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Romantic Tales - Suspense

Glossary: Foreign Affair


What is nanotechnology?

Nanotechnology is the process of controlling matter on a molecular scale.  The size of scale is very, very small - one-billionth of a meter.  Manufacturers are creating new products and applications using nanotechnology.

Currently, one of the materials utilizing nanotechnology is zinc oxide powder which is used in sunblocks and the antifungal agent in foot powder.  Another product is vinyl flooring.  Vinyl flooring is now more scratch-resistant than in the past.

The areas of breakthrough for nanotechnology will be in the computer-science and medicine arenas.  In the future, scientists may be able to create cancer-destroying robots that can be put into a human body.

Information based on the following:
FORBES, "The Science of Small"
February 5, 2001

Also see www.About.com if you want a detailed scientific explanation about nanotechnology.  

What does an International Consultant do?

One aspect of an International Consultant's job may be to educate executives in the social and cultural customs of different countries.  The consultant can make the client aware of the subtleties in behavior that will save an executive from committing an embarrassing, and at times, damaging faux pas. 

In France, for example, a businessman does not use first names until he is told to do so.  Discussions in Ireland are preferred to shorter responses which are viewed as curt or abrupt.  In Asia, the individual of a lower rank is expected to bow more deeply.

Social norms in one culture can differ in another.  It is an International Consultant's job to make sure his/her client's behavior is flawless. 

Information based on the following:
Crain's Chicago Business, "Minding Your Manners Overseas: Foreign Fax Pas"
October 30, 2000

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