How will the mission and vision of the business compliment the expansion

WEEK 8: FINAL PROJECT – INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PLAN

Using materials drawn from the previous assignment, students will be divided into teams to conduct research based on the criteria established, and develop a comprehensive International Business plan proposal with cost analysis. Evaluation criteria would include the following 10 areas:

How will the mission and vision of the business compliment the expansion?

Will this be a new department or division of existing market; or a new subsidiary?

Company strengths, in terms of finances, project management, etc.

Market size and growth trends

Entering a market into which owners have a level of comfort

Needs in this market – alignment with objectives?

Availability of incentives for business development

Market conditions

Customer demand

Growth in affiliated industries

Available labor

Local competitive environment

Other similar businesses/projects in development

Potential profit margins (is this attainable?)

General business climate and specific climate for this industry

Availability of qualified consultants and agents

Threats from inflation, foreign competitors, or privatization

Availability of channel partners (brokers, marketing tools, etc.)

Legal and compliance barriers

Laws for private ownership

Market entry barriers

Other administrative regulations and “red tape”

Location in terms of culture, climate, geography and topography

The host country’s ability and means to support business development

Logistics: rail, ports, roadways?

How these topographical factors would affect opportunities for exchange?

Financial and economic forces

Government stability

Taxation and interest rates

Pricing Challenges

Challenges of foreign currency

Financing the projects

Availability of funding and sources

Partnership opportunities or available local agents

Open to Acquisition / Joint Ventures

Sourcing products and resources from local suppliers

Intangibles OR Showstoppers –factors that might sway a marginal opportunity into a great one; or possibly something that “looks great on paper” but has too much risk:

Timing of development – how quickly will they look to turn a profit after initial site identification?

Estimated costs of project: provide some idea of what it will cost to get started

Other intangibles – government instability; or the Olympics to be held here; etc.

Finally – Cost of entry, plan for expansion, 2-3 yr objectives for when venture will be cash-positive