STUDENT A (PRACTICE P.38)
:
Well, EHO have asked for a complete breakdown of our P and L figures. They
want our inventory figures to be based on FIFO. We need that by the end of
Q2. Does that sound feasible?
• EHO = European Head Office
• a breakdown = an analysis of each part of something
• P and L = profit and loss, an important financial report
• inventory = the amount of goods we have in our factory
• FIFO accounting = first in, first out, i.e. in order to calculate costs and
profits, accountants assume that the oldest stock is sold first
• Q2 = the second quarter of the year, i.e. April–June.
• feasible = possible, realistic
INFORMATION FOR STUDENT B
British culture
Here are some of the things that struck me as a Dutch citizen who lived in the UK
for about four years. I do not claim to give a correct, complete and comprehensive picture
of the British culture. Regardless of your nationality, however, you may find some of
these observations useful.
Humour and understatement
Humour is the cornerstone of the British society. It is used in numerous ways: to
establish a positive atmosphere, to create a sense of togetherness, to bridge differences, to
introduce risky ideas, to criticise, to show appreciation or contempt of a person. British
people joke about everything including the queen, politicians, religion, themselves and
you! You'd better get used to that. Humour is often combined with understatement.
Depending on the tone "Not bad" can actually mean "very good" and "not bad at all"
might be the highest praise you ever get from a Brit.
Indirect communication
In contrast to for instance Americans, Germans and Dutch, British people have a
quite indirect communication style. They will not usually "tell you just the way it is to get
things in the open." You will have to read between the lines to understand what they
really mean.
Informality
In spite of the fact that Britain is still well known for its class society,
relationships in the workplace and in an educational setting are very informal. Most
people call their boss and other colleagues by their first names and tutors usually expect
students to address them by their first names as well. In general, tutors, are very
approachable and will often join you for a coffee in the break.
"No complaints" & patient
Unlike the Dutch, who are professional naggers, British people are not very likely
to complain. They will swallow bad service or bad food at a restaurant, because they
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