Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following is NOT considered a barrier to trade?
Which of the following is NOT considered a barrier to trade?
What is one common way companies adapt their products to overcome barriers to trade?
What is one common way companies adapt their products to overcome barriers to trade?
Which of the following best describes quotas in trade?
Which of the following best describes quotas in trade?
How do legal and political differences impact international trade?
How do legal and political differences impact international trade?
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Which of the following factors affects trade through social and cultural differences?
Which of the following factors affects trade through social and cultural differences?
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What is the result when a nation exports more than it imports?
What is the result when a nation exports more than it imports?
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What is the primary role of an independent agent in a foreign market?
What is the primary role of an independent agent in a foreign market?
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What does licensing allow a foreign company to do?
What does licensing allow a foreign company to do?
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What is a strategic alliance often referred to as?
What is a strategic alliance often referred to as?
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What could be a reason for a company to establish foreign direct investment?
What could be a reason for a company to establish foreign direct investment?
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How can having a branch office in a foreign country benefit a firm?
How can having a branch office in a foreign country benefit a firm?
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What is one potential disadvantage of a trade deficit?
What is one potential disadvantage of a trade deficit?
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Why might a government encourage foreign direct investment?
Why might a government encourage foreign direct investment?
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What defines an international firm?
What defines an international firm?
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What is one of the opportunities associated with entering international markets?
What is one of the opportunities associated with entering international markets?
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Which of the following companies is an example of a multinational firm?
Which of the following companies is an example of a multinational firm?
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Which of the following is a challenge when dealing with international business?
Which of the following is a challenge when dealing with international business?
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What is the primary focus of a multinational firm's decision-making?
What is the primary focus of a multinational firm's decision-making?
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What distinguishes an importer from an exporter?
What distinguishes an importer from an exporter?
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What kind of firm focuses a significant portion of its business abroad?
What kind of firm focuses a significant portion of its business abroad?
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What type of roadblocks should be considered before international expansion?
What type of roadblocks should be considered before international expansion?
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What organization replaced GATT in 1995 and expanded its membership?
What organization replaced GATT in 1995 and expanded its membership?
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What significant change occurred as a result of Brexit in 2016?
What significant change occurred as a result of Brexit in 2016?
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What is one key goal of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), now USMCA?
What is one key goal of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), now USMCA?
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Which of the following was NOT a goal of the European Union?
Which of the following was NOT a goal of the European Union?
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What is a tariff primarily designed to do?
What is a tariff primarily designed to do?
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Which of the following best describes a subsidy?
Which of the following best describes a subsidy?
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What was a consequence of the U.S. imposing tariffs on Canadian lumber?
What was a consequence of the U.S. imposing tariffs on Canadian lumber?
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What is an example of an embargo provided in the content?
What is an example of an embargo provided in the content?
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Which statement about tariffs is true?
Which statement about tariffs is true?
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How can subsidies impact the global market?
How can subsidies impact the global market?
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What has the U.S. been focusing its tariffs on recently?
What has the U.S. been focusing its tariffs on recently?
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What is the main purpose of implementing an embargo?
What is the main purpose of implementing an embargo?
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Study Notes
Going International
- The business climate of foreign countries varies significantly and is shaped by local laws, customs, and consumer preferences.
- Cultural, legal, and economic roadblocks can negatively impact a company's international operations.
- An understanding of the demand for products abroad is paramount for success in international markets.
- Adapting products to meet local needs and preferences is crucial for a smooth international transition.
The Global Business Environment
- There are opportunities and challenges for international businesses stemming from the global environment.
- Opportunities: Access to international markets and new technologies, potential for increased sales and operating efficiencies, diverse consumer choices.
- Challenges: Conflicting laws and customs, diverse consumer preferences, varying ethical standards, diverse labor skill availability, uncertainty in political and economic landscapes.
International Business Management
- Exporters focus on producing goods in their home country and selling them to other countries.
- Importers engage in purchasing products from foreign markets for resale in their domestic market.
- International firms conduct a significant portion of their business outside of their home country while maintaining domestic operations.
- Multinational Firms (MNFs) operate with assets, factories, mines, sales offices, and affiliates in multiple countries. They are driven by international market opportunities and centralize planning and decision-making for global operations.
International vs. Multinational Firms
- International firms focus on selling products globally without substantial operations in other countries.
- Multinational firms have established business operations, facilities, and even manufacturing in different countries.
Forms of Competitive Advantage
- Balance of Trade: Comparing the value of a country’s total exports to its total imports.
- Trade Surplus: Occurs when a nation exports more than it imports.
- Trade Deficit: Occurs when a nation imports more than it exports.
Independent Agents
- Local individuals or companies who represent a company's interests in foreign markets.
- Independent agents often sell products, collect payments, and ensure customer satisfaction.
- They possess valuable knowledge of local culture, language, and market dynamics.
Licensing Arrangements
- A foreign company is granted exclusive rights to produce and sell a company's products in exchange for royalties or fees.
- Franchising is a type of licensing where the rights to use a company's brand, trademarks, and processes are provided.
- Licensing can provide a strategic entry point into a foreign market.
Branch Offices
- A company establishes a physical office in a foreign country to enhance its presence in the market.
- Direct control over product sales, use, and manufacturing processes is facilitated.
- Branch offices can fulfill local legal requirements for establishing business within a country.
Strategic Alliances
- Strategic alliances involve joint ventures or partnerships between two distinct companies.
- These alliances often involve the sharing of knowledge and expertise.
- Some countries mandate strategic alliances as a requirement for foreign companies to own assets.
- Strategic alliances provide greater control over operations.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
- When a company acquires tangible assets in a foreign country, for example, building a manufacturing plant.
- FDI brings foreign investment to a local economy, which can be encouraged or discouraged by the government.
- FDI creates local employment opportunities.
Barriers to Trade
- Social and cultural differences, ranging from languages to shopping habits.
- Economic differences, including the extent of government involvement in the economy.
- Legal and political differences, which can manifest as quotas, tariffs, subsidies, local content laws and business practice laws.
Social and Cultural Differences
- Companies must adapt their products or services to local preferences and cultural sensitivities.
Legal and Political Differences
- Quotas: Limits on the import of specific product classes.
- Embargoes: Prohibiting the import or export of goods from a specific country, such as the US's embargo on North Korea.
- Tariffs: Taxes imposed on imported goods to protect domestic industries and generate government revenue.
- Subsidies: Financial support provided by governments to domestic businesses to aid in their global competitiveness.
World Trade Organization (WTO)
- Founded after World War II in 1947, and revised in 1994 under GATT (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade).
- 92 countries signed GATT and it became the WTO with 164 member nations in 1995.
- The WTO negotiates international trade agreements & resolves trade disputes between member countries.
European Union (EU)
- Established in 1993 with the goal of creating a free movement of capital, people, and goods for its member nations.
- The EU was comprised of 28 countries at one point, but now consists of 27 members after the UK's departure (Brexit) in 2016.
- Represents the largest free marketplace in the world.
North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) now USMCA (United States- Mexico- Canada Agreement)
- Established in 1994 with the aim of progressively removing trade barriers between the US, Canada, and Mexico.
- USMCA replaces NAFTA and features significant revisions including increased market access for US dairy producers and revised automotive rules of origin with higher North American content requirements.
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Description
This quiz covers key concepts in International Business Management, including the impact of foreign laws, cultural customs, and the economic environment on international operations. It highlights both the opportunities and challenges faced by businesses expanding into global markets. Test your knowledge on adapting products for diverse consumer preferences and navigating international trade.