Cool looking map to highlight globalisation

Though dated (2003), this is still a really cool visual to highlight the global presence of Starbucks and McDonalds.

Great for visual learners…

Find it here.....

Managing a recruitment business through the recession

The recruitment sector has taken many hard knocks during the recent recession in the UK.  As firms look to reduce their headcount (or at least minimise their payroll costs), their demand for recruitment agency services is bound to fall.

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AQA BUSS4 Section B Practice Question - Dyson

During 2002 and 2003, entrepreneur Sir James Dyson transferred all of his business’ manufacturing activities to factories located close to hsi firm’s main suppliers in Malaysia.  The decision resulted in the loss of over 800 jobs in the UK.  However, the research & development activities of the business remained in the UK along with sales and marketing functions supporting the growing global brand.  The decision seems to have paid off for Sir James.  He controls the bulk of shares in his main holding company, which is unquoted and highly profitable and his net worth is valued at more than £500m by rich list compilers.

To what extent should strategic decision-making be mainly determined by the interests of shareholders rather than the broader range of stakeholders.  Justify your answer with reference to Dyson or other businesses that you know. (40 marks).

BRICS - Economic Growth in the Emerging Markets (Interactive Guide)

This would look great on the IWB as a stimulus piece for interaction and discussion. A terrific interactive guide to the economic profiles of the BRICs here (Brazil, Russia, India & China)..  Compare the progress of the Bric states’ gross domestic product over time alongside the major global economies and the “next 11” developing nations in the graphic provided.

Emerging Markets - How NOT to set up a business in China

This is hilarious - but also packed full with great insights for AQA (BUSS4) students or others wanting to learn more about the potential downsides and risks of setting up a business in China.  The article describes the painful experiences of a UK entrepreneur who set out to make his fortune in China - making and then exporting scooters. Well worth a read, and a great source of discussion with students.  Lots of scope for follow-up activities too - what could have been done differently?

Emerging Markets - Meet the Man who Invented the BRICS

The BRICs are the focus of the AQA BUSS4 research task for Jan 2010.  Here is a neat video interview with Jim O’Neill (Chief Economist of Goldman Sachs) - the man who first invented the BRICs acronym.  Recorded in August 2009, there is lots of relevant content in here for BUSS4 students.

Emerging Markets Case Study - Mothercare International Expansion

Its sometimes quite tricky finding well-resourced examples of international expansion - but this is a good one.  Mothercare has quietly adopted a strategy of repositioning its group by focusing on expansion into emerging markets like India, Russia and China using its two “global brands” (Mothercare and Early Learning Centre). It has set itself an objective of opening at least 100 international stores every year, using the franchise model of operation.

This streamed revision presentation provides a collection of stimulus materials which students could use to discuss Mothercare’s strategy.  I have brought together some materials from a variety of sources, including press cuttings, annual reports and analyst presentations.

Launch streamed presentation on Mothercare’s International Expansion Strategy

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Luxury brands invest in India despite the global slowdown

Luxury brands are continuing to invest in expanding their sales in India despite the short-term economic downturn in a key emerging market…

Emerging Markets still have much to do to become good places to “do business”

The World Bank’s excellent Doing Business research programme has highlighted continued improvements in the environment for doing business around the world.  However, many of the economies designated as emerging markets still seem to have a long way to catch up on the developed economies…

Ten reasons for UK businesses to invest in Brazil

Doing some research into emerging markets, we’ve come across this useful article by KPMG outlining ten reasons why UK business investments in Brazil are more likely to succeed.  A good summary of the key opportunities for UK businesses in a main emerging market…

Video briefing - Doing Business in Brazil & Mexico

Two 10-minute videos from the UKTI provide really useful insights into the opportunities for UK businesses looking to trade with Brazil and Mexico…

BUSS4 Jan 2010 - Research Theme Issues - Emerging Markets

The research theme for students taking AQA A2 Business Studies Unit 4 (BUSS4) in January 2010 has been announced.  The theme is...Emerging Markets.