Global business plan project

GBP_00_Overview_Final.docx

Global Business Plan Project

Overview

Every organization conducts research to plan and implement a business idea. This project is designed to provide the foundation for an international business plan. These activities offer flexibility for many settings related to global business enterprises. The framework may be used for planning global expansion of an existing product or service, or may be used to research a new foreign business opportunity. Each module of this project is designed to gather information for one component of an international business plan.

The final result of your global plan may be in one of the following formats:

· a written report with supplementary tables and visuals ( preferred ).

· an oral presentation with visuals ( not in this class ).

· a summary in a poster format or other visual display (web site, video, newsletter; acceptable if online access and/or uploadable to Canvas ).

Note: While the research components in each module are designed to provide a comprehensive analysis of this aspect of a business plan, selected items may be used to gather information for a specific element.

Table of Contents

Phase 1 – Planning the Global Business Enterprise

MODULE 1 – Identifying Global Business Opportunities

· Determine potential international markets for existing or proposed goods and services

MODULE 2 – Analyzing International Competitors

· Identify domestic and international companies involved in similar business global business activities

MODULE 3 – Assessing the Economic-Geographic Environment

· Examine geographic and economic factors that affect the business environment of a nation

MODULE 4 – Assessing the Social-Cultural Environment

· Research social institutions, customs, traditions, and beliefs influencing business

MODULE 5 – Assessing the Political-Legal Environment

· Research the influence of government and regulations on business activities

PHASE 2 – Organizing for Global Business Activities

MODULE 6 – Selecting a Global Company Structure

· Suggest objectives and an organizational framework for global business operations

MODULE 7 – Financing Sources for Global Business Operations

· Project start-up costs and funding sources for international operations

MODULE 8 – Creating a Global Management Information System

· Identify needed databases and information systems to facilitate international business activities

MODULE 9 – Identifying Human Resources for Global Business Activities

· Gather information on needed personnel for operating an international enterprise

MODULE 10 – Managing International Financial and Business Risks

· Identify methods for reducing global business risks

PHASE 3 – Implementing the Global Market Plan

MODULE 11 – Product and Target Market Planning for Foreign Markets

· Identify specific attributes and customer benefits for a proposed international product or service

MODULE 12 – Designing a Global Distribution Strategy

· Analyze distribution channels and intermediaries for global business operations

MODULE 13 – Planning a Global Promotion Strategy

· Suggest advertising messages, media and other promotional activities for an international enterprise

MODULE 14 – Selecting an International Pricing Strategy

Recommend a global pricing strategy based on costs, market demand, competition, and economic environment

PHASE 4 – Implementing the Global Market Plan

MODULE 15 – Determining Financial Results

· Estimate revenue and costs based for international business activities

MODULE 16 – Measuring International Business Success

· Suggest potential criteria for global business accomplishments based on financial results and social contributions

GBP_01_Identifying_Global_Business_Opportunities_final.docx

Global Business Plan Project

1. Identifying Global Business Opportunities

Learning Goals

1. To assess factors that create international business opportunities

2. To identify potential global business opportunities for various foreign markets

Purpose

Some organizations attempt to expand their international operations by seeking foreign markets appropriate for existing products and services. Other enterprises assess foreign business environments in an attempt to meet needs in those markets.

In this first module, you will conduct a preliminary assessment of geographic, economic, social-cultural, and political-legal factors that create global business opportunities in foreign markets. Also, you should consider how technology could create new foreign business opportunities by expanding possibilities for production, marketing, and distribution of goods and services.

BACKGROUND

Global Business Opportunities

Potential foreign business opportunities may be viewed in two major categories:

A. Various country factors create international business opportunities. These include:

· Natural resources, agricultural products, or geographic factors (climate or terrain)

· Level of economic development and infrastructure

· Cultural characteristics, social activities, or demographic trends

· Changing political situations or legal factors

· Technology that may enhance production or distribution of an item

B. Existing companies attempting to expand into new markets around the world—List several possible global business opportunities that would be the basis for new or expanding international business operations. These business opportunities may be consumer goods or services; or organizational goods and services, sold to businesses, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, schools, hospitals, hotels, or other organizations.

Examples of global business opportunities include: processing of fresh fruit in Chile for distribution around the world; sale of water filtration systems in developing economies; sale of food products adapted to the tastes of different cultures; development of cellular telephone systems in countries with a weak communication infrastructure; and expansion of fast-food restaurants into countries with expanding economies.

Resources

Web links:

· Global Edge CyberSite: http://www.globaledge.msu.edu/

· Business Around the World Atlas: https://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0078137217/student_view0/business_around_the_world.html

(Works best with Firefox.)

Conduct Research

Collect data and information to use in formulating this aspect of your business plan by answering the following questions.

1. POTENTIAL MARKETS

Discuss one or more of the global business opportunities from above in terms of:

(a) a specific product or service, including customer benefits; and

(b) a potential market—a country that would be appropriate for this business opportunity.

2. ABSOLUTE AND COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGES

Analyze for the presence of an absolute or comparative advantage that might be related to a business opportunity in the country where the item will be produced or sold. Describe how this analysis might influence the success of your proposed business idea. (For example, the availability of natural resources can make a business opportunity cost efficient.)

3. BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY ANALYSIS

Compare two or more proposed business opportunities based on factors such as foreign market potential, start-up costs, and foreign business risks. (For example, a proposal to construct new highways may be appropriate for a developing economy. However, the risks in this market are probably greater than in an industrialized nation.)

Supplementary Activity

Research the international operations of a company doing business in several countries. Obtain information related to:

1. the products sold in various regions of the world;

2. current and planned business activities in specific regions of the world—Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, Middle East, Latin America;

3. the company’s strengths and weaknesses related to global business activities;

4. future actions that might be suggested for the company’s international operations.

E-Commerce Application

Identify an online business application (such as providing product information, selling online, or ordering from suppliers) that would be appropriate in the proposed foreign market or that could enhance the promotion or distribution of your proposed business opportunity.

Prepare Summary

In a separate Word document, prepare a summary report entitled: Global Business Opportunities consisting of the following components:

1. An overview of geographic, economic, cultural, political, and technological factors that creates the proposed global business opportunity.

2. A description of the potential market for this product or service.

3. A synopsis of any absolute or comparative advantages (as applicable).

4. Recommend one or more foreign business opportunities (with a specific foreign market) for an existing company or a new enterprise. Provide evidence to support your proposal.

View Sample Report

The following project segments are EXAMPLES and SAMPLE MATERIALS. Please note:

(1) these samples were selected from several student team projects at one school and are not intended to represent a particular level of quality, and DO NOT represent a complete project

(2) the accuracy of content, data, and clarity of writing are NOT guaranteed; and

(3) these samples may NOT BE DUPLICATED.

SUBWAY’s mission is to provide Brazilian consumers with a healthy and quick alternative in the fast-food market. By providing made-to-order sandwiches, we are meeting the needs of the ever-growing, fast-paced and health-conscious Latin American community. Our goal is to provide value, service and convenience to our customers. SUBWAY plans to equal or exceed the number of outlets operated by McDonald’s, currently Latin America’s largest fast-food company. With our system and operational strengths, dedicated personnel are willing to meet the expectations of consumers. We believe that our SUBWAY franchise will continue to grow and be successful in the Latin American market.

SUBWAY is the largest submarine sandwich chain in the world and is rapidly expanding internationally. SUBWAY has more than 14,100 stores in over 73 countries, making it the second largest restaurant chain overall. The brand was introduced in 1974 and today, all locations are franchised. From 1987 to 1999, the SUBWAY franchise has been ranked #1 Submarine Sandwich franchise in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 listing. For eight times in those past twelve years the SUBWAY system was #1 franchise overall, beating out other fast food franchising giants and all other franchises. In Entrepreneur International’s 1999 Top 200 ranking, SUBWAY was placed third out of the world’s top 200 franchises. Latin America is among the growing markets for SUBWAY franchises, with over 215 stores already in this area.

