The Daily Inquirer

October 8

Book Review of Anne Narazaki’s

New Century, New Business

Reviewed by John Gilliam

Anne Narazaki’s recent book, New Century, New Business, seeks to examine the new technologies that are critical for global business and how they affect today’s corporate transactions. Ms. Narazaki argues that while economic transactions of one kind or another have taken place for thousands of years, the impact of changing technology on business has become obvious only recently. In fact, as new technologies have grown more prevalent, Ms. Narazaki observes, international businesses have increased in size and number. At the same time, the time required to conduct each business transaction has decreased.

Mr. Narazaki illustrates her observations with detailed examples of recent business transactions. Citing the merger of Poynter Technologies and Carce Company, which created the largest financial services company in the world, Ms. Narazaki explains the effect technology has on the valuation of a company, on communication between the managements of different companies, and on stock and funds trading.

Those of us who take an interest in the interaction between business and technology will find Ms. Narazaki’s ideas persuasive. The view that business cannot survive without keeping up with new technology has become today’s corporate reality.

1. In the article, the word “critical” in paragraph 1, line 4 is closest in meaning to

A. growing

B. sensitive

C. disapproving

D. important

2. According to the article, why is the merger of Poynter Technologies and Carce Company mentioned in the book?

A. To point out the legal issues raised by new technologies

B. To show how the world’s largest computer technology firm was created

C. To indicate that large companies have advantages in the marketplace

D. To illustrate the impact technology has on transactions

3. What can be inferred about John Gilliam from his review?

A. He specializes in articles focusing on history.

B. He agrees with the ideas presented in the book

C. He hopes technology will become less important to business

D. He is training to work in corporate mergers.

4. Why did Ms. Oguro write an e-mail to Ms. Narazaki?

A. To offer her a job

B. To compliment her on her new book

C. To invite her to visit Sydney

D. To request advice on writing books

5. What does Ms. Oguro indicate about New Century, New Business?

A. It is Anne Narazaki’s first book.

B. It is published by Rotaro incorporated

C. John Gilliam helped write a section of it

D. Anne Narazaki wrote it at Poynter Technologies

Questions 6-10 refer to the following e-mail and schedule.

6. What is the purpose of the e-mail?

A. To change a policy

B. To inquire about a problem

C. To give instructions

D. To correct an error

7. In the e-mail, the word “address” in paragraph 3, line 1, is closest in meaning to

A. give attention to

B. write to

C. look forward to

D. call by name

8. What will the technical support team NOT do?

A. Record speakers

B. Videotape presentations

C, Check sound equipment

D. Adjust lighting

9. What problem does Hanna Sanchez mention?

A. The technicians do not have enough time between sessions

B. One of the rooms is not fully equipped for the presentations

C. One of the presentations will need to be rescheduled

D. The lighting in room 106 does not work properly

10. Who will need to move a laptop computer?

A. Adam Naraozny

B. Maria Faustini

C. Jim Dawkins

D. Hanna Sanchez