Key requirements and task briefing information
CHOOSE ONE GLOBAL INDUSTRY FROM THOSE COVERED IN GLOBAL SHIFT.
- THE EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRIES
- THE ARGO-FOOD INDUSTRIES
- THE CLOTHING INDUSTRIES
- THE AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRIES
- ADVANCED BUSINESS SERVICES
- LOGISTICS AND DISTRIBUTION SERVICES
ANSWER ONE QUESTION OF THE FOLLOWING THREE OPTIONS.
- First assess the extent to which the chosen industry can be characterised as: (a) globalised OR regionalised (as per Rugman) OR (b) core Triad-dominated or multi-polar. Then, explore and analyse the underlying factors and forces behind the observed patterns.
- For the chosen industry, select one prominent emerging economy, and conduct a comparative investigation of the major entry modes used by foreign firms in the past decade. Carefully assess (and illustrate with examples) the key motivations behind the choice of the entry modes under consideration.
- For the chosen industry, select and investigate one prominent geographical industry cluster, account for the clusters international prominence (drawing on relevant theories) and explain the role it plays within wider global production networks.
Example Range of variable to consider by Rugman: Company sales, company asset, production, where research and development, global brands, global sourcing.
Forces & factors- Industries cluster, Role of the state, relationship with suppliers, rising emerging market, off shoring of activities and outsourcing
Examples of different mode of entry (Exporting to that particular country, Mergers & Acquisitions, Joint venture Production under license, Franchising etc) also discuss disadvantages and advantages of some of the entry mode.
Note that all three assignment questions require you to explore how a key global industry has been affected one or more of the core module topics. As some of the chapters in Global Shift are relatively broad in scope, it may be advisable to narrow the scope of the industry you are investigating; if you do so, this should be clearly explained in the introduction of your assignment.