The Happy Harbor Company’s mission is to improve global exporting and importing that enhances economic activity. The objectives of the company are to construct profitable harbors that will help boost the country’s trading capacities, increase trade between countries with already existing harbors, and create jobs and a higher standard of living for the people of Latin America.

The Happy Harbor Company is there so that countries that do business with Latin America do not have to think of how to get their goods into the countries and where the best harbors are located. The Happy Harbor Company provides the construction of the harbors and seaports for countries that are in need of better facilities for trading on their coastal borders. The company is also here to help companies in other countries to locate their goods. Latin America has a growing economic base and the Happy Harbor Company wants to be there to help not only the countries of Latin America, but also the many international companies that would benefit greatly from conducting business with the Latin American economy.

Translated from Spanish, our product name simply means “Good Health.” As we are a U.S. company entering into a foreign market, and, therefore, bound to meet with cultural differences, it is important that there be no confusion caused by complicated names and slogans lest we are faced with language and cultural problems. Our slogan is also quite simple, although it does have two slightly different, yet equally valid, translations. The first is simply “The vitamins for the whole world,” which stresses the multinational aspect of our operations. We wish to provide “Good Health,” literally and figuratively, to the entire world through our vitamins. The second, more slang-oriented, translation of our company’s slogan is “The vitamin for everyone.” This translation implies, and rightly so, that this is the vitamin for everyone. Indeed, our product is for everyone as it is a multi-vitamin that can be taken by adults, children, men, women, and so on. More, though, about the particulars of our fabulous product will be revealed later.

GBP_02_Analyzing_International_Competitors.docx

Global Business Plan Project

2. Analyzing International Competitors

Learning Goals

1. To identify potential competitors related to a proposed global business enterprise

2. To determine the influences of competitors in global business

Purpose

As proposed enterprises or established companies enter foreign markets, lessons can be learned from the successes and challenges of other organizations. In addition, awareness of competitors makes it possible to better plan and implement your global business activities. In this module, your goal is to identify and analyze the international business operations of organizations related to the global opportunity you are exploring.

Resources

Web links:

· Global Edge CyberSite: http://globaledge.msu.edu/

· Business Around the World Atlas: https://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0078137217/student_view0/business_around_the_world.html

Conduct Research

Based on the global business opportunity identified in Module 1 (or a different international business enterprise or idea), research information related to the following:

1. POTENTIAL COMPETITORS

Identify companies that:

A. have business activities similar (or related) to the business opportunity you are proposing; and

B. operate in the country (or countries) that you are considering for your international business enterprise.

2. COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES

Discuss the competitive advantages of these companies. (For example, some companies may gain a competitive advantage as a result of access to raw materials, others may gain an advantage through the use of technology for production and distribution or as a result of a well-known brand name.)

3. INTERNATIONAL STRATEGIES

Compare the international business strategies of these companies. Do these companies make use of standardized products and operating policies? Or, do they use a strategy that is adapted to various foreign markets? (Film is sold in standardized formats around the world while laundry detergents are adapted to clothes washing habits and water hardness.)

Supplementary Activity

Interview people who work in similar companies, related industries, or potential suppliers for your business idea. Obtain information about the product or service that might enhance your knowledge of this type of business.

E-Commerce Application

As online operations increase, companies seek new expanded markets and additional business activities. Describe situations in which the competitive environment has changed as a result of e-commerce activities.

Prepare Summary

In a separate Word document, prepare a summary report consisting of the following components:

1. A discussion of potential competitors and their global business activities.

2. A synopsis of global business strategies that could create competitive advantages.

View Sample Report

The following project segments are EXAMPLES and SAMPLE MATERIALS. Please note:

1. These samples were selected from several student team projects at one school and are not intended to represent a particular level of quality, and DO NOT represent a complete project.

