Managing Across Borders

Assessment - Analysis of a Multi-National Corporation (MNC) Case Study (Report Format)

Purpose: Students are required to research and analyse a case study of a multi- national corporation (MNC) of their choosing, based on their own research and interest in the weekly topics from the unit outline.

To adequately complete this assessment, students must follow the sequence of steps outlined below:
1. Identify the most important facts of the case study.
2. Identify the key problems and issues for the MNC.
3. Specify the main problem or the main challenge for the MNC.
4. Brainstorm and then state the alternative courses of action to show how the MNC can deal with the main problem or the main challenge.
5. Evaluate each course of action for the MNC in your group discussion.
6. Discuss and recommend the best course of action for the MNC.

Learning outcome 1: An understanding of the impact of globalization on organisations and their management;

Learning outcome 2: An understanding of strategy issues in international business;

Learning outcome 3: An understanding of the skills required by managers to manage in a global context.

Learning outcome 4: An understanding of major exit and entry strategies in international business;

Learning outcome 5: An understanding of (PESTEL) political, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal forces that influence decision making in international business.

Purpose: This group case study analysis is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their understanding of unit concepts, apply their knowledge of the theories and unit material learned and develop group- based problem solving skills and apply them to a contemporary multinational entity operating in different markets around the world.

Assignment Details:

The case study can be selected from those listed in the textbooks (Refer to page 4 below) as provided in the unit outline or from another source, provided that it is deemed an acceptable and credible academic source and is approved by your local campus lecturer.
The case study is to be based on a well-known multi-national corporation (MNC). Students must ensure that their case study has not been selected by another group. Analyse the selected and approved multi-national corporation`s (MNC) case study in terms of the following key topics:

• Corporate decision making
• Strategy and Globalisation footprint i.e. which markets has the MNC penetrated.
• Organisational Issues
• Human Resources Management, including training and employment relations

In this report,
• Use sub-headings
• Use appropriate paragraphing
• Reference the sources used with correct in-text citation conventions / protocols.
• Provide a full list of references at the end using correct referencing conventions

Required Activities:
• Firstly, students should familiarise themselves with the unit content from weeks 6 -11.
• Students will need to work in co-operative groups and select a case study after careful consideration. (Refer to page 4 below)
• Students should supplement their knowledge with wide research of the MNC in the case study and consider referencing other academic sources, which will support their case study analysis.
• Finally, students will need to discuss the case study and collectively determine the key problems and issues, specify the main problem / challenge, determine alternative courses of action for the MNC, carefully evaluate each course of action and lastly, make a recommendation as to what the best course of action is for the MNC, based on your group discussion.
• Students should then prepare and complete a group report, which covers the key topics within the overall case study analysis.
• Students must follow the correct in-text citation conventions / protocols and end of report referencing conventions using the Harvard referencing style.

Assignment Structure
1. Cover Page [This is essential and must be completed accurately. This is available on Blackboard]
2. Executive Summary - This should be a concise summary of the main argument and the conclusions made.
3. Introduction paragraph - A short paragraph which includes the background, scope and the main points raised in the report in order of importance. There should also be a brief conclusion statement at the end of the Introduction.
4. Main Body of the report contains clear Topic Headings for each paragraph provided.
5. Appropriate paragraphing must be used - each paragraph should include detailed information, which elaborates on the main points raised in the Introduction. This is where in-text citation is required and reference is made to specific references and other information obtained from research.
6. Page Numbers must be used - this is best practice and ensures the report is well presented and formatted.
7. Reference the sources used with correct in-text citation conventions. Follow the Harvard method.
8. Reference List at the end must be in the adapted Harvard Style and be mainly academic Journal Articles.
9. The report must be within the 3,000 word limit.

Textbook Case Studies are listed below:
1. Sher-Wood Hockey Sticks: Global Sourcing
2. Jollibee Foods Corporation (A): International Expansion
3. Acer, Inc: Taiwan`s Rampaging Dragon
4. The Globalisation of CEMEX
5. The Global Branding of Stella Artois
6. United Cereal: Lora Brill`s Eurobrand Challenge
7. GE`s Imagination Breakthroughs: The Evo Project
8. ECCO A/S - Global Value Chain Management
9. Lundbeck Korea: Managing an International Growth Engine
10. Kent Chemical: Organising for International Growth
11. Applied Research Technologies, Inc.: Global Innovation`s Challenges
12. P&G Japan: The SK-II Globalisation Project
13. McKinsey & Company: Managing Knowledge and Learning
14. Sharp Corporation: Beyond Japan
15. Eli Lilly in India: Rethinking the Joint Venture Strategy
16. Levendary café: The China Challenge
17. Clayton Industries: Peter Arnell. Country Manager for Italy
18. Barrick Gold Corporation - Tanzania
19. IKEA`s Global Sourcing Challenge: Indian Rugs and Child Labor (A)
20. Genzyme`s CSR Dilemma: How to Play Its Hand.