UNIT 1: THE IMPORTANCE OF AN EFFICIENT SUPPLY CHAIN

1. Retailer: compaines which sell proudcts to the pubilc (nhà bán lẻ)
2. Stock: goods or products which are stored and waiting to be sold (đồ lưu trữ)
3. Store: another name for a shop (cửa hàng)
4. Warehouse: a place to store goods (kho hàng)
5. To source: to buy or get materials, components (nguồn)
6. Shortfall: when not enought goods are produced by a manufacturer (sự thiếu hụt)
7. Divert: send to a different destination (chuyển hướng)
8. Vendor: a company that sells to another company (nhà bán lẻ)
9. Stock – outs: when shops have empty shelves (hết hàng)
10. Penalties: financial punishments (trừng phạt)
11. Tire – one suppliers: direct suppliers to a customer (nhà cung cấp bậc 1)
12. Two – one, three – one supplier: suppliers to the suppliers of a company’s direct suppliers, suppliers
to those suppliers
13. Efficient: when something works well, especially in terms of time and costs
14. Effective: when something works well and produces a good result
3. What problems can be caused when a supply chain does not work efficiently?
When a supply chain is inefficient, it can cause a wide range of problems for businesses and customers
alike. One major issue is delivery delays, which can lead to customer dissatisfaction and lost sales. Poor
coordination among suppliers can result in overstocking or stockouts, both of which are costly.
Inefficiencies may also lead to higher transportation and storage costs, reducing overall profitability.
Furthermore, a lack of transparency can make it difficult to track inventory or respond quickly to market
changes. In cases of severe disruption, such as supplier failures or global crises, an inefficient supply
chain may collapse altogether, halting production and damaging brand reputation. Overall, inefficiencies
in the supply chain weaken a company’s ability to compete in the market and can have serious financial
and operational consequences.
UNIT 2: USING THE SUPPLY CHAIN TO INCREASE SALES
1. Competitive edge: something that gives a company an advantage over others (lợi thế cạnh
tranh)
2. Battle: fight aganist (trận đánh)
3. At a premium: extremely valuable and rare, which a lot of people want (ở mức cao cấp)
4. At the forefront: in the leading position (đi đầu)
5. Surging: rapidly increasing (dâng trào)
6. Display: the way goods are arranged in a store so they easily seen by customers (trưng bày)
7. A pilot project: a test done on a small scale to see how something works (dự án thí điểm)
8. Live sales data: information about sales, which is current or in real time (ngày bán hàng trực
tiếp)
9. Replenishment: replacement of what has been used of sold (bổ sung)
10. Assembled: put together in a certain way (lắp ráp)
2. What are the benefits to retailers if their suppliers have efficient supply chains?
When suppliers operate efficient supply chains, retailers enjoy several key benefits. Firstly, product
availability improves, reducing the risk of stockouts and allowing retailers to meet customer demand
consistently. This leads to higher customer satisfaction and more repeat business. Secondly, efficient
supply chains often come with lower costs, including reduced transportation and storage expenses,
which can improve retailers’ profit margins. Thirdly, faster and more reliable deliveries help retailers
maintain lean inventories, saving on warehousing space. Retailers can also better plan promotions and
seasonal sales when they know suppliers will deliver on time. Additionally, fewer disruptions and
improved communication with suppliers build trust and long-term partnerships. All these benefits
contribute to smoother operations, lower risk, and a stronger competitive position in the market.
