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MKTG 4220 International Sourcing, Logistics And Transportation
1- In addition to the clusters of Silicon Valley of the U.S. and Sassuolo, Italy, Michael Porter identified a cluster for printing presses in Heidelberg, Germany. Others have written about clusters in Limoges, France for porcelain and in Valenza Po, Italy, for gold jewelry. What characteristics do industrial clusters have that other cities do not have? Can you think of other industrial clusters in the United States or abroad?
2- How large an impact has international trade had on your own life, with the products that you own or have purchased in the recent past. Is your quality of life better or worse? Why?
3- What is your position on the realities, as well as the pros and cons of bio-fuel replacements for oil? Was the ethanol made from corn mandate really a scam? Why or why not? What about biodiesel? Hint: They are not the same.
4- The role of bribery in international business continues and in some countries is increasing. Do you believe that U.S. executives are at a disadvantage as a result of our Foreign Corrupt Practices Act? Discuss how much and why.
5- Internationally, the number of issues regarding trademarks, patents and copyrights continues to grow. The music business is changing rapidly now. Where do you think it will end up as a result of its inability to protect its copyrighted works that are available on the Internet and other media? Why?
6- A certain sogoshosha (Japanese Trading Company) always requests its suppliers to provide an EXW quote. Knowing what you know about trading companies, why do you think this is the case?
7- Several people claim that Letters of Credit will eventually – soon – be replaced by the concept of a “Trade-Card.” What is this product, and why do those people think it has such a bright future? Do you agree?
8- You are the prime minister of a new African nation that is oil rich. Your currency is the Zambia (made up name). Would you choose to let your currency float, be pegged or do something else? Provide reasons for doing so.
9- What do you believe are the advantages of conducting international trade using electronic document transmissions, such as EDI, Bolero or Trade Card? Are there any obvious disadvantages?
10- You are a small company in the auto industry that is trying to get more business with Korean automakers in South Korea. You win a contract and will be shipping transmission components to Hyundai in South Korea on a regular basis. Obviously, you need to stay competitive and provide quality parts. What marine insurance should you choose and why?
11- Are you adventurous? Would you consider taking a passenger cruise on a cargo liner? Why or why not? What are the advantages and disadvantages as you see them?
12- As a florist in Toledo OH, if you wanted to ship fresh flowers economically from Brazil to Toledo OH for a business conference next week – how would you have your cargo packaged? What type of aircraft would you employ? What route would you take (delivery in Detroit MI, delivery in Toledo OH etc.)? Provide reasons for each answer.
13- Do a little research and project which will be prosper more – truck transport or rail transport in the next 15 years in the U.S. Why? Would you invest in companies in these industries?
14- You have just been recruited by Ikea as a logistics manager in the U.S. For more experience, you’ll be spending six months in Sweden. You are in charge of shipping a new product to the U.S. (glass office figurines) from Sweden on a multi-modal shipment. What packaging methods would you use and why? The methods must be relatively economical.
15- You have decided to enter a new business. It is associated with your hobby – motorcycles, so it is a passion for you to be in a related business. Of course operating capital is difficult to come by and you are just getting your feet on the ground. You will be importing and selling motorcycle parts for about three far east brands, including the Kawasaki W-800, Yamaha XTW 250 Ryokuand the Honda NC 700S. Obviously, you will be buying, setting up inventory, etc. and also looking at the revenue side of the equation closely. Your prospective “partners,” the people you will be representing, have asked you for a security plan, addressing both your corporate security and handling of cargo that you will be receiving. Since cash is tight you will have to be creative again. How will you do this? What will be your plan? Provide the associated whys and why not's. This could be a real situation.
16- If you were the Customs Minister of a small country, which would be the non-tariff barriers that you would use to help your country? Why?
17- Do you believe that there are real advantages in learning to use International English and Special English in communicating with non-native speakers of English? Are there other options? What are they?
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