...Case Study #1: Canada in the Global Business Environment Canada: A trading nation? You are preparing for a top-level meeting between the Minister of International Trade, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and senior business executives representing several multinational corporations as well as a large group of small- and medium-size enterprises. The objective of the meeting is to discuss Canada’s strategy in responding to the changing global business environment. Expectations are high since everyone wishes to move beyond political pronouncements and joint statements, to specific strategies and actions. The Trade Canada Summit is raising expectations and all are committed to motivating a call to action across major stakeholders engaged in international commerce. While Canadians like to refer to the country as a “trading nation”—partly because of history and partly because of the large impact of trade on the Canadian economy today, leading practitioners and senior officials recognize several truths: • Canadian trade is highly concentrated in import/export activities with the United States • Certain industry sectors such as automotive and resource-based businesses account for a disproportionately large amount of Canada’s trade • Intra-company trade—transfers of resources between affiliated companies—is an important part of Canada’s “export” business The hard reality being confronted, and one which serves as a critical backdrop for this meeting, is the realization that...
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...affected, how they are affected, how they are going global and the risks and investments involved, the ethical issues involved in purchasing offshore goods and MEC’s sustainability strategy. MEC’s decision to carry products manufactured in offshore facilities will affect the following stakeholders: Stakeholder | Effect | Description | Canadian Manufacturers | Suffer | They will lose business | Offshore Manufacturers | Benefit | They will gain business | Consumers | Benefit | High quality products for low cost | Investor(members) | Benefit | More surplus will return more dividends | Canadian Employees | Suffer | Lose jobs as manufacturers lose business | Offshore Employees | Benefit | Better work environment and pay rate | Governments | Benefit | Canada: More tax revenue as consumers will buy cheaper products.Offshore: Investment in the country and increasing employment rate | MEC is ‘going global’ by purchasing from offshore manufacturers, increasing its global influence through parternerships, improving foreign work environments, and purchasing from sustainable manufacturers. In addition MEC is a member of the UN global compact, Canadian business, and the Social Responsibility Labour Association. There is a higher degree of investment involved with MEC going global than the risks. The risk is finding reliable manufactirers, they might lose some loyal customers who want to buy products exclusively made in Canada. The investments are they will have to set up...
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...A Comparative Study of Walmart Operations in Canada & Mexico Table of Contents 1. Executive Summary…………………………...………………………………...…...2 2. Introduction………………………………………………………………………….3 3. Walmart and the Canadian Marketplace……………………………..…………3 A. Country Competitiveness B. Cultural Environment C. Political and Legal Environment D. Entry Strategies 4. Walmart and the Mexican Marketplace……………………………..………….10 A. Country Competitiveness B. Cultural Environment C. Political and Legal Environment D. Entry Strategies 5. Summary Comparison of Canadian and Mexican Markets…………………….18 6. Recommendation…………………………………………………………………….19 7. References…………………………………………………………………………...21 1. Executive Summary This report closely examines the operations of the world's largest retailer, Walmart, in Canada and Mexico. Assessments of market conditions in both countries have been conducted in terms of country competitiveness, cultural, political and legal environments and the strategies used by Walmart upon entry. Tying into these international business factors, specific aspects of international economic integration, monetary systems, social responsibility and corruption have also been reviewed. While being part of one continent and a common trade bloc (NAFTA, the North American Free Trade Agreement), considerable differences between Canada and Mexico are apparent. These differences are individually analyzed on the following pages. Inevitably, they...
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...Business Ethics Essay Assignment: Multinational Corporations Submitted to: Prof. H. Aronovitch University of Ottawa Submitted by: David Hamilton Student # 5322750 PHI 2397 C Thursday November 29, 2011 Personal Ethics Agreement Concerning University Assignments Individual Assignment I submit this assignment and attest that I have applied all the appropriate rules of quotation and referencing in use at the University of Ottawa. I also confirm that I have taken knowledge of and respected the Beware of Plagiarism! brochure found on doc-depot. I attest that this work conforms to the rules on academic integrity of the University of Ottawa. __________HAMILTON, DAVID______ _________5322750___ Name, Capital letters Student number _______________________________ ________11/29/2011_____ Signature Date Ethics in business must start at the top of a company and work its way down to every employee involved in an organization. In today’s world, corporations feel a moral obligation to practice business fairly while treating their employees with respect, so shouldn’t a company keep the same ethical approach if they expand their operations abroad? Over the last century or so, the global economy has changed drastically, with less barriers and a greater flow of goods and services between countries. A multinational corporation is any business that has productive activities in two or more countries. Although there are many...
