GLOBAL BUSINESS STRATEGIES
This is my part,
What types of exit strategies would be most appropriate for your global venture?
Some strategies to consider include divestiture of assets, handing over to a joint venture partner, diversification, shutting down operation, and contingencies for your global venture.

SCOPE:

As a firm expands globally, many factors affect that expansion. Develop a global business strategy for a fictional United States based firm desiring to expand into Europe and Asia. Choose a country from each of the two continents and research each country. The project shall include a research problem and the purpose of the project. In other words, the student must identify a problem or concern in a country and the purpose of her/his work is to analyze and evaluate the causes of such problem and make proposals for its (problem) solution.

OBJECTIVES:

Include and develop all of the following objectives in the
paper:

Analyze the business structure necessary in each country
to encourage success and benefit the firm as a whole.
Analyze the external environment and/or that of the host
country that include(s) the following elements: Society,
economy, law, education, religion, language, currency, and
technology.
Evaluate entry strategies in light of the political,
legal, cultural and economic make-up of each country.
Evaluate the role that Information Technology and the
Internet will play within this emerging global firm.
Evaluate the advantages or disadvantages of manufacturing
and material location in each country.
Analyze your approach to marketing and advertising in each
country, as well as your approach to human resource
management.

REQUIREMENTS:

The body of the paper must be a minimum of 12 pages in
length, double-spaced and 12 point New Times Roman font.
The mechanics of the paper will follow APA 5th edition
format, including cover sheet and bibliography.
All margins must be 1 inch.
Student must have a minimum of 10 references.

Brazil, Russia, India, China (BRIC)

Examine each of the BRIC countries to determine their projected economic growth, country business environment and country risk.

Read the rationale behind these ratings and dig deeper by reading other EIU news stories about the political, economic, financial, business and regulatory environments in each country.

Also, take note of the Personal Disposable Income (PDI) available in each country as an indicator of market size. PDI is defined as the income households receive from firms, plus transfer payments received from the government, minus direct taxes paid to the government. It is the income that households have available for spending or saving.

How would you tradeoff the degree of country risk versus the business environment ratings, taking into consideration the market size as expressed by the PDI in 2015?

How would you tradeoff the degree of country risk versus the business environment ratings, taking into consideration the market growth as expressed by the PDI in 2015 versus 2010?

As a result of answering the above two questions, how would you prioritize the BRIC countries in terms of developing a global business strategy?

I will provide the data in a separate Excel spreadsheet.

For each of the BRIC countries that you have examined in the Country Assessment Analysis, use the EIU country information to discuss how your selected industry is doing in each country.

Who are some of the key company players (both multinational and local) in your selected industry in each of the BRIC countries and how competitive is the industry in each country, and how might that impact your decision on prioritizing the countries in your global business strategy?

The Acme Company is exploring many strategic options. Whichever global business strategy the Acme Company eventually chooses, the firm inevitably will require the services of a bank to help manage its working capital. Many major multinational banks provide a variety of working capital and multinational cash management services.

Here is a list of Acme's assumptions:

It will have subsidiaries in South America and Asia that import materials and parts and assemble for export.
It wants to centralize cash management.
It needs local lending sources for operating cash.
It needs short-term investment vehicles for excess cash balances.
It needs foreign exchange and forward market services.
It will have bills to pay in both local and other currencies.
Using the websites of a variety of these cross-border banks (starting with the banks listed below), search out the international banks that offer multinational cash management services that combine banking with foreign exchange management. Select one bank and describe how the services it offers will take care of Acme's international working capital management requirements. Be sure to demonstrate why you believe your choice is the best alternative among the banks you investigated (i.e., compare and contrast).

Bank of America
HSBC
Citibank

Decathlon company ( Manufacturer of apparels and equipment for a range of sports in France)

Based on your understanding of the company?s global business strategy and key determinants of success
Anwser why USA is a suitable location for your new overseas facility ? Discuss your rational as possible site for your company?s future expansion. Why do you believe USA is potentially a good candidate?

13 journal articles need to be used.

Table of Contents (1)
Body of Paper (10-12 pages) containing the following sections with appropriately labeled section headers:
Introduction
Theories Discussed
Application of Theories to the Business World
Conclusion
Reference Section (1)
Appendix containing appropriate charts, graphs or tables that support research findings (1-3 pages)
The submission should provide a summary of major theories related to the course/textbook and then apply said theories to a real world business application in the students current or former place of employment.
What is the research topic you are interested in writing about?
I am interested in writing about the linkage between human recourse management and the strategic management process.
Why are you interested in this particular topic? Is there a connection to your field of work or are you looking to broaden your knowledge base on this topic?
I am interested in this topic because I want to become a more effective CEO to understand how important HR is and why the strategic management process links to HR. There is a connection to my field because I run my own record label and being able to apply this knowledge to the best of my ability is my goal!

Have you done a preliminary literature search on the topic? If so, how many recent journal articles (3 years or less) did you find? Would you be able to source at least 10 to 15 journal articles? Would you be able to write a 15-20 page paper on this topic?
Yes, I have. Well, I searched Proquest ABI/INFORM Global, The Emerald Research Register and of course the text book. I was able to pick out 13 articles that are about this topic that range from HR development to global business strategies.

