WEEK 1Identifying Global Business Opportunities (graded)Although the lowering of trade barriers made the globalization of markets and production a theoretical possibility, technological change made it a tangible reality. How have changes in technology contributed to the globalization of markets and of production? Would the globalization of production and markets have been possible without these technological changes? How does technology create global opportunity?Differences in Political Economy and Culture (graded)A democratic political system is an essential condition for sustained economic progress. What are your thoughts? Do you agree? Why or why not?WEEK 2Ethics in International Business (graded)Under what conditions is it ethically defensible to outsource production to a developing world where labor costs are lower when such actions also involve laying off long-term employees in the firm’s home country?Theory and Political Economy in International Trade (graded)What are the potential costs of adopting a free trade regime? Do you think government should do anything to reduce these costs? Why?WEEK 3FDI and Political Ideology (graded)How might the political ideology of a host government influence the process of negotiating access between the host government and a foreign MNE? In what ways or for what reasons might a country encourage or discourage FDI because of its ideology?Regional Economic Integration (graded)What are the economic and political arguments for regional economic integration? Given these arguments, why don’t we see more integration in the world economy?WEEK 4Foreign Exchange Markets—PPP (graded)Go to the Toys “R” Us sites for both the United States (.toysrus.com/”>www.toysrus.com) and the United Kingdom (.toysrus.co.uk/”>www.toysrus.co.uk) and try to identify price differences between markets. As a consumer, do you have the right to demand equal prices? Why? As a company, how should you respond to complaints regarding pricing structures?The International Monetary System—IMF (graded)The standard IMF policy prescribes tight monetary policy and reduced government spending for developing nations experiencing a currency crisis. Is this always the right course of action? If there was an alternate approach, how would it affect international businesses?WEEK 5Strategies of International Business (graded)Do the Internet and international e-commerce change the choice of using a transnational strategy that has historically been successful for firms expanding globally? Would it make a difference if a firm relied heavily on traditional business channels versus just e-commerce?Entering Foreign Markets (graded)From the perspective of a domestic firm, what are the advantages and disadvantages of licensing the rights to the company’s production process and trademark to a firm in a foreign country? What are some of the ways that a firm can reduce the risk of losing its proprietary know-how to foreign companies through licensing agreements?WEEK 6Exporting, Importing, and Countertrade (graded)How might a company make strategic use of countertrade schemes as marketing weapons to generate export sales revenues? What are the risks associated with pursuing such a strategy?Global Production, Outsourcing, and Logistics (graded)What are make-or-buy decisions? What are the advantages of make versus buy and visa versa? Are these decisions harder for international firms as opposed to strictly domestic firms?WEEK 7Global Marketing and R & D (graded)Within 20 years we will have seen the emergence of enormous global markets for standardized consumer products. Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?Global Human Resource Management (graded)What is the link between an international business’s strategy and its human resource management policies, particularly with regard to the use of expatriate employees and their pay scales?WEEK 1Homework/Case AnalysisCase Analysis: Chapter 3 Closing Case on pages 125–127.Your responses should be well-rounded and analytical and should not just provide a conclusion or an opinion without explaining the reason for the choice. For full credit, you need to use the material from the week’s lectures, text, and/or discussions when responding to the questions. It is important that you incorporate the question into your response (i.e., summarize the case in the Summary) and explain the principle(s) or concept(s) from the text that underlies your judgment. For each case, you should provide at least two references in APA format (in-text citations and references as described in detail in the Syllabus). Each answer should be double-spaced in 12 point.Use the following headings and lengths in your paper:SummaryIn this section, you should summarize the case in one paragraph.QuestionsNumber