Introduction to International Business

• The Assignment must be submitted on Blackboard (WORD format only) via 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 your information on the cover page.
• Students must mention 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 answered must be typed using Times New Roman (size 12, double-spaced) font. No pictures containing text will be accepted and will be considered plagiarism).
• Submissions without this cover page will NOT be accepted.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Identify and evaluate the significant trade agreements affecting global commerce (Lo: 1.1)
2. Analyze the effects of culture, politics and economic systems in the context of international business (Lo: 2.1)
3. Identify the major components of international business management (Lo: 2.4)

Critical Thinking

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

Assignment Question(s):

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? Explain.(Minimum words: 400, Mark:2)

1. 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? Give logic in support of your answer. (Minimum words: 400, Mark:2)

1. 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? Discuss. (Minimum words: 600, Mark:6)

Important Notes:

• This is an individual assignment.
• All references must be cited using APA format. This includes both in-text citations and the reference list at the end of the document.
• Originality, Similarity and Plagiarism Check: Your work must be original. All papers will be submitted through SafeAssign software to check for similarity and plagiarism. Any instance of academic dishonesty will result in a grade of zero for the assignment. No exceptions and no second chances!

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