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＜Upper-Intermediate＞ Lesson No.17
Customer Explanation for Chemical Product Delivery Delay Due to Overseas Supply Chain Disruption / 海外サプライチェーン混乱による化学製品納期遅延の顧客説明
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
Explaining causes of delays and alternative solutions due to raw material procurement difficulties caused by overseas political instability.
海外政治情勢不安による原料調達困難で製品納期遅延が発生した原因と代替案について説明する場面です。
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．I apologize for this critical situation（この重大な状況について謝罪する）
２．We anticipate a delay of...（...の遅延を予想する）
３．We have assessed 3 options（3つの選択肢を評価した）
４．We can expedite a partial shipment...（部分出荷を迅速化できる）
５．We will absorb the additional logistics costs...（追加物流費用を負担する）
６．We calculate this based on...（...に基づいてこれを計算する）
７．We have established a backup procurement network...（バックアップ調達ネットワークを確立した）
1-2 Essential words
１．elaborate on（詳しく説明する）
２．disrupt（中断する）
３．considerable（かなりの）
４．minimize（最小限に抑える）
５．expedite（迅速化する）
６．substitute（代替する）
７．coordinate（連携する）
８．absorb（負担する）
９．mitigate（軽減する）
１０．overcome（克服する）
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）
Explaining causes of delays and alternative solutions due to raw material procurement difficulties caused by overseas political instability.
海外政治情勢不安による原料調達困難で製品納期遅延が発生した原因と代替案について説明する場面です。
👨💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. We received your notification about the delivery delay for our main chemical product. Could you elaborate on the root cause and the expected impact on our production schedule?
（本日はお時間をいただきありがとうございます。主力化学製品の納期遅延についての通知を受け取りました。根本原因と当社の生産スケジュールへの予想される影響について詳しく説明していただけますか？）
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
I apologize for this critical situation. The political instability in the supplier region has disrupted our raw material procurement. We anticipate a delay of approximately 6 weeks from the original delivery date.
（この重大な状況について謝罪いたします。サプライヤー地域の政情不安により、原材料調達が中断されました。当初の納期から約6週間の遅延を予想しております。）
👨💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
6 weeks is a considerable delay. We have multiple production lines that depend on this material. What alternative solutions can you offer to minimize the impact on our operations?
（6週間はかなりの遅延です。この材料に依存する複数の生産ラインがあります。当社の業務への影響を最小限に抑えるために、どのような代替案を提示できますか？）
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
We have assessed 3 options. First, we can expedite a partial shipment of 40 percent of your order within 3 weeks using our European facility. Second, we can substitute with a comparable grade material that meets 95 percent of your specifications. Third, we can coordinate with our affiliate in Asia to accelerate production.
（3つの選択肢を評価いたしました。第一に、欧州施設を利用して3週間以内にご注文の40パーセントの部分出荷を迅速化できます。第二に、貴社仕様の95パーセントを満たす同等グレードの材料で代替できます。第三に、アジアの関連会社と連携して生産を加速できます。）
👨💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
The partial shipment option sounds promising, but we need to confirm the quality consistency. What about the pricing for these alternative options? Will there be any additional costs imposed on us?
（部分出荷の選択肢は有望に聞こえますが、品質の一貫性を確認する必要があります。これらの代替案の価格はどうなりますか？追加費用が当社に課されることはありますか？）
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
We will absorb the additional logistics costs for the partial shipment to demonstrate our commitment. The substitute material will be offered at the same unit price. However, if you select the Asian facility option, there will be a 7 percent increase due to transportation costs. We calculate this based on current freight rates.
（当社のコミットメントを示すため、部分出荷の追加物流費用は当社が負担いたします。代替材料は同じ単価で提供いたします。ただし、アジア施設の選択肢を選ばれる場合、輸送費により7パーセントの増加となります。これは現在の運賃率に基づいて計算しております。）
👨💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
I appreciate your transparency on the pricing. We are inclined to proceed with the partial shipment option. Can you submit a detailed timeline and quality certificate by tomorrow? We need to communicate this plan to our production team immediately.
（価格についての透明性に感謝します。部分出荷の選択肢で進めることに傾いています。明日までに詳細なタイムラインと品質証明書を提出していただけますか？この計画を直ちに生産チームに伝える必要があります。）
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
Absolutely. I will coordinate with our quality assurance team and submit the complete documentation by 10 AM tomorrow. We will also assign a dedicated project manager to monitor this shipment closely. This ensures you receive regular updates throughout the process.
（承知いたしました。品質保証チームと連携し、明日午前10時までに完全な書類を提出いたします。また、この出荷を綿密に監視する専任プロジェクトマネージャーを配置いたします。これにより、プロセス全体を通じて定期的な最新情報を受け取っていただけます。）
👨💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
That level of commitment is reassuring. One final concern: if the political situation worsens, what contingency measures do you have in place? We cannot afford another disruption in 2 months.
（そのレベルのコミットメントは心強いです。最後の懸念が1つあります。政情がさらに悪化した場合、どのような緊急対策を講じていますか？2か月後にさらなる混乱は許容できません。）
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
We have established a backup procurement network with 2 additional suppliers in stable regions. We are also increasing our inventory buffer to 8 weeks of supply. These measures will mitigate future risks and stabilize our delivery capability regardless of regional circumstances.
（安定した地域の2つの追加サプライヤーとバックアップ調達ネットワークを確立しております。また、在庫バッファーを8週間分の供給に増やしております。これらの措置により、地域の状況に関係なく、将来のリスクを軽減し、納品能力を安定させます。）
👨💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
Excellent. Your proactive approach gives me confidence that we can overcome this challenge together. Please proceed with the partial shipment plan and keep me updated on any developments. I look forward to receiving the documentation tomorrow.
