＜Upper-Intermediate＞ Lesson No.18
Quality Assurance System Explanation and Improvement Proposal / 品質保証体制の説明と改善提案
０．Greetings & Ice-break (2min.)｜挨拶と導入
0-1 Greetings
Let’s practice a short small talk that you can use to greet a business partner and start building a good relationship.
講師との挨拶を兼ねて、ビジネスパートナーと信頼関係を築くための短いスモールトークを練習してみましょう。
[Tips / 会話のヒント]
・Can you hear me clearly?
私の声はクリアに聞こえますか？
・How's your day going so far?
今日はどんな一日でしたか？
・Talk about one small topic (Work, Weather, News, Hometown, Sports event, etc.)
軽い話題について話しましょう（仕事、天気、ニュース、地元、スポーツイベントなど）
0-2 Introduction
In today’s lesson, we’ll learn about the following situation. Have you ever experienced something similar?
本日のレッスンでは以下のようなシチュエーションについて学びます。同様のシチュエーションを経験したことがありますか？
- If you have experience, please tell us what it was like, what was difficult, or what you learned.
経験があれば、どんな内容だったか、難しかったことや学んだことなどを教えて下さい。
- If you don’t have experience, try to imagine yourself handling that situation in English.
What do you think would be challenging?
経験がなければ、英語でその状況に対応しているところを想像してみましょう。どんなことが難しそうですか？
Situation / シチュエーション
This is a scenario where you explain your company's quality assurance system in detail and propose improvement measures to meet overseas customers' rising quality requirements, including ISO certifications and inspection processes.
海外顧客の品質要求レベル向上に対応し、自社の品質保証体制をISO認証や検査プロセスを含め詳細説明し、さらなる改善策を提案する専門的協議場面です。
1. Read (2 min)｜型を学ぶ
Let's read the following key sentences aloud!
下記の文章や単語を順番に音読しましょう！
1-1 Basic phrases
１．Let me describe our...（当社の...についてご説明いたします）
２．We obtained ISO certification in...（...にISO認証を取得しました）
３．We conduct quarterly audits to...（...するために四半期ごとに監査を実施します）
４．We carry out a 3-stage inspection...（3段階の検査を実施します）
５．We have established a comprehensive...（包括的な...を確立しています）
６．We would be honored to...（...できれば光栄です）
７．This will enhance transparency and...（これにより透明性が向上し...）
1-2 Essential words
１．accommodate（対応する）
２．describe（説明する）
３．monitor（監視する）
４．detect（検出する）
５．assess（評価する）
６．reduce（削減する）
７．submit（提出する）
８．eliminate（防止する）
９．collaborate（協力する）
１０．enhance（向上させる）
2. Try (3 min)｜ロールプレイ練習
Let’s practice the role-play.
ロールプレイの練習をしましょう！
Situation / シチュエーション（Reference again）
This is a scenario where you explain your company's quality assurance system in detail and propose improvement measures to meet overseas customers' rising quality requirements, including ISO certifications and inspection processes.
海外顧客の品質要求レベル向上に対応し、自社の品質保証体制をISO認証や検査プロセスを含め詳細説明し、さらなる改善策を提案する専門的協議場面です。
👨💼【Teacher / Quality Manager (Client)】:
Thank you for meeting with us today. We need to discuss our quality requirements in detail. Our customers are demanding higher standards, and we must ensure your quality assurance system can accommodate these changes.
（本日はお時間をいただきありがとうございます。品質要求について詳しく協議する必要があります。当社の顧客がより高い基準を求めており、貴社の品質保証体制がこれらの変更に対応できるか確認しなければなりません。）
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
I appreciate your concern. Let me describe our current quality assurance framework. We obtained ISO 9001 certification in 2018 and ISO 14001 in 2020. Our suppliers are also certified, and we conduct quarterly audits to monitor their performance.
