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What is barter in the context of countertrade?
What is barter in the context of countertrade?
In a compensation deal, what does a company receive as part of the payment?
In a compensation deal, what does a company receive as part of the payment?
What characterizes a counter purchase agreement?
What characterizes a counter purchase agreement?
Why might a government in a developing economy require countertrade arrangements?
Why might a government in a developing economy require countertrade arrangements?
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In which industry is counter purchase particularly common?
In which industry is counter purchase particularly common?
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What is the primary role of a freight forwarder?
What is the primary role of a freight forwarder?
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What does the term 'Incoterms' refer to?
What does the term 'Incoterms' refer to?
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Under the EXW Incoterm, who bears the costs and risks of transportation?
Under the EXW Incoterm, who bears the costs and risks of transportation?
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Which payment method is considered the least secure for exporters?
Which payment method is considered the least secure for exporters?
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In which scenario might local laws favor local companies over foreign firms during disputes?
In which scenario might local laws favor local companies over foreign firms during disputes?
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What is a common challenge faced by exporters when dealing with customers in developing economies?
What is a common challenge faced by exporters when dealing with customers in developing economies?
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What does 'FOB' stand for in the context of Incoterms?
What does 'FOB' stand for in the context of Incoterms?
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Which payment method listed is generally considered the most secure for exporters?
Which payment method listed is generally considered the most secure for exporters?
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What can exporters do to protect themselves from commercial credit risks?
What can exporters do to protect themselves from commercial credit risks?
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What is an appropriate first step for an exporter when a buyer defaults on payment?
What is an appropriate first step for an exporter when a buyer defaults on payment?
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Which of the following statements best describes outsourcing?
Which of the following statements best describes outsourcing?
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What is the primary purpose of global sourcing?
What is the primary purpose of global sourcing?
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Which factor is NOT a driver of global sourcing?
Which factor is NOT a driver of global sourcing?
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What distinguishes captive sourcing from global sourcing?
What distinguishes captive sourcing from global sourcing?
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In the case where negotiations fail for an unpaid sale, what action might an exporter consider next?
In the case where negotiations fail for an unpaid sale, what action might an exporter consider next?
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What is the main definition of offshoring?
What is the main definition of offshoring?
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What is a common reason for forming joint ventures?
What is a common reason for forming joint ventures?
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What does the local partner typically contribute in a joint venture?
What does the local partner typically contribute in a joint venture?
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What characterizes a project-based, non-equity venture?
What characterizes a project-based, non-equity venture?
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What does licensing in international business primarily involve?
What does licensing in international business primarily involve?
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What is a primary benefit of using licensing as a strategy in international business?
What is a primary benefit of using licensing as a strategy in international business?
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What is a cross-licensing agreement?
What is a cross-licensing agreement?
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What is often the basis for calculating royalties in a licensing agreement?
What is often the basis for calculating royalties in a licensing agreement?
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What type of project is initiated by multiple partners to fulfill a large-scale endeavor without equity involvement?
What type of project is initiated by multiple partners to fulfill a large-scale endeavor without equity involvement?
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What is a primary advantage of cross-licensing in industries like pharmaceuticals and semiconductors?
What is a primary advantage of cross-licensing in industries like pharmaceuticals and semiconductors?
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Which of the following is a disadvantage of licensing?
Which of the following is a disadvantage of licensing?
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How does franchising differ from traditional licensing?
How does franchising differ from traditional licensing?
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What is a characteristic of microfranchises?
What is a characteristic of microfranchises?
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Which statement accurately represents a risk associated with licensing?
Which statement accurately represents a risk associated with licensing?
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What is one benefit of licensing in foreign markets?
What is one benefit of licensing in foreign markets?
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Which of the following defines a significant drawback of franchising?
Which of the following defines a significant drawback of franchising?
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What is NOT considered an advantage of licensing?
What is NOT considered an advantage of licensing?
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What is a key reason for firms to consider reshoring their production operations?
What is a key reason for firms to consider reshoring their production operations?
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What is a potential negative impact of global sourcing?
What is a potential negative impact of global sourcing?
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Which factor should not be a primary reason for a company to go offshore?
Which factor should not be a primary reason for a company to go offshore?
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Why is communication and collaboration with suppliers crucial in global sourcing?
Why is communication and collaboration with suppliers crucial in global sourcing?
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What is a key reason firms opt for outsourcing?
What is a key reason firms opt for outsourcing?
