ситуации нельзя терять связи (lines of communication) с внешним миром.

- Авторы разработали теоретическую основу (framework) данного типа кризисов.

- Существуют различные подходы к процессу антикризисного управления.

- Планирование – один из методов борьбы (dealing with) с кризисами.

 

4.5.6 Pay attention to the place of participles in the following word-groups. Give their Russian equivalents:

 

- methods used;

- existing management structures and responsibilities;

- proposed framework;

- situation assessed;

- consequences identified;

- actions taken/undertaken;

- encouraged decision-makers.

 

4.5.7 Render the text in Russian

 

Speaking

4.6.1 Compose a brief survey of the primary goals of Crisis Management

Pre-text exercises

5.1.1 Read the words and guess their meanings:

 

- recommend;	- stress;	- start;
- result;	- public;	- inform;
- potential;	- program;	- dialogue;
- session;	- practise;	- situation;
- role;	- activity;	- action;
- training;	- reputation;	- confidence.

5.1.2 Memorize the following words and word-groups from the text of the unit:

 

to prepare for a crisis - подготовиться к кризису;

to take steps - принимать меры;

to deal with a crisis - рассматривать/разрешать кризис;

to set up a crisis management team - создать команду по управлению кризисом;

to role play a crisis - проиграть кризисную ситуацию;

to hold training sessions - проводить тренинговые сессии;

to make decisions under stress - принимать решения в условиях стресса;

to circulate crisis management program - распространять антикризисную программу;

a contingency plan - план действий в непредвиденных случаях;

to depend to a certain degree - on sth - зависеть от чего-л в определенной степени;

to be at a loss - быть неспособным что-л сделать;

to keep sb informed - держать в курсе; осведомлять;

to take measures - принимать меры;

to overcome a crisis - преодолевать кризис;

to estimate the situation properly - оценивать ситуацию должным образом/правильно;

to correlate sb’s actions - соотносить чью-л деятельность/чьи-л действия с;

to admit mistakes - признавать ошибки;

to go right/wrong - получаться/не получаться;

to lose public confidence/ reputation - утратить доверие/репутацию общественности;

to regain the reputation - восстановить репутацию;

to damage to share price - нанести урон стоимости акции;

loss of reputation - утрата репутации;

to cost sb a huge amount of money - стоить/вылиться (в) огромную сумму денег;

to work out an action plan - разработать план действий.

 

5.1.3 Check up the meaning of the following verbs:

 

- to predict;

- to occur;

- to role play;

- to hold;

- to circulate;

- to unfold;

- to admit;

- to regain;

- to estimate;

- to ensure.

 

5.1.4 Find out English or Russian equivalents for the words and word-groups given below: