Assignment 1 Introduction to International Business (MGT 321)

Assignment 1

Introduction to International Business (MGT 321)

Due Date: 04/10/2025  @ 23:59

For Instructor’s Use only

General Instructions – PLEASE READ THEM CAREFULLY

• The Assignment must be submitted on Blackboard (in Word format only) via the allocated folder.
• Assignments submitted through email will not be accepted.
• Students are advised to make their work clear and well presented; marks may be reduced for poor presentation. This includes filling in your information on the cover page.
• Students must mention the question number clearly in their answer.
• Late submission will NOT be accepted.
• Avoid plagiarism; the work should be in your own words, copying from students or other resources without proper referencing will result in ZERO marks. No exceptions.
• All answers must be typed using Times New Roman (size 12, double-spaced) No pictures containing text will be accepted and will be considered plagiarism.
• Submissions without this cover page will NOT be accepted.

Learning Outcomes:

LO1: Identify and evaluate the impact of globalization on multinational companies.

LO2: Explain the influence of national cultural and political-economic differences on global business strategies.

LO3: Analyze the effects of cultural diversity on product design, branding, and marketing in international markets.

LO4: Assess strategies for balancing global standardization with local adaptation in multinational corporations.

LO5: Critically evaluate the strategic challenges and opportunities for businesses operating in multiple countries.

Case study

Please read Case 4: “The Swatch Group and Cultural Uniqueness” available in your book International Business: Competing in the Global Marketplace (13th ed.), at page no.630, and answer the following questions:

1. With the Hayek family controlling nearly 40 percent of The Swatch Group, how do you think the family’s influence impacts the corporate culture in the company? What about the company’s international culture being impacted by the Hayek family? (2 Marks)

2. Many of the Swatch brands have become cultural icons among a strong core following of customers in the global marketplace. Some even talk about the “Swatch Revolution” that began when Nicolas Hayek founded the company. Why do you think Swatch has such a strong cultural following? (2 Marks)

3. As mentioned, Swatch wants you to create your own unique way of accessorizing through its Swatch watch. Is a watch a way to show who a person is culturally? Does a watch get embedded into a person’s culture? Can a watch create a cultural image? (2 Marks)

4. Swatch has successfully maintained its Swiss heritage while expanding globally. Considering the forces of globalization—such as technology, international trade, and cultural exchange analyze how Swatch balances global standardization and local adaptation. What challenges might the company face in the future due to globalization, and how could it address them? (3 Marks)

5. References: Need 4 – 5 reliable references using APA style (1 Mark)