International Business and Economies
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT a common criticism leveled against globalization by antiglobalist groups?

  • It contributes to environmental degradation due to increased production and consumption.
  • It increases economic inequality between wealthy and poor nations.
  • It can lead to a loss of national sovereignty as international bodies gain power.
  • It often promotes environmental sustainability through green technologies. (correct)
  • According to Porter's Diamond, which of the following refers to the cost and quality of resources available for production?

  • Local Demand Conditions
  • Competitiveness of Related & Supporting Industries
  • Intensity of Rivalry
  • Factor Endowments (correct)
  • Which mode of international expansion involves a company granting rights to a local entity to produce and sell its product, with the licensee bearing most of the startup costs?

  • Licensing (correct)
  • Franchising
  • Joint Ventures
  • Exporting
  • Which international expansion modality allows for the greatest control over operations in the foreign market?

    <p>Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'horizontal integration' refer to in the context of a business strategy?

    <p>Merging with or acquiring direct competitors in the same industry. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a typical characteristic of 'third-world' countries in an early stage of economic development according to the text?

    <p>Specializing in assembling low-cost, high-volume products and commodities. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a commonly outsourced business function?

    <p>Core business strategy development. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary activity of multinational corporations regarding global operations?

    <p>Transferring capital, technology, human resources, inventory, and information across markets. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the 'Maquiladoras strategy'?

    <p>International business agreements that allow for production in countries with lower labor costs. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of countries with 'knowledge workers'?

    <p>They concentrate on the provision of goods and services with a high value-added component. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the definition of outsourcing, according to the text?

    <p>Purchasing goods and services from vendors outside the firm. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does globalization, according to its proponents, contribute to economic growth?

    <p>By encouraging specialization based on comparative advantages in global markets. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is mentioned in the text as a benefit of globalization regarding technology?

    <p>It makes technology access easier via trade between countries. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'stick to the knitting' mean in the context of business strategy?

    <p>Focusing on a company's core competencies. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of backward vertical integration?

    <p>To gain control over its supply chain by acquiring companies that supply its inputs. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of corporate structure is best suited for organizations that require adaptability and quicker decision-making?

    <p>A decentralized structure. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What kind of company requires centralized control in order to function effectively?

    <p>A vertically integrated company. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a matrix organizational structure, to whom are employees likely to be responsible?

    <p>To various managers across different projects or functions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a product-team structure?

    <p>Employees have more responsibilities to different individuals in different areas. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is strategic outsourcing?

    <p>Allowing an external party to conduct value creation activities for the company. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of a company that uses a geographical structure?

    <p>Adapting to different market conditions in various regions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key disadvantage of a divisional organizational structure?

    <p>Duplication of resources across different divisions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes a potential drawback of a matrix structure?

    <p>Confusion arising from dual reporting obligations. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a limitation often associated with flat organizational structures?

    <p>Managers experiencing an excessive workload and responsibility. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a team-based structure, what is a potential issue that may arise among the teams?

    <p>Competition among teams for recognition and limited resources. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of organizational structure aims to combine functional and divisional benefits, while increasing flexibility?

    <p>Matrix structure. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the World Trade Organization (WTO)?

    <p>To ensure smooth, predictable, and free trade between nations. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which agreement involves governments voluntarily limiting the volume or value of goods they export and import?

    <p>Export restraint agreements (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key focus of the International Labour Organization (ILO)?

    <p>Promoting human rights at work, with emphasis on women's rights and collective bargaining. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common disadvantage associated with a functional organizational structure?

    <p>Barriers in communication between departments, leading to a 'silo effect'. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does a 'tariff' refer to in the context of international trade?

    <p>A tax collected on goods shipped across national boundaries. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which organization provides loans and grants to countries for projects aiming to reduce poverty and promote sustainable economic development?

    <p>The World Bank. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    If a company is organized into divisions based on product lines, services, or geographical regions, what type of organizational structure is that?

    <p>Divisional Structure (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the options describes what a 'Stakeholder' is?

    <p>Any individual, group, or organization that has an interest in or is affected by the actions of a business, project, or institution. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Types of Economies

    Economic systems where countries specialize in producing goods and services based on their resources and skills. Developed countries focus on high-value goods and services, while developing countries focus on low-cost, high-volume production or resource extraction.

    Outsourcing

    The practice of hiring external companies or individuals to perform tasks that are not part of a company's core business operations.

    Multinational Corporation

    A multinational corporation is a business that operates in multiple countries, moving resources like money, technology, and employees across borders to find new growth opportunities.

    NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement)

    A trade agreement between Canada, Mexico, and the United States, designed to promote free trade and investment between these countries.

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    Maquiladora Strategy

    A business strategy where a company sets up manufacturing operations in countries with lower labor costs, often near the border of a developed country.

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    Globalization

    The process of integrating economies, cultures, and societies around the world, driven by advancements in transportation, technology, and communication.

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    Proponents of Globalization

    Advocates of globalization believe it brings economic growth, technology transfer, and cultural exchange, leading to a more interconnected and prosperous world.

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    Opponents of Globalization

    Opponents of globalization argue that it can lead to job losses in developed countries, exploitation of workers in developing countries, and cultural homogenization.

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    Inequality & Globalization

    The argument that globalization increases the gap between rich and poor countries, making poverty worse in some regions.

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    Globalization & Sovereignty Loss

    The concern that globalization reduces a nation's control over its own affairs as global organizations and companies gain influence.

