找英语演讲搞时间为3分钟内容是 在经济全球化中学会竞争

globalization,the new reality
Globalization is a murky term.It can refer to everything
from the interconnectedness of experience
to the rise in international ventures.For the design and
construction industry,however,globalization is a trend
that means two things:increased opportunity and increased
competition.
Some may assert that globalization is a phenomenon
taking place in the nebulous “over there” and that it affects
only the largest international players,the Bechtels
and the Kellogg Brown & Roots.Yet many domestic
firms content with operating within U.S.borders must
still contend with global forces.Anyone who thinks that
globalization is far removed from our shores should
think again.
The reality is that globalization already affects designers
and contractors in Middle America almost as much as
it does the industry’s biggest players.As foreign firms
underbid for domestic construction work and purchase
domestic companies—and as domestic companies subcontract
work overseas—global forces can affect almost
any design or construction firm.What globalization
means for the domestic designer or contractor depends
on several factors.Very few industry sectors,in fact,are
immune to globalization.The largest U.S.contractors
must compete with the world’s largest,among them London’s
AMEC and the Dutch firm Nethconsult,while
medium-sized contractors must constantly take advantage
of opportunities and continue to manage change effectively.
Even small firms will find challenges in retaining
loyal customers that find they can contract similar
services for less money.
Size and location are important but are definitely not
the only variables.Specialty services,market position,
corporate culture,and a willingness to accept and manage
change will all have a bearing on a company’s ability
to compete in the globalized future.Moreover,the global
production of engineers has surpassed 1 million per year.
While the United States remains a world leader in civil
engineering education,many other nations can offer
technically proficient personnel at a fraction of the U.S.cost.Electronic global communication,virtual plans,and
free-trade initiatives will intensify the reach and scope of
global competition.In the 21st century,it will only become
easier to subcontract certain design functions to
less-costly overseas firms,commonly referred to as design
centers.
Aside from competition,globalization also presents opportunity.
No one denies that the current U.S.economic
boom has been good for the design and construction industry.
While some sectors,such as retrofitting,have
lagged,most have been healthy.We think that,as with
all good things,this boom too must come to an end.Or
must it?When the U.S.economy slows,design and construction
firms looking globally can continue to reap profits.
Firms based in the United States can perform work in
other countries,form joint ventures,or even offer consulting
advice on techniques and project management.
Design firms looking to streamline can also consider setting
up international branches to take advantage of lower
labor costs.
Despite these attractive opportunities,no design or
contracting firm should jump into the sea of international
markets headfirst.There are inherent challenges and difficulties
associated with any international endeavor,and
each project abroad will come with a multitude of peculiarities.
While certain sectors of the world remain
volatile and daunting,others,such as Europe,Canada,
and Mexico,remain stable.
Engineers must embrace globalization as the new reality
or risk losing their place in the economy of the future.
There are others out there willing to do the work if we
aren’t.Accordingly,this issue of J M E is dedicated to
globalization.It is a trend that our industry cannot afford
to ignore.