Before reading the text check the meaning of the Key Words  in the dictionary.

Nouns: transfer, responsibility, clerk, supervisor, shipment, database, depot, schedule, timetable, receipt, dispatch, contract, shift, emergencies

передача, ответственность, делопроизводитель, супервайзер, отгрузка, база данных, депо, график, расписание, получение, отправка, договор, смена, аварийные ситуации

Verbs: to transfer, to establish, to track, to schedule, to supervise,  to audit, to return, to provide

передавать, устанавливать, отслеживать, планировать, контролировать, проверять, возвращать, предоставлять

 

The retail supply chain involves the transfer of goods and materials from manufacturers and suppliers to retail outlets. Retail supply chain managers are responsible for planning and organising the entire process. They have to work in close collaboration with other professionals – purchasing officers, warehouse staff and transport clerks – to ensure that a) goods arrive at the depot as scheduled; b) goods are in good condition; c) goods are stored correctly; d) goods are dispatched to customers on time.

The main responsibilities of a retail supply chain manager include:

Planning delivery timetables.

Monitoring stock levels using computer databases and auditing inventory.

Tracking the movement of goods through depots.

Supervising the ordering and packaging process.

Supervising the receipt, storage or dispatch of goods.

Processing returned goods.

Monitoring suppliers and establishing new suppliers.

Negotiating and managing contracts.

Providing customer service.

Hours and Environment

Usually, retail supply chain managers work 8 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday. However, they may also be required to work evenings and weekends on a schedule basis. They may also be expected to be on-call to deal with emergencies. Distribution is a 24/7 business, and many firms now run 24-hour operations involving shift work. They are typically office based, commonly in a distribution warehouse or depot.

Skills and Interests

Retail supply chain managers need a variety of skills:

Good planning skills.

Good spoken and written communication skills.

Good problem-solving skills.

Excellent maths skills.

Strong organizational skills.

Good people skills.

Good teamwork skills.

Excellent computer skills: confidence in using such computer packages as spreadsheets and databases.

Good geographical knowledge.

Good language skills.

UNDERSTANDING THE MAIN POINTS

1. Review questions.
   1. What does the retail supply chain involve? The retail supply chain involves the transfer of goods and materials from manufacturers and suppliers to retail outlets.
   2. What are retail supply chain managers responsible for? Retail supply chain managers are responsible for planning and organizing the entire process.
   3. Why do they work in close collaboration with other professionals? They have to work in close collaboration with other professionals – purchasing officers, warehouse staff and transport clerks – to ensure that a) goods arrive at the depot as scheduled; b) goods are in good condition; c) goods are stored correctly; d) goods are dispatched to customers on time.
   4. What do the main responsibilities of a supply chain manager include? The main responsibilities of a retail supply chain manager include:

Planning delivery timetables.

Monitoring stock levels using computer databases and auditing inventory.

Tracking the movement of goods through depots.

Supervising the ordering and packaging process.

Supervising the receipt, storage or dispatch of goods.

Processing returned goods.

Monitoring suppliers and establishing new suppliers.

Negotiating and managing contracts.

Providing customer service.

5. Do retail supply chain managers work from 7 am to 5 pm? No, they do not.
6. Where do they usually work? They are typically office based, commonly in a distribution warehouse or depot.
7. What skills must supply chain managers possess? Retail supply chain managers need a variety of skills:

Good planning skills.

Good spoken and written communication skills.

Good problem-solving skills.

Excellent maths skills.

Strong organizational skills.

Good people skills.

Good teamwork skills.

Excellent computer skills: confidence in using such computer packages as spreadsheets and databases.

Good geographical knowledge.

Good language skills.