each question. Each specific question under the numbered Case Homework help – Discussion Questions should be a paragraph in length because many Case Homework help – Discussion Questions contain more than one question.Be sure to restate each question before answering it.Apply the concepts from the appropriate chapters in your answers.ReferencesInclude citations throughout the paper and a reference page with your sources. Use APA style citations and references.See the Homework Assignment Grading Paper Writing Service – Topic Examples – Rubric document in Doc Sharing.Submit your assignment to the Dropbox located on the silver tab at the top of this page. For instructions on how to use the Dropbox, read these.next.ecollege.com/default/launch.ed?ssoType=DVUHubSSO2&node=node/184″>step-by-step instructions or watch thisWEEK 2Homework/Case AnalysisCase Analysis: Chapter 5, Question 6 (a, b, and c), pages 194 and 176.Your responses should be well-rounded and analytical and should not just provide a conclusion or an opinion without explaining the reason for the choice. For full credit, you need to use the material from the week’s lectures, text, and/or discussions when responding to the questions. It is important that you incorporate the question into your response (i.e., summarize the case in the Summary) and explain the principle(s) or concept(s) from the text that underlies your judgment. For each case, you should provide at least two references in APA format (in-text citations and references as described in detail in the Syllabus). Each answer should be double-spaced in 12 point.Use the following headings and lengths in your paper:SummaryIn this section, you should summarize the case in one paragraph.QuestionsNumber each question. Each specific question under the numbered Case Homework help – Discussion Questions should be a paragraph in length because many Case Homework help – Discussion Questions contain more than one question.Be sure to restate each question before answering it.Apply the concepts from the appropriate chapters in your answers.ReferencesInclude citations throughout the paper and a reference page with your sources. Use APA style citations and references.See the Homework Assignment Grading Paper Writing Service – Topic Examples – Rubric document in Doc Sharing.Submit your assignment to the Dropbox located on the silver tab at the top of this page. For instructions on how to use the Dropbox, read these.next.ecollege.com/default/launch.ed?ssoType=DVUHubSSO2&node=node/184″>step-by-step instructions or watch thisWEEK 3Homework/Case AnalysisCase Analysis: Chapter 7, Question 3 (a, b, c, and d), pages 272 and 251.Your responses should be well-rounded and analytical and should not just provide a conclusion or an opinion without explaining the reason for the choice. For full credit, you need to use the material from the week’s lectures, text, and/or discussions when responding to the questions. It is important that you incorporate the question into your response (i.e., summarize the case in the Summary) and explain the principle(s) or concept(s) from the text that underlies your judgment. For each case, you should provide at least two references in APA format (in-text citations and references as described in detail in the Syllabus). Each answer should be double-spaced in 12 point.Use the following headings and lengths in your paper:SummaryIn this section, you should summarize the case in one paragraph.QuestionsNumber each question. Each specific question under the numbered Case Homework help – Discussion Questions should be a paragraph in length because many Case Homework help – Discussion Questions contain more than one question.Be sure to restate each question before answering it.Apply the concepts from the appropriate chapters in your answers.ReferencesInclude citations throughout the paper and a reference page with your sources. Use APA style citations and references.See the Homework Assignment Grading Paper Writing Service – Topic Examples – Rubric document in Doc Sharing.Submit your assignment to the Dropbox located on the silver tab at the top of this page. For instructions on how to use the Dropbox, read these.next.ecollege.com/default/launch.ed?ssoType=DVUHubSSO2&node=node/184″>step-by-step instructions or watch thisWEEK 5Homework/Case AnalysisCase Analysis: Chapter 11 Critical Homework help – Discussion Question 3 (a, b and c), pages 413 and 407.Your responses should be well-rounded and analytical and should not just provide a conclusion or an opinion without explaining the reason for the choice. For full credit, you need to use the material from the week’s lectures, text, and/or discussions when responding to the questions. It is important that you incorporate the question