What is the World Trade Organization? What is its role in the world economy? 

  • Identify and evaluate the significant trade agreements affecting global commerce (Lo 1.1)
  • Analyze the effects of culture, politics and economic systems in the context of international business (Lo 2.1)
  • Explain the forces driving and evaluating the impact of globalization (Lo 1.3)
  • Carryout effective self-evaluation through discussing economic systems in the international business context (Lo 3.1)

 

Discussion Questions

  • What is the World Trade Organization? What is its role in the world economy? (minimum words: 400, marks:2)
  • What is the International Monetary Fund? Discuss its relationship with the World Bank. (minimum words: 500, marks: 3)
  • How do you think BMW integrates its various unique brands into a global effort that works for them (BMW, Rolls-Royce, and the MINI) across the world’s many global markets? (minimum words: 400, marks: 2)
  • What is your reaction to the global brand of BMW when you hear its name, think of the brand, and see BMW vehicles on the road? (minimum words: 400, marks: 2)
  • Rolls-Royce’s chase of perfection drives the supreme quality, exquisite hand craftsmanship, and attention to the finest detail to maintain its global position as the pinnacle luxury automobile manufacturer in the world. How do you think the Rolls-Royce brand helps, or hurts, other BMW brands globally (i.e., BMW, the MINI)? Give arguments in support of your answer. (minimum words: 500, marks: 3)
  • The MINI is a unique car offering in the BMW portfolio. It has long-engaged in clever solutions and distinctive designs that have enabled terrific urban driving and have catered to customers’ individual needs. Do you agree that this is the focus for the MINI, and do you think it is working as advertised globally? Discuss. (minimum words: 500, marks: 3)

 

Case study

Please read Case 1: “Globalization of BMW, Rolls-Royce, and the MINI” available in your e-book (International business: Competing in the global marketplace (13th ed.), at page no.625, and answer