For the current topic assignment, students are to find a current topic related to a topic in international business/globalization and write a 3-4 page discussion/review (not counting cover page and bibliography). Please include citations (APA format). .



Please answer the following questions for the Current Topic assignment:

How is this information relevant to International Business/Globalization?
What can I (the student) take away from this information?
Give at least two questions to be used in a globalization/international business discussion.

***I have chosen FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS as my current topic

-page typed summary of current periodical articles dealing with an international trade issue
A copy of the article summarized and related to international business must also be attached to the one-page summary. These articles can be from Forbes, Business Week, Fortune, Harvard Business Review, Global Trade, Business America, Wall Street Journal, etc.
Examples would be articles dealing with the immigration controversy, current trade disputes, elections in Mexico, US business interests, or potential trade agreements.

Can you please do 3 different articles and their summary.

thank you.

There are some 200 economic integration agreements in effect around the world already, far more than even a few years ago.Virtually every country is now party to one or more free trade agreements. Supporters argue that free trade is good for nations. Write a short paper outlining your perspectives on this topic. Answer the following questions in your paper

What is the basis for their support? That is, what are the specific benefits that countries seek by joining an economic bloc?
What is the main economic bloc for your country?
From your perspective, what advantages has bloc membership brought to your country?
What disadvantages has bloc membership produced?

I need the following questions answered:

1. Are there more trade agreements in the world than you thought? What influence do you see for trade agreements for the present and future?

2. To what degree are international politics linked with international trade? Does one lead the other along in global affairs? If so, which one leads and which one follows?

3. Distance is a limitation on the theory of "free trade" (time and cost). Distance would encourage Canada to buy from the United States rather than from Australia. Other examples are tariffs; quotas; cultural barriers (language differences, religious taboos, and measurement (inches versus millimeters). What is an example of where and how one of these limitations restricts trade and one in which it promotes trade?

QUESTION " Are aid strategies or trade agreements more likely to relieve poverty in sub-Saharan Africa?

Please this is a postgraduate essay.
GUIDELINE FOR THE ESSAY LINE.

In assessing your coursework, the following criteria will be used:

? Relevance to question
? Sound ordering and structuring of material
? Quality and clarity of written expression
? Effective use of evidence
? Appropriate use of theory
? Demonstration of sound understanding of topic
? Adequacy of research and analysis
? Identification of major themes and arguments
? Critical evaluation and judgement
? Range of sources used
? Consistent referencing AND page numbers
? Insight and originality
? Grammar and language

Please be aware that all these questions require critical analysis and consideration of the following:

A] The nature of continuity and change in global politics

B] An analysis of the historical, politico-economic and geo-political context

C] Use of appropriate case studies

U.S. Trade Agreements

Conduct research on U.S. trade agreements with other countries. Summarize your findings in 4-5 sentences.

Then, select either the WTO or NAFTA and create a chart or graphic that summarizes its major elements.

NAFTA WTO

In a paragraph or two, discuss your opinion of the agreement. Is it beneficial to the U.S.? Why or why not? A paragraph is 5-7 sentences.

Since the North American Free Trade Agreement was signed 18 years ago, the trade relationship between the United States and Mexico has grown dramatically. In that fateful year, Mexico suffered through two traumatic events: the Chiapas revolt and the assassination of a presidential candidate. As a result Mexico?s grand strategy of ?fixing the peso to the dollar? at three pesos to one American dollar fell apart, and the peso began a dramatic decline. Explain why fixed exchange rates are attractive for emerging economies such as Mexico. Why are the fixed exchange rate regimes inherently unstable? Evaluate the long term consequences of the NAFTA treaty for the different regions of the USA and Mexico.

Write a reflection paper (theme of your choice) ) to discuss or reflect on issues related to international economics such as globalization, tariffs, non-tariff barriers, trade agreements (NAFTA, TPP), imports, exports, etc.

The paper should be at least two pages long, double space in Arial 12, 1 inch margin and 1 line title. References, graphs, tables and other titles should be placed in a different page.

Straightforward research project, pls provide statistics in each answer. The country is Brazil. 3/4 page for 1st question, 1and1/4 page for 2nd q..

1. What trade policy changes have taken place in your country? Describe changes in trade policy since the early 1980s
a) Tariffs
b) Quotas or Licenses
c) Trade Agreements
d) What other measures were used to promote trade growth? Describe some statistics.

2. What were changes in Monetary Policy and International Currency? Describe changes in policy since the early 1980s
a) Changes in currency type, fixed vs flexible exchange rates
b) Provide data on value of the local currency vs the dollar from k1982 to the present. Are the changes in currency valuation related to trade policy?
c) What has been the inflation rate in your country. How is this related to exchange rate policy and trade?
d) Do you believe that exchange rate policy helped exports and GDP growth during this period?

The United States and Jordan Free Trade Agreement (signed on October 24, 2000 and entered into force December 17, 2000). It is the fourth free trade agreement that the United Stated has negotiated and the first FTA between the United States and an Arab country, and it is also the first United States FTA which included explicit language (in the body of the text) provisions for labor and environment obligations. The paper should explore:
1. how does the U.S. - Jordan FTA builds on other regional agreements that the United States had signed such as the investment framework agreements with Turkey (2001), Egypt (1999) and Morocco (1985).
3. Specific provisions of the agreement such as labor, tariff elimination, services, intellectual property rights and the mechanism to resolve disputes. Special emphasis should be placed on labor and environnmental laws (labor and environmental laws adhered to US laws and Jordan doesn''t have to uphold to them)
4. A brief comparative analysis of the United States - Jordan FTA and previous FTAs that the United States had negotiated and the potential conflicts emerging from these agreements, on the international and domestic levels.
5. The interaction between MEAs (multilateral environmental agreements) and this US-Jordan bilateral agreement.
6. Identifying the potential conflicts, presenting available options/alternatives and my recommendations to resolve the potential conflicts.

The Paper must include bibliography of 10 sources. No introduction, exeuctive summary is needed. Helpful sources include: (1)Jackson John Howard: The World Trading System: Law and Policy of International Economic Relations (Second Edition 1997). MIT Press. (2) Friedman Thomas L: The Lexus and The Olive Tree (2000). Random House.

the paper is to analyze and discuss the central american free trade agreement (CATFA). why is started and how. it should describe the agreemnet and its affects on central america economics and social affects of the agreement. what it has done and wether it was succesful or not. the paper must have at least 10 sources. please send copies of articles or sources used if possible.

Topic: INTERNATIONAL TRADE REGULATIONS

points to cover

- World Trading Systerm
- Regional Trade Agreement ( European Union, Mercosur, African Union)
- GATT and WTO dispute settlement system

There are some 200 economic integration agreements in effect around the world already, far more than even a few years ago. Virtually every country is now party to one or more free trade agreements. Supporters argue that free trade is good for nations.