into your response (i.e., summarize the case in the Summary) and explain the principle(s) or concept(s) from the text that underlies your judgment. For each case, you should provide at least two references in APA format (in-text citations and references as described in detail in the Syllabus). Each answer should be double-spaced in 12 point.Use the following headings and lengths in your paper:SummaryIn this section, you should summarize the case in one paragraph.QuestionsNumber each question. Each specific question under the numbered Case Homework help – Discussion Questions should be a paragraph in length because many Case Homework help – Discussion Questions contain more than one question.Be sure to restate each question before answering it.Apply the concepts from the appropriate chapters in your answers.ReferencesInclude citations throughout the paper and a reference page with your sources. Use APA style citations and references.See the Homework Assignment Grading Paper Writing Service – Topic Examples – Rubric document in Doc Sharing.Submit your assignment to the Dropbox located on the silver tab at the top of this page. For instructions on how to use the Dropbox, read these.next.ecollege.com/default/launch.ed?ssoType=DVUHubSSO2&node=node/184″>step-by-step instructions or watch thisWEEK 6Homework/Case AnalysisCase Analysis: Chapter 14 Closing Case on pages 490–491Your responses should be well-rounded and analytical and should not just provide a conclusion or an opinion without explaining the reason for the choice. For full credit, you need to use the material from the week’s lectures, text, and/or discussions when responding to the questions. It is important that you incorporate the question into your response (i.e., summarize the case in the Summary) and explain the principle(s) or concept(s) from the text that underlies your judgment. For each case, you should provide at least two references in APA format (in-text citations and references as described in detail in the Syllabus). Each answer should be double-spaced in 12 point.Use the following headings and lengths in your paper:SummaryIn this section, you should summarize the case in one paragraph.QuestionsNumber each question. Each specific question under the numbered Case Homework help – Discussion Questions should be a paragraph in length since many Case Homework help – Discussion Questions contain more than one question.Be sure to restate each question before answering it.Apply the concepts from the appropriate chapters in your answers.ReferencesInclude citations throughout the paper and a reference page with your sources. Use APA style citations and references.See the Homework Assignment Grading Paper Writing Service – Topic Examples – Rubric document in Doc Sharing.Submit your assignment to the Dropbox located on the silver tab at the top of this page. For instructions on how to use the Dropbox, read these.next.ecollege.com/default/launch.ed?ssoType=DVUHubSSO2&node=node/184″>step-by-step instructions or watch thisCOURSE PROJECTCourse Project: Global Business Plan.equella.ecollege.com/file/3121b173-9a40-4588-9746-292db85dd7b7/1/BUSN427_CH_CourseProject.html#1″>Overview| .equella.ecollege.com/file/3121b173-9a40-4588-9746-292db85dd7b7/1/BUSN427_CH_CourseProject.html#2″>Week 1| .equella.ecollege.com/file/3121b173-9a40-4588-9746-292db85dd7b7/1/BUSN427_CH_CourseProject.html#3″>Week 2| .equella.ecollege.com/file/3121b173-9a40-4588-9746-292db85dd7b7/1/BUSN427_CH_CourseProject.html#4″>Week 3| .equella.ecollege.com/file/3121b173-9a40-4588-9746-292db85dd7b7/1/BUSN427_CH_CourseProject.html#5″>Week 4| .equella.ecollege.com/file/3121b173-9a40-4588-9746-292db85dd7b7/1/BUSN427_CH_CourseProject.html#6″>Week 5| .equella.ecollege.com/file/3121b173-9a40-4588-9746-292db85dd7b7/1/BUSN427_CH_CourseProject.html#7″>Week 6| .equella.ecollege.com/file/3121b173-9a40-4588-9746-292db85dd7b7/1/BUSN427_CH_CourseProject.html#8″>Week 7| .equella.ecollege.com/file/3121b173-9a40-4588-9746-292db85dd7b7/1/BUSN427_CH_CourseProject.html#9″>Grading Paper Writing Service – Topic Examples – Rubrics| .equella.ecollege.com/file/3121b173-9a40-4588-9746-292db85dd7b7/1/BUSN427_CH_CourseProject.html#10″>Proper Citation and Writing Expectations| .equella.ecollege.com/file/3121b173-9a40-4588-9746-292db85dd7b7/1/BUSN427_CH_CourseProject.html#11″>Peer ReviewOverview.equella.ecollege.com/file/3121b173-9a40-4588-9746-292db85dd7b7/1/BUSN427_CH_CourseProject.html#top”>Back to TopThis project consists of creating a Global Business Plan using the guidelines document linked below. The plan will be developed in groups of three to five students defined by your instructor (groups will be set up as soon as possible in Week 1). Each group will select a country to research and establish the