Which of these business situations would worry you most? Why?

What has been the most significant change in your life?

1. You read in the paper that your company will probably be merging with another company.
2. You keep your job after a merger, but you are a less powerful position.
3. Your company has to relocate to the other side of the city.
4. You are asked to relocate to a dangerous foreign country.
5. You are promoted but are now in charge of a hostile workforce.
6. You have to move from an open plan office to sharing your boss`s office.
7. You have to work with a completely new computer system.
8. You have to decide who to make redundant in your new department after a merger.

2Pre-reading

Discuss these questions. Which department stores have you visited in your own country or abroad?
1. What were your impressions?
2. What in your view should a 21st century department store look like?
3. What should it offer its customers?

 

Match the words to their meanings:

 

· upgrade

· vendor

· adapt

· recast

· enhanced

· reinvent

replace [a product, etc.] with an entirely new version

improve what was old or outdated

make suitable to or fit for a specific use or situation

increased or intensified in value or beauty or quality

give [someone or something] a new role, function, or character

someone who promotes or exchanges goods or services for money

3Read the article. What are the names of the two US department stores mentioned in the article?