e-Commerce/e-Business. This e-Commerce assignment relies on the use of separate, but related resources in addition to the text. First, as International Business students, you have access to globalEDGE resources. Begin by visiting the following highlighted link and reviewing the globalEDGE brochure.
Access the main portal to enter the globalEDGE website. Spend a few minutes exploring the resources available to International Business students. One of the resources I specifically like to use is this Country Comparitor to compare countries.
Next, here is a short primer you will definitely need to read on “What is e-Commerce?”
After reviewing these links, you are ready for the attached research assignment!
e-Commerce Assignment
SCENARIO: Assume you are a new international e-Commerce business consultant who was just given a consulting opportunity by a well-known company (chosen from the list at the end) with an online business presence. You have been tasked by your client with exploring B2B and B2C business potential in previously unserved markets. Specifically, you are to investigate 4 countries (Brazil, India, South Africa, and Switzerland) for their suitability to create B2B and/or B2C opportunities. Your client is prepared to make a major marketing push into recommended countries involving language specific and culturally sensitive print, television, radio, and internet advertising to announce their service into their countries. Longer term, you company is prepared to make major investments in warehousing, local storefronts for B2C and data networks and facilities for B2B opportunities
Your mission is to present a case recommending which countries, if any, to expand service, and in what order to service them. Include in your recommendation your insights on the following:
1. Issues surrounding political economy and economic progress for each country. Include any pertinent differences in political, economic, and legal systems.
2. Issues related to markets including whether a market exists for your client’s products, and how/why e-Commerce is a better option than other entry modes.
3. Production and supply chain issues with recommendations of whether to develop warehouse facilities in the country and why. If developing warehouse facilities is recommended, include a recommendation on whether to invest in a greenfield development, acquire a company in the host country, go with a joint venture or lease warehouse space.
4. Address other factors such as shipping costs, local infrastructure, availability of labor and other resources, suggested organizational structure and localization requirements.
5. You may find all some or all countries suitable or unsuitable in either B2B or B2C, or both.
The goal is to investigate each country’s merit and make well-researched and carefully considered recommendations based on the above criteria. The deliverable for this project for each student is a PowerPoint or similar presentation with sources cited in APA format. Also, each student will prepare a 7-10-minute video recorded from their computer using Kaltura Media (available here in Blackboard. I will post instructions later.) The video will be a simple voice over your slides as you present your case. The presentation and video are to be posted on the assignment. This assignment is an individual assignment. Each student’s work must be their own.
Choose one (1) of the following e-Commerce companies as your client:
Best Buy
Home Depot
Target
Nordstrom