2. The accuracy of content, data, and clarity of writing are NOT guaranteed; and

3. These samples may NOT BE DUPLICATED.

The Happy Harbor Company has competition in the form of other harbors, including the ports in Callao, Illo, Paita, Salaveryy, Iquitos, and Yurimaguas. However, our harbor differs from our competitors because we not only offer competitive service at a lower price, but we offer an entertainment sector as well, which will improve the surrounding economy.

The fast-food market is very young in Brazil. The Brazilian people have the luxury of eating at McDonalds. We believe that the market will be very competitive between McDonalds and us. This market, however, will not be half as competitive as it would be in the United States. We believe that we can gain a solid portion of McDonalds’ market share by the use of product differentiation.

Coche Libro will have a competitive advantage in Bolivia. One reason is that this service will be unique for the country and surrounding countries. Its biggest competitor will be the public library system. However, we are confident that people will be attracted to the services we have to offer. Due to the advancement of e-commerce, we will be assured that many will be able to access our company via the Internet. Also, due to technological developments of highways, more areas of Bolivia will be accessible. We will also have an advantage because we will be using the most up-to-date resources thanks to our alliance with Ford and Apple.

In response to demonstrated needs of the Bolivian market, new services are being developed to include minor checkups, blood pressure testing, mammograms, and infant and child immunizations. These new services would be especially useful to rural Bolivians who can now easily obtain them during one of the many convenient Healing Wheels routine stops. These needs are not only local to Bolivia, and as previously stated, perhaps Healing Wheels can answer some of the needs of other Latin American countries in equal need.

GBP_03_Accessing_the_Economic_Geographic_Environment.docx

Global Business Plan Project

3. Accessing the Economic-Geographic Environment

Learning Goals

1. To identify economic and geographic factors on international business activities

2. To assess economic and geographic influences on proposed global business operations

Purpose

The natural infrastructure (such as rivers and seaports) and physical infrastructure (transportation and communication systems) of a nation provide the foundation for economic development. In this module, your goal is to gather information on various geographic and economic factors that include business opportunities in other countries.

Resources

Web links:

· Global Edge CyberSite: http://globaledge.msu.edu/

· Business Around the World Atlas: https://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0078137217/student_view0/business_around_the_world.html

Conduct Research

Based on the country (or countries) you are analyzing for your global business enterprise, research information related to the following areas:

1. GEOGRAPHIC INFLUENCES

Identify geographic factors (climate, terrain, waterways) that influence business activities in the country. (In some countries, mountains make movement of raw materials and production supplies difficult and expensive.)

2. MAJOR PRODUCTS AND INDUSTRIES

Describe the country’s :

A. main natural resources and agricultural products,

B. major industries,

C. major imports, and

D. major exports.

(A country’s natural resources and agricultural products are the basis for foreign investment and exporting activities.)

3. CURRENT ECONOMIC CONDITIONS

Assess the country’s recent economic conditions related to GDP, inflation, interest rates, currency value, personal income, and employment. Suggest how these economic factors may attract or deter foreign investment.

4. INFRASTRCTURE

Analyze the infrastructure of the country with regard to availability of transportation, communication, and utilities.

Supplementary Activity

For the country (or countries) you are researching, monitor recent trends of the value of its currency on world markets. Discuss factors that have influenced the exchange rates.

E-Commerce Application

Research Internet access in other countries in an attempt to determine potential e-commerce activities in those foreign markets.

Prepare Summary

In a separate Word document, prepare a summary report consisting of the following components:

1. A synopsis of geographic factors, natural resources, major industries, imports, and exports for the country (or countries) being considered for the proposed global business enterprise.

2. An overview of the economic environment and infrastructure.

3. Recommend actions that might be taken for existing or proposed businesses related to geographic and economic influences in this foreign market environment. Provide evidence to support your proposal.

View Sample Report

The following project segments are EXAMPLES and SAMPLE MATERIALS. Please note:

1. These samples were selected from several student team projects at one school and are not intended to represent a particular level of quality, and DO NOT represent a complete project.

