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<Upper-Intermediate> Lesson No.12

Quality Standard Negotiation with Overseas Material Supplier / 海外資材サプライヤーとの品質基準交渉

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

Addressing concerns that construction materials from overseas suppliers may not meet Japanese building standards and quality requirements.
海外サプライヤーの建設資材が日本の建築基準を満たしていない可能性について対応を検討する場面です。

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.Could you elaborate on...(...について詳しく説明していただけますか)
2.We need to assess...(...を評価する必要があります)
3.We require that you submit...(...を提出していただく必要があります)
4.Can your manufacturing process accommodate...(製造プロセスは...に対応できますか)
5.Please calculate the exact cost breakdown...(正確なコスト内訳を計算してください)
6.We also need you to establish...(...を確立していただく必要もあります)
7.Please do not hesitate to consult with...(遠慮なく...に相談してください)

1-2 Essential words
1.detect(検出する)
2.elaborate(詳しく説明する)
3.assess(評価する)
4.mandatory(義務的な)
5.critical(重要な)
6.demonstrate(実証する)
7.accommodate(対応する)
8.considerable(かなりの)
9.assign(割り当てる)
10.validate(検証する)
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)

Addressing concerns that construction materials from overseas suppliers may not meet Japanese building standards and quality requirements.
海外サプライヤーの建設資材が日本の建築基準を満たしていない可能性について対応を検討する場面です。

👨‍💼【Teacher / Supplier Quality Manager】:
Thank you for taking the time to meet with us today. We need to discuss the specifications you proposed for the construction materials. Our team has detected that some items may not comply with Japanese building standards.
(本日はお時間をいただきありがとうございます。ご提案いただいた建設資材の仕様について話し合う必要があります。私たちのチームは、一部の項目が日本の建築基準に適合していない可能性があることを検出しました。)
🧑‍🎓【Student / Project Manager】:
I appreciate you bringing this to our attention. Could you elaborate on which specifications are causing concern? We need to assess the gap between your current proposal and the mandatory Japanese standards. This is critical because any non-compliance could delay the entire project schedule.
(ご指摘いただきありがとうございます。どの仕様が懸念を引き起こしているか詳しく説明していただけますか?現在のご提案と日本の義務的な基準との間のギャップを評価する必要があります。不適合があるとプロジェクト全体のスケジュールが遅れる可能性があるため、これは重要です。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / Supplier Quality Manager】:
The main issue is with the steel reinforcement bars. The tensile strength certificate shows 400 megapascals, but Japanese regulations require a minimum of 490 megapascals for this type of structure. We also need documentation that demonstrates compliance with seismic resistance standards.
(主な問題は鉄筋です。引張強度の証明書には400メガパスカルと記載されていますが、日本の規制ではこのタイプの構造物には最低490メガパスカルが必要です。また、耐震基準への適合を実証する文書も必要です。)
🧑‍🎓【Student / Project Manager】:
I understand the situation clearly now. We require that you submit updated quality certificates that meet the 490 megapascal standard within 2 weeks. Additionally, please provide test reports from an independent inspection facility that validate seismic performance. Can your manufacturing process accommodate these higher specifications without significant cost increases?
(状況を明確に理解しました。2週間以内に490メガパスカル基準を満たす更新された品質証明書を提出していただく必要があります。さらに、耐震性能を検証する独立検査施設からの試験報告書も提供してください。製造プロセスは、大幅なコスト増加なしにこれらのより高い仕様に対応できますか?)

👨‍💼【Teacher / Supplier Quality Manager】:
We can modify our production to meet the 490 megapascal requirement. However, this will trigger a 12 percent price increase due to the higher grade raw materials. The seismic testing will take approximately 3 weeks to complete at our certified laboratory.
(490メガパスカル要件を満たすように生産を変更できます。ただし、より高品質の原材料のため、12パーセントの価格上昇が発生します。耐震試験は、認定された研究所で完了するまでに約3週間かかります。)
🧑‍🎓【Student / Project Manager】:
A 12 percent increase is considerable, but compliance is non-negotiable. Please calculate the exact cost breakdown and submit a revised proposal by next Monday. We also need you to establish a quality monitoring system that includes regular inspections during production. Could you assign a dedicated quality control team to oversee this project?
(12パーセントの増加はかなりのものですが、適合は交渉の余地がありません。正確なコスト内訳を計算し、来週月曜日までに修正提案を提出してください。また、生産中の定期検査を含む品質監視システムを確立していただく必要があります。このプロジェクトを監督する専任の品質管理チームを割り当てていただけますか?)