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...IVEy Richard Ivey School of Business The University of Western Ontario 910E08 IBM CANADA LTD.: IMPLEMENTING GLOBAL STRATEGY Ken Mark wrote this case under the supervision of Professor Deborah R. Compeau solely to provide material for class discussion. The authors do not intend to iIIustrate either effective or ineffective handling of a managerial situation. The authors may have disguised certain names and other identifying information to protect confidentiality. Ivey Management Services prohibits any form of reproduction, storage or transmittal without its written permission. Reproduction of this material is not covered under authorizalion by any reproduction rights organizalion. To order copies or request permission to reproduce materials, contact Ivey Publishing, Ivey Management Services, e/o Richard Ivey School of Business, The University of Western Ontario, London, Onterio, Canada, N6A 3K7; phone (519) 661-3208; fax (519) 661-3882; e-mail cases@ivey.uwo.ca. Copyright © 2010, Ivey Management Services Version: (A) 2010-03-29 INTRODUCTION "Sorne managers are asking us to delay the switch from our locally supported CRM software to the new global application," said Peter Silvanovich, business transformation executive, Sales & Distribution, IBM Canada Ud. (IBM Canada). Silvanovich had responsibility for - among other things - introducing, maintaining and retiring software programs to support IBM Canada's business needs. On October 12, 2009, Silvanovich...
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...INTRODUCTION “In today’s increasingly global economy, diversity is no longer a feel-good best practice for companies, it’s a business imperative” (Macfarlane, 2010). The changing terrain of the workplace, aging workforce, customer demands and the proliferation of minority groups in the global market have pushed companies to adopt “business practices that profit and benefit from being seen as diverse” (Creative Solutions Services, 2012). Many countries and companies worldwide have taken revolutionary steps to integrate diversity strategies within their core business philosophy having realised that it is not only the right and moral thing to do but is a key business strategy for gaining a competitive advantage (Daft, 2010). Ernst & Young is a...
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...TRANSMITTAL MEMO To: Steeves and Rozema Group of Companies Board of Directors From: Alyssa Hocking, alyssahocking@gmail.com Date: September 4, 2013 Subject: Proposal for Further Global Expansion ________________________________________________________________________ Attached is my report “Proposal for Further Global Expansion,” as you requested during our previous meeting. The report identifies the challenges that Steeves and Rozema is having with furthering their global expansion. Based on my research I have recommended a comprehensive plan as a solution to the problems to give the company the understanding and comprehension needed to expand globally. If you have any further requests or questions please contact me at (519) 123-4567. Executive Summary Steeves and Rozema Group of Companies is entering their fiftieth year as a company and it continually looks to opportunities to grow from the small construction company they started their business as in 1963. Without expanding into the global marketplace the company currently own over twenty properties in South Western Ontario employing approximately twenty-five hundred staff members. They are currently looking to expand throughout Canada with the potential of developing into Northern parts of the United States. However there are a few challenges that are holding Steeves and Rozema back from completely agreeing to move forward with the expansion. These challenges include competition, customer relationships...
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...one in the same. However, there are very distinct differences in their culture and business. Canada’s communication patterns are low key. Reserve, understatement, diplomacy and tact are key attributes and contrast sharply with the more direct approach of many Americans (Business Structures in Canada and Doing Business in Canada, n.d.). According to Global Road Warrior (n.d.), Canadians prefer a direct approach and value building long-term business relationships. They may discuss and negotiate the terms of a contract, but they prefer to receive direct information pertaining to their costs and other conditions. In a Canadian organization team members have the power to make decisions, and management is more of a collaborative effort than a hierarchy. In management style, Canadian managers are not expected to manage in an authoritarian or paternalistic manner but are, nonetheless, expected to be decisive. Management style could be characterized as informal and friendly with managers preferring to be seen as one of the guys, rather than as an aloof figure who stands apart from everybody else (Business Structures in Canada and Doing Business in Canada, n.d.). Canadians also value time and efficiency. Once a contract is agreed upon they prefer not to change the terms. Canadians generally believe that authority can be challenged. This could be a potential issue especially if working in an environment where management is not normally questioned or challenged on their decisions. Their...
