Question 1 (7 marks)
You are a Supply Chain Procurement Manager working for a large manufacturing company located in North America. Recently, you have found out that one of your suppliers is in contravention of your company’s standards of engagement because they are employing persons aged 14 to 16 years of age. Whilst you would prefer to end the business relationship with this supplier immediately, you have to weigh up the ethical issues with the commercial considerations including; the low cost of the supplies and the history of reliability of delivery from this supplier. (Word limit: 400 words)
Required:
Based on your knowledge of corporate social responsibility, as well as supply chain logistics, what is the best course of action in this situation? Discuss.
ANSWER: ** Answer box will enlarge as you type
Question 2 (7 marks)
You are the new CEO of a major well-established automotive manufacturer in South Korea, but you are concerned that the longstanding price war in the industry is undermining profits for all firms in this sector. However, you have been warned by your company’s in-house corporate lawyers not to openly discuss pricing with rival firms. In several cases, you know the other CEOs personally because you graduated from the same business school as they did. (Word limit: 400 words)
Required:
Given this dilemma, how would you develop an effective strategy to ensure you act in the best interests of your company, but without engaging in collusion, which is illegal? Discuss.
ANSWER:
Question 3 (7 marks)
You are currently employed as a mid-tier manager at a large multi-national entity. Last week, you heard that your company is being acquired by a competitor from another country. Whilst this has been communicated as a positive and mutually beneficial development by the General Manager of your company, you have some reservations based on your experience at other organisations. (Word limit: 400 words)
Required:
Based on your knowledge of post-acquisition integration, what are your immediate and long-term concerns? What actions might you take? Discuss.
ANSWER:
Question 4 (7 marks)
The global matrix organisational structure is often considered an effective compromise as an organisational structure because it addresses the disadvantages of both the “geographic area” and “global product division” structures. However, this assessment has also been disputed.
(Word limit: 400 words)
Required:
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the global matrix organisational structure. Provide appropriate examples in your response.
ANSWER:
Question 5 (11 marks)
You have been appointed by Interpol – The International Criminal Police Organisation – to manage an international team to produce a high-level report on global efforts to address cyber-security and data security breaches. Experts joining the team are based in New Delhi, New York, Singapore, Sao Paolo and Dubai. (Word limit: 600 words)
Required:
a) Given that each expert is from a different cultural background, and using your knowledge of cultural dimensions, how are you going to make this team work effectively when communication is exclusively online? (5 marks)
b) How would you ensure that each team member contributes effectively so as to avoid the possibility of “group think” emerging in the decision-making process? (6 marks)
ANSWER:
Question 6 (11 marks)
The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected international travel and also had an impact on globalisation. There are also increasingly serious global political issues emerging including; great power rivalry, renewed border disputes and other political tensions flaring up in different parts of the world. (Word limit: 600 words)
Required:
a) From an institution-based perspective, how are national and international politics likely to influence future paths of globalization? (5 marks)
b) How should multi-national entities respond strategically if a “new cold war” emerges due to great power rivalry? (6 marks)
ANSWER:
END OF FINAL ASSESSMENT
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