1. The operations of multinational managers are made complex given the diverse cultural environments in which they operate. Research Hosfede's findings in any of the BRIC countries relating to the five dimensions of power distance, uncertainty avoidance, individualism, masculinity, and time orientation. How do they compare with those of the United States? What country-specific factors account for the differences? What impacts would they have on your management operations?
2. Look for an article about a multinational company's management failure in a foreign country caused by poor adaptation to the cultural environment. Provide suggestions for what could have been done to prevent the failure.
3. Research one of the major Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs). How has it helped in reducing trade barriers and in improving global economy? What roles can multinationals play to further your chosen RTA's objectives?
4. Conduct research on the technological environment. Identify the recent developments in technology affecting business and propelling globalization. What problems/challenges have arisen regarding use of the Internet for the global business environment and what probable solutions can you suggest? Use the CSU Online Library and other reputable sources to find more information for the answer.
5.The gradual demise of communism has become obvious within the past two decades. Write a brief summary of the implications of transitions to capitalism that formerly communist countries may be experiencing. What kinds of socio-economic challenges do you think multinationals face in those countries?
6. What factors do you think are responsible for Africa's slow economic development? What can the multinationals do to help?
7. You are the Vice President of International Operations in a Fortune 500 company. You are to write a preliminary report about which target country to establish your subsidiary based on the country's rating on the Heritage Foundation Economic Freedom report. Select a country from the report (not the U.S.) and write about the key variables of the country's economic freedom that would justify your selection.
8. Access the Transparency International website and look for Corruption Perception Index of two (2) countries located in different continents of the world. Conduct research on the impact of unethical business practices in the selected countries. In summarizing your research, include implications for multinational management in addressing the phenomena.
Reference:
Cullen, J.B., & Parboteeah, K.P. (2014). Multinational management: A strategic approach (6th ed.). Mason, OH: South-Western.