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Which of the following best describes captive sourcing?
Which of the following best describes captive sourcing?
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What challenge arises from overreliance on suppliers?
What challenge arises from overreliance on suppliers?
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What initial step should an exporter take if a buyer defaults on payment?
What initial step should an exporter take if a buyer defaults on payment?
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What describes a key characteristic of the international logistics sector?
What describes a key characteristic of the international logistics sector?
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Which factor is NOT a driver of global sourcing?
Which factor is NOT a driver of global sourcing?
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What is a common outcome of not getting local buy-in for offshoring initiatives?
What is a common outcome of not getting local buy-in for offshoring initiatives?
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What is a differentiating feature of offshoring compared to outsourcing?
What is a differentiating feature of offshoring compared to outsourcing?
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Which problem might a firm face if it prioritizes cost-cutting over strategic offshore reasons?
Which problem might a firm face if it prioritizes cost-cutting over strategic offshore reasons?
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Which of the following statements accurately reflects a risk of global sourcing?
Which of the following statements accurately reflects a risk of global sourcing?
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What legal recourse might an exporter pursue if negotiations for unpaid sales fail?
What legal recourse might an exporter pursue if negotiations for unpaid sales fail?
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Which of the following is a characteristic of global sourcing?
Which of the following is a characteristic of global sourcing?
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What is the main purpose of foreign direct investment (FDI) and international collaborations?
What is the main purpose of foreign direct investment (FDI) and international collaborations?
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Which of the following accurately describes greenfield investments?
Which of the following accurately describes greenfield investments?
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What is a key advantage of mergers in international business?
What is a key advantage of mergers in international business?
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What characterizes a wholly owned direct investment?
What characterizes a wholly owned direct investment?
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What is true regarding joint ventures?
What is true regarding joint ventures?
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Which term describes an investment that seeks to acquire a new operation rather than purchasing an existing one?
Which term describes an investment that seeks to acquire a new operation rather than purchasing an existing one?
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What challenge do cross-border mergers typically face?
What challenge do cross-border mergers typically face?
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Which type of foreign direct investment involves purchasing an existing firm?
Which type of foreign direct investment involves purchasing an existing firm?
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What is a potential issue that may arise between exporters and intermediaries?
What is a potential issue that may arise between exporters and intermediaries?
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What should a typical contract between an exporter and an intermediary include?
What should a typical contract between an exporter and an intermediary include?
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Which of the following is a legal risk that exporters face when working with intermediaries?
Which of the following is a legal risk that exporters face when working with intermediaries?
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Which payment mechanism is generally preferred by exporters to mitigate financial risks?
Which payment mechanism is generally preferred by exporters to mitigate financial risks?
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What should exporters do before entering an agreement with intermediaries?
What should exporters do before entering an agreement with intermediaries?
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What is one reason that enforcement of contracts can be challenging in certain countries?
What is one reason that enforcement of contracts can be challenging in certain countries?
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What type of issue might arise regarding advertising practices between an exporter and an intermediary?
What type of issue might arise regarding advertising practices between an exporter and an intermediary?
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What is one of the main risks exporters face when their intermediaries default on payments?
What is one of the main risks exporters face when their intermediaries default on payments?
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What is a key advantage of forming a joint venture?
What is a key advantage of forming a joint venture?
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Which of the following best describes a project-based, non-equity venture?
Which of the following best describes a project-based, non-equity venture?
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In a licensing agreement, what do licensors typically receive in return for granting rights to their intellectual property?
In a licensing agreement, what do licensors typically receive in return for granting rights to their intellectual property?
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What role does a foreign partner usually play in a joint venture?
What role does a foreign partner usually play in a joint venture?
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Which strategy typically involves sharing intellectual property on preferential terms?
Which strategy typically involves sharing intellectual property on preferential terms?
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What is a notable characteristic of contractual entry strategies in international business?
What is a notable characteristic of contractual entry strategies in international business?
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What is one challenge associated with licensing as a strategy for market entry?
What is one challenge associated with licensing as a strategy for market entry?
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What does the local partner typically contribute in a joint venture?
What does the local partner typically contribute in a joint venture?
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Study Notes
Freight Forwarders
- Freight forwarders are like travel agents for cargo, assisting exporters with logistics, packing, labeling, customs and shipping.
- They are typically entrusted with document preparations.
- Export licenses are permissions to export, often government-regulated due to national security, foreign policy, or resource restrictions.
