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Based on the video you chose and the required readings, briefly discuss the following questions. Support your arguments with data and concepts from the readings:

Assess the arguments presented by Ghemawat; the activist; the business executive; and the government trade official. How do their opinions reflect the three major viewpoints on the future of international business and globalization presented by DRS on pp. 23-24?
Outsourcing services has always been wrapped in myths and there is a need to separate the truth from fiction. There are just plenty of misleading concepts about industries that are evolving on their own, becoming a catalyst of change in the way the world works. Like the real workforce, there’s plenty of room for success and failure. Many of these myths have evolved out of misconceptions and deals that didn’t simply work. The most timeworn debate of all times come to whether outsourcing makes more people lose jobs in the U.S. or not. Outsourcing may send jobs overseas and you may get personal with the issue, if you’re looking at one side of the coin. On the other side, outsourcing helps many small businesses and startups in the U.S. to survive in a tough economy as well. The viewpoints presented by the activists, business, and government seems to make up for the whole range of arguments that is accompanying the discussion about the direction of the globalization; from social and environmental concerns, through the business opportunism, up to the chances that it brings for countries’ development.
According to Daniels, Radebaugh and Sullivan (2011), there is still difference of opinion on the future of international business and globalization. Basically, there are three major viewpoints: * Further globalization is inevitable – this view reflects the premise that advancements in transportation and communications are so pervasive that consumers everywhere will demand the best products for the best prices regardless of their origins. Those who hold this view also argue that governments will be pressured to place fewer rather than more restrictions on the international movement of goods and the means of producing them. The question is how to spread the benefits of globalization equitably while minimizing the hardships placed on their parties – both people and companies – who “suffer” from increased international competition. * International business will grow primarily along regional rather than global lines – this premise is based on studies which show that almost all firms that consider themselves global conduct a dominant portion of their business in their home and neighboring countries. It may be possible; however, that regionalization is a transitional step on the route to globalization. * Forces working against further globalization and international business will slow down the growth of both – historically, pressure groups have often been successful in obstructing policies and activities that threatened their own well-being. In addition, recent anti-globalization interests have successfully promoted a variety of causes in numerous countries that span the globe. Whether institutions and people can work together to effectively manage the complexities of today’s interconnected world remains to be seen.
It must be kept in mind that doing business, traditional or virtual, comes with pros and cons. Outsourcing needs can turn into a success story if there is a careful plan in the first place. Outsourcing is a powerful weapon in achieving a win-win deal, and it can also be a weapon of destruction.
What are the challenges and unintended consequences of international business?
Successful international corporations are those that recognize the diversity of the world marketplace and are able to cope with the uncertainties of doing business in continually changing market environments. The task of understanding the diversity of the world marketplace is immense. International executives must cope with the following: political diversity as world markets may be governed by autocracies (chiefs, kings, dictators, one-party governments) or democracies, economic diversity as national wealth disparities vary from $107 per capita per year in Burundi to over $71,000 per capita in Norway, regional diversity in distributions of wealth and population, cultural/linguistic diversity, diversities in country size and populations, and developmental diversities between industrialized nations. In addition, the world marketplace is characterized by constant change, resulting in major political, economic, cultural, and financial uncertainties.
What is the role of technology in supporting company performance in a globalizing business environment?
Vast improvements in transportation and communications technology, including the development of the Internet, have significantly increased the effectiveness and efficiency of international business operations. As continual enhancements are made, the world continues to "grow smaller" and businesses have further reach than ever.
The impact of computers on the global business environment is wide-ranging and also includes the Internet, which is a useful tool for international companies. By using the Internet, companies across the world can perform research and learn more about partners and suppliers.
The shipment of raw materials and finished products is absolutely vital to any business, but particularly those with an international scope. Transportation technology enables a company on one continent to send its raw materials or products to another company in a different continent. Technological advancements in airplanes, cargo ships and railways allow for quicker, cheaper delivery, which impacts business by making global distribution more feasible.
Do governments have a role in protecting citizens from the potential negative effects of foreign MNEs conducting business in their countries? If no, why? If yes, what kinds of government actions would you recommend?
According to Daniels, Radebaugh and Sullivan (2011), globalization has become a major socioeconomic force and topic of debate in the twenty-first century. In all likelihood, governments will continue to compete for larger shares of the benefits from the activities of MNEs. In the short term, most will probably work to create more favorable business environments for foreign investors because investment inflows can aid with trade deficit problems as well as foster economic development and growth. In the longer term, however, FDI may be less welcome because attitudes tend to vary according to economic conditions. If, in the future, people perceive themselves to be economically disadvantaged, even if only in a relative sense, they may, at least to some degree, blame FDI for their socio-economic distress and thus lean toward the restriction of foreign investment activities

References:
Daniels, J., Radebaugh, L., Sullivan, D. (2011). International business: Environment and Operations. 13th Ed. Pearson Education INC. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey.
Faulkner, B. (2011). How Has Technology Impacted the Global Business Environment. Retrieved on July 7, 2012 from http://www. ehow.com/
Sayno, M. (2010). Thruth Versus Fiction. Retrieved on July 7, 2012 from http://www. ajeva.com/

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