What title would you give your paper? Implementing human resource management and a strategic management process




How would you construct the paper? What would the sub-sections be composed of and what would you label them as?
Well, first I would introduce human resource management and discuss how making the correct strategic choices in business with HR discussions are key to the success of business. The sub-sections would be composed of
1) Human Resource Management
2) Why HR is so important to the firm
3) How to formulate a profitable business strategy
4) Components of the strategic management process
5) Human resource management and strategic management
6) Challenges and benefits of global human resource management
7) Challenges with Technology
8) Implementing human resource management and strategy

Individual

Institutions Paper

Resources: Textbooks, the Internet, and the University Library
Write a 1,750- to 2,450-word paper in which you identify two regional or international institutions, such as the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, United Nations, WorldTrade Organization, of which at least one is a financial institution.

Select two countries that could apply traditional international trade theories, such as absolute advantage, comparative advantage, or factor endowment, to enhance their participation in international trade.

Finally, explain how each identified institution could help facilitate the trading process between the two countries.

Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.

Best Text reference to be used: Shenkar, O., & Luo, Y. (2004). International business. New York, NY: Wiley.

Global Business Strategy
Other readings could support assignment:
Craft, S. H. (2004). The international consumer market segmentation managerial decision-making process. S.A.M. Advanced Management Journal, 69(3), 40.
de Lurdes Veludo, M., Macbeth, D. K., & Purchase, S. (2004). Partnering and relationships within an international network context. International Marketing Review, 21(2), 142.
Horan, P., & Vernon, P. (2003, September/October). Expanding HR's global potential: Shared service centers in multi-country regions. Compensation and Benefits Review, 35(5), 45.
O'Connor, R. (2004, January/February). Secrets of the masters. Supply Chain Management Review, 8(1), 42.
Przysuski, M., Lalapet, S., & Swaneveld, H. (2005, February). Multinational business strategies and transfer pricing in a global marketplace. Corporate Business Taxation Monthly, 6(5), 11.
Reddy, A. C., & Vyas, N. (2004, June). The globalization paradox: A marketing perspective. International Journal of Management, 21(2), 166.
Yiu, D., & Makino, S. (2002, November/December). The choice between joint venture and wholly owned subsidiary: An institutional perspective. Organization Science, 13(6), 667.

There are faxes for this order.

BRIC Country Assessment Analysis

BRIC Country Assessment Analysis

BRIC refers to Brazil, Russia, India and China. The term BRIC was created by the Chief Economist of Goldman Sachs Investment Bank in 2001 and is now widely used in business and academia to refer to the four countries that are likely to have a profound impact on the global economy and business environment in the twenty first century. As part of the globalization theme of this Strategy Seminar we want you to become familiar with these countries and their potential role in corporate global business strategy.

? For a more recent commentary on the BRIC countries view the following: Goldman Sachs ## BRICs Videos and Stories

Examine each of the BRIC countries to determine their projected economic growth, country business environment and country risk. We have gathered assessments of the Country Risk and Business Environment (Opportunity) from the Economist Intelligence Unit database in the UMUC library. These assessments are posted as EIU BRIC Country Assessment Ratings in Course Content

. BRIC COUNTRIES
BRAZIL Economist Intelligence Unit,Brazil Economy, Politics and GDP Growth Summary CHINA Economist Intelligence Unit,China Economy, Politics and GDP Growth Summary
RUSSIA Economist Intelligence Unit,Russia Economy, Politics and GDP Growth Summary INDIA Economist Intelligence Unit,India Economy, Politics and GDP Growth Summary

Read the rationale behind these ratings and dig deeper by reading other EIU news stories about the political, economic, financial, business and regulatory environments in each country.
Also, take note of the Personal Disposable Income (PDI) available in each country as an indicator of market size. (you will find the PDI in the 5 Year Economic Forecast) , PDI is defined as the income households receive from firms, plus transfer payments received from the government, minus direct taxes paid to the government. It is the income that households have available for spending or saving.
Post the resultant ratings for each country in a summary table comparing the country ratings for risk, business environment (opportunity). Add the United States to the table for comparison purposes. Include a brief summary of the main country conditions that contribute to the ratings.
Also create a table comparing the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the Personal Disposable Income (PDI), Exports (in U.S. $), and Imports (in U.S. $) for both 2011 and 2015 and calculate the amount of growth for each item.
Discuss the following business strategy questions.

? How would you tradeoff the degree of country risk versus the business environment ratings, taking into consideration the market size as expressed by the PDI in 2015?

? How would you tradeoff the degree of country risk versus the business environment ratings, taking into consideration the market growth as expressed by the PDI in 2015 versus 2010?

? As a result of answering the above two questions, how would you prioritize the BRIC countries in terms of developing a global business strategy?

Note: Write this up, integrating your answers in a way that demonstrates your critical reasoning supporting your prioritization of the BRIC countries

What is the comparative market size of the auto industry in each of the BRIC countries by 2015? (Hint: Use something like the number of passenger car registrations to size the automobile industry, other metrics for other industries) and how might that impact your decision on prioritizing the countries in your global business strategy?

