Global Business Plan Project

Global Business Plan Project The final result of your global plan must be in the format of a written report saved in pdf format

with supplementary tables, graphs, charts, and visuals. You will choose a foreign country and product or service. The product or service must not be

present or developed in a chosen foreign country. Then do additional research following the steps and detailed instructions. Flesh out the nature of the market opportunity offered by this country or its suitability as a manufacturing site, for which you will write a paper of approximately 2,000 words maximum. Again, please do not wait until last week. Start to work on this project now! The extension will not be given. If you do not submit project before the end date, you will receive 0 points.

This paper will be subjected to a Turn It In analysis, and the expected minimum of unoriginal

material is no more than 25%. The content and grading of this paper are as follows: ● Executive summary, not introduction (5%) ● Global business Plan (30%)

○ Differences in Culture ○ Accessing the Economic-Geographic Environment ○ Financing Sources for Global Business Operations ○ Creating a Global Management Information System ○ Managing International Financial and Business Risks ○ Determining Organizational Financial Results ○ Product and Target Market Planning

● Tables, graphs, and charts (at least two tables, at least two graphs, and at least two charts) – must be international business-related (5%)

● This paper will be subjected to a Turn It In analysis, and the expected minimum of unoriginal material is no more than 25% (5%)

● References should be written in APA format. These should be from several of the following: journals, books, interviews, company information, and credible Internet sources, not blogs (5%)

Total: 50 points Executive summary, not introduction (5%) An executive summary is a short section; it summarizes the final paper in a way that readers can

rapidly become familiar with a large body of the paper. It contains a brief global business plan project overview, background information, concise analysis, and main conclusions. 150 words maximum.

Global Business Plan (30%) This section will assess differences in culture, accessing the economic-geographic environment,

financing sources for global business operations, creating a global management information system, managing international financial and business risks, determining organizational financial results, and product and target market planning.

Ch 4. Differences in Culture Learning Goals

1. To assess social and cultural influences of global business activities 2. To identify potential adaptations

Purpose A country’s business environment may be influenced by the importance of family, religious

beliefs, and demographic trends. In this module, your goal is to gain cultural and social awareness about the country (or countries) you are considering for your global business opportunity.

Based on the country you are analyzing for your global business enterprise, research information

related to the following areas:

1. DEMOGRAPHIC TRENDS Identify demographic trends (such as birth rates, literacy rates) that might influence business activities in the country. (Lower birth rates result in an aging population with expanded demand for health care.)

2. CULTURAL ANALYSIS Discuss language, customs, traditions, and beliefs of the country. (Religious beliefs may make the sale of certain products inappropriate in some countries.)

3. SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS Analyze the influences of social institutions (family, church, labor organizations) on the business culture. (In some countries, a strong tie exists between family and business.)

4. INFORMAL TRADE BARRIERS Describe informal trade barriers created by social and cultural factors. (Communication styles and negotiating tactics vary around the world resulting in the need to adapt to the host country’s culture.)

Ch 3. Accessing the Economic-Geographic Environment Learning Goals

1. To identify economic and geographic factors on international business activities 2. To assess economic and geographic influences on proposed global business

operations Purpose The natural infrastructure (such as rivers and seaports) and physical infrastructure

(transportation and communication systems) of a nation provide the foundation for economic development. In this module, your goal is to gather information on various geographic and economic factors that include business opportunities in other countries.

Based on the country (or countries) you are analyzing for your global business enterprise,

research information related to the following areas:

1. GEOGRAPHIC INFLUENCES Identify geographic factors (climate, terrain, waterways) that influence business activities

in the country. (In some countries, mountains make movement of raw materials and production supplies difficult and expensive.)

2. MAJOR PRODUCTS AND INDUSTRIES

Describe the country: A. main natural resources and agricultural products, B. major industries, C. major imports, and D. major exports.

(A country’s natural resources and agricultural products are the basis for foreign investment and exporting activities.)

3. CURRENT ECONOMIC CONDITIONS Assess the country’s recent economic conditions related to GDP, inflation, interest rates, currency value, personal income, and employment. Suggest how these economic factors may attract or deter foreign investment.

4. INFRASTRUCTURE

Analyze the infrastructure of the country with regard to the availability of transportation, communication, and utilities.

Ch7. Financing Sources for Global Business Operations Learning Goals

1. To determine start-up costs for proposed global business operations 2. To identify sources of funding for international business activities

Purpose Both global expansion by large organizations and initial international business activities by

smaller companies require financing. In this module, your goal is to obtain information related to start-up costs and sources of funds for your international business enterprise.

Based on the country you are analyzing for your global business enterprise, research information related to the following areas:

1. ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT Discuss the influence of the country’s infrastructure and economic conditions (inflation,

currency exchange rate, interest rates, unemployment, personal income) on startup costs and the financial potential for this business enterprise.

2. START-UP COSTS

Identify expenses (and estimated amounts) that would be necessary when starting this global business enterprise. (Be sure to consider equipment, buildings, vehicles, infrastructure improvements, training costs, consultants, legal fees, and licenses.)

3. FINANCING SOURCES

Compare the availability and costs associated with different sources for funding this global business enterprise. (Large companies may sell stock, issue bonds, and obtain loans. Smaller organizations might make use of personal investors, small business loans, venture capital sources, or government-guaranteed loans.)

Ch 8. Creating a Global Management Information System Learning Goals

1. To identify information needs for global business operations 2. To recommend features for an international management information system

Purpose Computers and other technology have intensified the importance of information in all

organizations. Raw data converted to useful information makes managerial decision-making easier in the areas of financial planning, marketing, inventory, and human resources. In this module, your goal is to identify and organize the information needs of a global business operation.