viability of that country for global expansion. Each group will discuss (post) in their respective Group Homework help – Discussion area which country they plan to research and why they chose that country from the list of options provided by the instructor via an announcement. One team member (selected by the group) will post their country selection and why it was chosen to theGroup’s Doc Sharing area by the end of Week 1 (via a Word document). Note that ONLY the Week 1 deliverable is submitted in this fashion.Important NoteAccess your Group Doc Sharing area by clicking on the Doc Sharing tab at the top of the course, and then use the pull down menu to select your team’s Doc Sharing area and hit Go. Only YOUR team will have access to this area, but be certain when you are loading documents for each other that you select “Share file with entire class” during the upload, because in the Group Doc Sharing area, this actually meansshare with your entire team.If you mark it “share file with instructor only,” no one but the person loading it and I will be able to see it!Each group will develop their plan based on 16 modules established to complete this business plan. Modules can be found in the Doc Sharing section of the class (use the Select View pull down menu to get to the modules). From there, you can download the information and samples. There are 16 modules, each with specific questions to help guide you in the research. Additionally, there are web links to assist in locating research information. Your research paper will follow these modules. You should expect to write about a page for each module. Some modules will need to be longer and some perhaps shy of a full page depending on the country you chose to research. Note the criticality of proper APA citation. See the Citation Help information at the bottom of this page.A preliminary draft of your team’s plan is due by Week 4 and is worth 50 points. The final plan will be due by Week 7 and is worth 150 points. The preliminary draft should be uploaded to each team member’s respective Dropbox in Week 4, and the final version of your plan should be uploaded to each team member’s respective Dropbox in Week 7. Each team member MUST submit the same version of these documents to their respective Dropboxes.Use your Group Homework help – Discussion area each week to work on your team’s plan. Use of the Group Homework help – Discussion area is the required communication medium for the teams so your instructor can monitor the team’s activities and participation..equella.ecollege.com/file/3121b173-9a40-4588-9746-292db85dd7b7/1/documents–Global_Business_Plan.docx”>Global Business Plan GuidelinesWeek 1.equella.ecollege.com/file/3121b173-9a40-4588-9746-292db85dd7b7/1/BUSN427_CH_CourseProject.html#top”>Back to TopGlobal Business Plan topic selection: Each group will discuss (post) in their respective Group Homework help – Discussion area which country they plan to research and why they chose that country from the list of options provided by the instructor via an announcement. One team member (selected by the group) will post their country selection and why it was chosen to the Group’s Doc Sharing area by the end of Week 1 (via a Word document). (See the important note above about how to access and use the Group Doc Sharing area.) You will be given feedback to make sure that you’re on the right track for this assignment.Your team can use this form, if desired, for dividing up the work (note that you do NOT submit this form, it is for your use only): .equella.ecollege.com/file/3121b173-9a40-4588-9746-292db85dd7b7/1/documents–modules_and_assignments.xlsx”>Modules and Assignments.See Week 4 below for the outline template that should be used and sample (final version) Global Business Plan. Also, see Doc Sharing for additional information regarding the plan.Week 2.equella.ecollege.com/file/3121b173-9a40-4588-9746-292db85dd7b7/1/BUSN427_CH_CourseProject.html#top”>Back to TopPlease continue working on your Global Business Plan. A draft of your plan will be due by the end of Week 4. If you have any questions about the research or where to find information, please post your questions in the Q & A section of our Homework help – Discussion area. Please continue using the Group Homework help – Discussion Area to discuss the plan with your teammates.Week 3.equella.ecollege.com/file/3121b173-9a40-4588-9746-292db85dd7b7/1/BUSN427_CH_CourseProject.html#top”>Back to TopPlease continue working on your Global Business Plan. A draft of your plan will be due by the end of Week 4. If you have any questions about the research or where to find information, please post your questions in the Q & A section of our Homework help – Discussion area. Please continue using the Group Homework