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...International Business Exam Chapter 1 Notes Domestic vs International Business * Business: is the manufacturing of goods or services in order to make a profit * Term “trade” is used interchangeably with business * Transactions: exchange of things of value * Domestic Business: business that transacts mainly in the country it was base din * ie owned by Canadians, in Canada, selling to Canadians (Rare) * International Business: economic system of transactions conducted between businesses in different countries * Domestic Transaction: between 2 Canadian companies * International Transaction: between Canadian + non Canadian company * Domestic Market: the customers of a business who are in the same country as the business * Foreign Market: the customers of a business who are in a different country as the business * 5 Ways for businesses to must be international * MUST own retailers or distributors in another country * MUST own manufacturing plant in another country * MUST export to other countries * MUST import from others * MUST invest in other country businesses * Trading Partner: Canada businesses make relationship with businesses in another country, so they would be Canada’s trading partner. History of Canadian Trade * European Trade * 1700s – trades grew fast after permanent Canadian settlement * Demand for raw materials (beaver pelts, fish, lumber) ...
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...MKTG 340 Starbucks Marketing Plan Non-fat Caramel Macchiato Company Overview Starbucks Coffee was in the business since 1971 and is based in Seattle, Washington. Because of the innovative and high-quality products and all-dimension business strategies, Starbucks Coffee becomes the leader in the global coffee industry, which owns 21,878 stores in more than 60 countries all over the world (Starbucks Coffee Company, 2015). Starbucks offers a variety of products so as the serve the customer wherever and whenever they are, including fresh foods and beverages, coffee machines and travelling muds, and ready-to-drink beverages. Company Mission “To inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time” is the mission statement of Starbucks (Starbucks Coffee Company, 2015). Starbucks aims as to serve premium coffee, excellent customer service and valuable experience to the customers. Starbucks values the customers, suppliers and also the society. Starbucks tends to create the warmth and belonging culture, so that their customers can enjoy an energetic and wonderful day from the start of the Starbucks coffee. Starbucks keeps improving the quality of products and services; also, the growth of the company and the sustainable future of the community and environment. S.W.O.T. Analysis Strengths * Well-known developed company that been around since 1971 (Starbucks Coffee Company, 2015). * There are more than 20,000 stores...
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...food production consequently affecting global food prices. This article takes its position on denying the export of fresh water from Canada to the U.S for several reasons: Canada needs to fulfill its own demand; the impact this could have on Canadian environment; the feasibility of exportation; trade regulations and how this could have negative effects on the prices of global water market. Current and Future Demand of Canada As human population continues to grow, we see the demand for water increase, a necessity to survive and for societies to grow. Canada is fortunate enough to have 7% of the world’s renewable water but only have 0.5% of the world’s population. On the contrary, United States contains 6.5% of word’s renewable water and has 5% of the world’s population (Quinn, 2007). But, Canada has a bigger land mass than U.S and by which it’s reasonable to have this much water to support its vast ecological needs for its various species to survive (Quinn 2007). At times, we do forget that these resources are necessary for the survival of life other than human beings. Nearly 60% of the fresh water drains northward into the Arctic Ocean and Hudson Bay, making it inaccessible for nearly 85% of the Canadian population that lives within 300 kilometers of the U.S border (Environment Canada, 2010). On average, each Canadian uses 329 liters of fresh water per day for domestic use only to rank 2nd to United States (WaterCan, 2005). Although Canada has abundance of fresh water, it’s simply...