What is the basis for their support? That is, what are the specific benefits that countries seek by joining an economic bloc?

What is the main economic bloc for the United States?

From your perspective, what advantages has bloc membership brought to your country?

What disadvantages has bloc membership produced?

Write a short paper addressing the four questions above and outlining your perspectives on this topic.

Samii, M., & Southern New Hampshire University. (2011). Custom international business resources. Boston, MA: Pearson

Please answer the following questions:

What are the advantages and limitations of International Trade? Please include the four key points: Import, Export, Anti-dumping Tariff, and free trade agreement with other countries.

How can you apply this to your workplace as an administrative assistant?

REQUIREMENTS:

This paper should give a brief analysis of NAFTA (a couple paragraphs) but the main purpose is to discuss the effects of NAFTA on Mexican foreign trade.

? 5 pages, double spaced, Times New Roman font?size 12

? Good thesis sentence
(do not use the following words in the thesis : I, this paper, and important)

? MLA citations and bibliography (Very important)
(in the body of the paper refer immediately to the source as listed in the bibliography and the page number(s). E.g., ?yada yada? (Staudt: p. 160)

* Direct quotations must include quotation marks if 60% of the words or word order remain the same as in the original source. This is also extremely important.

? THE FOLLOWING SOURCES MUST BE USED AND CITED IN WRITING THIS PAPER.
Please include at least 5 of them. I have listed 7 just in case. Also, please do not include any additional sources that have not been listed, with the following exception:
(Only if necessary, you may use one (1) reputable internet source of your choice as long as you provide the exact URL address)

1. Book: Free trade? : Informal economies at the U.S.-Mexico border
Author: Kathleen Staudt.
ISBN: 1566395674 (cl : alk. paper) or 1566395682 (pb: alk. Paper)

2. Book: The North American Free Trade Agreement
Editors: K. Fatemi and D. Salvatore
ISBN 008042404X

3. Book: The Mexican-American border : NAFTA and global linkages
Author: Leslie Rockenbach
ISBN: 0815339852

4. Book: The making of NAFTA: how the deal was done
Author: Maxwell A. Cameron and Brian W. Tomlin
ISBN: 0801438004 (cloth)

5. Book: Mexico and the North American Free Trade Agreement : who will benefit?
Editors: Victor Bulmer-Thomas, Nikki Craske, and M?nica Serrano.
ISBN: 0312121768

6. Book: Understanding the North American Free Trade Agreement: legal and business consequences of NAFTA
Author: Leslie Alan Glick
ISBN: 9065448462

7. Book: Strategies for business in Mexico : free trade and the emergence of North America, Inc.
Author: Louis E.V. Nevaer.
ISBN: 0899308821 (alk. paper)

Part 1:
Elaborate an essay about the most important export industries in Mexico and Latin America. What international trade agreements does Mexico have, going beyond NAFTA? And which one do you consider is the most profitable for Mexico? Why?

Part 2:
Analyze the Technological Park model implemented by ITESM and whether it can be replicated and a viable alternative to encourage economic growth.
(see: http://www.itesm.edu/wps/wcm/connect/ITESM/Tecnologico+de+Monterrey/English/Entrepreneurship/Technology+Parks+Network/Models+of+Technology+Parks/)

Part 3:
Conclusion detailing the final analysis of the subject matter, as well as personal opinion based on the research undertaken.

50 pages, Roman 11 pt.font, single spaced, at least 150 footnotes. MUST BE "bluebook" style citation format.

It is now the 10 yr. anniversary since the inception of NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement), I set out to verify if NAFTA has has achieved its stated goals and I will make a decision if it has or not (Decision will be made after research is done), I have done a pathfinder which outlines my research already done and what I propose my thesis to be, to be sent via next day to your office.
There are faxes for this order.

Research paper on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)

- How / why / when / by who it was originated
- how it works
- significant events / dates
- members
- benefits and consequences

At least 10-12 citations

Below please find the outline submitted for the paper. Please include all points mentioned and any other you may find in your research (statistics etc.). Use parenthetical citations unless a direct quote. The university is extremely critical with citation please use freely.

Globalization and the Impact on US Manufacturing

I. Introduction

A decade ago, the debate about manufacturing leaving the U.S. focused on the jobs being pulled into Mexico. Today, it is more urgent than ever, but its source is no longer just south of the border. Open up the business section of any newspaper or perhaps read your own employers latest press release and you will quite likely learn about manufacturing relocating to Brazil, China, India, Bulgaria or Malaysia.
Economy.com, an economic consulting firm in West Chester, Pa., estimates 1.3 million manufacturing jobs have been moved abroad since the beginning of 1992 the bulk coming in the last three years. Most of those jobs have gone to Mexico and East Asia.

II. Describe the events in the world economy of the past 20 years.

A. Encouraging and liberalizing international trade between countries

1. Organizations have been established to regulate global commerce, such as the WTO.

2. Numerous treaties and alliances have been signed between countries to ease trade and reduce barriers, such as NAFTA

3. The relative importance of international trade in the world economy had greatly increased: from 5.5 percent in l950 to 17.2 percent in 2000

B. Developing countries economy

1. In 1950 the United States was THE economic power, and by the mid 1970s Europe and Japan were clearly established as major global players, by 2000, emerging Asiaespecially China and India, but also a number of other countrieshad become a significant economic force in the international economy.

2. Most of the transition economies of the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe are realizing above-average rates of economic growth and integrating into the world economy.

C. A third major change has been the rapid increase in integration of global financial markets.

1. In 1952, only seven countries (U.S., Canada, and five Latin American countries) had free exchange rate regimes for current account transactions as set out in Article VIII. Today, 164 countries have accepted Article VIII obligations, while capital account transactions are much freer than they were.

III. How technology has contributed to the globalization of markets and productions.

A. It is generally agreed that the technological revolution of the past few decades has had major contribution to the globalization of markets and productions.

1. The technological innovations have supported the unification of international markets as it eased communications and the data sharing process between players on the economic stage.
2. Ricardos theory of Comparative Advantages has also been implemented in the technological sector in the meaning that countries began to trade technological appliances as to increase the efficiency of their operations and reduce costs.

IV. Why US manufacturing companies are moving their facilities to China, Mexico and developing countries.

A. Lower Labor Costs

1. Many of the factory jobs are being cut as companies respond to a sharp rise in global competition. Unable to raise prices and often forced to cut them companies must find any way they can to reduce costs and hang onto profits.
2. Jobs are increasingly being moved abroad as companies take advantage of lower labor costs and position themselves to sell products to a growing and promising market abroad.