We are recommending CHINA to GM (General Motors) as an investment choice 1 country. This brief essay should support that. (between 11/2 to 2 max).


use this source or/and relevant one

http://www.goldmansachs.com/our-thinking/topics/brics/brics-reports-pdfs/brics-dream.pdf

Global business

Assignment
Length: 3000 Words


Task
Discuss what has given rise to the globalization of the world economy, and in particular, to Italy. Explain how Italy, has attempted over the last decade to become more internationally competitive. You should include practical examples from Italian companies.


Hint
? Provide a general discussion about globalization across the world (social, legal, economic, political, technical and environmental issues) and then focus on Italy.
? For the general discussion on globalization across the world, focus and lean towards being against globalization (including examples of why). For the focus on Italy, focus and lean towards it being a positive change for the country and its interests.
? Mention of at least 3 important companies (e.g. you can use Ferrero, san Pellegrino, Prada etc?) preferably in different industries (e.g. fashion, food, culture etc?)
? No quotations can be used in the introduction.
? Utilize at least 8 references, use authorities sources (e.g. government websites VS Wikipedia).
? Use APA referencing style.


Marking criteria
? Introduction and conclusion: 10 points
? Understanding of the concept of globalisation and international business: 25 points
? Discussion of country becoming more internationally competitive, including use of examples: 25
? Presentation of balanced and critical argument: 20 points
? Range of Research (8 items minimum): 5 points
? Formatting, spelling and grammar: 5 points
? Use of APA referencing style: 10

Business Model Development & Analysis

Disruptive strategy is a recognized and often used path for companies attempting to secure and/or market share. Disruptive strategies can take many forms and are typically complex in nature.

Virgin company has developed a formidable and at first sight impregnable position in the market place.

Students are required to research the subject further and deeper, analyze and deliver a detailed report on the impact of the trend on the sector and provide a series of scenarios to potentially overcome the challenges outlined in the case example.

This is not a technology solution, nor it is a simple marketing analysis where typically grow the market and/or develop the brand responses will suffice.

Students should look at the bigger picture implications of the case and provide focused how to solutions not should do.

The target points to be covered in details:- ( each part to be covered under a title for my easy follow please )
1- how to make an innovated strategy to reach higher place in this industry?
2- How we can innovate in this strategy is very important?
3- what are the industry segments the company will play within in her innovative strategy? And how to capitalize these segments to reach the innovative the strategy?
4- What are the key attributes of the company strategy? And what they have to make to maximize the value for themselves?
5- how can the company get advantage from the 1st movers advantages by moving the space as the 1st private funded company? And why the company decided to go to the moon now? And what are the advantages associated with this step for the company
6- the report should have business strategy design for the space business, which contains vision, mission and strategy
7- what are the business opportunities in the space for the company for making space business? And what is the importance for these opportunities for the company growth?
8- logistics of supply issues in making space business

*in the report we have to Cover with proper analysis the
1 financial aspect
2 the market dynamics
3 business sides related to people, process and technology
4 market size( potential and current)
5 main players might be or might would be in this market
6 the business opportunities the company can get from attaching the space
7 risks associated with space business
There are faxes for this order.

Global Marketing Strategies and Finding Customer
Globalization and technological advances have coincided with the dynamics of world cultures, increasing standards of living, and increasing opportunities for companies to market their brands throughout the world. In this international environment, companies target many different types of customers. Globalization stimulates interest in and facilitates the ability to acquire products and services from the broadest range of companies worldwide; and from the most remote locations. Further, recent trends have made possible the ability of companies to source required inputs from the best suppliers in the world. Similarly, governments rely on MNCs to supply them with the products and services they use to serve constituents and perform their administrative tasks. Growing global consumerism and global sourcing in emerging markets has also opened opportunities for firms to target billions of buyers worldwide who, only a few decades ago, were relatively inaccessible (Czinkota, M. R., & Ronkainen, I. A., 2013).

Required Reading:
Please refer to each Activity for required readings within Activity Resources.

Assignment 4 Influences on the Global Consumer
In international marketing, certain factors are known to influence the preferences and buying behavior of consumers. These factors summarized in Chapter 6, Exhibit 6.2, of Czinkota, and Ronkainen?s, (2013) textbook, are the economic status, the existing technology levels, consumer?s personal motives, the culture, social factors, and any situational factors. Further, buyer behavior is affected by the national origin of products and services. Many consumers are relatively indifferent to where a product is made. Other consumers favor goods produced in their home country. And the decision making on industrial buying varies around the world (Czinkota, M. R., & Ronkainen, I. A., 2013).

