Business terminology
Dear Dr English,
Can you please tell me how to use ÒtakeoverÓ, ÒacquisitionÓ and ÒmergerÓproperly? Thank you very much.
Jaruvee Tae
A takeover implies taking control without the ownerÕs consent. Used in the context of a company, it means buying a large number of its shares or a controlling stake from various partners. If the allusion is to a country, political party or movement, it is often achieved by force. And the takeover of an organisation or building is accomplished by preventing it from being used for its customary purposes.
The takeover of a beverage company has been the hot issue for a few weeks now.
There was a rumour that the civil government might be ousted by a military takeover.
The takeover of the administrative building by the labour union has made it difficult for the company to try to settle the conflict.
But when you acquire something you get or buy it for yourself or it is given to you. An acquisition is something that you obtain as an addition to something you have already had.
This ring is so beautiful. Is it a new acquisition?
Or, it means getting or being given something, as in: ÒThe acquisition of the assets was very dubious.Ó
A merger is a combination of two or more companies for all partiesÕ benefit. The objective is to increase efficiency and, sometimes, to avoid competition. Mergers are normally amicably worked out by all parties concerned, unlike some takeovers.
During the last economic downturn, there were quite a number of mergers and takeovers.
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Over the shoulder training
Dear Dr English,
Could you please explain the meaning of Òover the shoulder trainingÓ.
Thank you for your kind assistance.
Supaluck Suwannun
According to Michael B. Twidale, ÒOver the shoulder learning is the informal, spontaneous workplace help-giving interaction that is often used by people to learn from their colleagues how to use part of a computer application.Ó
Of course this method of training may also be given in contexts other than computers. And the trainer could be someone other than a colleague. The point is that the trainee is the person who performs the task and receives help or instruction as the need arises.
ÒI never knew the programme could do this. Thanks for finding the time to give me some over the shoulder training, Jim.Ó
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