Global Business Plan Project – Section 4

In this GBP component, you will be researching the operation of your proposed company to include long-term operability, structure, partnerships, and product branding.

This week, you will be working on section IV, OPERATION OF THE PROPOSED BUSINESS

*(SEE COURSE GLOBAL BUSINESS PLAN ASSIGNMENT OUTLINE FOR REFERENCE).

In a word document, answer the following questions in the prescribed outline format (be sure to use a title page so I know what paper belongs to whom).

I only expect a few paragraphs for each section, not a complete book. A paragraph is 5 – 7 complete sentences. Please use footnotes to show me the source where you researched the information from. Sample output from previous reports are provided in the following these instructions.

A. STRATEGIC PLANNING

Develop strategic objectives that communicate major goals related to:

1. product (or service) offerings,

2. target market and customer benefits,

3. financial aims (market share, return on investment),

4. employee satisfaction, and

5. Social contributions.

(Strategic goals are commonly stated in a manner that can be measured objectively, such as “to provide households with clean drinking water at a moderate price.”)

B. ENTRY MODES

Analyze different global business entry modes that a company might select when planning international business activities. Compare the benefits, costs, and risks associated with using exporting, turnkey projects, management contracting, licensing, franchising, contract manufacturing, joint venture, and wholly-owned subsidiaries. (In general, exporting has less risk than some of the other entry modes. The product or service, as well as the economic, social-cultural, and political-legal environment of the country, will influence an organization’s entry mode.)

C. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

Discuss the extent to which the organization will use centralization and decentralization. (Centralized organizations tend to offer standardized products or services with decisions made in upper levels of the organization. In contrast, decentralized organizations usually involve products or services that need to be adapted to various geographic, economic, social-cultural, and political-legal influences.)

D. STRATEGIC ALLIANCE

Identify local companies of the country or international companies operating in the country that could be a business partner. These strategic alliances may be suppliers, distributors, sales representatives, or consultants. (For example, a bottled water company might reach an agreement to transport and sell its product through the existing distribution system or a soft drink company.)

E. PRODUCT CONCEPT

Identify the physical attributes, customer benefits, and competitive advantages of the product (or service) to be offered by the organization. Analyze geographic, economic, cultural, and legal factors that would influence offering a standardized or an adapted product for this market. (A product concept should list as many characteristics as possible to better communicate attributes and benefits within the organization as well as to potential customers.)

F. PRODUCT LIFE CYCLE

Discuss economic, cultural, political, or technological factors that might affect the speed of movement of the product (or service) through the stages of the product life cycle (introduction, growth, maturity, decline). (For example, the presence of several competitors may result in faster innovation and move a product quickly through the product life cycle.)

G. BRANDING AND PACKAGING

Suggest a brand name that would create a distinctive identity for the company (or specific product). Analyze cultural and legal factors that could influence packaging of the product.

H. TARGET MARKET

Describe the characteristics of potential customers in terms of geographic location, demographics, media habits, consumer behavior patterns, lifestyle activities, and psychographics.

Upload your completed report into the week 3 dropbox provided.

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SAMPLE GBP SEC IV

IV. Operation of the Proposed Business

1. STRATEGIC PLANNING