B. Restrictive and counter-productive government regulations

1. The area of environmental compliance, encourage many companies to look outside the U.S.



C. Lower material and natural resource costs

1. Natural resources have become insufficient and corporations are moving their operations to less developed countries as to get increased access to the natural resources
2. Lower costs of materials, generally a direct result of suppliers having lower-cost structures, as well, is another driving force

V. What are some possible solutions to mending US Manufacturing?

A. Dollar relief
1. There are both short-term and long-term policy options for the problems posed by the U.S. trade deficits that resulted from the overvalued dollar. In the short term, the U.S. dollar should fall against a broader range of currencies, especially those that are currently pegged to the dollar (China, Malaysia, and Taiwan). In the long-term, the United States should adopt exchange rate policies that keep large trade deficits from recurring.

B. Trade policy relief

1. Enforceable labor and environmental standards codified in trade agreements would keep U.S. manufacturing firms and workers from being undermined by trading partner countries that gain advantages through the exploitation of their human and natural resources

C. Rebuilding labor capacity in manufacturing

1. Investments in workers' skills can result in substantial positive externalities (spillovers) for the economy at large. Policy initiatives aimed at upgrading workers' skillsespecially initiatives targeted at production workers, a group that often goes lacking in terms of employer-provided trainingwould have a significant effect on filling new manufacturing job opportunities.

D. Lean Manufacturing

1. A manufacturer that can reduce direct labor costs by 50 percent slashes the potential benefit of lower-cost labor by half as well. Reducing defects cuts the need for generally labor-intensive rework, further reducing the attraction of low-cost labor. In many industries, the cost of direct labor is less than 15 percent even prior to lean efforts. As this number is reduced, there becomes less and less incentive to drive decisions primarily on this component of total cost.

2. Lean technology can also impact other factors that drive manufacturers overseas. For example, the high cost of dealing with hazardous waste products has forced some manufacturers overseas where environmental controls are less restrictive.





References

Bivens, Josh., Scott, Robert., & Weller, Christian. (2003, September). Mending Manufacturing. Economic Policy Institute.

Freeman, C., 1989, New technology and Catching Up, The European Journal of Development Research, Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 85-99.

Haces, T.G., Nicolas, D.H., 1996, Economic Change and the Need for a New Federalism: Lessons from Mexicos Northern States, American Review of Canadian Studies, Vol. 26.
Hagenbaugh , Barbara. (2002, December 12). U.S. manufacturing jobs fading away fast. USA Today.
Hill, Charles W.L. (Ed.). (2007). International Business: Competing in the Global Marketplace (6th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill Irwin.
Rink, Jack. (2006, February 02). Lean Manufacturing Can Save American Manufacturing. Maintenance World.

Singh, A., 1994, Global Economic Changes, Skills and International Competitiveness, International Labor Review, Vol. 133.

Read the article below and answer the following question:
1.) Who are the members of the trade block you have identified?
2.) What type of arrangements do the members of the block have to trade amongst themselves?
3.) Describe the issue or matter referenced in the article and where applicable relate these issues to current global economic trends and/or characteristics of international trade.

ARTICLE
Associated Press
Mexico, Japan to Sign Free Trade Agreement

Mexico and Japan sign a free trade agreement on Friday that is expected to open a new market for Mexican fruits and vegetables and prompt Japanese factories to move here.

Mexico, which has 11 free trade agreements with 42 countries, said last year it was taking a break from seeking new accords, saying it wanted to make use of the agreements it has.

But it continued what ended up being two years of tough negotiations with Japan, in part hoping an agreement would help Mexico ease its reliance on the United States, the destination for 90 percent of the nation's exports.

"Mexico's commercial and investment efforts are very concentrated to the north, with the United States," President Vicente Fox told Japan's national broadcaster, NHK, in an interview whose transcript was released Thursday. "But part of what we want is to diversify, open new markets to look for new opportunities."

Fox will sign the agreement with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi in Mexico's capital on Friday.

He is hoping the accord will lead Japanese companies to open factories here, reviving a once-thriving assembly for export industry that was hit hard by China's rise and the global economic downturn.

Fox also hopes the agreement will encourage more Asian countries to invest in Mexico.

"Without a doubt, Japan is becoming a bridge for us, a bridge that connects us to other countries in Asia, and that is the (agreement's) strategic importance to us," he said.

In the interview with NHK, Fox said opening factories in Mexico gives Japan tariff-free access to Mexico's 42 free trade partners, including European countries and the United States.

The accord will be Japan's second free trade agreement, after Singapore. It will take effect in April.

Mexico expects its exports to Japan to increase by more than 10 percent a year under the pact.

It is betting that Japanese consumers will be a new market for this country's agricultural products, giving a needed boost to producers who have sometimes struggled to compete in a globalized economy.

Agricultural goods were a stumbling block in negotiations. Under the agreement, Japanese import tariffs on most Mexican produce will be lowered over three to seven years. In the case of bananas, the tariffs will be lowered over 10 years.

Excluded from the agreement for at least three years are pineapples and pineapple juice, candy, wheat and pastas.

Japan will be granted tariff-free auto imports for up to 5 percent of the Mexican market, compared with the current 3 percent, and tariffs will be gradually eliminated over six years.

Of Mexico's $165.4 billion in exports last year, a mere $605.8 million went to Japan, with $149.6 billion going to the United States, according to the Economy Department.

After reading the information in this module's home page and the following Wall Street Journal article (Nov. 11, 2009), please read and think about the CASE question

The Wall Street Journal, Nov. 11, 2009

President Obama heads for Asia this week to talk about U.S. economic recovery and reform, and one theme that we expect he'll hear from Asian leaders is this: America is leaving itself behind as the rest of the world tries to liberalize trade.

The numbers tell the story. At least 266 bilateral or regional trade deals are in force, according to the World Trade Organization, and there are roughly 100 more of which the WTO has not yet been formally informed. The U.S. is a party to only five of the 64 trade pacts that have taken effect since 2005??"with Australia, Morocco, Bahrain, Oman and Peru.

In contrast, eight of those 64 deals involve the European Union (plus a round of EU expansion) and Japan has signed nine. Overall the U.S. has trade deals with only 17 countries including Canada and Mexico under Nafta. The EU has struck 29 deals on trade ranging from customs unions to larger free-trade agreements with 40 economies.

Of the deals the WTO knows about, an average of seven took effect each year in the five years after the WTO's founding in 1995. For 2004-2008, the annual average rose to 15. Another 12 have kicked in this year. New Zealand and Malaysia signed a pact last week, for instance, and China and India are in talks. Oh, and there's also the newly signed EU-Korea trade deal, and the one signed last year between Canada and Colombia.

These deals are proliferating for many reasons. Some countries are losing patience with the Doha round of global trade talks that has dragged on for eight years. Others view bilateral deals as a way of liberalizing beyond what Doha would accomplish??"including areas like intellectual-property protection. These deals can also firm up alliances or build political influence, which is one reason China is aggressively pursuing trade deals with its neighbors.