（ご懸念ありがとうございます。当社の現在の品質保証体制についてご説明いたします。2018年にISO 9001認証を取得し、2020年にISO 14001を取得しました。サプライヤーも認証を受けており、四半期ごとに監査を実施して実績を監視しています。）
👨💼【Teacher / Quality Manager (Client)】:
That sounds solid, but what about your inspection process? We've had issues with defects in the past. Can you elaborate on how you detect problems before shipment?
（それは堅実に聞こえますが、検査プロセスはどうでしょうか。過去に不良品の問題がありました。出荷前にどのように問題を検出しているか詳しく説明していただけますか。）
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
Certainly. We carry out a 3-stage inspection procedure. First, incoming materials are assessed within 24 hours. Second, we conduct in-process checks at critical manufacturing points. Third, final products undergo 100 percent visual inspection and random sampling tests. Our defect rate has been reduced to 0.3 percent over the past 12 months.
（承知しました。当社は3段階の検査手順を実施しています。第一に、入荷材料は24時間以内に評価されます。第二に、製造の重要ポイントで工程内検査を実施します。第三に、最終製品は100パーセントの目視検査とランダムサンプリング試験を受けます。過去12か月間で不良率を0.3パーセントまで削減しました。）
👨💼【Teacher / Quality Manager (Client)】:
The numbers are impressive, but what happens when defects do occur? We need a clear procedure for handling quality issues and traceability.
（数値は印象的ですが、不良品が発生した場合はどうなりますか。品質問題への対応とトレーサビリティについて明確な手順が必要です。）
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
We have established a comprehensive traceability system. Each product has a unique serial number linked to raw material batch records, production dates, and inspection results. When a defect is detected, we can trace the root cause within 48 hours. We then submit a corrective action report within 5 business days and implement preventive measures to eliminate recurrence.
（包括的なトレーサビリティシステムを確立しています。各製品には、原材料のバッチ記録、製造日、検査結果に紐づいた固有のシリアル番号があります。不良品が検出された場合、48時間以内に根本原因を追跡できます。その後5営業日以内に是正措置報告書を提出し、再発を防止するための予防措置を実施します。）
👨💼【Teacher / Quality Manager (Client)】:
That's reassuring. However, we'd like to propose regular quality review meetings. Would you be willing to collaborate on quarterly reviews and share quality data with us?
（それは心強いです。しかし、定期的な品質レビュー会議を提案したいと思います。四半期ごとのレビューに協力し、品質データを共有していただけますか。）
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
Absolutely. We would be honored to establish a joint quality committee. We can share monthly quality reports, defect analysis, and improvement initiatives. Additionally, we're willing to accommodate on-site audits from your team twice a year. This will enhance transparency and strengthen our partnership for continuous quality improvement.
（もちろんです。共同品質委員会を設立できれば光栄です。月次品質レポート、不良分析、改善施策を共有できます。さらに、年2回の貴社チームによる現地監査にも対応いたします。これにより透明性が向上し、継続的な品質改善に向けたパートナーシップが強化されます。）
👨💼【Teacher / Quality Manager (Client)】:
Excellent. I'm confident this collaborative approach will address our concerns. Let's proceed with drafting a quality agreement that defines these commitments. Thank you for your thorough explanation and commitment to quality excellence.
（素晴らしい。この協力的なアプローチが当社の懸念に対処すると確信しています。これらのコミットメントを定義する品質協定の起草を進めましょう。詳細なご説明と品質向上へのコミットメントに感謝いたします。）
3. Use (4 min)｜ロールプレイ & 実践（空欄補完）
Let's perform the role-play and fill in the blanks by translating the Japanese into English!
空欄の日本語を英語に訳しながら、ロールプレイを実践してみましょう！
Situation / シチュエーション（Reference again）
This is a scenario where you explain your company's quality assurance system in detail and propose improvement measures to meet overseas customers' rising quality requirements, including ISO certifications and inspection processes.
