“In the future our trade map will be very different, and economists argue that the BRIC markets could become larger than the world’s current six most developed countries in less than 40 years.”

Neil Kuschel, Director of Sales, DHL Express, 10.11.11, The Independent
In view of the above statement it is likely that the BRIC markets will become major importers and exporters. With imports from the UK increasing by 23% in 2010, Brazil is leading development in South America.

As a newly appointed export operations manager of a medium sized manufacturing company currently shipping to developed markets in Western Europe, you are preparing a report for the Board of Directors on the opportunities and challenges of the South American markets.

As part of the report you need to complete a risk analysis of the markets in relation to payments, as well as making recommendations on payment terms and credit management. The company currently uses open account payment terms for its European customers.

Word limit – 2500 words plus or minus 10%, this does not include appendices.
• Report format, fully referenced in Harvard style within text and reference list. You should include a title page. An executive summary is not required.
• You may include appendices with supplementary relevant material, but this should not contain copies of your research articles. Each appendix should be numbered and give a title and source.
• You should use by examples or statistics where appropriate.
• This assignment is worth 50% of your total mark for this module

Marking Schedule

Evaluation of risk 40%
Recommendations 45%
Evidence of Research 10%
Structure, language, presentation 5%

Assessment of Risk
• Range and appropriateness of risks identified
• Level of assessment
• Use of examples and statistics to support

Recommendations
• Appropriateness of recommendations in relation to the organisation and the level of risk

References
• Number of references
• Range of relevant references
• Correct referencing in text and reference list

Presentation etc.
• Overall presentation of report
• Report structure and layout
• Use of appropriate language and terminology
• Grammar and spelling

Learning Outcomes

2 Demonstrate knowledge of the operational aspects of the export and import transaction

3 Assess the impact of operational aspects of importing and exporting on international business

5 Use knowledge of the operational aspects of international trade to critically evaluate the options available to the exporters and importers

6. Locate and evaluate information on procedures and regulations relating to international trade