Shipping and Incoterms
- Incoterms (International Commerce Terms) are universally accepted terms of sale developed by the International Chamber of Commerce.
- They define responsibilities for transportation, insurance, and title transfer between buyer and seller at different points in the transportation process.
- EXW (Ex Works): Buyer bears all costs and risks from the seller's premises. The seller's obligation is minimal.
- FOB (Free On Board): Seller clears goods for export, buyer bears all costs and risks upon delivery.
- CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight): Seller bears all costs and risks to the named port of destination. The seller clears goods for export. Responsibility transfers from the seller to the buyer at the destination port.
Payment Methods
- Payment methods in exporting and importing range in security from cash in advance to countertrade.
- Cash in advance is the most secure method.
- Letters of credit provide security by guaranteeing payment if the exporter fulfills the terms of the contract.
- Open account payment terms are less secure, as the buyer is given a grace period to pay and payment is not guaranteed.
- Countertrade is a form of payment where goods are exchanged without money, often used in developing economies facing currency shortages.
Countertrade
- Four main types of countertrade:
- Barter: Direct exchange of goods for goods.
- Compensation deals: Payment is in both goods and cash.
- Counterpurchase: The seller receives cash for goods and agrees to purchase goods from the buyer with a portion of the revenue.
- Buyback: The seller receives cash for goods and agrees to buy back goods from the buyer, often manufactured using the seller's technology.
Negotiation and Legal Options
- When buyers default on payment, negotiation is the preferred recourse.
- Exporters may seek assistance from their bank or attorney if negotiation fails.
- Legal options such as litigation, arbitration, or other enforcement measures may be pursued if negotiations fail.
Outsourcing
- Outsourcing involves procuring selected value-adding activities, like production, from independent suppliers.
- Firms outsource activities where they are not superior or where it is more cost-effective to outsource.
- Core competencies should not be outsourced.
Global Sourcing
- Global sourcing involves procuring products or services from independent suppliers or company-owned subsidiaries abroad.
- This is essentially importing goods and services.
- Captive sourcing refers to sourcing from the firm's own production facilities abroad.
- Global sourcing often relies on foreign locations, while captive sourcing relies on owned subsidiaries.
Drivers of Global Sourcing
- Technological advances in communication, particularly the internet.
- Falling costs of international business.
- Entrepreneurship and rapid economic transformation in emerging countries.
Offshoring
- Offshoring involves relocating a business process or entire manufacturing facility to a foreign country.
- The firm gains ownership of a new legal entity in the foreign country.
Joint Ventures
- Joint ventures involve two or more partners pooling resources to exploit an opportunity.
- Each partner contributes assets like capital, technology, management expertise, or knowledge of local markets.
Project-Based, Non-Equity Ventures
- These ventures have a narrow scope and a clear timetable without creating a new legal entity.
- Examples include consortia and cross-licensing agreements.
Contractual Entry Strategies: Licensing
- Licensing involves granting another firm the right to use intellectual property for a specified period in exchange for royalties.
- It is a relatively inexpensive way to enter a foreign market and avoid expensive foreign direct investment (FDI).
- Royalties are periodic fees based on a percentage of gross sales from the use of the licensed asset.
- Cross-licensing is common in industries with rapid technological advances, such as pharmaceuticals and semiconductors, where firms exchange intellectual property for mutual access to new developments.
Advantages of Licensing
- Reduced capital investment.
- No physical market presence required.
- Less risk than developing technology internally.
- Reduced political risk.
- Less costly than exporting or FDI.
- Can be used to test market viability.
- Generates royalties from existing intellectual property.
- Avoids government regulations.
- Potentially creates strong brand name recognition.
Disadvantages of Licensing
- Passive entry strategy.
- Requires enforcement to ensure royalties and intellectual property protection.
- Modest profits compared to exporting or FDI.
- Limited control over the licensee.
- Risk of losing intellectual property to piracy.
- Risk of creating a future competitor.
- May be inappropriate for core competencies.
- Complicated dispute resolution.
Franchising
- Franchising is a more complex form of licensing, where the franchisor grants a franchisee the right to use its entire business system for compensation.
- Contracts clearly define franchising relationships.
- McDonald's is a well-known example of a successful franchising business model.
- Microfranchises are operated by one or two people.
- Business format franchising (system franchising) is a common franchising arrangement.