2. Decide whether the following statements are true or false.
   1. The main responsibilities of a supply chain manager include planning delivery timetables and monitoring stock levels.
   2. Supervising the receipt, storage or dispatch of goods is a very important duty of every supply chain manager.
   3. A retail supply chain manager should find ways to improve the entire supply chain.
   4. A supply chain manager must work closely with purchasing officers, warehouse staff and transport clerks.
   5. A retail supply chain manager works from Monday to Wednesday.
   6. Distribution is a 24/7 business, and many firms now run 24-hour operations involving shift work.
   7. A retail supply chain manager is usually office based.
   8. A retail supply chain manager may be required to work evenings and weekends on a schedule basis.
   9. A supply chain manager may also be expected to be on-call to deal with emergencies.
   10. For supply chain work good planning skills are necessary.
   11. Logistics managers must speak at least one foreign language.

EXERCISES

Exercise 1

1. Translate the following verbs.

To monitor, to deal with, to coordinate, to analyze, to allocate, to develop, to plan, to improve, to use, to manage, to require, to work.

Контролировать, иметь дело с, координировать, анализировать, распределять, развивать, планировать, улучшать, использовать, управлять, требовать, работать.

1. Use these verbs to make up meaningful expressions.
   1. To monitor the quality and quantity of goods.
   2. To coordinate the order cycle and associated information systems.
   3. To deal with data to monitor performance and plan improvements and demand.
   4. To allocate staff resources according to changing needs.
   5. To deal with customers and suppliers.
   6. To improve business by gaining new contracts.
   7. Tocoordinate warehouse or transport staff.
   8. To plan delivery timetables.
   9. To develop computer databases.
   10. To work in
   11. To analyze the supply network.
   12. To develop additional skills.

Exercise 2

For nouns in column B find suitable attributes in column A.

A	B
1. planning   H 2. schedule I 3.     computer  F 4.     packaging   A 5.     administrative  B 6.     purchasing  E 7.     job C 8.     geographical   D 9.     stock J 10.  distribution  G	a)   process b)   staff c)   opportunities d)   knowledge e)   officers f)    databases g)   manager h)  skills i)    basis j)    control

Exercise 3

Fill in the gaps using suitable words from the box below.

depots	schedule	network
companies	transport	staff

As a supply chain manager works in the supply chain for a variety of organisations; he/she can specialise in shipping goods on behalf of other 1) companies.

His/her main responsibilities will embrace tracking the movement of goods through 2) depots, overseeing the ordering and packaging process ready for dispatch and the arrival of shipments.

A supply chain manager is expected to monitor performance and make sure targets are met, and look at ways to improve the supply 3) STAFF. He/she is also responsible for managing clerical, administrative and warehouse distribution 4) network. He/she works closely with purchasing officers, warehouse staff and 5) transport  clerks to make sure goods and materials arrive at the depot as scheduled. A supply chain manager may be required to work evenings and weekends on a 6) schedule basis.

Exercise 4

Complete the passage below with the words from the box below.

safety     profession	goods	overtime
managers    skills	duties	office

Warehouse Logistics Manager

A warehouse manager has many 1) duties. He/she is responsible for the following operations:

Processing orders

Organizing the dispatch and delivery of 2) goods

Ensuring goods are stored safely

Keeping staff fully trained

Maintaining health and 3) safety standards

Keeping accurate records

Managing timesheets, etc.

Warehouses are often open 24 hours a day, seven days a week so shift work is very common in this 4) profession and managers may work some weekends and evenings. Hours are usually 37 hours per week but there’s often the opportunity for 5) overtime.

Managers will spend some of their time in the 6) office and some of their time out on the shop floor overseeing staff. They must be in touch with other 7) managers    in the production chain to ensure the management of goods is well coordinated. They manage a team of people, so good communication and leadership  8) skills  are necessary for this job.

