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<Elementary> Lesson No.4

Quality Standard Negotiation with Overseas Manufacturing Partner / 海外製造委託先との品質基準交渉

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 involves negotiating quality standards with overseas manufacturing contractors while maintaining compliance with ISO13485 and GMP standards for cost reduction.
海外製造委託先と品質基準について交渉し、コスト削減と品質維持を両立する製造条件を決定する場面です。

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.We completed the latest audit...(最新の監査を完了した)
2.Let me explain our cost structure...(当社のコスト構造を説明させてください)
3.We use higher-grade materials that...(...する高品質の材料を使用している)
4.We can offer 3 options...(3つの選択肢を提示できる)
5.We will reduce the unit price by...(単価を...削減する)
6.We will use statistical process control to...(統計的工程管理を使用して...する)
7.We need 6 weeks for...(...には6週間必要である)

1-2 Essential words
1.confirm(確認する)
2.explain(説明する)
3.reduce(削減する)
4.include(含む)
5.maintain(維持する)
6.accept(受け入れる)
7.adjust(調整する)
8.ensure(確保する)
9.approve(承認する)
10.receive(受け取る)
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 involves negotiating quality standards with overseas manufacturing contractors while maintaining compliance with ISO13485 and GMP standards for cost reduction.
海外製造委託先と品質基準について交渉し、コスト削減と品質維持を両立する製造条件を決定する場面です。

👨‍💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
Thank you for meeting with us today. We need to discuss quality standards and cost reduction for our medical device manufacturing. Can you confirm your facility meets ISO 13485 and GMP requirements?
(本日はお時間をいただきありがとうございます。医療機器製造における品質基準とコスト削減について話し合う必要があります。貴社の施設がISO 13485とGMP要件を満たしていることを確認できますか?)
🧑‍🎓【Student / Quality Engineer】:
Yes, our facility is certified for both ISO 13485 and GMP. We completed the latest audit 3 months ago and received full approval. All inspection records are available for your review.
(はい、当社の施設は ISO 13485 と GMP の両方の認証を受けています。3か月前に最新の監査を完了し、完全な承認を受けました。すべての検査記録はご確認いただけます。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
That's good to hear. However, your quoted price is 15 percent higher than our current supplier. How can you explain this difference while maintaining the quality we require?
(それは良いですね。しかし、貴社の見積価格は現在の委託先より15パーセント高くなっています。当社が求める品質を維持しながら、この差をどう説明できますか?)
🧑‍🎓【Student / Quality Engineer】:
Let me explain our cost structure. First, we use higher-grade materials that reduce defect rates by 8 percent. Second, we include additional inspection steps beyond standard requirements. Third, we provide complete traceability for all components. These factors increase initial cost but reduce your total risk and rework expenses.
(当社のコスト構造を説明させてください。第一に、不良率を8パーセント削減する高品質の材料を使用しています。第二に、標準要件を超える追加の検査工程を含んでいます。第三に、すべての部品について完全なトレーサビリティを提供します。これらの要因により初期コストは増加しますが、貴社の総リスクと手直し費用は削減されます。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
I understand your points, but we still need to reduce costs. Our budget cannot accept a 15 percent increase. Can you offer any cost reduction options without compromising quality standards?
(おっしゃることは理解できますが、それでもコストを削減する必要があります。当社の予算では15パーセントの増加は受け入れられません。品質基準を損なうことなく、何かコスト削減の選択肢を提示できますか?)
🧑‍🎓【Student / Quality Engineer】:
Yes, we can offer 3 options. First, if you confirm a 2-year contract, we will reduce the unit price by 7 percent. Second, we can adjust inspection frequency from 100 percent to sample-based testing, which reduces cost by 4 percent. Third, we can share warehouse space with another client to reduce storage fees by 2 percent. All options maintain full compliance with ISO 13485 and GMP.
(はい、3つの選択肢を提示できます。第一に、2年契約をご確認いただければ、単価を7パーセント削減します。第二に、検査頻度を100パーセントからサンプルベースの検査に調整することで、コストを4パーセント削減できます。第三に、別の顧客と倉庫スペースを共有することで、保管費用を2パーセント削減できます。すべての選択肢は ISO 13485 と GMP への完全な適合を維持します。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
The 2-year contract option sounds reasonable. However, I'm concerned about the sample-based testing. How will you ensure quality with reduced inspection frequency?
(2年契約の選択肢は妥当に思えます。しかし、サンプルベースの検査については懸念があります。検査頻度を減らして、どのように品質を確保しますか?)
🧑‍🎓【Student / Quality Engineer】:
We will use statistical process control to monitor production trends. If any parameter shows variation beyond acceptable limits, we immediately return to 100 percent inspection. We also conduct weekly quality reviews and share all data with your team. This approach is approved by regulatory authorities and used by major medical device manufacturers.
(統計的工程管理を使用して生産傾向を監視します。いずれかのパラメータが許容限界を超える変動を示した場合、直ちに100パーセント検査に戻ります。また、毎週品質レビューを実施し、すべてのデータを貴社チームと共有します。このアプローチは規制当局に承認されており、大手医療機器メーカーで使用されています。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
That makes sense. One more question - what is your lead time for the first production batch, and when can we receive sample units for our internal testing?
(それは理にかなっています。もう1つ質問があります。最初の生産バッチのリードタイムはどのくらいで、社内テスト用のサンプルユニットをいつ受け取れますか?)
🧑‍🎓【Student / Quality Engineer】:
We need 6 weeks for the first batch, including setup and validation. We can provide 10 sample units for your testing by the end of next week. After you approve the samples, we will begin full production immediately. We will also assign a dedicated quality engineer to support your team throughout the project.
(セットアップと検証を含めて、最初のバッチには6週間必要です。来週末までに、貴社のテスト用に10個のサンプルユニットを提供できます。サンプルをご承認いただいた後、直ちに本格生産を開始します。また、プロジェクト全体を通じて貴社チームをサポートする専任の品質エンジニアを配置します。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
Excellent. I appreciate your detailed explanation and flexible approach. Let's move forward with the 2-year contract option and sample-based testing. Please send us the revised quotation and sample delivery schedule by tomorrow.
(素晴らしいですね。詳細な説明と柔軟なアプローチに感謝します。2年契約の選択肢とサンプルベースの検査で進めましょう。明日までに修正見積書とサンプル納品スケジュールを送ってください。)
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 involves negotiating quality standards with overseas manufacturing contractors while maintaining compliance with ISO13485 and GMP standards for cost reduction.
海外製造委託先と品質基準について交渉し、コスト削減と品質維持を両立する製造条件を決定する場面です。

