The organization that you work for is interested in expanding their business overseas. You have been asked to gather some preliminary information to help management decide on whether to pursue this idea further.

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Rebecca Masters

Professor Jean Gordon

                                       September 3, 2004

The organization that you work for is interested in expanding their business overseas. You have been asked to gather some preliminary information to help management decide on whether to pursue this idea further.

Search the Cybrary or other online resource and find an article describing an experience of either: (1) a US company or division that conducts business in a foreign country; or (2) a company or division based in another country which has started doing business in the United States. Perform searches on "joint venture," "licensing," or "strategic alliance." Based on your research submit a three page document to the managers of the organization which answers the following set of questions:

  1. Was the company's experience positive, negative, or mixed? Justify your answer.
  2. What legal or political barriers did the company have to overcome? What cultural or business differences did the company encounter? What problems did these differences create for the company? What did the company do to overcome the obstacles? Did the company handle cultural and business differences effectively? Why or why not?
  3. Companies involved in international trade have to watch the exchange rates for the euro, Japanese yen, Brazil real, Russian ruble, and US dollar. If you were a U.S. exporter, how might a stronger dollar affect demand for your products? How might a weaker dollar affect demand? (Note: One Internet source for foreign exchange rates is  ).
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Doing business in another r country can be extremely tricky. Numerous problems result from a failure to adapt packaging for other cultures. For instance, white symbolizes death in Japan, and much of Asia, green represents danger or disease in Malaysia. Some product names travel poorly. For instance, the gasoline company Esso found out that its name means “stalled car” in Japan.

        Proper market research may reduce or eliminate most international business blunders. Market researchers can uncover needs for product adaptations, potential name problems, promotional requirements, and useful market strategies. Food research may even uncover potential translation problems. As you can ...

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