Doing Business in a Globalized Environment

Study Notes

Home markets reaching saturation compels companies to seek international opportunities.
Imports of raw materials, cheaper labor costs, better quality, and lax protection laws are advantages in foreign markets.
Outsourcing, primarily in non-core functions and offshoring of activities to cost-efficient locations, decrease operational expenses.
Economies of scale are achieved with higher production volumes, lowering marginal costs and boosting productivity.
Political and trade barriers like tariffs, taxes, quotas, and regulations can significantly impact international expansion.

Saturation of Home Market: Companies search for new avenues, as existing domestic markets become saturated.
Seeking Cheaper Inputs: Companies seek cheaper raw materials, labor, or utilities in international markets compared to their home market.
Lower Production Costs: Accessing lower-cost labor pools, and leveraging favorable social and legal frameworks in other countries can prove advantageous.
Protectionist Measures: Reduced or absent protectionist measures in foreign markets encourage investment and trade.
Improved Quality: Companies seek markets where they can find higher-quality raw materials and/or components.

Strategic partnerships with foreign companies are vital for worldwide supply chains and market penetration.
Companies establish external partnerships for supply chain efficiency and reduce operational costs.
Private labels, where companies supply to retailers under their branded labels, offer cost savings in international markets.

Products may advance through distinct stages in various marketplaces.
Early stages of the life cycle focus on market penetration, while later stages target revenue maximization.

Companies employ a multi-stage process and a scoring model to select potential international markets.
Selecting markets that meet criteria like market size, market potential, regulatory environment or other constraints for expansion are prioritized.

Political: Stable political systems and legal frameworks with minimal risk are prioritized.
Economic: The stability of the economic environment including GDP indicators, inflation rates, etc. are prioritized.
Socio-cultural: The culture of the local populace to ensure seamless operation is a crucial aspect.
Technological: Countries with access to and advanced technology support are more attractive.
Ecological: The level of ecological regulation is also a key consideration for companies with specific environmental concerns.
Legal: Predictable legal frameworks and procedures with a fair judicial system for conflict resolution.

Ownership of businesses in foreign countries is regulated by local laws and regulations.
Foreign investment restrictions in some countries might be specific to specific sectors.
Local laws and regulations impact the ownership structure for foreign firms.

Companies have to be aware of the mechanisms to transfer profits back to their home country (and the hurdles they encounter).

Starting a business in a foreign country can be more complex compared to a home market.
Regulations for starting a foreign company can vary significantly between countries.

Pressure to minimize costs through lower production and operating costs in various locations.
Competition often demands lower prices, which necessitates minimizing cost structures.

Consumers have varying preferences in different markets.
Companies must adapt their products to appeal to local tastes and preferences to be successful in these markets.
Local responsiveness is especially critical when product customization is needed and a direct impact on revenue.

Inflation rate measures price increases of goods and services and impacts consumer spending power.
Unemployment and employment structures in countries offer insight into labor force trends and potential workforce costs.
Currency exchange risk impacts profitability due to fluctuations in currency values.

Low-cost strategy is geared toward minimizing production costs to capitalize on the price sensitivity of markets.
Differentiation strategy prioritizes product uniqueness or superior quality that commands premium pricing.
Companies must have core competencies, or specific skills present in their organization, to maintain any competitive advantage.