1. Discuss how McDonald's and Wal-Mart illustrate the changes in the macroenvironment affect individual firms and industries through the microeconomic factors of demand, production, cost and profitability. Draw on current business publications and find updated facts for each case.
2. Compare and contrast McDonald's strategies in China with those of Wal-Mart's in Mexico.
3. What role did the policies of various governments play in influencing the international expansion strategies of both McDonald's and Wal-Mart?
4. What variables other than price appear to have the biggest impact on the demand for McDonald's products? How much influence does the company have over these variables?