The danger is that U.S. companies could find themselves on the wrong side of deals negotiated among other countries. The EU-South Korea pact, for example, will tear down almost all remaining tariff barriers between the two sides. It will also address such technical barriers as the excessive safety standards that Seoul has long used to block imports, and it will open Korea to European services. The U.S. has long tried to address these hurdles so American companies could gain better access to the world's 13th-largest economy. The EU is now beating Washington to the punch??"largely by copying the trade deal the Bush Administration negotiated with Seoul but that Congress refuses to ratify.

The same holds for Canada's deal with Colombia. That deal eliminates Colombia's average 12% tariffs on nonagricultural goods from Canada; U.S. exporters will still have to pay those tariffs even as Colombians keep tariff-free access to the U.S. under an earlier agreement. Over time Canadian farmers will gain tariff-free access to Colombia for most of their agricultural exports while farmers in Iowa or Nebraska will be stuck with tariffs of between 5% and 80%.

Bilateral trade deals are far from ideal as a way to promote global growth. Far better for governments to lower their own trade barriers unilaterally to all comers, or for all governments to sign a multilateral deal like the Doha round. A complex web of bilateral and regional trade deals can saddle businesses with the costs of complying with multiple sets of rules. This "spaghetti bowl" approach also distorts economies to the extent that businesses make trade and investment decisions based more on where they can get trade preferences than on the highest return on capital.

But when the U.S. sits on the sidelines, the rest of the world is going to find its own trading way, however imperfect. The nearby table shows some of the benefits U.S. companies will be missing.

A start to getting the U.S. back in the game would be for Congress to ratify the pending deals with South Korea, Colombia and Panama. Mr. Obama and U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk need to rethink their emphasis on trade "enforcement," which is code for introducing higher barriers, and instead renew the push for more deals. Mr. Obama could also become a leading voice pushing for progress on Doha. Especially as other countries expand their own trading opportunities, the costs of Washington dithering are growing every day.

Which of the following stakeholders benefit more from a Free Trade Area of the Americas (the FTAA)* and which will not? Defend your answers:

US companies or Mexican companies

US workers or Mexican workers

US consumers or Mexican consumers

President Bush said everybody wins if a free-trade area covering North and South America is established. However, not everybody agrees. A case can be made that there are winners and losers.

Begin your analysis by reading "Globalization " and "Globalization and Trade," and by visiting the following website and learn the dimensions of the issue.

Branegan, Jay (2001, April 9) Oranges for Bulldozers: If Bush can forge a free-trade deal for the Americas, which companies will win and lose? Available in Time Magazine on July 7, 2007. (A copy is available in the "Presentations" section of the course under Module 2)

Assignment Expectations:

Use information from the modular background as well as any good quality resource you can find. Please, cite all sources at the end of your paper..

The following will be specifically assessed:

1. Your ability to clearly communicate your understanding of the concepts (i.e., Free Trade Areas, Free Trade Agreements, etc.)

2. Your ability to link the concepts above to international marketing.

3. In-text references to modular background readings (APA formatting not required)

Assignment Submission Requirements

Length: 2-pages, double spaced.

Please answer the following 2 questions. Each answer should have 300 words each and each have a reference. Thanks!

#2: What does the Federal Reserve take into account when establishing general and specific rates of interest? Describe the recent tools the Federal Reserve has used to influence the U.S. economy, and explain their effects. In your opinion, have these measures been effective or ineffective in addressing the major concern or concerns of the business cycle?

#4: Review the U.S. Trade Representatives website at http://www.ustr.gov/trade-agreements/free-trade-agreements. Select a country or trading bloc with which the United States has a current or pending free trade agreement. What are areas of comparative advantage of the United States and its trading partner? What are the benefits and disadvantages specific to this free trade agreement?
Customer is requesting that (MSwriter) completes this order.

Critic writing on two webliography citing:

1. Diversity, Culture, and Implications for Business
Kim Cima < 209.116.252.254/9_1999_focus/cimakime.html > [3 Jun 08]
Abstract This webliography discusses the many implications which arise when doing business internationally. Two points to remember: 1) Understand and develop cultural literacy- this means to respect and appreciate a culture's religion, language, and economic and political philosophy 2) Identifying the competitive advantage- does expanding abroad utilize your competitive advantage?... do the costs of doing business abroad enhance your competitive advantage?... how does the country's culture connect with your competitive advantage? The article continues to discuss the importance of being informed on culture and the relationships between the culture (ie value systems, norms, etc) and the competitive advantage (ie does the culture influence the cost of doing business?)

2. Withdrawal from NAFTA and WTO
Dennis Kucinich < nafta.kucinich.us/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1&Itemid=2 > [12 Jun 08]
Abstract This webliography shows an interesting perspective from former Presidential candidate and Democratic Rep from Ohio, Dennis Kucinich. He explains why he feels the US should pull out of NAFTA and how American jobs are lost when we outsource labor to lower-wage paying countries. This relates to the Ch. 3 discussions of preferential trade agreements.

Textbook reference for 1.
Keegan, Warren J., and Green, Mark C. Global Marketing (Paperback). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice Hall; 5th edition, 2005.
Chapter 1
Introduction to
Global Marketing

Introduction
The matrix shows that market development is defined as taking existing products into new markets. Wal-Marts expansion into Guatemala and other Central American countries is an example of this strategy.

Diversification is developing new products for new markets. South Koreas LG Electronics has created new products for the American home appliance market. Innovations such as a $3,000 refrigerator with a built-in flat panel LVD TV have been instrumental in Home Depots decision to carry the appliance product line.

Global marketing
Companies that use price as a competitive weapon may use global sourcing to access cheap raw materials or low-wage labor. Companies can seek to improve process efficiencies or gain economies of scale with high production volumes.

Marketers may be able to reduce non-monetary costs by decreasing the time and effort customers expend to learn about or seek out the product.

A market is defined as people and organizations that are both able and willing to buy. A successful product or brand must be of acceptable quality and consistent with buyer behavior, expectations, and preferences. If a company is able to offer a combination of superior product, distribution, promotion benefits and lower price than competitors, it should enjoy a competitive advantage. Japanese automakers made significant gains in the American market in the 1980s by creating a superior value proposition. They offered cars with higher quality and lower prices than those made by American car companies.

Competitive Advantage, Globalization, and Global Industries

When a company succeeds in creating more value for customers than its competitors, that company is said to enjoy competitive advantage. Competitive advantage is measured relative to rivals in an industry. A local laundromat is in a local industry and competes locally. A national company competes within its countrys borders. Global industries compete globallyconsumer electronics, apparel, automobiles, steel, pharmaceuticals, furniture, and so forth.