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    Horizontal Integration

    The strategy of acquiring or merging with a company in the same industry.

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    Globalization & Environment

    The argument that globalization contributes to environmental damage through increased production and consumption.

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    Licensing in International Expansion

    A company sells the right to manufacture and sell its products to another company, typically in a foreign market.

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    Focus Resources

    A company focuses its resources on becoming the best in a specific area.

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    Stick to the Knitting

    A strategy where a company sticks to its core strengths and avoids venturing into unfamiliar territories.

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    Vertical Integration

    When a company expands its operations into industries that supply its inputs (backward integration) or distribute its products (forward integration).

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    Backward Vertical Integration

    A company expands its operations to produce materials or components used in its primary products.

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    Forward Vertical Integration

    A company expands its operations to distribute or sell its products directly to customers.

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    Strategic Outsourcing

    A company allows external organizations to perform some of its value-chain activities, focusing on its core competencies.

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    Centralization

    A company structure where decision-making authority is concentrated at the top level.

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    Decentralization

    A company structure where decision-making authority is delegated to lower levels.

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    Matrix structure

    A structure where employees report to both a functional manager and a project/product manager, fostering collaboration and flexibility.

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    Flat structure

    A structure with few hierarchical levels, promoting open communication and faster decision-making.

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    Team-based structure

    A structure where teams are formed around projects with employees working together to achieve specific goals.

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    Divisional structure

    A structure where a company is divided into different divisions based on products, customer groups, or geographic locations.

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    Functional structure

    A structure based on functional areas like research, production, marketing, finance, and human resources.

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    Tariff

    A tax imposed on goods that are traded across national borders.

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    Quota

    A limit on the quantity or value of goods that can be traded between countries.

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    Export Restraint Agreements

    Agreements where countries voluntarily limit the amount of goods they export and import to each other.

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    World Trade Organization (WTO)

    An international organization that sets the rules for global trade between nations.

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    World Bank

    A financial institution focused on providing loans and grants to developing countries to reduce poverty and promote economic growth.

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    Stakeholder

    Any individual, group, or organization that has an interest in or is affected by a business or project.

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    United Nations (UN)

    An intergovernmental organization promoting peace, security, human rights, and sustainable development through international cooperation.

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    Study Notes

    Multiple Choice Questions

    • Two main types of economies were considered:
      • Countries with low-skilled labor, focusing on low-cost, high-volume products or raw materials. These countries were typically in early stages of development.
      • Countries with skilled "knowledge workers" producing high-value goods and services. Examples are the US and Germany. Countries like the US and Germany develop products with high added value.
    • Outsourcing is the purchasing of goods or services from outside vendors that could have been produced internally. Businesses often outsource non-core business functions.
    • Common outsourced functions include: legal work, employee benefits, shipping, production, information systems, storage, financial functions, and marketing. Human resource management functions like placement, training, and relocation are also frequently outsourced.
    • International business agreements like NAFTA (Maquiladora strategy) are discussed.
    • Multinational corporations (MNCs) transfer capital, technology, human resources, inventory, and information to expand into new markets. Medium-sized organizations can participate in global markets by producing or selling products made abroad.

    Globalization

    • Globalization is a debated topic:
      • Proponents argue it promotes economic growth, technology transfer, and cultural exchange.
      • Opponents cite widening economic inequality, loss of national sovereignty, and environmental concerns.
    • Small organizations may serve as local suppliers to larger companies, like Toyota and Honda plants in the US.

    National Competitive Advantage

    • Porter's Diamond model identifies factors relating to a nation's competitive advantage in specific industries. These factors include:
      • Factor conditions (cost and quality of resources like labor and capital).
      • Demand conditions (demand for products in the domestic market).
      • Related and supporting industries (availability of supporting industries).
      • Intensity of rivalry (domestic competition).

    Modality of International Expansion

    • Exporting is a common initial expansion strategy, often used to test demand in new markets before deeper involvement.

    Strategic Outsourcing and Integration

    • Horizontal integration (merging or acquiring competitors) is a strategy for companies to maintain their niche and compete better.
    • Vertical integration involves expanding into industries that either provide input (backward) or distribute output (forward). A company may vertically integrate if it desires more control over its supply chain.

    Company Structure and Policies

    • Companies utilize various structures (like matrix and product teams) to organize tasks, people, and functions.
    • Company policies and procedures determine acceptable workplace behavior.

    Geographical Structure

    • Centralized decision-making authority concentrates power at the top, promoting consistency but limiting flexibility.
    • Decentralization distributes authority to lower levels, improving flexibility and local responsiveness but potentially creating inconsistencies.

    International Organizations

    • The ILO promotes human rights at work, focused on issues like freedom of association, and labor protections.
    • The World Bank facilitates economic development though loans and grants.
    • The WTO addresses global trade rules between nations.

    Organizational Structure Types

    • Functional structure groups employees by specialized functions.
    • Divisional structure groups employees by product line, service, or geographic area.
    • Matrix structure combines functional and divisional structures, which often leads to complex reporting relationships.
    • Flat structure has few hierarchical levels, facilitating faster decision-making.
    • Team-based structure groups employees into project teams

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    Description

    This quiz explores key concepts in international business, focusing on various types of economies, outsourcing practices, and the role of multinational corporations. Participants will assess understanding of terms such as knowledge workers and international agreements like NAFTA. Test your knowledge on how economies interact in the global landscape.

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