👨‍💼【Teacher / Supplier Quality Manager】:
Yes, we will assign a 3-person quality team exclusively for your project. They will conduct inspections at every production stage and doublecheck all measurements against Japanese standards. We commit to providing weekly progress reports.
(はい、貴社のプロジェクト専用に3名の品質チームを割り当てます。彼らはすべての生産段階で検査を実施し、日本の基準に対してすべての測定値を再確認します。毎週進捗報告書を提供することを約束します。)
🧑‍🎓【Student / Project Manager】:
That sounds appropriate. To summarize, we need the updated certificates within 2 weeks, the seismic test results in 3 weeks, and the revised cost proposal by Monday. Please also include the names and qualifications of your quality team members in the proposal. This documentation will help us proceed with confidence.
(それは適切に思えます。要約すると、2週間以内に更新された証明書、3週間以内に耐震試験結果、そして月曜日までに修正されたコスト提案が必要です。提案書には品質チームメンバーの名前と資格も含めてください。この文書は、私たちが自信を持って進めるのに役立ちます。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / Supplier Quality Manager】:
Understood. We will carry out all these requirements as discussed. I appreciate your clear communication about the Japanese standards. We are committed to delivering materials that fully comply with your regulations.
(承知しました。話し合ったとおり、これらすべての要件を実行します。日本の基準について明確にコミュニケーションしていただき感謝します。私たちは貴社の規制に完全に適合する資材を提供することに尽力します。)
🧑‍🎓【Student / Project Manager】:
Thank you for your cooperation and flexibility. Once we receive and validate all the documentation, we can proceed to the next phase. Please do not hesitate to consult with us if any technical questions arise during the modification process.
(ご協力と柔軟性に感謝します。すべての文書を受け取り検証したら、次の段階に進むことができます。変更プロセス中に技術的な質問が生じた場合は、遠慮なく私たちに相談してください。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / Supplier Quality Manager】:
Thank you for your guidance. We will keep you updated throughout the process and ensure everything meets your expectations. I look forward to a successful collaboration on this project.
(ご指導ありがとうございます。プロセス全体を通じて最新情報をお知らせし、すべてが期待に応えることを保証します。このプロジェクトでの成功的な協力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)

Addressing concerns that construction materials from overseas suppliers may not meet Japanese building standards and quality requirements.
海外サプライヤーの建設資材が日本の建築基準を満たしていない可能性について対応を検討する場面です。

👨‍💼【Teacher / Supplier Quality Manager】:
Thank you for taking the time to meet with us today. We need to discuss the specifications you proposed for the construction materials. Our team has detected that some items may not comply with Japanese building standards.
🧑‍🎓【Student / Project Manager】:
I appreciate you bringing this to our attention. Could you [詳しく説明する] on which specifications are causing concern? We need to [評価する] the gap between your current proposal and the [義務的な] Japanese standards. This is [重要な] because any non-compliance could delay the entire project schedule.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Supplier Quality Manager】:
The main issue is with the steel reinforcement bars. The tensile strength certificate shows 400 megapascals, but Japanese regulations require a minimum of 490 megapascals for this type of structure. We also need documentation that demonstrates compliance with seismic resistance standards.
🧑‍🎓【Student / Project Manager】:
I understand the situation clearly now. We require that you submit updated quality certificates that meet the 490 megapascal standard within 2 weeks. Additionally, please provide test reports from an independent inspection facility that [検証する] seismic performance. Can your manufacturing process [対応する] these higher specifications without significant cost increases?

👨‍💼【Teacher / Supplier Quality Manager】:
We can modify our production to meet the 490 megapascal requirement. However, this will trigger a 12 percent price increase due to the higher grade raw materials. The seismic testing will take approximately 3 weeks to complete at our certified laboratory.
🧑‍🎓【Student / Project Manager】:
A 12 percent increase is [かなりの], but compliance is non-negotiable. Please calculate the exact cost breakdown and submit a revised proposal by next Monday. We also need you to establish a quality monitoring system that includes regular inspections during production. Could you [割り当てる] a dedicated quality control team to oversee this project?