Global Marketing: What It Is and What It Isnt
Because countries and people are different, marketing practices that work in one country will not necessarily work in another. Customer preferences, competitors, channels of distribution, and communication may differ. Global marketers must realize the extent to which plans and programs may be extended or need adaptation. The way a company addresses this task is a reflection of its global marketing strategy (GMS).
Standardization versus adaptation is the extent to which each marketing mix element can be executed in the same or different ways in various country markets.
Concentration of marketing activities is the extent to which marketing mix activities are performed in one or a few country locations.
Coordination of marketing activities refers to the extent to which marketing mix activities are planned and executed interdependently around the globe.
Integration of competitive moves is the extent to which a firms competitive marketing tactics are interdependent in different parts of the world.

Management Orientations
Ethnocentric orientation leads to a standardized or extension approach. Foreign operations are typically viewed as being secondary or subordinate to the country in which the company is headquartered. Sometimes valuable managerial knowledge and experience in local markets may go unnoticed. Manufacturing firms may view foreign markets as dumping grounds with little or no marketing research conducted, manufacturing modifications made or attention paid to customer needs and wants.

Example: In Nissans early days of exporting to the United States, the company shipped cars for the mild Japanese winters. Executives assumed that when the weather turned cold, Americans would put a blanket over their cars just like Japanese would. Nissans spokesperson said, We tried for a long time to design cars in Japan and shove them down the American consumers throat. That didnt work very well.

Michael Mondavi, former CEO of the wine company said, Robert Mondavi was a local winery that thought locally, grew locally, produced locally, and sold globally. . . . To be a truly global company, I believe its imperative to grow and produce great wines in the world in the best wine-growing regions, regardless of the country or the borders.

For example, Citicorp used this approach until the mid-1990s when John Reed instilled a geocentric approach. He sought to instill a higher degree of integration among operating units.

James Bailey, Citicorp executive, said, We were like a medieval state. There was the king and his court and they were in charge, right? No. It was the land barons who were in charge. The king and his court might declare this or that, but the land barons went and did their thing. Jack Welch at GE also sought to instill a geocentric approach. At GM, executives were given considerable autonomy in designing autos for their regions. One result was the use of 270 different radios being installed around the world. EX: GM now assigns engineering jobs worldwide. A Detroit global council determines $7 billion annual budget allocation for new product development. One goal is to save 40 percent on the cost of radios by using only 50 instead of 270 different ones. Basil Drossos, president of GM Argentina, said, We are talking about becoming a global corporation as opposed to a multinational company; that implies that the centers of expertise may reside anywhere that best reside. Other examples: Harley-Davidson (U.S.), Waterford (Ireland), Gap (U.S.)

DRIVING FORCES
Regional agreements: NAFTA, EU expansion and single currency. WTO (1994)
Market needs and wants and IT: There are cultural universals as well as differences. Common elements in human nature provide the opportunity to create and serve global markets. For example, soft drinks companies must recognize that product adaptation is not always necessary and that competitors may be serving global customers. The information revolution that Thomas Friedman calls the democratization of information is one reason for the trend to convergence. CNN and MTV allow people in remote areas to compare their lifestyles to others. Advertising overlapping national boundaries such as in Asia or Europe and the mobility of consumers in these markets has allowed for pan-regional positioning. The Internet is perhaps the strongest force hat allows people everywhere to buy and sell.
Transportation and communication: Jets allow around the world travel in less than 48 hours. 1970: 75 million international passengers. 2003: 540 million. Airlines sell one anothers seats thanks to modern technology. International phone calls are inexpensive and there are many other ways to communicate including fax, email, video conferencing, wi-fi, and broadband Internet. Transportation costs have fallen. Due to specially designed ships, the cost of shipping autos from Japan to the United States is less than the cost to ship from Detroit to either U.S. coast. Intermodal transportation uses 20- to 40-foot containers that may be transferred from trucks to railroad cars to ships.
Product Development Costs: New pharmaceutical cost in 1976 = $ 76 million; today = $400 million and up to 14 years to get a drug approved. Pharmaceutical companies go global to spread the costs. However, only 7 countries account for 75 percent of sales.

Quality: Global and domestic companies may each spend 5 percent of sales on R&D but the global company has much more revenue from its markets. Global companies raise the bar for all industry competitors. Nissan, Matsushita, and Caterpillar have achieved world-class quality. World economic trends: Economic growth in key developing countries equals major market opportunities. Slowing growth in developed countries has compelled managers to look abroad. Rapid economic growth, in a country such as China, has caused policymakers to open markets to outsiders. Competition can strengthen domestic companies. Domestic companies seek more governmental protection if markets are not growing. Worldwide movement to free markets, deregulation, and privatization is another driving force. As independent private managers take over running businesses (steel, railroads, telephones, airlines, utilities, restaurants, nightclubs) from governments, they are likely to seek the best deals, regardless of the nationality of the supplier.
Leverage: A company enjoys some type of advantage by virtue of the fact that it has experience in more than one country. Experience transfers mean that a company can leverage its experience in any part of the world. It can use management practices, strategies, products, advertising appeals, or sales or promotional ideas that have been test-marketed in one country or region and apply them in comparable markets. Because Chevron has drilled for oil under all conditions and recorded them, managers with a problem know how it has been handled in the past. Scale economies can be gained in manufacturing and by centralizing functional activities. Resource utilization means that a global companies can scan the entire world to identify people, money and raw material that will enable it to compete most effectively in world markets. Rising and falling home country currency is not an issue as the world is full of currencies and a global company seeks financial resources on the best available terms. It uses them where there is the best opportunity to serve a need at a profit. Global strategy is a design to create a winning offering on a global scale. A global strategy is built on an information system that scans the world business environment to identify opportunities, trends, threats, and resources. When opportunities are identified, the global company leverages its skills and focuses it resources to create superior value for customers and achieve competitive advantage.

Management myopia and organizational culture: Ethnocentric companies will not expand geographically. Managers tend to dictate when they should create strong local teams that they can rely upon for market information. Know-it-all local teams wont listen to management and all-knowing managers wont listen to local experts. Successful global companies have learned to integrate global vision and perspective with local market initiative and input.
National controls: Every country tries to protect its home industries and services through tariff and non-tariff controls. Thanks to organizations like GATT, WTO, NAFTA, EU, and other economic agreements, tariffs have been largely removed in high-income countries. Non-tariff barriers to trade include Buy Local campaigns, food safety rules, and other bureaucratic obstacles.
Opposition to Globalization: Globophobia is the term used to describe an attitude of hostility toward trade agreements, global brands, or company policies that appear to result in hardship for some individuals or countries while benefiting others. Opponents to globalization include college or university students, NGOs, and labor unions. Some Americans believe that globalization has sent American jobsboth blue- and white-collaroverseas and also depressed wages at home. In developing countries, many believe that free trade agreements benefit the worlds most advanced countries. An unemployed miner in Bolivia said, Globalization is just another name for submission and domination. Weve had to live with that here for 500 years and now we want to be our own masters.