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...The Rubric’s Cube Marketing The Rubik’s Cube Teresa M. Taylor Principals of Marketing Business 330 Instructor, Garlyn Lewis November 26, 2014 Running Head: Marketing The Rubrik’s Cube Marketing across cultures around the world is increasingly becoming a thriving business with the fast-speed globalization nowadays. The Four ‘Ps’ of marketing, namely product, price, place and promotion, include most of the elements of marketing decision-making. However, socio-cultural factors, in considering the combination of marketing strategies, will always run through them. Socio-cultural factors have a huge influence in people's concept of product and buying behavior. Lack of cultural awareness not only can lead to a decrease of product sales, but can even collapses the company’s whole international image. In this sense, understanding cultural differences plays an incredibly significant role in process of developing marketing strategies. The partnership should be cohesive and be aligned with one another’s future endeavors and goals. Demographics, psychographics, and data from general areas in a given target market are beneficial information that is useful in developing marketing strategies. It assists with the marketing decisions that are results of the four P’s. When deciding if a company should expand business into a global market, it is important to conduct market research. Global market research gathers and collects data and information and identifies possible issues that...
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...Global Assessment of Japan Bobbi Rieger, Chelsea Bergman, Sanam Amid-Hozour, Shirabe Yoshida University of British Columbia Okanagan In order to expand Webster Incorporated into the global market we have to consider which market would permit Webster Inc. to enter while allowing them room to grow as the competition is fierce within the faux wood industry. Our team believes the most profitable option for a global market in regards to expansion would be Japan. There are many reasons as to why this would be beneficial to Webster Incorporated. Historically, Japan and Canada have had high levels of exchanges, all the while maintaining a stable relationship. Trade between the Japanese-Canadian markets has been approximately equal in terms of importation and exportation. The most important factor of this being that one of Canada's major exports to Japan is lumber. Currently, there is a trade agreement between the two; the “Innovative Japan-Canada Economic Framework” was launched in 2005 to maximize the Japan-Canada economic relations and cooperation (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, 2011). More recently, in June of 2010 the customs administrations of Japan and Canada have signed the Mutual Recognition Agreement on Authorized Economic Operator programs. This program has allowed simplified and fast-tracked customs proceedings (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, 2011). These proceedings will contribute to furthering secure and facilitated trade...
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...Climate change is a by-product of a global economic system based on cheap fossil fuel energy that powers our homes, vehicles, offices and factories. Summaries of climate science and modeling, such as those undertaken by the International Panel on Climate Change tell us that a “business as usual” trajectory of rising greenhouse gas emissions (or even maintaining emissions at current levels) threatens the very survival of humans, not to mention other animals and plants. (Lee, Mark, and Kenneth I., 11) As the world is increasingly focusing on environmental awareness, a new “green” trend has arisen. This research essay will discuss the issue of sustainability of the environment in production, growing consumer interest in the green trend, and how it is affecting businesses. The effects of an altered climate are already evident in retreating glaciers, shrinking polar ice, droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events. As environmental awareness is becoming more common, and since production industries tend to think in terms of the long run (Wilson, Tim) there is a demand for a transformational shift towards sustainable systems of production and consumption, however many people confuse being green with being sustainable. To be green, substances from the earth's core must not be extracted faster than they're regenerated, pollutants must not be discharged into the atmosphere faster than the earth's systems can clean them, and surface level resources must not be destroyed or harvested...
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...External Analysis: PESTEL Analysis: Political – The recent regulations changes to the Canada Wheat Board regulations, which can affect the industry. For example, the farmers can send the product to the market directly without the wholesaler. Economic – Cervus Equipment Corporation is in a good economic situation although the global economic is moderating. Moreover, according to MarketLine Analyst, the global agricultural machinery market is forecasted for growing, and the farming industry is achieved unprecedented growth in western Canada. Additionally, lower interest rate helps farmers to lease and rent new equipment cheaply. Additionally, Cervus Equipment tries to achieve economic of scale, and gets the better results. Sociocultural – The world population is predicted to increase 23 percent by 2025, and global food production is expected to rise 50 percent. The manager wants to satisfy the customers’ needs, and Cervus Equipment creates the Cervus Leadership University (CLU) to find out the employees, who can satisfy and understand the customers. Moreover, when Cervus Equipment expands the market to New Zealand, the company needs to understand more differences in international markets and cultures. Technological – Because of the increasing of the population, food production, and unchanged total arable farmland, the new equipment technology is formed, as “Site Specific or Precision Farming.” This strategy includes many good systems to manage the farm resources...
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