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| NOTE For all
assignments, the required page length is for the body of the paper. This page
length does not include the cover page and the reference page, both of which
are required.
Individual Assignment #1: Why Go International?
Submit a 2-3 page essay (350 words per page) of the reasons why a small business should consider going international. Individual Assignment #2: Cultural Aspects of a Country
Write a paper on the cultural aspects of a country. OPTIONAL: Obtain a copy of an annual report for a mid- to large-sized multinational company. Ideally, it should be for a parent company (i.e., holding company) with several subsidiaries. Briefly read it to identify how the horizontal and vertical aspects of their businesses as they relate to international issues. Individual Assignment #3: Economy of Target Country
Write a 2 to 3 page (350 words per page) paper of the economy of your selected country. What are the economic risks that a multinational company must consider when doing business in your selected country? How can these risks be mitigated? Address the relationship between the public sector (i.e., governments) and the private sector in your selected country from an economic perspective. Examples include government subsidies to protect certain industries, military funding of defense industry R&D, protective trade barriers (both tariff and non-tariff), etc. Is your selected country part of a larger trading bloc? If so, how does this trading bloc influence your selected country's economy and what is the impact on importing or exporting technology products and services? (If your country is not part of a trading block, discuss the nearest trading block and its influence on the economy of your selected country.) Individual Assignment #4: Political Situation of Target Country
Prepare a 2 to 3 page (350 words per page) paper on the current political situation on your selected country -- as it relates to technology transfer. What are the political risks that a multinational company must consider when doing business in your selected country? How can these risks be mitigated? Address the relationship between the public sector (i.e., governments) and the private sector in your selected country from a political perspective. Examples include corruption and bribes, business involvement in the political process (e.g., contributions through Political Action Committees in the USA), etc. Research the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and evaluate its requirements and restrictions against the business practices of a country you have selected. Assess the impact of this law on the competitiveness of a US-based company vis-à-vis companies based in your selected country. Visit www.tda.gov for some ideas on technology projects for small companies that depend upon political issues. Remaining Weeks:During the last two weeks, the focus of work outside of class will be on learning teams as well as preparing for the final paper and presentation. |