Activity Resources:
? Czinkota, M. R., & Ronkainen, I. A. (2013). Ch.6, 7, 8
? Czinkota, M. R., & Ronkainen, I. A. (2013).Ch. 6 Exhibit 6.1, & International Marketplace 6.3
? Steenkamp, J. E. M., & de Jong, M. G. (2010).
Article
Steenkamp, J. E. M., & de Jong, M. G. (2010). A global investigation into the constellation of consumer attitudes toward global and local products. Journal of Marketing, 74 (6), 18-40. http://proxy1.ncu.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edswss&AN=000283027200002&site=eds-live
? Lee, M., Knight, D., & Kim, Y. (2008).
Article
Lee, M., Knight, D., & Kim, Y. (2008). Brand analysis of a US global brand in comparison with domestic brands in Mexico, Korea, and Japan. The Journal of Product and Brand Management, 17 (3), 163. http://search.proquest.com.proxy1.ncu.edu/docview/220597176?accountid=28180
? Prahalad, C. K. Globalization's effects on the global poor.
Website
Video - Prahalad, C. K. Globalization's effects on the global poor. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVShrk7Qj_s

Main Task: Evaluate the Factors that Influence Global Consumers:
Based on the section readings above, including Exhibit 6.1, and your research:

? Describe and then evaluate the main characteristics of the global consumer. Explain the three levels of the global consumer. What are the main influences on the global consumer? Explain.
? Explain the drivers of the contemporary global buyer marketplace and determine which drivers would be most or least effective..
? What are country-of-origin effects? Define consumer ethnocentrism and world mindedness.
? Describe and evaluate how the main characteristics of the industrial buyer can be implemented.
? Assess positive and negative factors that influence the global industrial buyer.
? What is global customer relationship management?
? Do you believe that China?s consumer market will become the largest in the world? Please explain.

Support your paper with five (5) scholarly sources. In addition to these specified resources, other appropriate scholarly resources, including older articles, may be included.

Length: 5 pages not including title and reference pages

Your paper should demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the ideas and concepts that are presented in the course and provide new thoughts and insights relating directly to this topic. Your response should reflect scholarly writing and current APA standards

Strategy
In this case study, you will research an airline company and determine its business strategy. Be sure to include research on their business strategy.
Write a one-page (250-word) paper to include the following:
? A brief explanation of Porter's generic strategies
? Identification of the strategy US Airways uses
? Examples and justification to support the strategy chosen

?
Business Analysis Ford Motor Company



The paper compares the financial health of the company selected to at least two other companies in the same industry.
? The financial health of the selected company has been determined.
? An explanation for what has been learned about the company by reviewing the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow has been included.
? Concerning information the company?s financial information has been identified and explained.
? An explanation for how management can use the financial information to make decisions moving forward.
? The paper includes a summary of the company?s technological advantages, or lack thereof, in comparison to at least two other companies in the same industry.
? An explanation for how globalization has impacted the company?s business strategies is provided.
? The paper includes a benchmarking analysis that includes the following in comparison with other companies in the same industry:
o Best practices
o Operational processes and procedures
o Products or services

I need assistance on a team project in which we are developing a global business venture. Our product will be a hybrid plane in which we will be expanding globally in producing and selling the planes in Japan.


In 900 words, please:

Prepare a financial overview for your global venture. Include a chart that represents the general budget for your global venture. Explain how your company deals with foreign exchange risk for your global operation.

Identify potential domestic and international sources of financing for your global venture. Include at least two possible financial institutions within your chosen region.


I will not need an intro or conclusion as this is just a portion of the project.

I will send additional information as an attachment about this business venture that will help with the order.

Please use sources that are available for me to view and review from the internet.

There are faxes for this order.

Assignment 2: Challenges in the Global Business Environment

Due Week 8 and worth 280 points

According to the textbook, ongoing challenges in the global business environment are mostly attributed to unethical business practices, failure to embrace technology advancements, and stiff competition among businesses. Use the Internet to research the code of ethical conduct of one (1) of the following organizations:( I choose AT&T)

?AT&T
?Hershey Company
?Coca-Cola
?Chevron
Next, use the Internet to research the code of ethical conduct of two (2) similar companies in the same industry as the company you have chosen.

Write a six to eight (6-8) page paper in which you:

1.Specify, in brief, the nature, structure, types of products or service of the business you selected. Examine the information within the company?s code of ethical conduct, and choose three (3) key issues from within the document that you believe are critical for success. Provide a rationale for the response.
2.Using the three (3) key issues you selected as a benchmark, compare and contrast the codes of conduct of two (2) similar companies within the same industry as your chosen company.
3.Examine the extent to which the two (2) similar companies you researched have addressed the key issues you selected. Hypothesize two (2) potential positive outcomes for each company if each addresses the key issues in question and two (2) potential adverse effects if each company fails to address these issues.
4.Propose two (2) techniques that the original company you selected could use in order to ensure that its code of conduct will remain relevant through years of changing economic, political, social, cultural, and technological forces on business and society. Next, evaluate the effectiveness of two (2) methods that the company currently adopts in order to manage environment issues.
5.Examine two (2) approaches that the original company you selected has taken in order to embrace technological advancements for innovation and thus improve business offerings. Anticipate three (3) potential technological challenges the company could face, and recommend one (1) strategy that the company could use in order to eliminate or minimize each of these anticipated challenges.
6.Specify at least one (1) one lobbying strategy that the original company you selected has used in an effort to influence national or local government decisions in its favor. Summarize the issue in question, and ascertain whether or not the lobbying effort was appropriate. Justify the response.
7.Analyze two (2) global corporate citizenship efforts of the original company you selected, and assess the extent to which these efforts are effective in accomplishing the company?s goals. Examine the manner in which the two (2) global citizenship efforts could contribute significantly to the company?s sustainable development goals.
8.Use at least four (4) quality references. Note: Wikipedia and other Websites do not qualify as academic resources.
Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:

?Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.
?Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student?s name, the professor?s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length.
The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:

?Evaluate the influences of changing economic, political, social, cultural, and technological

Research and write a paper analyzing the cultural perspectives of doing business in Brazil.
After reading this paper, the reader should be able to comprehensively answer the following research questions. Thus, the research questions form the major aspects (APA Level 1 headings) of your outline.

1.What are the major elements and dimensions of culture in this region? Comprehensively addresses communication, religion, ethics, values and attitudes, manners, customs, social structures and organizations in Brazil.

2.How are these elements and dimensions integrated by locals conducting business in the nation?Comprehensively addresses how are these elements and dimensions integrated by locals conducting business in Brazil.

3.How do both of the above items compare with US culture and business? Comprehensively addresses how both of the above items compare with US culture and business, including Hofstede?s analysis.

4.What are the implications for US businesses that wish to conduct business in that region? Comprehensively addresses the implications for US businesses that wish to conduct business in Brazil, including a graduate-level SWOT, and FDI analysis


Use the following as the exact title of your paper:
1. Global Business Cultural Analysis: (Brazil)
2. Three levels of APA headings must be used throughout the paper, as this is a graduate-level research paper.


Please adhere to the following rules when quoting or using a source:
?Do not directly quote more than 120 words from any one source.
?If the source is 2,000 words or less, do not directly quote more than 50 words from any one source.
?Do not use the same source more than a total of 3 times within the whole document for quoting or paraphrasing.
?Quotes must contain the section (if provided) and paragraph or page numbers of the quote and this information must be placed in the reference.
?In all instances, be sure to use current APA guidelines for citations and references.

Predicting the impact of Big Data on Business Strategy

Briefly discuss the development, purpose, and formalization of Business Strategy. see Porter What is strategy (attached) do not limit discussion to porter only.

Discuss how Business Strategy has evolved over the last 50 years.
Be sure to discuss managerial capitalism and shareholder capitalism and the transition from one to the other in the 70's see Alpaslan A Stakeholder Theory of Crisis Management (attached) as a starting point on managerial and shareholder capitalism.

Discuss the role of technology in the evolution of Business Strategy using the following frame work:

Mainframe
Personal computing
Networking
Internet
web 2.0
Data mining
Cloud computing
Big data the next big thing.

Discuss how Big Data might change the ways that Business Strategy is developed and implemented. What can businesses do with big data that will allow them to shape their strategy? Can big date be used to predict consumer behavior like the Santa Cruz police experiment? (see video) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVQdehQzIOU&feature=g-all-u Or will it be more like information overload as in this video? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAOqD_a5OQw&feature=context-gfa


There are faxes for this order.

Prepare a 1100 word paper in which you analyze the role of regional integration in promoting global business in South America. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of regional integration (NAFTA,EU,APEC,ASEAN,CAFTA, etc.) Compare and contrast the economic developement stages of countries within the chosen region and the ramifications of the region's economic developement for global business.

Introduction:
This individual assignment will be assessed by means of a 3,500 10% word Report. The assignment has been designed to allow you to develop and use your knowledge and skills in understanding key strategic issues relating to structural transformation through e-business in a real life organisation. You will be required to apply the strategic concepts and analytical techniques studied in this module. All the learning outcomes below will be assessed:
1. Demonstrate critical understanding and application of relevant theories associated with global corporate policies and strategies.
2. Understand the holistic nature of strategy and apply analytical techniques to solve complex problems in real life organizations
3. Demonstrate knowledge of the strategic decision making process through critical analysis of how strategic decision making enables an organisation to relate to its global business environment.
4. Critically evaluate and monitor the business mission, objectives and policies of international organisations.
5. Use critical reflective skills to reflect on the impact of their understanding on the problem solving process

The assignment will be internally moderated by: John Dixon-Dawson

Please note:
1. All work must adhere to the University regulations on Cheating, Collusion and Plagiarism which are provided as an Appendix in your Programme handbook. See Module Tutor for useful guide on Harvard Referencing Style and on how to avoid Plagiarism.
2. A hard copy and an electronic copy on floppy disk or CD of the assignment must be handed to your Study Centre on or before the appointed date under cover of the Sunderland Business School Feedback Sheet.
3. Issue Date: 19 November 2009
4. Submission Date: Friday 22nd January 2010

Task
Your task is to carry out a critical analysis and evaluation of the strategies adopted by global logistics and supply-chain management company, such as FedEx Corporation, using the information in the case study provided and other materials researched. You will be expected to select and apply appropriate theories, techniques and models studied during the module whilst having regard to the practical aspects of strategy development.
Your assignment should be presented in a Business Report Format and should be within the range 3,500 10% words (excluding executive summary, references and relevant appendices). The report should include a title page and executive summary and be fully and consistently referenced, using Harvard Referencing style. You must also submit a floppy disk or CD containing an electronic version of the report. This should be clearly labelled with your name, your course and the name of the case study.
It is recommended that you research information additional to the case study to support your arguments. This may be obtained from a diverse range of sources and you are encouraged to research the issues in whichever way you deem appropriate.