👨‍💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
Thank you for meeting with us today. We need to discuss quality standards and cost reduction for our medical device manufacturing. Can you confirm your facility meets ISO 13485 and GMP requirements?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Quality Engineer】:
Yes, our facility is certified for both ISO 13485 and GMP. We completed the latest audit 3 months ago and [受け取った] full approval. All inspection records are available for your review.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
That's good to hear. However, your quoted price is 15 percent higher than our current supplier. How can you explain this difference while maintaining the quality we require?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Quality Engineer】:
Let me [説明する] our cost structure. First, we use higher-grade materials that [削減する] defect rates by 8 percent. Second, we [含む] additional inspection steps beyond standard requirements. Third, we provide complete traceability for all components. These factors increase initial cost but [削減する] your total risk and rework expenses.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
I understand your points, but we still need to reduce costs. Our budget cannot accept a 15 percent increase. Can you offer any cost reduction options without compromising quality standards?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Quality Engineer】:
Yes, we can offer 3 options. First, if you [確認する] a 2-year contract, we will [削減する] the unit price by 7 percent. Second, we can [調整する] inspection frequency from 100 percent to sample-based testing, which [削減する] cost by 4 percent. Third, we can share warehouse space with another client to [削減する] storage fees by 2 percent. All options [維持する] full compliance with ISO 13485 and GMP.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
The 2-year contract option sounds reasonable. However, I'm concerned about the sample-based testing. How will you ensure quality with reduced inspection frequency?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Quality Engineer】:
We will use statistical process control to monitor production trends. If any parameter shows variation beyond acceptable limits, we immediately return to 100 percent inspection. We also conduct weekly quality reviews and share all data with your team. This approach is [承認された] by regulatory authorities and used by major medical device manufacturers.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
That makes sense. One more question - what is your lead time for the first production batch, and when can we receive sample units for our internal testing?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Quality Engineer】:
We need 6 weeks for the first batch, [含む] setup and validation. We can provide 10 sample units for your testing by the end of next week. After you [承認する] the samples, we will begin full production immediately. We will also assign a dedicated quality engineer to support your team throughout the project.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
Excellent. I appreciate your detailed explanation and flexible approach. Let's move forward with the 2-year contract option and sample-based testing. Please send us the revised quotation and sample delivery schedule by 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)