Internet & Online Intermediaries
- Focal firms are increasingly using the internet to sell products directly to customers, bypassing traditional wholesale and retail channels.
- This allows them to sell products more cheaply and faster.
- Online intermediaries broker transactions between buyers and sellers worldwide.
- New technologies are expanding the roles that intermediaries can play.
- Many traditional retailers have expanded online or partnered with online service providers to create an electronic presence.
Intermediary Relationship Challenges
- Despite good intentions, disputes can arise between exporters and their intermediaries.
- Common areas of conflict include compensation arrangements, pricing practices, advertising and promotion, and after-sales service.
Intermediary Contract Essentials
- A typical contract should specify the duration of the relationship, the sales territory granted to the intermediary, and the manner in which the intermediary handles the product.
Legal Risks
- Exporters should be aware of the legal requirements for termination.
- In some countries, regulations favor local intermediaries and might require the exporter to compensate the intermediary even in case of termination for legitimate reasons.
- Legal contracts may not be sufficient to protect exporters in countries with weak legal frameworks.
Financial Risks
- Exporters may encounter payment defaults from buyers or intermediaries.
- It's crucial to perform credit checks on potential intermediaries and large-scale buyers before entering an agreement.
- Cash in advance or a letter of credit is often the safest payment method.
- Exporters can purchase insurance against international commercial credit risks.
Negotiation and Legal Options
- Negotiation is typically the best course of action for resolving payment defaults.
- If negotiations fail, the exporter may seek assistance from their bank or attorney.
- In extreme cases, legal action, arbitration, or other legal means might be necessary to enforce payment.
Outsourcing, Global Sourcing, and Offshoring
- Outsourcing refers to procuring value-adding activities like production from independent suppliers.
- Firms outsource to focus on their core competencies and gain cost advantages.
- Global sourcing is the procurement of products or services from suppliers or subsidiaries located abroad.
- Captive sourcing involves sourcing from the firm's own production facilities abroad.
- Drivers of global sourcing include technological advances, lower international business costs, and economic transformation in emerging markets.
-
Offshoring, the relocation of business processes or facilities to foreign countries, presents potential challenges:
- Weak legal environment
- Inadequate infrastructure and workforce skills
- Overreliance on suppliers
Reshoring
- Companies are returning production operations to their home countries due to dissatisfaction with global sourcing.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
- Global sourcing has sparked debate regarding its impact on job losses, national competitiveness, and living standards.
Global Sourcing Positives
- Competitive advantage
- Business survival
- Enhancement of long-term firm sustainability and global competitiveness
Global Sourcing Negatives
- Job losses in the home country
- Reduced national competitiveness
- Declining standards of living
- Creative destruction
Global Sourcing Strategies and Supply Chain Management
- Offshore for strategic reasons, not solely cost-cutting.
- Gain employee buy-in for offshoring initiatives.
- Emphasize clear communication and collaboration with suppliers to build strong relationships.
Logistics and Transportation
- International logistics involves various transportation modes: land, sea, and air.
Motives for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Collaborative Ventures
- Companies engage in FDI and collaborations to enhance their global competitiveness.
Types of FDI
- Greenfield investments: Building new facilities.
- Acquisitions: Purchasing existing companies.
-
Mergers: Combining two firms to create a larger entity.
- Advantages: Learning, resource sharing, economies of scale, cost savings, broader product range, market power.
- Challenges: Cross-border cultural differences, competition policy, and operating methods.
- Wholly owned direct investment: 100% ownership and control.
- Equity participation: Partial ownership.
-
Equity joint ventures: A separate firm created by two or more partners with shared ownership.
- Advantages: Shared resources, expertise, market access.
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Project-based, non-equity ventures: Partners collaborate on a specific project without creating a new legal entity.
- Examples: Consortia, cross-licensing agreements.
Contractual Entry Strategies in International Business: Licensing and Franchising
- Contractual entry strategies involve cross-border exchanges governed by contracts.
-
Licensing: Granting the right to use intellectual property in exchange for royalties or other compensation.
- Advantages: Low-cost market entry, minimal investment.
- Royalty: A periodic fee paid for the use of intellectual property.
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Description
This quiz covers the roles of freight forwarders and the essential International Commerce Terms (Incoterms) that define the responsibilities of buyers and sellers in shipping. Students will explore the significance of export licenses and the various Incoterms like EXW, FOB, and CIF. Test your knowledge on logistics and trade terminology in an engaging way.