Assessment Criteria
In the event of failing this individual assignment, normal referral / deferral procedures will apply. This assignment carries a weighting of 100%. The assessment will focus on the level of ANALYSIS carried out. That is, the application of THEORETICAL CONCEPTS studied in the module to the practical case study presented. In other words, you should proceed beyond a DESCRIPTION of the company and its actions. You should be analysing why rather than describing what. The assignment will be assessed and moderated by two members of staff in accordance with the marks allocated to each of the questions detailed below. 10% of the marks are set aside for the presentation criteria.
Academic Rigour
your ability to isolate the key strategic issues
the coherence and depth of the analysis of those issues
the ability to analyse the strategy context within which companies operate
the ability to critically review and evaluate strategic decisions made by companies
Methodology
the use of relevant evidence, from material provided and personal research to support any statements made
the appropriateness of the methods used and theoretical models and frameworks applied
the breadth and depth of research undertaken
Evaluation of data
the ability to make sound recommendations or conclusions arising from the analysis
the soundness of arguments put forward
Presentation
the summary of arguments
report layout and format
use of illustrative material and evidence to support arguments
the appropriateness of length
the quantity and accuracy of referencing











FedEx Corporation Structural transformation through e-business
FedEx Corporation has built superior physical, virtual and people networks not just to prepare for change, but to shape change on a global scale: to change the way we all connect with each other in the new Network Economy (FedEx Corporation Annual Report, 1999). According to Jonah and Wilder (1997) cited in De Wit and Meyer (2004, p.647), FedEx is not only recognizing its internal operations around a more flexible network computing architecture, but its also pulling-in and in many cases locking-in customers with an unprecedented level of technological integration.

Question One: - The express transportation and logistics industry
Using examples from FedEx Corporation and your own research on the Global Transportation and Logistics Industry, critically evaluate the:
(a) Strategic Vision and visionary Leadership behind FedEx Corporation,
(b) Transportation and logistics infrastructure within FedEx Corporation, and the
(c) Virtual information infrastructure at FedEx Corporation.
Your answer should be based on a critical Value-Chain and Supply-Chain analyses of the Global Transportation and Logistics Industry.
[35 % marks]

Question Two: - Branding and business structure up until 19 January 2000
Using information from the case study and your own research, critically evaluate the benefits and limitations of Merger and Acquisition (M&A) strategies in the Global Transportation and Logistics Industry.
Discuss how FedEx Corporation managed the acquisition of Caliber Systems in 1998, and determine whether or not the acquisition of Caliber Systems was a success or failure?
[35% marks]

Question Three: - Events leading up to the January 2000 reorganisation
Using appropriate examples from FedEx Corporation, critically evaluate FedExs financial and non-financial performance in the context of developments in the Internet market and e-tailing up to the January 2000 reorganisation.
[20 % marks]

Note: 10% marks is allocated for presentation






Suggested Reading:
Textbooks:
De Wit, B. and Meyer, R. (2004) - Strategy Process, Content, and Context International Perspective, 3rd Edition, Thomson Learning
Johnson, G., Scholes, K. and Whittington, R. (2005) Exploring Corporate Strategy: Text and Cases, 7th Edition, Financial Times Prentice Hall.
Lynch, R. (2006) Corporate Strategy, Fourth Edition, Financial Times Prentice Hall.
Mintzberg, H., Ahlstrand, B. and Lampel, J. (1998) Strategy Safari, Financial Times Prentice Hall

Websites & PDF documents:
http://fedex.com/ FedEx Corporation
www.economist.com The Economist
www.ft.com The Financial Times

There are faxes for this order.

Use APA formatting.
No Abstracts needed.
Must provide 2 references minimum for each section (1-8) for a total of 16 references.
All references must be credible sources.
5 of 16 references must be cited from textbooks.
Total 4750 words minimum (not including references)

This is a capstone paper in business and management that includes the gradual development of a comprehensive and integrative business plan.

This paper should demonstrate critical thinking, effective communication, leadership, and global awareness in the area of Management, marketing, accounting, finance, economics, global perspectives, law, and political issues.

1. Overview for the Capstone Project The Capstone Project will consist of the creation of a market entry or a market expansion plan. A new software company XYZ (specializing in Operation Systems) will be the business for this capstone paper.