This involves negotiating quality standards with overseas manufacturing contractors while maintaining compliance with ISO13485 and GMP standards for cost reduction.
海外製造委託先と品質基準について交渉し、コスト削減と品質維持を両立する製造条件を決定する場面です。

👨‍💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
Thank you for meeting with us today. We need to discuss quality standards and cost reduction for our medical device manufacturing. Can you confirm your facility meets ISO 13485 and GMP requirements?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Quality Engineer】:
Yes, our facility is certified for both ISO 13485 and GMP. [3か月前に最新の監査を完了し、完全な承認を受けました。] All inspection records are available for your review.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
That's good to hear. However, your quoted price is 15 percent higher than our current supplier. How can you explain this difference while maintaining the quality we require?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Quality Engineer】:
[当社のコスト構造を説明させてください。] First, [不良率を8パーセント削減する高品質の材料を使用しています。] Second, we include additional inspection steps beyond standard requirements. Third, we provide complete traceability for all components. These factors increase initial cost but reduce your total risk and rework expenses.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
I understand your points, but we still need to reduce costs. Our budget cannot accept a 15 percent increase. Can you offer any cost reduction options without compromising quality standards?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Quality Engineer】:
Yes, [3つの選択肢を提示できます。] First, if you confirm a 2-year contract, we will reduce the unit price by 7 percent. Second, we can adjust inspection frequency from 100 percent to sample-based testing, which reduces cost by 4 percent. Third, we can share warehouse space with another client to reduce storage fees by 2 percent. All options maintain full compliance with ISO 13485 and GMP.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
The 2-year contract option sounds reasonable. However, I'm concerned about the sample-based testing. How will you ensure quality with reduced inspection frequency?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Quality Engineer】:
We will use statistical process control to monitor production trends. If any parameter shows variation beyond acceptable limits, we immediately return to 100 percent inspection. We also conduct weekly quality reviews and share all data with your team. This approach is approved by regulatory authorities and used by major medical device manufacturers.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
That makes sense. One more question - what is your lead time for the first production batch, and when can we receive sample units for our internal testing?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Quality Engineer】:
[セットアップと検証を含めて、最初のバッチには6週間必要です。] We can provide 10 sample units for your testing by the end of next week. After you approve the samples, we will begin full production immediately. We will also assign a dedicated quality engineer to support your team throughout the project.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
Excellent. I appreciate your detailed explanation and flexible approach. Let's move forward with the 2-year contract option and sample-based testing. Please send us the revised quotation and sample delivery schedule by 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
You are negotiating quality standards and cost reduction with an overseas manufacturing partner for medical devices.
Your partner quoted a price 15 percent higher than your current supplier, and you need to discuss compliance and cost options.
貴社は医療機器の海外製造委託先と品質基準とコスト削減について交渉しています。
委託先は現在の供給元より15パーセント高い価格を提示しており、適合性とコスト選択肢について話し合う必要があります。

👨‍💼【Teacher / Procurement Manager】:
Thank you for your time today. Can you explain your quality standards and suggest cost reduction options that maintain ISO 13485 and GMP compliance?
(本日はお時間をいただきありがとうございます。貴社の品質基準を説明し、ISO 13485とGMP適合を維持するコスト削減の選択肢を提案していただけますか?)

🧑‍🎓【Student / Your Role】:
(Free Speaking based on today's lesson)

Hints / ヒント
1.Explain certification status(認証状況を説明する)
2.Describe cost structure and quality benefits(コスト構造と品質上の利点を述べる)
3.Offer multiple cost reduction options(複数のコスト削減選択肢を提示する)
4.Clarify quality control methods(品質管理方法を明確にする)
​※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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