help – Discussion Area to discuss the plan with your teammates.Week 4.equella.ecollege.com/file/3121b173-9a40-4588-9746-292db85dd7b7/1/BUSN427_CH_CourseProject.html#top”>Back to TopDraft of the Global Business Plan is due. Make sure that each team member uploads the preliminary draft of your Global Business Plan to his or her Dropbox by the end of Week 4. Each team member must upload the same version of the draft.Here is the template that should be used for both the draft and final version of your team’s Global Business Plan. .equella.ecollege.com/file/3121b173-9a40-4588-9746-292db85dd7b7/1/documents–Outline_Global_Business_Plan.docx”>Global Business Plan Outline Here is a sample of a final (not draft) version of a Global Business Plan: .equella.ecollege.com/file/3121b173-9a40-4588-9746-292db85dd7b7/1/documents–Global_Business_Plan_Sample.docx”>Global Business Plan Sample. Be sure to put the creator of each section at the top of each section as provided for in this sample.Your Global Business Plan draft will be graded as follows:CategoryPoints%DescriptionOrganization & Cohesiveness2550%A quality plan will include an introduction based upon a well-formed thesis statement. The logical order of the content will be derived from the thesis statement. The content will be properly subdivided into sections derived from the outline.Content2550%A quality plan will have significant scope and depth of research to support any statements. Relevant illustration or examples are encouraged. A quality plan will employ sound use of reasoning and logic to reinforce conclusions.Total50100%A quality plan will meet or exceed all of the above requirements. It is understood that at this point, your team’s Global Business Plan will be in draft form. Approximately 50% of the plan should be done by this point. Typically, one or two paragraphs per module will suffice.DropboxSubmit your assignment to the Dropbox located on the silver tab at the top of this page. For instructions on how to use the Dropbox, read these.next.ecollege.com/default/launch.ed?ssoType=DVUHubSSO2&node=node/184″>step-by-step instructions or watch this .next.ecollege.com/default/launch.ed?ssoType=DVUHubSSO2&node=node/232″>Dropbox Tutorial.See the Syllabus section “Due Dates for Assignments & Exams” for due date information.Week 5.equella.ecollege.com/file/3121b173-9a40-4588-9746-292db85dd7b7/1/BUSN427_CH_CourseProject.html#top”>Back to TopPlease continue working on your Global Business Plan. Your plan is due by the end of Week 7. If you have any questions about the research or where to find information, please post your questions in the Q & A section of our Homework help – Discussion area. Please continue using the Group Homework help – Discussion Area to discuss the plan with your teammates.Week 6.equella.ecollege.com/file/3121b173-9a40-4588-9746-292db85dd7b7/1/BUSN427_CH_CourseProject.html#top”>Back to TopPlease continue working on your Global Business Plan. Your plan is due by the end of Week 7. If you have any questions about the research or where to find information, please post your questions in the Q & A section of our Homework help – Discussion area. Please continue using the Group Homework help – Discussion Area to discuss the plan with your teammates.Week 7.equella.ecollege.com/file/3121b173-9a40-4588-9746-292db85dd7b7/1/BUSN427_CH_CourseProject.html#top”>Back to TopThe Global Business Plan is due. See the Grading Paper Writing Service – Topic Examples – Rubric table below for how your plan will be graded. Make sure that each team member uploads the same final version of your Global Business Plan to his or her Dropbox by the end of Week 7. Each team member must upload the same version of the plan.DropboxSubmit your assignment to the Dropbox located on the silver tab at the top of this page. For instructions on how to use the Dropbox, read these.next.ecollege.com/default/launch.ed?ssoType=DVUHubSSO2&node=node/184″>step-by-step instructions or watch this .next.ecollege.com/default/launch.ed?ssoType=DVUHubSSO2&node=node/232″>Dropbox Tutorial.See the Syllabus section “Due Dates for Assignments & Exams” for due date information.Grading Paper Writing Service – Topic Examples – Rubrics.equella.ecollege.com/file/3121b173-9a40-4588-9746-292db85dd7b7/1/BUSN427_CH_CourseProject.html#top”>Back to TopCategoryPoints%DescriptionDocumentation and Formatting2013.3%A quality paper will include a title page, an abstract, proper citations, and a bibliography.Organization and Cohesiveness3523.4A quality paper will include an introduction based upon a well-formed thesis statement. The logical order of the content will be derived from the thesis statement. The content will be properly subdivided into sections derived from the outline. In a quality paper, the