Overview
Create an Overview draft (500 words maximum)
Briefly describe the context of an imaginary software business ( Specializing in - Operation System like Microsoft, Linux, Mac OS).
Articulate the vision, mission, and strategy of the organization (or business unit or division).
Describe the sources of competitive advantage
Describe the nature of the business opportunity


2. Environment Analysis and Industry Analysis for the Capstone Project . Based on the organization selected, write the Environmental Analysis and Industry Analysis sections of the Capstone Project

Environmental Analysis and Industry Analysis
Using the Segments of the General Environment write the environmental analysis of your Capstone Project (500 word maximum.)
Incorporate the Five Forces of Competition to help write the Industry analysis of your Capstone Project.
Use the CAGE model (if you are entering global or international markets) applicable) to help you write the industry analysis of your Capstone Project.
What do you see as being the trends, outlook or forecast for the type of organization that you are writing about in your Capstone Project?


3. Based on the organization, write a Marketing Plan.

Marketing Plan for the Capstone Project
Based on the organization selected, write a (750 to 1000 words) Marketing Plan.

What is the size of the potential target market?
Describe the 4Ps of marketing in the organization (product/positioning, pricing, promotion, and placement)?



4. Organizational Plan for the Capstone Project Review the "Capstone Project" document. Based on the organization selected for this module, you will write an Organizational Plan.

Organizational Plan
Based on the organization selected, for this module write a Organizational Plan (750 word maximum) that addresses the following:

Describe who will comprise the management team and what talents or skills each of the team members will bring to the organization. Include a simple organizational chart.
Outline a McKinsey 7-S Assessment/Model as it applies to your business.
Describe the Business level strategy and how it fits with the corporate level strategy.


5. Operational Plan for the Capstone Project Review the "Capstone Project" document. Based on the organization selected, write an Operational Plan (500 words maximum).

Operational Plan
Based on the organization write a (500 word maximum) Operational Plan that addresses the following (guidelines):
What is the supply chain for your prospective organization? Where does your organization bring value in this supply chain?
Who are your main partners and suppliers? What are their locations? What is your contingency plan?
How will you optimize operational effectiveness in your organization? How will you ensure your firm is lean?
Consider your operational plan from a value chain perspective and identify and discuss the primary and support activities.




6. Project Review the "Capstone Project" document. Based on the organization selected, write a Financial Plan (500 words maximum plus spreadsheet(s) that addresses the following guidelines:

Create a Pro Forma income statement for your organization if applicable.

What will be your financial break-even point?

Calculate the COGS for your organization.

How will you use financial information to help you craft your business strategy?

What key financial ratio will you be using to measure the performance
of your organization to determine success?

Use Microsoft Excel for all computations where applicable. Ensure
that the Excel file includes the associated cell computations in order
to receive full credit. Prepare this assignment according to the APA guidelines. An abstract is not required.



7. Critical Risks Assessment and Milestones Schedule for the Capstone Project Review the "Capstone Project" document. Based on the organization you have
selected, this week you will write a Critical Risk Assessment and Milestones Schedule (500 words maximum plus a spreadsheet).




8. Strategic Leadership and Entrepreneurship for the Capstone Project
Based on the organization you have selected, write a (500 word maximum) Strategic Leadership and Entrepreneurship section that addresses the following topics:
What is your sphere of influence in your organization? Based on this, what impact can you have on the implementation of your business plan?
What is your own bias?
What hurdles do you anticipate?
What leadership style(s) will you have to demonstrate? Where do you fall short?
What are your strengths and weaknesses as it relates to your business?
How can you impact and influence others and your future organization to deliver the results you expect?



Final Revised Capstone Business Plan Project Revise the Overview written into an executive summary of business plan. Include a few sentences to describe each section of the business plan so the reader can understand what will follow in the detailed sections of the plan. Integrate the plans components developed in each module into a finalized strategic business plan.



9. Executive Summary
Revise the Overview of the initial Executive Summary of business plan.
a) Include a few sentences to describe each section of the Business Plan so the reader can understand what will follow in the detailed sections of the plan.

10. Finalize the Strategic Business Plan
Ensure Integrate plan components are developed in each section and present in a finalized Strategic Business plan.

The subject is Global corporate strategy and the questions given are based on thecase study. I have uploaded the questions and the case study. Each question carry different marks so please consider the importance of question as per the marks. And I also request you to go through the company website so that the assignment will have the relevant recent information about the company. furthermore the lecturer has told us to use the following references-
a. Journal of leadership and organizational Studies which will be useful for Que 3b.
b. International journal of Enterpreneurial Behavior and Research, 5 (6), pp.279-296
c. Strategich Management Journal
d. Entrepreneur.com, california Management Review

The assessment is focused on the level of ANALYSIS carried out. That is, the application of THEORETICAL CONCEPTS studied in the module to the ?practical? case study presented. In other words, it should be beyond a DESCRIPTION of the company and its actions. It should be analysing ?why? rather then describing ?what?.
Last thing, I have to avoid plagiarism which must be 0% but 5% is acceptable.