海外顧客の品質要求レベル向上に対応し、自社の品質保証体制をISO認証や検査プロセスを含め詳細説明し、さらなる改善策を提案する専門的協議場面です。
👨💼【Teacher / Quality Manager (Client)】:
Thank you for meeting with us today. We need to discuss our quality requirements in detail. Our customers are demanding higher standards, and we must ensure your quality assurance system can accommodate these changes.
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
I appreciate your concern. Let me ［説明する］ our current quality assurance framework. We obtained ISO 9001 certification in 2018 and ISO 14001 in 2020. Our suppliers are also certified, and we conduct quarterly audits to ［監視する］ their performance.
👨💼【Teacher / Quality Manager (Client)】:
That sounds solid, but what about your inspection process? We've had issues with defects in the past. Can you elaborate on how you detect problems before shipment?
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
Certainly. We carry out a 3-stage inspection procedure. First, incoming materials are ［評価する］ within 24 hours. Second, we conduct in-process checks at critical manufacturing points. Third, final products undergo 100 percent visual inspection and random sampling tests. Our defect rate has been ［削減する］ to 0.3 percent over the past 12 months.
👨💼【Teacher / Quality Manager (Client)】:
The numbers are impressive, but what happens when defects do occur? We need a clear procedure for handling quality issues and traceability.
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
We have established a comprehensive traceability system. Each product has a unique serial number linked to raw material batch records, production dates, and inspection results. When a defect is ［検出する］, we can trace the root cause within 48 hours. We then ［提出する］ a corrective action report within 5 business days and implement preventive measures to ［防止する］ recurrence.
👨💼【Teacher / Quality Manager (Client)】:
That's reassuring. However, we'd like to propose regular quality review meetings. Would you be willing to collaborate on quarterly reviews and share quality data with us?
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
Absolutely. We would be honored to establish a joint quality committee. We can share monthly quality reports, defect analysis, and improvement initiatives. Additionally, we're willing to ［対応する］ on-site audits from your team twice a year. This will ［向上させる］ transparency and strengthen our partnership for continuous quality improvement.
👨💼【Teacher / Quality Manager (Client)】:
Excellent. I'm confident this collaborative approach will address our concerns. Let's proceed with drafting a quality agreement that defines these commitments. Thank you for your thorough explanation and commitment to quality excellence.
4. Challenge (7 min)｜応用実践
Let's perform the role-play and fill in the blanks by translating the Japanese into English!
空欄の日本語を英語に訳しながら、ロールプレイを実践してみましょう！
*Let's practice this part repeatedly until we can speak it smoothly.
このパートはスムーズにスピーキングできるようになるまで繰り返し練習しましょう。
Situation / シチュエーション（Reference again）
This is a scenario where you explain your company's quality assurance system in detail and propose improvement measures to meet overseas customers' rising quality requirements, including ISO certifications and inspection processes.
海外顧客の品質要求レベル向上に対応し、自社の品質保証体制をISO認証や検査プロセスを含め詳細説明し、さらなる改善策を提案する専門的協議場面です。
👨💼【Teacher / Quality Manager (Client)】:
Thank you for meeting with us today. We need to discuss our quality requirements in detail. Our customers are demanding higher standards, and we must ensure your quality assurance system can accommodate these changes.
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
I appreciate your concern. ［当社の現在の品質保証体制についてご説明いたします。］ ［2018年にISO 9001認証を取得し、2020年にISO 14001を取得しました。］ Our suppliers are also certified, and we conduct quarterly audits to monitor their performance.
👨💼【Teacher / Quality Manager (Client)】:
That sounds solid, but what about your inspection process? We've had issues with defects in the past. Can you elaborate on how you detect problems before shipment?
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
Certainly. ［当社は3段階の検査手順を実施しています。］ First, incoming materials are assessed within 24 hours. Second, we conduct in-process checks at critical manufacturing points. Third, final products undergo 100 percent visual inspection and random sampling tests. Our defect rate has been reduced to 0.3 percent over the past 12 months.