Exercise 5

Fill in the gaps in the text below. Use the word combinations  from the box.

geographical areas       shipping lines        handling costs    

freight forwarding         by air           transportation of goods

appropriate route             payment of freight

Freight Forwarder

A freight forwarder is an intermediary who acts on behalf  of importers, exporters or other companies or persons, organizing the safe, efficient and cost-effective 1) shipping lines.      Taking into account the type of goods and the customers’ delivery requirements, freight forwarders arrange the best means  of transport, using the services of 2) appropriate route             airlines  and road and rail freight operators. In some cases,  the 3) freight forwarding         company itself provides the service. Companies vary in size and type, from those operating on a national and international basis to smaller, more specialized firms, who  deal with particular types of goods or operate within particular  4) geographical areas    Typical work activities of a freight forwarder include:

investigating and planning the most 5) handling costs     for a shipment;

arranging appropriate packing, taking account of climate, weight, nature of goods and cost, and the delivery and warehousing of goods at their final destination;

negotiating contracts, transportation and 6) payment of freight; preparing documentation to meet customs and insurance requirements, packing specifications, and compliance with overseas countries’ regulations;

offering consolidation services 7) by air,          sea and road;   liaising with third parties to move goods;

arranging insurance and assisting the client in the event of  a claim;

offering tailored IT solutions and electronic data interchange

(EDI) connections;  arranging 8) transportation of goods and other charges or collection of payment on behalf of the client;

utilizing e-commerce, internet technology and satellite systems to enable real-time tracking of goods, etc.

Exercise 6

1. Read the text below. Write a short summary of the text in your mother tongue.

What Does a Logistician Do?

Logisticians work in nearly every industry. Most logisticians work for either large shipping firms or international distribution companies. They are responsible for organizing, scheduling, and managing the distribution of materials. This career experienced  a rapid growth in the mid-1980s as manufacturing firms shifted to just in time delivery. As a result of this change, it was necessary to schedule and manage the movement of large volumes of materials all over the world. This career has continued to grow, with the enhancement of computer technology that allows more firms to take advantage of this cost-reduction measure. Managing the supply chain is the top priority for a logistician. The supply chain refers to every step in the process from the procurement of materials to the production and shipment of those materials to different locations.

The timing, costs, and efficiency of this process is the responsibility of the logistician. Making transportation arrangements involves coordinating the efforts of the shipper from the supply firm,  the selection and scheduling of the transportation company, and  the completion of the customs documentation, if required. It is important to note that these shipments are typically very large and may require specialized containers, unique transportation solutions or include hazardous materials.

 

SUMMARY

The title of the text is “What Does a Logistician Do?”

The main idea of the text is that Logisticians work in nearly every industry and have many responsibilities.

At the beginning the author says that logisticians are responsible for organizing, scheduling, and managing the distribution of materials. After that the author notes that  career experienced  a rapid growth in the mid-1980s as manufacturing firms shifted to just in time delivery. As a result of this change, it was necessary to schedule and manage the movement of large volumes of materials all over the world. The author emphasized, that making transportation arrangements involves coordinating the efforts of the shipper from the supply firm.

In conclusion it is noted that these shipments are typically very large and may require specialized containers, unique transportation solutions or include hazardous materials.

 

1. Ask ten questions to the text.
2. Do logisticians work in nearly every industry?
3. Do most logisticians work for either large shipping firms or international distribution companies?
4. What are they are responsible for?
5. When did this career experience  a rapid growth?
6. This career has continued to grow, hasn’t it?
7. . The supply chain refers to every step in the process from the procurement of materials to the production and shipment of those materials to different locations, doesn’t it?
8. Is the timing, costs, and efficiency of this process the responsibility of the logistician or a manager?
9. Does making transportation arrangements involve coordinating the efforts of the shipper from the supply firm or the selection and scheduling of the transportation company?
10. Who works in nearly every industry?
11. Who works for either large shipping firms or international distribution companies?

Exercise 7

Read and translate the texts below.