UNIT 3: THE GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN
1. Special reputation: with all the cachet of haute counture
2. With prices similar to other high – fashion items: and carrying price tags to match
3. Something both famous and fashionable to young people: as an icon of youth subculture
4. Nike produces and sells worldwide, but does not have employees in lots of countries: Nike
operates a globe – spanning virtual enterprise
5. Nike is very strict about keeping production costs down: wit a ruthlessly low – cost
manufacturing strategy
6. It is possible that Nike products may sometimes be late to market: there is a danger of extended
lead times
7. Coordunating everything the company does: tying the whole Nike enterprise together are
information systems
8. Dangerously high: this punishing rate of innovation
9. Us-based: located in the US
10. Mass – market: selling in high volumes at low prices (thị trường đại chúng)
11. High performance: with a very good performance
12. Brand – led: where the product name and image is most important
13. Globe – spanning: in all parts of the world
14. State – of – the – art: extremely up to date
15. Low cost: spending as little money as possible
16. In house: internally in the company
17. For – Flung: in distant locations
18. Fashion – conscious: strongly influenced by trends in fashion
1. When you hear the name ‘Nike’, what images come to your mind?
When I hear the name “Nike,” several strong images and associations come to mind. The most
immediate is the iconic “swoosh” logo, symbolizing speed, motion, and excellence. I also think of
famous athletes like Michael Jordan, Serena Williams, and Cristiano Ronaldo, who represent Nike’s
commitment to top-tier sports performance. The phrase “Just Do It” echoes in my head, reflecting
motivation, courage, and personal empowerment. Visually, I imagine sleek sportswear, stylish sneakers,
high-energy advertisements, and innovation in athletic gear. Beyond sports, Nike represents a lifestyle
brand that appeals to both athletes and fashion-conscious consumers. Additionally, I associate Nike with
global influence, advanced marketing strategies, and large-scale production operations. Altogether, Nike
embodies strength, aspiration, and the fusion of performance with modern style.
2. How much of Nike’s sports shoe production do you think is based in the US?
While Nike is an American company, the majority of its sports shoe production is not based in the
United States. In fact, only a small fraction — estimated to be less than 5% — of Nike’s shoe
manufacturing is done within the U.S. Most of the production is outsourced to factories in countries like
Vietnam, China, and Indonesia, where labor and manufacturing costs are significantly lower. These
countries have developed strong infrastructure and skilled labor in footwear manufacturing, allowing
Nike to maintain quality while controlling costs. The company designs its products and manages its
global operations from the U.S., but it relies heavily on international suppliers and contract
manufacturers for production. This approach allows Nike to remain flexible and cost-efficient while
focusing its U.S.-based operations on innovation, marketing, and product development.
3. What do you understand by the term virtual enterprise?
A virtual enterprise is a temporary or flexible organization made up of multiple independent companies
or individuals that come together to achieve a common goal — usually for a specific project or market
opportunity. Unlike traditional firms with centralized structures, a virtual enterprise does not own all its
resources or operate from a single location. Instead, it uses digital technologies, such as cloud
computing, communication platforms, and shared databases, to coordinate activities across distances.
Each partner contributes its core competence, whether it’s design, manufacturing, logistics, or
marketing. Once the goal is achieved, the enterprise can be dissolved or reshaped. This model allows for
agility, cost savings, and rapid innovation, especially in dynamic industries. In Nike’s case, its global
outsourcing strategy and digital coordination with suppliers can be considered a form of virtual
enterprise.
UNIT 4: THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD SUPPLIER RELATIONS
1. Controversy: a strong disagrement
2. Transition: a change from one situation to another
3. Continuity: continuing over time without interrupts or problems
4. Consistency: always being of the same standard
5. Timeless: happening at exactly the right time
6. Knock – on – delays: when a delay causes several other delays, one after the other
7. Defects: faults or imperfections
8. Subsidiary: a company owned by a larger company
9. Partnerships: relationships between compaines who work together
10. Commitment: strong belief and willingess to do something
1. In your view, what are the three most frequent causes of difficulties in supply chains?
The three most frequent causes of difficulties in supply chains are poor communication, supplier
disruption, and demand fluctuations. First, lack of real-time communication among suppliers,
manufacturers, and distributors can lead to delays, errors, and missed opportunities. Second, supplier
disruption—due to political issues, natural disasters, or financial instability—can halt production or
delay delivery of essential materials. Finally, unpredictable changes in customer demand can result in
either excess inventory or stock shortages. These problems are often interconnected: weak
communication may prevent a company from responding quickly to supplier or demand issues. To avoid
these difficulties, businesses need to improve coordination, invest in technology for real-time data
sharing, and diversify their supplier base.