Country Report Project
Student(s) will be asked to do the following:

Select a country, other than your place of origin, with prior approval of the instructor, and, unless otherwise indicated, write a minimum twenty-plus page country report with recommendations to the President of XYZ Corporation, which is planning to expand its global business operations into the country of your choice. XYZ must be a fictitious company. Your report should comply with the evaluation standards below including the integration and use of information literacy and technology fluency in your research. The first part of your report should briefly discuss, in no more than two pages, your company including the nature of its business, its mission statement, history, demographics, strategy and structure of the firm, and any other pertinent information about your company up front. The second and major part of your report, a minimum of fifteen or more pages, should critically examine, analyze, and evaluate all salient factors in the business environment impacting your company which may include but are not limited to:

physical and demographic profile (geography, resources, population, workforce characteristics, etc.)
cultural/social, political (political system, political risks etc.), legal and economic(level of development, inflation, etc.) profile
trade, investment and foreign policy profile


You report should explore the positive and negative aspects of the specific environmental variables which will impact business operations in the selected country. The other three-five or more pages should include specific recommendations, implementation and evaluation strategies that XYZ should undertake based upon your findings.

Project Evaluation Standards


The Country Report Project will be evaluated according to the following standards:

I: Definition and Scope



A well-defined project including the purpose, assumption or hypothesis of your country research.
Description of your company, which must be fictitious, including the nature of its business, demographics, history, operational strategy and structure of the firm, and any other relevant information about your company.
Mission statement of your company
II: Identification and Analysis of Country Variables

Inclusiveness of variables
Relevancy and saliency of variables
Organizational categories and substantive analysis of variables:
Physical and demographic profile (geography, resources, population, workforce characteristics, etc.)
Cultural/social, political (political system, political risks etc.), legal and economic(level of development, inflation, etc.) profile
Trade, investment and foreign policy profile
III. Strategic Recommendation and Implementation

Alternative propositions

List, discuss and analyze four specific strategies your company could pursue including, but not limited to, direct investment, joint ventures, licensing, franchising, exporting, turnkey project, and management contract. Provide the advantages and disadvantages of each of the three strategies selected extrapolating salient observations from the variables discussed and their impact on your strategic choice. Are the critical analytic perspectives interwoven with the preceding variables from which a reasonable conclusion could be deduced? Are they logically synchronized?
Identify, select and analyze the best strategy of the four discussed and explain why this is the best strategy for your company. You will need to engage in a comparative analysis using, for example, a pro and con approach to demonstrate why your recommended strategy is best for the company.
Strategic Implementation

Analyzes specifically how you would implement the best strategy you have recommended for the company to pursue. What substantive specific steps should be taken to implement the recommended strategy? If, for example, you recommended an export strategy, then you will need to analyze and elaborate on your strategic initiatives to include an examination of such variables as various forms of exporting, logistical considerations, government policies, marketing and distribution concerns, the export process and export intermediaries. Your analysis, should be juxtaposed in context of the core competencies of your company; you may also wish to discuss the corporate culture and its leadership view (ethnocentric, polycentric, geocentric) that may impact your strategy.


Strategic Evaluation

Seeks to analyze any unforeseen anticipatory or contending futuristic events and recommends a fall back strategies with imaginative out of the box thinking and solutions. Challenges students originality and visionary leadership. What, for example, if as a result of your recommendation, your company chose to export all of its products to Chile, becoming very dependent on the economy of that country, then after years of successful export business relationship, a revolution were to occur, with anti American sentiments interrupting the prosperous trade relations between the two countries, what would you do? An effective strategic evaluation would include, for example, an export diversity strategy. Think creatively of different scenarios and provide viable fall back solutions.

The company I chose is Insignia Systems, Inc and the target country is Canada.

Everything shown below is an email I got from my instructor:

Course Objectives: To identify and assess the competitive drivers (political, technological, market, cost) that are pushing domestic firms to become more internationally aware and engaged in their operations. Topics to be covered will include, but not be limited to:
Theoretical principles and day-to-day practices of firms doing business internationally, with particular reference to major world market/sourcing/investment regions:
A. The European Union
B. Latin America
C. East, South East and South Asia
D. Others as needed (student choice)
International business management practices; effective trade and investment strategies.
Practical research skills needed to critically analyze and use international data to help make better management decisions in an increasingly global business environment.

Your Plan should clearly show an appreciation for and understanding of the scope and limitations of business theories and practices, including legal and ethical aspects, as applied to trade and investment decision-making when doing business across borders ??" in other words, your Plan should incorporate theory as appropriate to the practical problem-solving of issues faced by your chosen company operating in your target country.


Contributing to the structure and content of your Plan are the topic areas identified for the next six weeks on your syllabus:

The Realities of Doing Business Internationally

I Industry/Company Current & Forecast Domestic Conditions [Your own company/industry U.S.-specific research]
II Industry/Company Current & Forecast International Conditions [Your own company/industry target country-specific research]
III The Strategic Plan: Aims and Objectives [Your own company-specific research]
IV Getting There ??" Tactics [whatever is appropriate to your company/country ??" the PPT slides I posted on the course D2L site should help ??" Ill add more as I see fit]
1. Basic Market Entry Methods: Exporting, Licensing, JVs, Alliances, etc. ??" Costs & Benefits
2. Advanced Market Entry Methods: Mergers / Acquisitions / Investment ??" Costs & Benefits
3. Offshore Outsourcing/Production

- Also, I have to refer to this book "Global Business Positioning Ventures Ahead" by Michael R. Czinkota and IIkka A. Ronkainen for information and pointers.