conclusion will summarize the previously presented content and will complement the thesis statement from the introduction.Editing2013.3A quality paper will be free of any spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors. Sentences and paragraphs will be clear, concise, and factually correct.Content7550%A quality paper will have significant scope and depth of research to support any statements. Relevant illustrations or examples are encouraged. A quality paper will employ sound use of reasoning and logic to reinforce conclusions.Total150100%A quality paper will meet or exceed all of the above requirements.Proper Citation and Writing Expectations.equella.ecollege.com/file/3121b173-9a40-4588-9746-292db85dd7b7/1/BUSN427_CH_CourseProject.html#top”>Back to TopRemember that proper APA citation (in-text with quotation marks and source info, plus a reference list at the end) is required of all course work. See the Syllabus for more information on APA if you have any questions about this important requirement. Additionally, proper grammar and spelling are also required of all course work.Peer Review.equella.ecollege.com/file/3121b173-9a40-4588-9746-292db85dd7b7/1/BUSN427_CH_CourseProject.html#top”>Back to TopThe purpose of the Final Peer Review is to assign a point value to the relative level of work completed by each team member as part of the team’s Final Project. Because you are evaluating each other, this is your opportunity to reward hard work and good teamwork with high scores or to impact the grade of any team member who failed to carry his or her weight on the project. The goal is to have a fair reward for work performed for all team members. Remember, the combined Peer Reviews are worth 90 points, so submission is mandatory.Instructions:Open the Peer Review Form.Fill in the appropriate information and scores for each of your team members on the second tab called Final Peer Review.Submit it to the appropriate Dropbox by midnight (MT) on Sunday of Week 7.Forty-five points are available based on the scores your peers give you and 45 points will be awarded at the sole discretion of the instructor based on overall teamwork, interaction with the class and the instructor, and professionalism inside the class and via e-mail and phone interactions with the instructor outside of the class. All of these factors can impact your grade, so do your best to communicate, interact, and conduct yourself professionally at all times.FINALPage 1Question 1.1.(TCO 1) For emerging nations, what is the level of income per capita where greater environmental protection causes pollutant levels to decline? (Points : 5)$2,500$8,000$15,500$20,000Question 2.2.(TCO 2) According to Francis Fukuyama, the collapse of communism in eastern Europe was followed by which of the following? (Points : 5)The new world orderThe end of historyThe universalization of Western democracyNone of the aboveAll of the aboveQuestion 3.3.(TCO 3) The values and norms of culture are determined by which of the following? (Points : 5)ReligionNews mediaFreedom of travelGeographyQuestion 4.4.(TCO 3) Which theory deals with competitive advantage for countries? (Points : 5)Herckscher-OhlinAdam Smith’s Wealth of NationsProduct Life-Cycle TheoryThe Leontief ParadoxNone of the aboveQuestion 5.5.(TCO 4) In the last 30 years, the world economy has seen (Points : 5)a marked increase in both the flow and stock of FDI.a slowing of FDI overall.FDI grow but more slowly than world trade.a shift away from free-market economies.Question 6.6.(TCO 5) Chile is included in which of the following regional integrations organizations? (Points : 5)MERCCOSURAndean CommunityNAFTAAPECNone of the aboveQuestion 7.7.(TCO 6) When a firm engages in hedging it is (Points : 5)ensuring against a risk in the foreign exchange.violating a law on foreign speculations.in danger of violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.investing in a hedge fund to maximize its return to shareholders.Page 2Question 1. 1. (TCO 8) What are the various types of countertrade available? (Points : 10)Question 2. 2. (TCO 8) In distribution strategy, what are the four main differences between countries? (Points : 10)Question 3. 3. (TCO 3) Are the concerns of those opposing Turkey’s admittance to the European Union well-founded? Can Islam, capitalism, and globalization coexist? (Points : 20)Question 4. 