8.

5 Reading
Read the interview and answer the questions.

Interview with Beata Novak

Q: Your company, Altech, reduced costs by 20 percent last year. How did you do it?
A: Well, firstly, we looked at the production costs. Our production workflow was good, but our shipping costs were very
high. They increased by 30 percent in one year. So, we negotiated with a local company to deliver the products for us.
We saved a lot of money.

Q: Did you change other things?

A: Yes, we changed the machines because they weren't reliable. We negotiated a good price with a new supplier and we
bought them in January. They also saved energy and reduced costs!

Q: What did the employees think?

A: The workers didn't understand the machines. But we provided training and now they're happy with the changes. Now
our workers have more time to work on interesting projects. For example, we started a review of next year's budget. We
want to find more ways to save money!

1. What did Ms Novak review?

2. What was the problem with the production costs?

.
3. What work did they outsource?

4. What was the result of outsourcing?

They …
 5. What was the problem with the machines?
They .
6. When did they change machines?
In
7. What were the results of the new machines?
They .
8. What was difficult for the Altech workers?
They .
9. What do workers think now?
They are .
10. What is the next project?

8. 6 Writing
You are the manager of Saito Tech. Write a scope statement about some changes your company will make next year.
Use the notes to help you.

Technology upgrade

• Upgrade IT system
• Time to complete: six months
1) order the computers – March
2) install – end April
3) test – beginning May
• Result = more efficient systems and happier employees

Write 60–80 words.