Textbook Reference for 2.
Keegan, Warren J., and Green, Mark C. Global Marketing (Paperback). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice Hall; 5th edition, 2005.
Chapter 3
The Global Trade Environment: Regional Market Characteristics and Preferential Trade Agreements

The website for the WTO is http://www.wto.org.

The Dispute Settlement Body of neutral staff members mediates unfair trade barriers and other issues. For 60 days, parties are expected to negotiate in good faith. After that, the DSB will appoint a three-member panel of trade experts to hear the case behind closed doors. The panel must rule in nine months. The losing party has the right to turn to a seven-member appellate body. If, after due process, a countrys policies are found to violate WTO rules, it is expected to change those policies. If it does not, trade sanctions may be imposed.

Trade ministers meet annually to work on improving world trade. The Doha Round began in 2001, collapsed in 2005, and has not been restarted as of September 2007. It is customary to notify the WTO when countries enter into PTAs. Strictly speaking, few fully conform to WTO requirements; none, however, have been disallowed.
Free Trade Area
Sometimes duties may be eliminated on the day of the agreement or phased out over time.

Chile and Canada established an FTA in 1997. A Caterpillar tractor made in Canada could be shipped to Chile duty free. A U.S.-made tractor could not be shipped through Canada to Chile because the Made in the USA label would subject it to about $13,000 in duties. Little wonder that the United States negotiated its own agreement with Chile that came into effect in 2003.

Other FTAs:
European Economic Union: the EU plus Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland
The Group of Three (G3): Colombia, Mexico, and Venezuela
The Closer Economic Partnership Agreement: China and Hong Kong.
North AmericaNAFTA
The United States is home to more global industry leaders than any other nation and dominates in the computer, software, aerospace, entertainment, medical equipment, and jet engine industries.

The agreement does leave the door open for discretionary protectionism. California avocado growers won government protection for a $250 million market. Mexican avocado growers can ship only during the winter and only to the northeast United States and are subject to a $30 million quota. Mexico imposed tariffs on chicken leg quarters and on red and golden apples.

The United States and Canada formed the CanadaU.S. Free Trade Area in 1989. The $400 billion of goods traded each year is the biggest trading relationship between any two countries.

In 1994, the United States, Canada, and Mexico began trading under NAFTA. The NAFTA represents a combined population of roughly 430 million and a total GNI of almost $14 trillion.
NAFTA Income and Population






2004 GNI 2004 Pop. 2004 GNI

(in millions) (in thousands) Per Capita

United States $12,168,482 93,655 41,440

Canada 905,042 31,974 28,310

Mexico 704,906 103,795 6,790__

Total/Mean GNP $13,778,430 429,424 $32,086

per capita

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1. Go to this link Diversity, Culture, and Implications for Business
Kim Cima < 209.116.252.254/9_1999_focus/cimakime.html > [3 Jun 08] and
2. Withdrawal from NAFTA and WTO
Dennis Kucinich < nafta.kucinich.us/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1&Itemid=2 > [12 Jun 08] and answer the following:
[Be sure to include webliography citing/references within your writing AND provide (2) more external sources that support your answers. Please be sure to type your answers in a MicroSoft word document .doc format]
Question 1: Describe and explain why you selected this webliography source. READ THE ARTICLE AND THINK ABOUT HOW THOSE ARTICLES ARE RELATIVE TO PROFESSIONAL AND ACADEMIC INTERESTS.
Question 2: Compare this webliograpy source with the above textbook reference.
Question 3: Give overall evaluation if you agree or disagree with your (4) sources' viewpoints. Dig deep here and convince me with critical writing that supports your viewpoint. Critical Writing Steps: State Your Position (Agree/Disagree); Explain in more depth your positioning including citing of sources to strengthen your position; Use examples to clarify to the reader how this might be applied or an experience that demonstrates your position; extend beyond the initial positioning by introducing new ideas that challenge the reader to think beyond the initial positioning. A good way to extend is to offer "Other Areas For Consideration" and then introduce a new concept that challenges the reader to consider it as another option for evaluation.
Use APA standards, double-spaced, Times New Roman 12, use subtitles for each question and a title page with numbering. Cite your sources in the body of your paper and provide a reference page that links to your citing sources.
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APA Example:
American Psychological Association (APA)
Standards for Written Papers
May 5, 2007


References are a collection of sources of materials that you have researched for your paper. You will place the list of source materials in a separate page toward the end of your written paper. While the references are a list of all sources, a citation is the use of ONE or more of the author(s)work within the content of the written paper.


CITATIONS: Three Examples:

Smith (2003) stressed that only students with dedicated personalities make good grades in school (p.223). ?quotation marks were needed because these are the exact words that John said, not paraphrased by the reader. Also, the page number must be included where the sourced material was taken from to give full credit to John.

Students that are consistent in their study habits are more likely to make better grades than students that study inconsistently (Rare, 2002; Solid & Gold, 1999). ?In this example, NO quotation marks ( ) are needed because the writer is not quoting the authors exact words, and instead, is paraphrasing them.

Accordingly to Allen Mark, an expert in intelligent behavior believes most people have the capabilities to be high achievers, although only a few chose to reach their true potential (Wise, 2000, p.32). ?In this example, Allens exact words were used and the source name (Wise) along with the publication date and page number is needed).


REFERENCES: Using the citations above, below is the reference list that supports the citation sources. Reference list are placed on a separate page, after the written document text and before any appendix information. Notice that the entire list is by authors last name, first name, and then initials. Also, be sure to put the ENTIRE list in alphabetical order as in this case (R,S,S,W).

References Examples

Rare, C.A. (2002, January). Knowing is not always enough. Journal of Marketing Research, 1(1), pp.372-452). ?Sourced from an academic peer reviewed journal paper.

Smith, J.R. (2003). Learning to motivate students in academic studies. Boston, MA:
MacMillan Publishing. ?Sourced from a published book.

Solid, T.R., and Gold, V.S. (1999, January 23). This is the year for great studies. The
Washington Post, pp. A1,A4.

Wise, T.I. (2003, February 10). Getting the best of students in the real world and seeing
the great results. [Online] http: www.reasonswesucceed.com ?no period after website
name and need to include month/date as current date stamped or date of article if given.
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There are faxes for this order.

Rewrite this paper in the issue, rule, analysis and conclusion format (irac) with different words that communicate the same meaning in this essay.