UNIT 5: MINIMISING RISKS WITH SUPPLIERS
1. Insolvency: a situation when a company is unable to pay what it owes its creditors
2. A crisis: a time of great danger of difficulty
3. Disruption: interruption of normal activity
4. Risk – monitoring department: the name of a department responsible for checking the status of risks
5. Failures: when businesses have to close because of lack of success
6. Monitor: watch and check over a period time to see how something is progressing
7. A rating system: a systematic method of evaluating how good suppliers are
8. An early warming system: a series of steps for spotting potential problems with suppliers
9. Interdependencies: ways in which organisations are dependent on each other
10. Goes bankrupt: formally declares it is unable to pay its creditors
11. Primary supplier: a company that supplies components or services direct to the final customer, also
called a tier – one supplier
12. Secod - tier supplier: a company that supplies componetns or services direct to primary/ tier – one
supplier
13. Dual sourcing: using two suppliers for the same component or service
14. Multiple souring: using many suppliers for the same component or service
15. Supplier base: all the suppliers a company works with
2. What are the risks for a company and its supply chain if a main supplier gets into financial
difficulties?
If a main supplier experiences financial difficulties, it can pose serious risks to a company’s supply
chain and overall operations. The most immediate impact is supply disruption — delays or a complete
halt in the delivery of essential materials or components. This can lead to production slowdowns, missed
customer deadlines, and revenue loss. Additionally, the company may incur higher costs when seeking
urgent alternative suppliers or using expedited shipping. Quality may also suffer if replacement
suppliers are not properly vetted. Long-term partnerships and trust may be damaged, especially if the
supplier is critical to innovation or product development. Moreover, financial instability in a supplier
can negatively affect a company’s reputation, especially if the supplier fails to meet ethical or
environmental standards due to cost-cutting measures. Diversification and risk management strategies
are crucial to mitigate these risks.

UNIT 6: MANAGING UNEXPECTED EVENTS AND DISASTERS

1. Shortages: not enough of something
2. Threat: a source of danger
3. Plant: a factory where an industrial process takes place
4. Destroyed: damaged so badly it cannot be used
5. Contaminated: made unusable by contact with something harmful
6. Shipment: the transportation of goods
7. Priority: high importance in relation to others
8. Disruption: when a problem interrupts something and prevents it from continuing
9. Capacity: the ability to produce a larger amount
10. Lead time: time beteween receiving an order and delivering ot
11. booming: increasing and successful
12. Accounted for: represented
13. To secure: to obtain something you need
14. To ram up: to increase
15. Minor: small and not serious
16. Simplifying: making less complicated
17. Estimated: approximately
18. Strengthen: make stronger
UNIT 7: DEVELOPMENTS IN GLOBAL MANUFACTURING AND SOURCING
1. Labour: all the people available to work in a country
2. Cost efficiencies: ways of saving money or wasting less money
3. Offshoring: when a company moves part of its operations to another, often cheaper country
4. Expenses: money a company spends in order to operate
5. Ex – supplier factory: the cost of an item at the supplier’s factory, not including delivery charges
6. Unit cost: price per item
7. Buffer stocks: extra quantities of stock that are kept in case they are needed
8. Wage inflation: a general rise in rates of pay, in a particular country
9. Staff turnover: the rate at which people leave an organisation and are replaced by others
10. Emerging countries: countries with less – developed economies that are expected to experience lots
of growth
11. Estimated: calculated approximately
12. Tend: usually do something
13. Offsets: balances
14. Ignore: do not to consider
15. Underestimate: make an estimate that is too low
16. Assume:believe something is true
17. Remain stable: stay the same
18. Exhausted: used up
UNIT 8: OUTSOURCING PRODUCTION TO CHINA
1. Labour costs: costs associated with employing people
2. Freight: goods transported by road, rail and air
3. State – owned: belonging to or controlled by the government
4. Joint venture: a new business started bybtwwo or more companies
5. Offcials: people with positions of authority in organisation
6. Competitive edge: an advantage that a company has over its competitors