1. My name is Walter Grey. I come from Rotterdam. I work for a big international logistics company – Maersk. I am a logistics specialist. Over 80 percent of the world’s goods are transported by sea, and Maersk is one of the largest players in the container shipping market. I run the Transportation Department. I am  a transportation manager; seven people work under me. Our Department deals with providing various transportation services. I perform the activities related to dispatching, routing, and tracking transportation vehicles. I am responsible for preparing transportation schedules and shipping goods.
2. I’m Samantha Rose. I am from Dublin. I work for an international logistics company. I’m a warehouse assistant. The position location is Dunga oilfield, Mangistau region. I must provide assistance with the everyday operations of a warehouse. I am responsible for loading and unloading products at the storage area. I also control consumption of materials and spare parts and provide support to the warehouse supervisors in arrangement of logistics related activities in the field. Every day I perform various activities to ensure that the warehouse runs efficiently. My job involves working with a computer. My job requires using bar code scanners and keeping inventory reports up-to-date.
3. Меня зовут Уолтер Грей. Я родился в Роттердаме. Я работаю в крупной международной логистической компании Maersk. Я специалист по логистике. Более 80 процентов мировых грузов перевозятся морским путем, и Maersk является одним из крупнейших игроков на рынке контейнерных перевозок. Я руковожу транспортным отделом. Я менеджер по транспорту. Под моим руководством работает семь человек. Наш отдел занимается предоставлением различных транспортных услуг. Я выполняю действия, связанные с отправкой, маршрутизацией и отслеживанием транспортных средств. Я отвечаю за составление графиков перевозок и отгрузку товаров.
4. Я Саманта Роуз. Я из Дублина. Я работаю в международной логистической компании. Я помощник на складе. Наша компания находится в Дунге, Мангистауской области. Я должен помогать в повседневной работе склада. Я отвечаю за погрузку и разгрузку продуктов на складе. Я также контролирую расход материалов и запасных частей и оказываю поддержку начальникам склада в организации логистических операций на местах. Каждый день я выполняю различные действия, чтобы склад работал эффективно. Моя работа связана с работой на компьютере. Моя работа требует использования сканеров штрих-кода и своевременного обновления отчетов об инвентаризации.

Exercise 8

Discuss the following questions with your classmates. Use information from Exercise 7.

What is your job? /What do you do? I work for  a big international logistics company.

What does your work involve? My work involves providing various transportation services.

What are your main duties? I perform the activities related to dispatching, routing, and tracking transportation vehicles.

What are you responsible for? I am responsible for preparing transportation schedules and shipping goods.

What kind of job do you find interesting? I find the job of logistics specialist interesting.

What is your dream job? I want to be a supervisor.

What does your ideal work environment look like? My ideal work environment is in office.

 

Exercise 9

  Answer the following questions.

1. Are you the best person for this job? Why? Yes, I am the best person for this job, because I am a good specialist.
2. What interests you about this job? I like to communicate with other people.
3. Do you think you will get bored of this job easily? I think that I won’t get bored of this job easily.
4. Is the job challenging enough to keep you stimulated? The job is challenging enough to keep you stimulated.
5. How would you define “success” for this position? “Success” for this position means to have good clients.
6. What are the pros and cons of being a manager? As a manager, the expectations regarding your performance may be higher than when you were a rank-and-file employee. You may be responsible for the performance of several people. So instead of a typical 40-hour week, you may have to work evenings, weekends and holidays to meet the demands of the position. As a manager you will have more money and more experience.
7. How long do you expect to work for this company? I expect to work for this company for long time.
8. What training and development opportunities will be available? Psychological courses for staff will be available.
9. What are your salary requirements? I would like to have high salary.
10. What are you looking for in terms of career development? I would like to have good career opportunities in 3 years.

Exercise 10

Complete the sentences using Modal Verbs and their equivalents.

1. I can speak three languages.
2. Customers should be given more information about our services.
3. Logisticians have to work hard to maximize efficiency of the supply chain.
4. Soon our customers will be able to employ such services as online cargo tracking and tracing.
5. Logistics companies can offer various services at a competitive price.
6. Next week we will be able to use this laboratory for testing the product.
7. If you want to be hale and hearty, you should give up smoking.
8. Logisticians should provide consolidation of goods prior to shipping, so eliminating costly part shipments.
9. Could I ask you a question?
10. Tomorrow our supervisor will have to make a presentation at the seminar.
11. Something was wrong with my mobile phone, I could not hear anything.
12. A supply chain manager can be required to work evenings and weekends on a schedule basis.
13. In the past, raw material and finished products also had to be moved, though on a small scale.