4. (TCO 3) In 2006, two Chinese journalists reported that the working conditions at Hongfujin Precision Industries where Apple’s iPods are produced were substandard. According to the report, not only were workers at the plant poorly paid, but they were also forced to work overtime. Apple immediately responded to the allegations and audited the factory in question. However, managers at the factory filed a defamation lawsuit against the two journalists. Despite the fact that Apple’s audit did indeed show substandard working conditions at the factory, Hongfujin did not withdraw the lawsuit. Eventually the Reporters Without Borders group took up the case for the two reporters and the lawsuit was dropped.Should Apple be responsible for ensuring that its suppliers are safeguarding the basic rights and dignity of its employees? How can Apple be sure that its suppliers do not employ sweatshop labor? (Points : 20)Question 5. 5. (TCO 3) Bangladesh, a very poor country, has been able to grow even during the most recent global recession thanks to its strong textile industry. Bangladesh, with its low wages, large investments in textile technology, and strong network of supporting industries is now one of the world’s lowest cost producers of textiles. The country has been able to capitalize on these advantages to increase its exports of textiles to $10.7 billion, up from $9.3 billion in 2007.How has Bangladesh benefitted from free trade and globalization? What did the end of the quota system mean for the country? (Points : 20)Question 6. 6. (TCO 4) Telefonica is a Spanish telecommunications firm. For decades, Telefonica had operated as a typical state-owned enterprise, but privatization and deregulation changed that path in the 1990s. Telefonica began to aggressively pursue expansion opportunities in Latin America where it quickly became the number one or two player in nearly every country. Later, Telefonica turned its sights on Europe where its acquisitions helped transform the company into the second biggest mobile phone operator in the world.What changes in political and economic environment allowed Telefoncia to start expanding globally? Why did Telefonica initially focus on Latin America? Why was it slower to expand in Europe even though Spain is a member of the European Union? (Points : 20)Question 7.7. (TCO 7) Why did the world shift from a gold standard to fixed exchange rates? (Points : 5)Gold is expensive to ship around the world.A more convenient means of financing world trade was needed.The volume of world trade increased.All of the abovePage 3Question 1. 1. (TCO 5) Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Mexican truckers were to have been allowed to drive their trucks directly into the United States and avoid the costly and time-consuming border unloading and loading that took place prior to the agreement. However, fearing job losses in the industry, the U.S. Teamsters Union rigorously opposed the legislation. Although the group ultimately lost its fight, the United States still did not give Mexican truckers freedom to deliver their goods, prompting Mexico to institute retaliatory measures affecting $2.4 billion of goods exported from the United States.Why did the United States respond to the concerns of the Teamsters? Why are those affected by Mexico’s retaliatory tariffs not lobbying congress for relief? Should the United States protect the Teamsters at the expense of agricultural exporters in California and Washington? (Points : 20)Question 2. 2. (TCO 6) In the 1980s, Caterpillar was negatively affected by a strong dollar and lost significant market share to Japanese competitor Komatsu. The situation prompted Caterpillar to revise its global strategy and by the 2000s, the company was in a much better position to deal with volatile currency values. More recently, a strong dollar has actually helped boost Caterpillar’s bottom line.In the 1980s, a stronger dollar hurt Caterpillar’s competitive position, but in 2008 a stronger dollar did not seem to have the same effect. What had changed? (Points : 20)Question 3. 3. (TCO 7) In 2008, oil prices reached new highs as a result of higher than expected demand, tight supplies, and perceived geopolitical risks. Because oil is priced in dollars, oil producers have seen their dollar reserves increase significantly. Now, speculation abounds as to what will happen to the petrodollars. Some believe that the dollars will go toward public infrastructure projects, others think that it is more likely that investments will be made in dollar denominated assets like U.S. bonds, stocks, and real estate, or in nondollar denominated assets such as European or Japanese bonds and stocks.With oil prices at record highs, there is significant speculation as to what oil producing states will do with the dollars they are earning. Homework help – Discuss how a decision to invest in nondollar denominated assets could affect the value of the U.S. dollar. (Points : 30)Question 4. 4. (TCO 8) Vellus Products is a small company that produces personal care products for dogs. Vellus Products initially began exporting when a Taiwan

Published by
Thesis
View all posts