Introduction
As leader in the plastic molding and parts industry, Riordan knows the importance of producing innovative and quality products. The company also understands how internal structure goes hand-and-hand with company objectives. This paper points out some internal problem areas that can affect company objectives. Areas of discussion include finance and accounting, training budget, shipping and receiving, human resources, and the new pyramid bottle cap design. Each area includes the issue, rule, analysis, and conclusion.
Finance and Accounting
Issue
Riordan?s success stems from its ability to remain industry leader of custom plastic parts and by providing viable solutions to its customers. After careful analysis of the company?s finance and accounting systems Riordan Manufacturing cannot accomplish seamless compatibility and potential violations of the General Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) is highly possible. Riordan?s three operating entities Georgia, Michigan and California plus the joint venture with the People?s Republic of China each have its own finance and accounting systems. Each entity provides consolidated input to corporate office in San Jose, California.
Rule
The Financial Accounting Standard Board (FASB) under the authority of the Securities Exchange Commission is the governing body that established standards for financial accounting. Financial statements are governs finance and accounting standards important to the economy because investors, creditors, auditors and others rely on the credibility, transparency, and comparable financial information (Financial Accounting Standards Board). Generally Accepted Accounting Principles are uniform minimum standards of guidelines for financial accounting. GAAP established appropriate measurement and classification criteria for financial reporting. Compliance to GAAP provides a reasonable amount of comparability among financial reports of state and local government units.
Analysis
Riordan failure to address the financial and accounting system?s compatibility issue upon acquiring Michigan and Georgia operating entities could prove costly. The analysis of the current Finance and accounting system shows San Jose has a license integrated completely Windows-based ERP manufacturing, distribution and financial management software application designed particularly for plastic processors and process, and assembly manufacturers (University of Phoenix, 2010). The application does not include the source code with the license. Michigan has a vendor developed software application and the attendant source code. The vendor is no longer in business. The software application runs on a pair of DEC?s alpha using VMS operating system, VAX4000 work stations programmed in C. Georgia has a developed software application and an attendant source code to process manufacturing process applications. Georgia system programmed in RPG400 runs on a pair of AS400?s using UNIX operating systems and PC?s as workstations (University of Phoenix).
The corporate office cannot reach ideal compatibility. Each of the three operating entities sends its finance and accounting data to corporate as data files and hardcopy reports. Extra time is necessary to re-enter the hard copy reports and convert the data files to the proper account codes. On the other hand, output is just as challenging. Corporate attempts to combine the data for the general ledger, the balance sheet and income statement is labor exhausting and delays completion to 15-20 days after the month ends. To include external auditors corporate must exude exhaustive labor and additional costs. Corporate effort to meet compliance with new government reporting requirements at the consolidated level becomes more challenging each day. Riordan Enterprises refuses to accept this situation and mandates an alternative method.

Conclusion
Riordan?s current financial and accounting process is time-consuming and costly to say the least. Too much time is spent collaborating data to generate financial statements and ensure compliance with government mandated reporting requirements. The numerous deficiencies found in the finance and accounting prevents Riordan from achieving its full potential. One solution requires upgrading San Jose (corporate) system to include the application source code. The next step is to transform Michigan, Georgia and China to mirror San Jose corporate system. Riordan stands to benefit substantially from this move. After these two steps are complete training is essential for smooth transition and increase efficiency. Some of the benefits include a reduction in process time, elimination of converting data files, and hard copies, more accurate government reporting and less frustration for accounting employees. In general, Riordan can direct its focus on achieving and maintaining reasonable profitability (Riordan Manufacturing, 2006).
Training Budget
Issue
Training budget is over budget. Project management must determine how this happened and determine a viable remedy. Dale Engel, Chief Financial Officer wants to know if Riordan can perform effective training through teleconferencing. Dale Engel has set aside a budget and a timeline for completion.
Rule
Company Directives-Training Budget Guidelines
Analysis
An analysis of the situation reveals a significant increase in the general and administrative line is up from last year and from the previous quarter. The training budget is nearly $100,000 over budget for the quarter. The increase appears to come from overrides in emergency training of the rollout of new systems. Questions center on if some employees charged new project training against the wrong cost center. To add to the confusion the Machining and Systems line also came in just over budget. Human resources management anticipated that travel and training cost would increase with the implementation of the systems integrations project. Project management failed to include training along with the technology projects training material and strategy development.
Further analysis also reveals specific travel details that contribute to the added costs. Some examples include 22 domestic round trips, three round trips between San Jose and China, per diem costs, hotels, rental cars, and overtime, to name a few. Each component of costs may prove verifiable but does a better method exists that would allow the training management teams to accomplish the same goal. One costly mistake was not integrating training into product development. The result of this mistake is a primary reason that training is now over budget.
Conclusion
Riordan Manufacturing needs to develop a high-priority project that would provide a solution for distance learning performed effectively through teleconferencing. According to Encarta? World English Dictionary (2009), ?teleconferencing is videoconferencing via telephone lines using restricted frequency bands that would allow participants to conduct meetings by way of telephone connection.? Using teleconferencing would reduce if not eliminate numerous costs associated with travel expenses. The benefits include reaching large or small populations, wider access to public meetings; and a wider group of people brings a wider range of ideas; an excellent training tool; saves time and travel costs; and saves the company and people money.
Teleconferencing would provide numerous benefits to Riordan but Riordan must not leave out any necessary costs in the budget. Associated costs include equipment, connection sites, transmissions, and moderator training (United States Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration). Project management must also account for the complexity of implementation of teleconferencing. Basic equipment include personal computers, main computer control system, dedicated telephone lines or satellite hook-up, a television or computer monitor for each participating group and a video camera for each participating group (United States Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration). Although the initial costs of implementing teleconferencing may seem high the benefits would eventually outweigh the costs and soon return a savings because of the investment. Riordan already have some of the items needed to bring this idea into fruition but training is a must. As long as project management include every cost of implementation and set safeguards for prevention of budget spending (example: pre-approvals from vice-president or a higher authoritative person) this could prove a profitable solution to Riordan training dilemma.
China Move-Receiving-Shipping
Issue
Riordan Manufacturing has a set of procedures in place to ensure consistency and quality control at all locations. The common set of procedures applies to receiving of raw materials, tracking during manufacturing, and accounting of finished good inventories. The issue with Riordan?s common set of procedures is that it contains unnecessary steps, heavy dependency on paper forms and human input that creates a high potential for error.
Analysis
When the delivery of raw materials arrive in receiving the shipping document passes from the driver to the shipping area supervisor (for validation). After validation, receiving staff unloads the raw materials and take the materials to the raw materials area. The receiving supervisor gives the log of raw materials received and the shipping documents to the receiving clerk for entry into the inventory system. The receiving clerk enters types of materials, the vendors, and the quantity received.
During manufacturing operations the manufacturing team logs the amount of raw materials used on a raw materials use form. Manufacturing team gives the form to the inventory clerk who enters the information into the inventory system upon receipt of the form. At the end of the day the manufacturing team also gives a form with the number of sub-assemblies and completed end-product for each day.
In the shipping department sales orders come via phone or fax. A shipping clerk enters the sales orders in customer shipping and billing system. The shipping department loads the trucks according the shipping document that generates daily. The shipping clerk uses the shipping documents to update the inventory system. At the end of the year a clerk reconciles raw material quantity, sub-assemblies and finished products against a physical inventory.
Conclusion
A close review of Riordan?s inventory management and control system reveals use of eight different forms from receiving raw materials to the driver leaving the shipping area. A clerk has to enter each of these forms into the inventory system. The potential for error increases each time a clerk enters a form into the inventory system. Tracking is sometimes difficult if someone in the company needs information right away. For example, the shipping clerk does not enter some information in the inventory system until the end of the day. A person may have to research hand-written logs to confirm data. The entire process is time-consuming, labor demanding, and not cost-effective.
One solution to increase efficiency is to integrate Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. According to the Association for Automatic Identification and Mobility (2010), ?RFID is a system that transmits the identity (in the form of a unique serial number) of an object or person wirelessly using radio waves? (Association for Automatic Identification Para 1). The RFID system allows information transmission by a portable mechanism (tag), then read by an RFID reader and processed based on needs of the application. RFID is beneficial for tracking, supply chain management, retailing, and payment systems, and security, and access control (Association for Automatic Identification, 2010). When Riordan Manufacturing receives raw materials the RFID device will scan the item bar code, update the inventory system, allow easier tracking, reduces time, and also updates inventory when finished goods ships out of inventory. The RFID system eliminates majority of the forms currently in use and reduces errors from human input. The savings incurred could be used to increase profit margin in other areas of the company.
Human Resources- Calendar Complaint
Issue
The issue in this complaint involves Edwina Hernandez, an employee who becomes offended by a calendar of women in bathing suits hanging on the back of Ed Ledford (another employee) door. Human Resources must investigate and determine if this is indeed sexual harassment.
Rule
Title VII (Civil Rights Act) and Employee Handbook
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act prohibits sexual discrimination in the workplace. Title VII classifies sexual harassment as a type of sexual discrimination and is a violation of Title VII (The US Equal Opportunity Employment Commission).Title VII categorizes sexual harassment in two forms, one quid pro quo and atmosphere of harassment. Quid pro quo cases are those in which employers requires employees to agree to sexual advances to remain employed. The United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is the governing agency that investigates sexual harassment (and other sexual discrimination claims) complaints filed. Atmosphere of harassment are those in which invitations, language, pictures or suggestions become so pervasive that it creates a hostile work environment (Jennings, 2006).
Analysis
When Edwina told Allen Tanis (Assistant Plant Manager) about the calendar incident she asserts emphatically the calendar has ?naked women? on it. Allen told Edwina to contact Karen Essenburg, an employee specialist and follow procedures of a sexual harassment claim. Edwina was very insistent that she would not cooperate with Human Resources to file a sexual harassment claim against Ed Ledford (Team Superintendent). Allen reported Edwina?s accusation to Karen and Ed went to talk to Ed. The calendar in question did not have ?naked women? but rather women in bathing suits. After Karen told Ed that the calendar may not be appropriate in the workplace Ed took it down and threw it in the trashcan.
Conclusion
Riordan Manufacturing handbook has a policy governing business ethics and conduct and guidelines for sexual harassment. According to Riordan?s employee handbook, ?any supervisor or manager who becomes aware of possible sexual harassment must notify Human Resources Director or any member of management so that it can be investigated in a timely and confidential manner? (Riordan Manufacturing, 2010) p. 20. Allen Tanis actions were consistent with the company policy regarding management duty to act in relation to sexual harassment. Because Ed took the calendar down and threw it in the trashcan his action may prevent further actions taken against him. Ed should have known that calendar is not appropriate for the workplace Edwina refusal to cooperate with Human Resources may prevent her from filing a sexual harassment claim.
Pyramid Bottle ?New Cap Design
Issue
Riordan?s customer The Taylor Group has asked for a new bottle top design that will complete the pyramid shape. Because Taylor Group is working with the French government on another of its products who is receiving pressure to include French companies in its work. Riordan must determine all items that need consideration moving forward.
Rule
Intellectual property laws, trade agreements