👨‍💼【Teacher / Supplier Quality Manager】:
Yes, we will assign a 3-person quality team exclusively for your project. They will conduct inspections at every production stage and doublecheck all measurements against Japanese standards. We commit to providing weekly progress reports.
🧑‍🎓【Student / Project Manager】:
That sounds appropriate. To summarize, we need the updated certificates within 2 weeks, the seismic test results in 3 weeks, and the revised cost proposal by Monday. Please also include the names and qualifications of your quality team members in the proposal. This documentation will help us proceed with confidence.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Supplier Quality Manager】:
Understood. We will carry out all these requirements as discussed. I appreciate your clear communication about the Japanese standards. We are committed to delivering materials that fully comply with your regulations.
🧑‍🎓【Student / Project Manager】:
Thank you for your cooperation and flexibility. Once we receive and [検証する] all the documentation, we can proceed to the next phase. Please do not hesitate to consult with us if any technical questions arise during the modification process.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Supplier Quality Manager】:
Thank you for your guidance. We will keep you updated throughout the process and ensure everything meets your expectations. I look forward to a successful collaboration on this project.
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)

Addressing concerns that construction materials from overseas suppliers may not meet Japanese building standards and quality requirements.
海外サプライヤーの建設資材が日本の建築基準を満たしていない可能性について対応を検討する場面です。

👨‍💼【Teacher / Supplier Quality Manager】:
Thank you for taking the time to meet with us today. We need to discuss the specifications you proposed for the construction materials. Our team has detected that some items may not comply with Japanese building standards.
🧑‍🎓【Student / Project Manager】:
I appreciate you bringing this to our attention. [どの仕様が懸念を引き起こしているか詳しく説明していただけますか?] [現在のご提案と日本の義務的な基準との間のギャップを評価する必要があります。] This is critical because any non-compliance could delay the entire project schedule.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Supplier Quality Manager】:
The main issue is with the steel reinforcement bars. The tensile strength certificate shows 400 megapascals, but Japanese regulations require a minimum of 490 megapascals for this type of structure. We also need documentation that demonstrates compliance with seismic resistance standards.
🧑‍🎓【Student / Project Manager】:
I understand the situation clearly now. [2週間以内に490メガパスカル基準を満たす更新された品質証明書を提出していただく必要があります。] Additionally, please provide test reports from an independent inspection facility that validate seismic performance. [製造プロセスは、大幅なコスト増加なしにこれらのより高い仕様に対応できますか?]

👨‍💼【Teacher / Supplier Quality Manager】:
We can modify our production to meet the 490 megapascal requirement. However, this will trigger a 12 percent price increase due to the higher grade raw materials. The seismic testing will take approximately 3 weeks to complete at our certified laboratory.
🧑‍🎓【Student / Project Manager】:
A 12 percent increase is considerable, but compliance is non-negotiable. Please calculate the exact cost breakdown and submit a revised proposal by next Monday. We also need you to establish a quality monitoring system that includes regular inspections during production. Could you assign a dedicated quality control team to oversee this project?

👨‍💼【Teacher / Supplier Quality Manager】:
Yes, we will assign a 3-person quality team exclusively for your project. They will conduct inspections at every production stage and doublecheck all measurements against Japanese standards. We commit to providing weekly progress reports.
🧑‍🎓【Student / Project Manager】:
That sounds appropriate. To summarize, we need the updated certificates within 2 weeks, the seismic test results in 3 weeks, and the revised cost proposal by Monday. Please also include the names and qualifications of your quality team members in the proposal. This documentation will help us proceed with confidence.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Supplier Quality Manager】:
Understood. We will carry out all these requirements as discussed. I appreciate your clear communication about the Japanese standards. We are committed to delivering materials that fully comply with your regulations.
🧑‍🎓【Student / Project Manager】:
Thank you for your cooperation and flexibility. Once we receive and validate all the documentation, we can proceed to the next phase. [変更プロセス中に技術的な質問が生じた場合は、遠慮なく私たちに相談してください。]

👨‍💼【Teacher / Supplier Quality Manager】:
Thank you for your guidance. We will keep you updated throughout the process and ensure everything meets your expectations. I look forward to a successful collaboration on this project.
\ 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 supplier has proposed construction material specifications that may not meet Japanese building standards.
The project manager must require compliance with quality standards, request certificates, and establish an inspection system.
海外サプライヤーが提案した建設資材の仕様が日本の建築基準を満たしていない可能性がある。
プロジェクトマネージャーは品質基準への適合を要求し、証明書を求め、検査体制を確立する必要がある。

👨‍💼【Teacher / Supplier Quality Manager】:
We have reviewed your feedback on our material specifications. What are your main requirements for us to proceed with this project?
(私たちの資材仕様に関する貴社のフィードバックを確認しました。このプロジェクトを進めるための主な要件は何ですか?)

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

Hints / ヒント
1. Elaborate on the compliance gap
2. Require submission of quality certificates
3. Assess the cost impact of modifications
4. Establish a quality monitoring system
​※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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