case study

Case write-up assignment

· Case write-up accounts for 5% of the course grade

· You can work alone or with another member (i.e., maximum two members including yourself)

· Topic: You have three options. Contact me if you are not sure whether your topic is relevant.

1. A topic from the textbook

· E.g.) Opening case, closing case, management focus, country focus

· Expand the discussion in the text and provide deeper analyses

· Do not choose a topic we already extensively discussed in class (e.g., Who makes iPhone?)

2. A topic outside the textbook, but related to the issues covered in class

· E.g.) A topic from president Trump’s comments on regional trade agreements such as NAFT and TPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership) or currency manipulation by other countries

· NOT allowed: Why Walmart failed in Germany and Korea

· Read at least 4 articles (not cited in the textbook if your topic is directly from one of the textbook cases)

· Make 10-15 PowerPoint slides

· Summarize the situation: The main story, background, etc.

· Make at least 3 insightful questions and discuss them

· Discuss why your topic is relevant to international business

· Provide supporting data using graphs and tables whenever relevant

· Make your work insightful and interesting

· Use proper visuals is a plus: e.g., relevant pictures and videos

· Cite all references at the end

· Submit your slides on BeachBoard

· One copy per team (if you work with another member)

· You can submit anytime before the due date: April 28, 11:00 pm

· Submit an actual slide file, not online link

· Optional

· Let me know if you are willing to make a presentation in class with some extra credit

Some example topics you might consider outside the textbook

· What prompted Home Depot to exit Chile

· Why did UK-based Vodafone struggle in Japan?

· What recommendations would you make to the farming equipment maker, John Deere, as it attempts to grow in either the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia or in Southern Africa?

· What can Dunkin’ Donuts learn from its early failure to enter the Chinese market?

· What can McDonald’s learn from the failure in its Jamaican venture?

· Why did Starbucks fail from its Australian enterprise?

· How should India-based Tata Motors take on the vast Western market?