2. Pick one of following 8 topics and its international business strategy implications and , analyze international business strategies, risks and cultures
3. You are working for a company that is considering investing in a foreign country. Investing in countries with different traditions is an important element of your company’s long-term strategic goals. As such, management has requested a report regarding the attractiveness of alternative countries based on the potential return of FDI. Accordingly, the ranking of the top 25 countries in terms of FDI attractiveness is a crucial ingredient for your report. A colleague mentioned a potentially useful tool called the “FDI Confidence Index” which is updated periodically. Find this index and describe the top ten countries in the index including why they are in the top ten, and to investors what aspects of the country are most attractive.
4. One way that experts analyze conditions in emerging markets is through the use of economic indicators. The Market Potential Index (MPI) is a yearly study conducted by the Michigan State University Center for International Business Education and Research (MSU-CIBER) to compare emerging markets on a variety of dimensions. Provide a description of the indicators used in the index. Which of the indicators would have greater importance for a company that markets laptop computers, smart phones, refrigerators, automobiles, trucks, airplanes, and electronics, and why? Considering the MPI rankings, which developing countries would you advise such a company to enter first, and why?

 c . Managers at your firm are very concerned about the influence of terrorism on its long-term strategy. To counter this issue, the CEO has indicated you must analyze the countries in which terrorism and political violence is minimal. As this will provide the basis for the development of future company facilities, a detailed analysis for these countries is required. Once completed, include recommendations which justify locating future operations to specific countries with little risk of terror activities.

1. Promoting respect for universal human rights is a central dimension of many countries’ foreign policy. As history has shown, human rights abuses are an important concern worldwide. Some countries are more ready to work with other governments and civil society organizations to prevent abuses of power. Begun in 1977, the annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices are designed to assess the state of democracy and human rights around the world, call attention to violations, and – where needed – prompt needed changes in U.S. policies toward particular countries. Find the annual Country Reports on Human Right Practices and build a report showing the abuses of the 15 worst countries. How do they compare with those having the least abuses?
2. Food in an integral part of understanding different countries, cultures, and lifestyles. In fact, your company is interested in importing Australian wine to the United States. However, you must first identify which Australian suppliers can provide specific types of wine for your burgeoning dinner cruise business. After searching the supplier directory, use specific criteria to compare the profiles of companies supplying both red and white. Decide which supplier is best for your company. Why did you choose this company? Be sure to justify your conclusion.
3. The European subsidiary of your company is considering exporting its products to Egypt. Yet, management’s current knowledge of this country’s trade policies and barriers is limited. Before your company’s management decides to export, a more detailed analysis of the political and economic conditions in Egypt is required. In fact, you have heard that the Market Access Database may be a good place to start. Begin your search and identify Egypt’s current import policies with respect to fundamental issues such as tariffs and restrictions. Prepare an executive summary of your findings.
4. Sometimes, analysts use the price of specific products in different locations to compare currency valuation and purchasing power. For example, the Big Mac Index compares the purchasing-power parity of many countries based on the price of a Big Mac. Locate the latest edition of this index that is accessible. Identify the five countries (and their currencies) with the lowest purchasing-power parity according to this classification. Which currencies, if any, are overvalued?
5. The quality of life in specific markets sometimes is impacted by the country’s financial and fiscal policies. As such, the Global Financial Stability Report is a semi-annual report published by the International Capital Markets division of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The report provides a regular assessment of global financial markets. As such, locate and download the latest report to give an overview of the most important issues under discussion. Discuss the major emerging global financial issues identified in the report?

In this course students are expected to use footnotes and a bibliography for all assigned reports. Students are encouraged to use Tuft’s Citation Syle Guide.