Split the text into parts and think up appropriate titles for each one.

What single word explains the central idea of each part?

Find the topic sentence in each part, then list the details which support it.

Answer the following comprehension questions.

1.	Can the right channel of distribution ensure that products are available at the right time and in the right quantities?
2.	Do companies spend a lot of money on physical distribution activities?
3.	Are there any ways to reduce distribution costs?
4.	How do you understand the phrase: logisticians need to understand the customer’s point of view?
5.	What do customers more often prefer: a good service or a low price?
6.	What can possibly happen if the service is higher than customers want to pay for?
7.	Is the lowest – cost approach the best in the physical distribution concept?

 

When you have answered the questions, find a partner in your group. Compare your answers and swap the information.

 

III. Comprehension and Word study

Make whole sentences joining the given parts of them.

1.	Logistics costs are very important …
2.	More effective approaches in the distribution area …
3.	Faster – but more expensive – transportation …
4.	Customers don’t care how …
5.	Logistics is …
6.	Most customers would prefer …
7.	Most physical distribution decisions involve …
8.	The supplier may hope that a higher service level will attract more customers or …

 

a)	… trade-offs between costs, the customer service level, and sales.
b)	… may reduce the need for a costly inventory service.
c)	… motivate them to pay a high price.
d)	… have the potential to save firms.
e)	… very good service at a very low price.
f)	… to both firms and consumers.
g)	… a part of marketing that is “invisible” to most consumers.
h)	… a product was moved or stored.

 

2. Choose one variant (a, b, c) to complete the sentences according to the text. There is necessary one best answer.

1.	In countries where physical distribution systems are inefficient, __________ face shortage and inconvenient waits for the products they need.
	a) customs	b) consumers	c) logisticians
2.	If the service level is too __________ customers will buy elsewhere, and sales will be lost.
	a) low	b) high	c) timely
3.	Missing one __________ may not seem that important, but it all adds up.
	a) sail	b) sale	c) trade-off
4.	If you want a new computer and the computer store where you would like to buy it doesn’t have it __________, you’re likely to buy it elsewhere.
	a) by hand	b) out of hand	c) on hand
5.	Customers think in terms of the physical distribution customer service level-how rapidly and __________ a firm can __________ what they – the customers – want.
	a) distributional, require	b) efficient, move	c) dependably, deliver
6.	This store can keep your business by guaranteeing two-day __________ of your goods.
	a) delivery	b) sales	c) distribution
7.	By using special __________ delivery from the factory you can trade the cost of storing a large inventory.
	a) shortage	b) warehouse	c) airfreight
8.	The lowest-cost approach may not be best if customers aren’t __________.
	a) satisfied	b) delivered	c) dependable.

 

Underline the subject group and translate the given sentences.

1.	Production and operations managers are responsible for producing the goods that business needs to sell.
2.	Materials requirements planning is a computerized forecasting and scheduling system used by firms involved in assembly operations.
3.	Consumer buying behavior is actually a complex mix of thought, decision and action.
4.	An American business enterprise system operates within limits set by law and government.
5.	A management information system combines procedures and computers to decision makers with regular, timely information.

 

Find the word the translation of which is given at the beginning of each line.

1.	distribution	a)	распределение	b)	доставка	c)	логистика
2.	inventory	a)	поставка	b)	техника	c)	товары
3.	trade-off	a)	компромисс	b)	сбережения	c)	цель
4.	to provide	a)	продавать	b)	покупать	c)	обеспечивать
5.	sales	a)	магазины	b)	объём продаж	c)	продавцы
6.	timely	a)	временно	b)	своевременный	c)	надёжно
7.	estra cost	a)	дополнительные издержки	b)	стоимость дополнительных услуг	c)	завышенная цена

 

Find the odd word. (Mind the parts of speech, word meanings and usage).

1.	a)	inventory	2.	a)	ultimately	3.	a)	to estimate
	b)	goods		b)	timely		b)	to count
	c)	things		c)	physically		c)	to deliver
	d)	sales		d)	mainly		d)	to calculate
4.	a)	to assume	5.	a)	merchandise	6.	a)	logistics
	b)	to suppose		b)	extras		b)	physical distribution
	c)	to think		c)	inventory		c)	supply chain management
	d)	to store		d)	buyers		d)	channel of distribution