（素晴らしい。貴社の積極的なアプローチにより、この課題を共に克服できると確信しています。部分出荷計画を進めて、進展があれば随時お知らせください。明日の書類提出を楽しみにしています。）
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）
Explaining causes of delays and alternative solutions due to raw material procurement difficulties caused by overseas political instability.
海外政治情勢不安による原料調達困難で製品納期遅延が発生した原因と代替案について説明する場面です。
👨💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. We received your notification about the delivery delay for our main chemical product. Could you elaborate on the root cause and the expected impact on our production schedule?
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
I apologize for this critical situation. The political instability in the supplier region has ［中断する］d our raw material procurement. We anticipate a delay of approximately 6 weeks from the original delivery date.
👨💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
6 weeks is a considerable delay. We have multiple production lines that depend on this material. What alternative solutions can you offer to minimize the impact on our operations?
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
We have assessed 3 options. First, we can ［迅速化する］ a partial shipment of 40 percent of your order within 3 weeks using our European facility. Second, we can ［代替する］ with a comparable grade material that meets 95 percent of your specifications. Third, we can ［連携する］ with our affiliate in Asia to accelerate production.
👨💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
The partial shipment option sounds promising, but we need to confirm the quality consistency. What about the pricing for these alternative options? Will there be any additional costs imposed on us?
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
We will ［負担する］ the additional logistics costs for the partial shipment to demonstrate our commitment. The ［代替する］ material will be offered at the same unit price. However, if you select the Asian facility option, there will be a 7 percent increase due to transportation costs. We calculate this based on current freight rates.
👨💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
I appreciate your transparency on the pricing. We are inclined to proceed with the partial shipment option. Can you submit a detailed timeline and quality certificate by tomorrow? We need to communicate this plan to our production team immediately.
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
Absolutely. I will ［連携する］ with our quality assurance team and submit the complete documentation by 10 AM tomorrow. We will also assign a dedicated project manager to monitor this shipment closely. This ensures you receive regular updates throughout the process.
👨💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
That level of commitment is reassuring. One final concern: if the political situation worsens, what contingency measures do you have in place? We cannot afford another disruption in 2 months.
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
We have established a backup procurement network with 2 additional suppliers in stable regions. We are also increasing our inventory buffer to 8 weeks of supply. These measures will ［軽減する］ future risks and stabilize our delivery capability regardless of regional circumstances.
👨💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
Excellent. Your proactive approach gives me confidence that we can overcome this challenge together. Please proceed with the partial shipment plan and keep me updated on any developments. I look forward to receiving the documentation tomorrow.
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）
Explaining causes of delays and alternative solutions due to raw material procurement difficulties caused by overseas political instability.
海外政治情勢不安による原料調達困難で製品納期遅延が発生した原因と代替案について説明する場面です。
👨💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. We received your notification about the delivery delay for our main chemical product. Could you elaborate on the root cause and the expected impact on our production schedule?
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
［この重大な状況について謝罪いたします。］ The political instability in the supplier region has disrupted our raw material procurement. ［当初の納期から約6週間の遅延を予想しております。］
👨💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
6 weeks is a considerable delay. We have multiple production lines that depend on this material. What alternative solutions can you offer to minimize the impact on our operations?
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
［3つの選択肢を評価いたしました。］ First, we can expedite a partial shipment of 40 percent of your order within 3 weeks using our European facility. Second, we can substitute with a comparable grade material that meets 95 percent of your specifications. Third, we can coordinate with our affiliate in Asia to accelerate production.
👨💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
The partial shipment option sounds promising, but we need to confirm the quality consistency. What about the pricing for these alternative options? Will there be any additional costs imposed on us?
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
［当社のコミットメントを示すため、部分出荷の追加物流費用は当社が負担いたします。］ The substitute material will be offered at the same unit price. However, if you select the Asian facility option, there will be a 7 percent increase due to transportation costs. We calculate this based on current freight rates.
👨💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
I appreciate your transparency on the pricing. We are inclined to proceed with the partial shipment option. Can you submit a detailed timeline and quality certificate by tomorrow? We need to communicate this plan to our production team immediately.
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
Absolutely. I will coordinate with our quality assurance team and submit the complete documentation by 10 AM tomorrow. We will also assign a dedicated project manager to monitor this shipment closely. This ensures you receive regular updates throughout the process.
👨💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
That level of commitment is reassuring. One final concern: if the political situation worsens, what contingency measures do you have in place? We cannot afford another disruption in 2 months.
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Representative】:
We have established a backup procurement network with 2 additional suppliers in stable regions. We are also increasing our inventory buffer to 8 weeks of supply. These measures will mitigate future risks and stabilize our delivery capability regardless of regional circumstances.
👨💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
Excellent. Your proactive approach gives me confidence that we can overcome this challenge together. Please proceed with the partial shipment plan and keep me updated on any developments. I look forward to receiving the documentation tomorrow.
\ 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
Political instability in a supplier region has disrupted raw material procurement for a main chemical product, causing a 6-week delivery delay.
The sales representative must explain the root cause and offer alternative solutions to minimize the impact on the customer's production schedule.
海外サプライヤー地域の政情不安により主力化学製品の原材料調達が中断され、6週間の納期遅延が発生している。
営業担当者は根本原因を説明し、顧客の生産スケジュールへの影響を最小限に抑える代替案を提示する必要がある。
👨💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
I understand there is a delay with our chemical product order. Could you explain the situation and what options you can provide to address this issue?
（化学製品の注文に遅延があると理解しています。状況と、この問題に対処するためにどのような選択肢を提供できるか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． Apologize for the delay and explain the root cause
２． Present multiple alternative solutions with specific details
３． Clarify the cost structure for each option
４． Describe contingency measures for future stability
※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)
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