2. The accuracy of content, data, and clarity of writing are NOT guaranteed; and

3. These samples may NOT BE DUPLICATED.

Geographically speaking, Latin America is as diverse a terrain as one would hope to find. There are mountains, most notably the Andes, two oceans, numerous major rivers, rainforests, deserts, and even some Antarctic territories. “Nature has presented the inhabitants of South America with an unrelenting challenge. On the west coast, most of the major cities are located in geologically active zones. All too frequently, earthquakes, tidal waves, volcanic activity and mudslides have taken a staggering toll of human life.”

Linked to this difficult terrain is that, in many of the region’s poorer countries, the physical infrastructure is less than desirable. Often, there is only one two-lane road to reach destinations and, as we have seen in the video of the Amazon, sometimes there are no roads at all. The absence of viable roads, as well as the lack of sufficient transportation, makes it difficult for residents of rural areas to receive medical care. In some countries, like Brazil, for instance, there is only one doctor for every 681 people, partially due to the aforementioned lack of infrastructure. In comparison, Argentina (one of the region’s most rich and resourceful countries) has one doctor for every 376 people, which is still a low ratio by U.S. standards. The people of Latin America, then, often incur difficulties reaching one of their few available doctors. A multi-vitamin like our product would provide them with pro-active and preventative medical treatment so that they would be better protected against the sickness and infection that requires medical care.

The geographic factors of Brazil have enticed our team to bring a SUBWAY franchise to this country. We believe that the mostly tropical climate in Brazil is ideal for our product. The terrain, which is somewhat treacherous, should not be a problem for distribution due to the fact that corporate SUBWAY will handle the delivery of our supplies. The franchises that we plan to open will be located in urban areas where the infrastructure is more stable; this will ensure safer arrival of our supplies and our customers.

Geographically, Bolivia is the only country in Latin America that is landlocked. The country is bounded by Brazil to the north and east, Paraguay to the southeast, Chile to the southwest, and Peru to the northwest. The Andes mountain range runs through the country, dividing it into three geographical zones: the mountain ranges to the West, the semitropical Yungas and temperate valleys of the eastern mountain slopes, and the tropical lowlands or plains of the eastern lowlands. Although Bolivia is within tropical latitudes, climatic conditions go from tropical conditions in the lowlands to cold polar conditions in the highest parts of the Andes. Temperatures differ due to elevation and there is little seasonal variation.

Many geographical factors will influence the market potential for our product. The main aspect includes Peru’s coastline; with the 2,414 kilometers of coastline, it makes it very accessible to ships to come in and out of our port. An unfortunate consequence that our company will have to deal with is the possibility of natural hazards. Within Peru, earthquakes, flooding, and landslides are all within the realm of occurring. In addition to this, mining wastes have increasingly been polluting the coastal waters of Peru. However, we believe that our harbor will help eliminate this due to the sponsorship that we plan on providing. We will have the financial means to help clean up both the rivers and coastal waters of Peru. Helping the country in hazard relief is just one way our company is planning to give back to the country in which we operate.

Shipping products from our harbor to companies within Peru can be seen as a slight problem mainly because there are 64,793 kilometers of unpaved highways. However, the Amazon system more than makes up for this problem with the 8,600 kilometers of navigable tributaries that it provides.

The town of Chiclayo has been chosen as the target city for a possible business venture due to its great geographical location. Chiclayo is located on the upper coast of Peru and has possible roadways to the Amazon which offers a tremendous amount of trade with countries such as Brazil and other countries on the eastern side of South America.

Bolivia has sufficient roadways within its rugged terrain. Although not all of the roads are paved as ideally as in the United States, our trucks are Ford tough backed with four wheel drive and also come equipped with the off-road package for the less developed areas. The climate is ideal for our service. We do not have to deal with snow, but we may need to deal with spells of heavy rain. (However, by going on-line to our company site, one can reserve books and we can drop the books off at their desired location.) One hindrance will be due to the high elevation of some of the plateaus, which will lead to the combustion of the gasoline and will cause inefficiency (www.odci.gov).