7. Specifications: a detailed description of how a product should be made
8. Customised: specifically made to meet the needs of the customer
9. Sophistication: quality of being more advanced and complex than others
10. Status: position
11. To establish: to set up
12. Appeal: Atrraction
13. Concern: worry
14. Pitfull: unexpected
15. Single: just one
16. Shifts: changes
17. Splitting: dividing
18. Makes most sense: is the most a sensible thing to do
UNIT 9: ETHICAL SOURCING
1. Deception: deliberately hiding the truth
2. Violations: failures to obey regulations
3. Allegations: statements accussing a company of misconduct
4. Neglect: lack of necessary care
5. A living wage: a wage sufficent for a worker to support a family and buy things they need to live
6, Guarantee: to make it certain that something will happen
7. Margins: differences between the cost price and the selling price
8. Audits: offical examinations of labour practices
9. Corporate social responsibilty practies: processes of running a business in a way that helps people in
society to improve their quality of life
10. Spot checks: quick, unplanned inspections
11. Codes of conduct: sets of rules for ethical behaviour that suppliers must follow
12. On – site: based in the manufacturer’s offices
13. Audit: independent auditors offically inspect each supplier four times a year
14. Carries out: our own compliance team also conducts spot checks during visits to suppliers
15. Exposes: If an audit uncovers minor viloations, we work with the supplier to solve the problem
16. Cancelling: for more serious violations, terminationg the contract is often the only solution
- home worker
- child labour
- audit system
- employment practices
- working conditions
- quality controls
UNIT 10: TRANSPORTING FRESH PRODUCE
1. Monitored: checked and controlled
2. Detect: notice something that is not easy to see, hear
3. Alerts: warning signals, usually visible or audible
4. Adjustments: small changes made to a machine
5. Fluctuations: frequent changes, especially from high to low or low to high
6. Transit time: the time needed to transport goods
7. Perisable: describes food that can become bad quickly
8. Produce: food that is obtained through farming, especially in large quantities
9. Shelf life: length of time food products will stay in good condition once they are put on sale
10. Condensed: shortened, concentrated
11. Chilled: kept cool, at a low temperature (but not frozen)
12. Bulk shipments: deliveries in large quantities
13. Sell – by – date: last date at which a food product can be sold
14. Relies on: is dependent on
15. cut … out of: remove from
16. Moved on: become more modern
17. Looking beyond: searching outside
18. Speeded up: made quicker
19. Broken up: divided into smaller
- computer chips
- transport equiment
- Logistics systems
- Temperature flucations
- Transit time
- Shelf life
- Distribution centre
- Consumer division
- Handling center
- Product
- to control the temperature
- to detect a problem
- to make adjustments
- to satisfy demand
- to place an order
- to print lables
- to change prices
UNIT 11: THE IMPACT OF HIGHER ENERGY COSTS
1. Soaring: increasing rapidlu
2. To rethink: to think again about something in order to change or improve it
3. Shifting: moving, relocating
4. To cut: to reduce
5. Era: a period of time that is marked by particular events
6. Implemented: put into operation
7. Captial spending: investment of money in business assets
8. Capacity: factories and warehouses
9. Upside down: completely different from before
10. Review: a study of something to see where improvements can be made
11. Kicked off: started, lauched
12. To anticipate: to imagine or expect what will happen, sometimes taking action in preparation
13. Road congestion: when there is too much traffic on the roads
14. To justify: to give a good reason for doing something
15. Siting: locating, positioning something
UNIT 12: A NEW DISTRIBUTION MODEL
1. Tied up: locked away
2. In the light of: considering
3. End – to – end: from start to finish
4. Tipping point: the moment when one particular result of a process becomes the most likely one, after
a period when the result was not sure
5. Bulky: taking up a lot of space
6. Trade – off: an acceptable balance between two very different things
7. Vehicle loading: the extent to which a truck has a full load
8. Empty running: when trucks travel without carrying goods
9. Off – peak periods: less busy times of day for travelling
10. Carbon footprint: the amount of carbon emissions an activtiy produces
11. Merged: joined part of their operations together
12. Parameters: factors, limits on how much should be allowed
13. Consolidated: when several deliveries are combined together