Analysis
Riordan?s customer The Taylor Group wants a new bottle cap design to make the pyramid bottle complete. The designers have a new design ready to go. Because Taylor Group is working under pressure from the French government to include more French companies for some if its work the need for intellectual property protection is essential. Taylor Group wants the new bottle caps outsourced to a French company. Riordan has details to outsource the bottle cap production to the Boffy Company.
Conclusion
Some of the items that Riordan must consider before moving forward with the new bottle design are intellectual property (patents, copyrights, and trademarks), and trade agreements. Utility or function patents are those that cover machines, processes, and improvements (Jennings, 2006). Riordan will want to protect any current or existing process or improvements. Design patents provide protection of a product?s features (example: Riordan new bottle cap and bottle design). Riordan will also want to protect its ideas, photographs, name, and logos that will give Riordan exclusive rights to sell, control, or licensed its copyrighted works (Jennings, 2006). Copyrights are important especially if the French companies share in some of Riordan?s work. Another important consideration is for Riordan is trade agreements. Trade agreements have specified terms for the free flow of goods throughout trade countries. One important trade agreement to the United States is the Geneva-based General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). GATT was set-up to develop uniform trade policies between the United States and European Union countries (Jennings, 2006). Riordan should review the specific details of GATT when working with European nations like France.










References
Association for Automatic Identification and Mobility: Technologies: RFID / What is RFID?. Retrieved from the internet at http://www.aimglobal.org/technologies/rfid/what_is_rfid.asp
Encarta? World English Dictionary [North American Edition] ? & P (2009) online Retrieved from http://www.bing.com/Dictionary/search?q=define+teleconferencing&FORM=DTPDIA&qpvt=teleconferencing+definition

Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board. Retrieved from the internet on May 16, 2020 at http://www.fasab.gov/accepted.html
Financial Accounting Standards Board http://www.fasb.org/jsp/FASB/Page/SectionPage&cid=1176154526495
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Retrieved from the internet on May 16, 2010 at http://www.ofm.wa.gov/policy/80.20.htm
Jennings, M. M. (2006). Business: Its legal, ethical, and global environment (7th ed.). Mason, OH: Thomson.
The UNITED STATES Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: Facts about Sexual Harassment. Retrieved from the internet at http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/fs-sex.html
US Department of Transportation: Federal Highway Administration. Retrieved from the internet on May 18, 2010 at http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/reports/pittd/teleconf.htm

The paper has to include:Title Page, executive summary, introduction, literature review, methodology section,findings section and a conclusion. References are to include citations and a bibliography.
The case studies examened were, 1.Cuba and the US trade embargo 2.Mexico and the use of US branch plants or maquiladoras 3.Colombia and the US war on drugs 4.Brazil and the US environmental standards in the rainforest 5.Panama Canal and US actions regarding US involvement6. Chile and the Chile US free trade agreement. Theses topics are to be covered in the paper
There are faxes for this order.