This project requires research, imagination, and logic in applying the content of this course and book. In groups of five students, create an imaginary company that you have been operating in the domestic arena for some time. Your group represents top management, and you have decided it is time to go international. The report should answer the following questions:
1. Describe your company and its operations, relative size, and so forth. Give reasons for your decision to go international.
2. Decide on an appropriate country in which to operate and give your rationale for this choice.
3. State your planned entry strategy and give your reasons for this strategy.
4. Describe the environment in which you will operate and the critical operational factors that you must consider and how they will affect your company.
5. Give a cultural profile of the local area in which you will be operating. What are the workers going to be like? What kind of reception do you anticipate from local governments, suppliers, distributors, and so on?
6. Draw up an organization chart showing the company and its overseas operation and describe why you have chosen this structure.
7. Decide on the staffing policy, you will use for the top-level managers, and give your rationale for this policy.
8. Discuss the kinds of communication problems your managers might face in the host company working environment. How should they prepare for and deal with these problems?
9. Explain any special control issues for this overseas operation that concerns you. How do you plan to deal with them?
10. Identify the concerns of the host-country and the local community regarding your operation there. What plans do you have to deal with their concerns and to ensure a long-term cooperative relationship?
