tutorials Flashcards
(22 cards)
What are the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
A set of 17 global goals adopted by the UN to promote social, economic, and environmental sustainability by 2030.
What are externalities in international management?
Unintended consequences (positive or negative) of business activities that affect third parties. MNEs often create both types.
Should MNEs help solve global grand challenges?
Debated. Some argue MNEs have the scale and power to address SDGs, while others believe their role is primarily profit-driven.
How can MNEs address SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being)?
*Improve workplace safety
*Expand access to healthcare
*Invest in health initiatives in supply chains
How can MNEs address SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption & Production)?
*Develop circular economy models
*Reduce waste and emissions
*Ethical sourcing of materials
How can MNEs address SDG 14 (Life Below Water)?
*Reduce ocean plastic use
*Partner with marine conservation groups
*Implement sustainable shipping practices
What is ABB’s strategy in China?
*Localised R&D, manufacturing, and services
*“In China, for China” approach
*Responding to infrastructure demand and state investment
What are key features of emerging markets?
*Institutional voids
*High uncertainty
*State-dominated sectors
*Weak infrastructure
*Informal networks
What challenges do MNEs face in emerging markets like China?
*IP protection
*Bureaucratic complexity
*Talent shortages
*Political risk and state control
What is ABB’s approach to technology transfer in China?
*Collaborative R&D with local partners
*Local training and skill development
*Integrated global-local innovation
What is notable about ABB’s corporate governance in China?
*Adapts to local norms while retaining global standards
*Navigates both Western investor expectations and Chinese policy constraints
How does ABB manage employee relations in China?
*Investment in local talent
*Cultural adaptation
*Balancing global HR strategy with local practices
What motivated Merck’s market development strategy?
*Promote Gardasil for HPV prevention
*Drive vaccine uptake through policy change (e.g., mandatory vaccinations)
Were Merck’s market strategies responsible?
*Contested: Seen as proactive health policy engagement, but also aggressive lobbying with profit motive
Could Merck have anticipated opposition?
Yes — public backlash to mandatory vaccination, ethical concerns, and medical autonomy were predictable in sensitive markets.
Should Merck have suspended lobbying?
*Possibly, to rebuild trust
*Responsibility includes responding to public sentiment and adjusting strategy accordingly
Under what conditions should lobbying resume?
*With transparency
*Backed by independent medical evidence
*After stakeholder consultation and public education
What would a responsible marketing plan for Gardasil for males include?
*Emphasise health benefits (e.g., cancer prevention)
*Avoid coercion
*Partner with medical professionals
*Culturally sensitive campaigns
What criteria are used to assess writing in International Management?
*Theoretical lens use
*Practical examples
*Range of academic sources
*Structure and clarity
*Referencing consistency
*Critical vs descriptive tone
What makes a strong theoretical application in an essay?
A20:
*Selecting appropriate frameworks
*Clearly linking theory to evidence
*Demonstrating understanding, not just name-dropping
What is the difference between descriptive and critical writing?
*Descriptive: Summarises ideas or facts
*Critical: Evaluates, compares, questions, and synthesises concepts
What role do empirical examples play in academic writing?
*Ground arguments in reality
*Illustrate theory in practice
*Improve relevance and persuasiveness
