Each student will write a paper (double-spaced) concerning one MNC subsidiary, located in a country researched by the student’s Host Country Presentation group. The paper should be organized with subheadings as under:

1. Introduction: 1 paragraph. Provide an overview of your paper.

2. MNC subsidiary. (2-3 pages)

Select ONE multinational corporation (a different one for each in the presentation group) that a) has its headquarters outside the country you are studying (e.g., a US MNC), b) has operations in the country chosen by your presentation group. Conduct research on the operations of that MNC in this country and the types of people it staffs at different jobs and levels. In writing the paper, assume that you are considering job offers that would take you from the U.S. to this country from your research to work for this MNC.

You are conducting research and applying them to your own personal situation in order to make the best decision for yourself. Find detailed information on company operations in this country (scope and location of operations, types of jobs/positions available, etc.) as a basis for your decision. What opportunities and threats in the political and economic environment does the subsidiary face at this point in time?  What would be the implications for your own career development of working there?

3. Living conditions in cities where this subsidiary is based. (2-3 pages)

Select one city in this country where your selected MNC has its operations.  Then, gather information on what living conditions would be like working for the subsidiary in this city.  For example, where would you most likely live (include a clearly printed city map if available), what mode of transportation would you most likely use to get to work, are there safety concerns, how big is the expatriate community, how much would it cost to live there, what would you personally seek to do for entertainment, etc.

Hint: try Internet searches with your city and “expatriate”; check out sites such as easyexpat.com, expatfocus.com, expatforum.com for some general information.

4. Self-analysis (2-3 pages)

Write a candid self-analysis to consider the pros and cons for you personally in working for this subsidiary:

– Evaluate the extent of cultural distance between yourself and natives of that country:  apply culture concepts covered in class.

– Describe your own background and the ethnic background of your family and how these have influenced the type of cultural environment most comfortable for you.

– If you have had previous cross-cultural experiences, discuss them and the way in which they might help you deal with culture shock. Assess your ability to adapt to life in this country.

– If you have family obligations, describe them and how you intend to deal with them, e.g., extent to which your spouse could adjust to life in this country. If you have children, describe how you would help them adjust, the schools where they could study, etc.  If you are single, how will you cope with loneliness in a strange place?

– What aspects of working for this subsidiary would you enjoy?  Which aspects would create headaches for you?  What challenges would you face?

5. Conclusion (1 page)

Conclude by telling why you would prefer to work for this subsidiary.

FORMAT:  This paper should be very personal—it should be something only you could write.  Every part of it should relate to your decision regarding which job offer would be most appropriate for you.  You may use a colloquial style of writing if you wish. The paper should include page numbers, printed from a laser printer ensuring the prints are   both dark and legible.

The paper MUST include references, with either footnotes or citations indicating the sources for each piece of information.  There should be a list of all references at the end of the paper.  Do NOT copy sentences from any of your sources without using quotation marks.  Try to paraphrase rather than quoting:  use your own words.  Use at least seven different sources, preferably more.  Do NOT use Wikipedia.  Do not rely solely on Internet sources:  look for recent articles from business periodicals (be sure to include the date in your references).