1. Overview
1.1 Seeking advice
1.1.1 Introduction
In this section you hear a representative of Mobil talking about the company's experiences of relocation and report this information back. You make arrangements for a visit to the location. You look at reported speech and work on reported questions.
You first note questions for an interview with David Bailey of Mobil.
Activity 1
There is a message on the answerphone with a list of questions to ask David Bailey. Listen to the message and complete the questions shown on the notepad above.
Transcript: Extract 20
Example
Why did ......?
Why did Mobil decide to move out of London?
Answer
What factors did Mobil use to choose the new location?
Did Mobil do all the work or did they have help?
Did Mobil involve the staff in the decision?
What incentives were there for staff to move?
What were the results of Mobil's relocation?
What lessons have Mobil learned from the whole process?
You now take notes of the interview itself. In this audio clip the words of David Bailey have been read by an actor.
Activity 2
Listen to the interview with David Bailey and note his answers under the following headings. You need to write only a few words for each section summarising the main points. The first has been done for you as an example.
Transcript: Extract 21
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Reasons for relocation:
push factors – old building in London, transport difficult;
pull factors – savings on costs and salaries, better environment, purpose-built offices.
Factors considered for new location.
Process of choosing location.
Consultation with staff and incentives.
Results of relocation.
Lessons learned.
Answer
Your notes may differ from these but should give the same information.
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Reasons for relocation:
push factors – old building in London, transport difficult;
pull factors – savings on costs and salaries, better environment, purpose-built offices.
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Factors considered for new location:
good transport links, good quality of life, labour market, costs.
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Process of choosing location:
relocation agency for factors and Commission for New Towns for sites.
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Consultation with staff and incentives:
help with buying new house, visits to Milton Keynes.
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Results of relocation:
very positive, staff happy, better location, nicer place to work, savings – costs, energy, labour.
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Lessons learned:
consult staff.
In the next subsection, you practise reporting statements and look at reporting questions.