👨💼【Teacher / Quality Manager (Client)】:
The numbers are impressive, but what happens when defects do occur? We need a clear procedure for handling quality issues and traceability.
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
［包括的なトレーサビリティシステムを確立しています。］ Each product has a unique serial number linked to raw material batch records, production dates, and inspection results. When a defect is detected, we can trace the root cause within 48 hours. We then submit a corrective action report within 5 business days and implement preventive measures to eliminate recurrence.
👨💼【Teacher / Quality Manager (Client)】:
That's reassuring. However, we'd like to propose regular quality review meetings. Would you be willing to collaborate on quarterly reviews and share quality data with us?
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
Absolutely. We would be honored to establish a joint quality committee. We can share monthly quality reports, defect analysis, and improvement initiatives. Additionally, we're willing to accommodate on-site audits from your team twice a year. This will enhance transparency and strengthen our partnership for continuous quality improvement.
👨💼【Teacher / Quality Manager (Client)】:
Excellent. I'm confident this collaborative approach will address our concerns. Let's proceed with drafting a quality agreement that defines these commitments. Thank you for your thorough explanation and commitment to quality excellence.
\ If you have some extra capacity, give it a try（余力があればやってみましょう）/
5. Real-world application (5 min)｜実務応用
Let's speak freely with the phrases and flow we learned today. If you can, imagine your real job—it makes practice more effective.
本日学習した単語やフレーズ、会話の流れを思い出しながら、自由に話してみましょう。可能であれば、自身の実務を想像しながら話すと効果的です。
Situation / シチュエーション
A client is concerned about your company's quality assurance capabilities due to increasing quality standards.
You need to explain your quality system, inspection procedures, and propose ongoing collaboration.
顧客が品質基準の向上により貴社の品質保証能力を懸念しています。
品質システム、検査手順を説明し、継続的な協力体制を提案する必要があります。
👨💼【Teacher / Quality Manager】:
We're reviewing our supplier quality requirements. Can you walk me through your quality assurance system and how you handle defects?
（当社はサプライヤーの品質要件を見直しています。貴社の品質保証システムと不良品への対応方法について説明していただけますか。）
🧑🎓【Student / Your Role】:
(Free Speaking based on today's lesson)
Hints / ヒント
１． Describe the certification status
２． Explain the inspection procedure
３． Outline the traceability system
４． Propose collaborative quality reviews
※This is not a role-play. Please speak until you finish your thoughts.
このパートはロールプレイ形式ではありません。最後まで通して話してみましょう。
6. Wrap-up (2 min) ｜レッスンの振り返り
Let's review today's lesson with your teacher!
今日のレッスンについて講師と振り返ってみましょう！
6-1 Comments from student
・Good points / 良かったところ・上手くできたところ
・Things to work on / 今後強化したいところ
6-2 Feedback from teacher
・Good points / 良かった点
・Things to work on / 今後の強化ポイント
・What to review / 復習ポイント
*6-3 Questions from student (if any)
Japanese translation（日本語訳）
1. Read (2min)（型を学ぶ）｜基本フレーズ
2. Try (4min)（ロールプレイ練習）｜型を使った練習
Let’s practice the role-play.
ロールプレイの練習をしましょう！
3. Use (7min)｜応用
Let’s perform the role-play and filling in the missing English!
英語を補完しながら、ロールプレイを実践してみましょう！
4. Challenge (7min)｜実践
Let’s perform the role-play and filling in the missing English!
英語を補完しながら、ロールプレイを実践してみましょう！
5. Wrap-up (3min) – レッスンの振り返り
"Let’s review today’s lesson with your teacher!”
「今日のレッスンについて講師と振り返ってみましょう！」
5-1. Comments from Student
- Good points / 良かったところ・上手くできたところ
- Things to work on / 今後強化したいところ
5-2. Feedback from Teacher
- Good points / 良かった点
- Things to work on / 今後の強化ポイント
- What to review / 復習ポイント
5-3. Question from Students (If any)