Based on the country you are analyzing for your global business enterprise, research information related to the following areas:

1. GLOBAL INFORMATION NEEDS Identify the types of reports and other data that would provide managers with the

information necessary for organizational decision-making. (Common categories of management information include financial documents, inventory data, sales and marketing reports, and human resource records.)

2. GLOBAL INFORMATION SOURCES

List the main: A. external and B. internal sources of data for your global business enterprise.

(External sources include government agencies, financial institutions, trade associations, suppliers, and customers. Internal sources include research information, accounting data, employee records, sales figures, and inventory reports.)

3. TECHNOLOGY FOR MANAGING INFORMATION

Describe computer systems and other technology that would facilitate the processing, reporting, and use of information for international business operations. (For example, a global computer network may be used to record and report inventory and sales from various branch offices.)

Ch 10. Managing International Financial and Business Risks Learning Goals

1. To identify potential risks in global business settings 2. To assess alternative global risk management strategies

Purpose High inflation and import restrictions are just two of the many risks that a company may

encounter when doing business in another country. In this module, your goal is to obtain information related to managing various elements of global business uncertainty.

Based on the country (or countries) you are analyzing for your global business enterprise, research information related to the following areas:

1. ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL RISKS

Identify key areas of uncertainty related to level of economic development, infrastructure, and changing economic conditions in the country being considered for business operations. (A weak infrastructure or volatile currency increases the risk of doing business in a foreign market.)

2. SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RISKS Discuss customs, traditions, and social values in your proposed location that could create risks for the enterprise. (Religious beliefs or the role of family can affect uncertainty when starting and implementing an international business operation.)

3. POLITICAL AND LEGAL RISKS Analyze the uncertainty that might be created by political stability, corruption potential, and business regulations. (Required labeling, tariffs, or ownership restrictions may be encountered in various nations.)

4. RISK MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES Compare various risk reduction strategies available when doing business in other countries. (Common risk management methods include insurance, diversification of product line, strategic alliances with local partners, and employing local managers.)

Ch 15. Determining Organizational Financial Results Learning Goals

1. To project inflows and outflows resulting from expected revenue sources and expenses

2. To identify potential measurements of financial success Purpose Profit margin, return on investment, and market share are some of the common financial

measurements used to assess business success. In this module, your goal is to estimate potential financial results.

Based on the country (or countries) you are analyzing for your global business enterprise, research information related to the following areas:

1. REVENUE SOURCES Identify and estimate amounts for product (or service) sales for various market

segments. (For example, some companies sell both to consumers and businesses. A heating company may sell furnaces to homeowners as well as to companies.)

2. OPERATING COSTS

List and estimate operating expenses necessary for producing (or obtaining), storing, marketing, and distributing the product (or service) for this business enterprise.

3. START-UP COSTS

Review your start-up cost estimate from Module 7. Suggest any revisions based on additional information or expanded knowledge of planned business operation.

4. PROFITABILITY

Describe an expected profit level for this global business venture based on economic conditions, competition, the size of the operation, and the market environment of the

country. (Most new business activities take two, three, or more years before becoming profitable. Many ventures never earn a profit and either cease operations or a revised plan is implemented.)

Ch 18. Product and Target Market Planning Learning Goals

1. To identify attributes and customer benefits for a proposed global product or service

2. To determine branding and targeting strategies for international markets Purpose A clear definition of an organization’s product (or service) along with a detailed description of

potential customs, provide the foundation of a marketing plan. In this module, your goal is to obtain information related to the product offering and target market for your global business enterprise.

Based on the country (or countries) you are analyzing for your global business enterprise, research information related to the following areas:

1. PRODUCT CONCEPT

Identify the physical attributes, customer benefits, and competitive advantages of the product (or service) to be offered by the organization. Analyze geographic, economic, cultural, and legal factors that would influence offering a standardized or adapted product for this market. (A product concept should list as many characteristics as possible to better communicate attributes and benefits within the organization as well as to potential customers.)

2. PRODUCT LIFE CYCLE

Discuss economic, cultural, political, or technological factors that might affect the speed of movement of the product (or service) through the stages of the product life cycle (introduction, growth, maturity, decline). (For example, the presence of several competitors may result in faster innovation and move a product quickly through the product life cycle.)

3. BRANDING AND PACKAGING

Suggest a brand name that would create a distinctive identity for the company (or specific product). Analyze cultural and legal factors that could influence packaging of the product.

4. TARGET MARKET

Describe the characteristics of potential customers in terms of geographic location, demographics, media habits, consumer behavior patterns, lifestyle activities, and psychographics.

Tables, graphs, and charts (5%)

At least two tables, at least two graphs, and at least two charts – must be international business-related

Turn It In analysis (5%)

This paper will be subjected to a Turn It In analysis, and the expected minimum of unoriginal material is no more than 25%

References (5%) References should be written in APA format. These should be from several of the following:

journals, books, interviews, company information, and credible Internet sources, not blogs. Example: Academic Articles: Wieland, A., Bals, L., Mol, M. J., & Handfield, R. B. (2020). Overcoming blind spots in global

sourcing research: Exploiting the cross-sections between supply chain management and international business. Journal of International Management, 26(1), doi.org/10.1016/j.intman.2019.100709

Example: Books:

Chow, D. C., & Schoenbaum, T. J. (2020). International business transactions: problems, cases, and materials. Wolters Kluwer Law & Business.

Total: 50 points