Assignment 1 Risk Comparison Due Week 4 And Worth 240 Points
Assignment 1 Risk Comparisondue Week 4 And Worth 240 Pointsyou Have B
You have been tasked with selecting a qualified country for your company’s international expansion. Note: You may create and/or make all necessary assumptions needed for the completion of this assignment. The business can be any business of your choosing, although it is recommended that you choose a field in which you are currently working or have previously worked so that you are starting with more knowledge. If your selection is a private organization, we ask that you remove any identifying information that would enable someone to identify this organization(s). For this assignment, you will utilize the different resources listed below (plus your own research strategies) to select a qualified country for your company’s international expansion.
To begin, go to the World Bank Group's Website and review the "Economy Rankings" report located at. Choose two (2) countries from the list (one [1] from the top of the rankings and one [1] from the bottom) to complete a comparison of risks. The goal of the risk comparison is to examine the risk factors associated with expanding into the selected countries. You may discuss any of the eleven (11) categories on the report when examining the risk to technology, payment security, physical good / product security, etc., in your risk comparison. For additional information on the selected countries, you can visit the Central Intelligence Agency's (CIA) "World Factbook" found at.
You may also use the Internet or Strayer databases to conduct any additional research. Use the basic outline below to draft your paper. Organize your responses to each question (except Questions 1 and 6) under the following section headings:· Higher-Ranking Country is Considered the Safer Strategy for Expansion. (for Question 2)· Lower-Ranking Country is Considered the Risky Strategy for Expansion. (for Questions 3)· Identify which Country You Selected and Why. (for Questions 4 and 5) Write a five to seven (4-5) page paper in which you do the following:
- Provide a brief (one [1] paragraph) description of the organization you have selected for this project. Present the main drivers supporting the decision to expand internationally. Select your expansion strategy (Export, International, Multinational, or Global) and explain this decision.
- Provide a brief description of the higher-ranking country you have selected for this project. Next, analyze the various rankings (provided by the World Bank or CIA World Factbook sites) and discuss the strengths, weaknesses, and key benefits of this selection. You will then examine this country's major existing trade agreements and predict whether they will assist or deter your venture.
- Provide a brief description about the lower-ranking country you have selected for this project. Next, analyze the various rankings (using the same websites as stated above) and discuss the strengths, weaknesses, and key benefits of this selection. You will then examine this country's major existing trade agreements and predict whether they will assist or deter your venture.
- Based on your research of comparative advantage, present the primary risks (economic, political, cultural, language, etc.) associated with expanding into the lower-ranking country versus the higher-ranking country. Next, provide the competitive advantages (economic, political, cultural, language, etc.) associated with expanding into the lower-ranking country versus the higher-ranking country.
- Based on this comparative advantage study, suggest which country is the better choice and provide a rationale for your selection. Next, state which key factors you can identify to support your decision.
- Use at least three (3) quality references. Note: Wikipedia and other websites do not qualify as academic resources. Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:· Be typed, double-spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. · Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length. The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are: · Evaluate the economic, political, legal, financial, and cultural factors of global trade. · Analyze global segmentation, positioning, and research essential for developing a comparative advantage. · Evaluate the importance of risk mitigation associated with implementing a global market strategy. · Analyze the main drivers associated with market entry, pricing strategies, and frontline sales in the global marketplace. · Use technology and information resources to research issues in global marketing management. · Write clearly and concisely about global marketing management using proper writing mechanics. Number of pages: words) Academic Level: Postgraduate Deadline: 10 hours FROM NOW Instruction Files: GBM Assignment 1 Instructions.docx
Paper For Above instruction
The strategic decision to expand a company's operations into international markets requires meticulous risk assessment and comprehensive analysis of potential host countries. For this purpose, I have selected a hypothetical company in the technology sector, specifically a mid-sized software development firm looking to capitalize on emerging opportunities abroad. The core drivers motivating international expansion include the pursuit of new customer bases, diversification of revenue streams, access to innovative talent, and competitive positioning in a globalized market. Considering these factors, I have chosen an expansion strategy aligned with a multinational approach, which involves establishing subsidiaries or operational units across different countries to leverage local advantages and maintain control over operations.
In conducting risk comparison, I identified two countries from the World Bank's Economy Rankings—one from the top and one from the bottom—namely Singapore, a highly developed and stable economy, and Nigeria, a developing country with significant growth potential but also substantial challenges. Singapore exemplifies a high-ranking country with robust institutional frameworks, advanced infrastructure, and progressive trade policies. Its strengths include transparent legal systems, ease of doing business, established trade agreements such as the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA), and excellent technological infrastructure. These factors collectively create a conducive environment for technology firms seeking secure and efficient operations. However, its high operating costs and competitive market landscape are notable weaknesses. Singapore's existing trade agreements facilitate ease of market entry and provide preferential tariffs, which are advantageous for international expansion.
Conversely, Nigeria's lower ranking reflects challenges including political instability, infrastructural deficiencies, and economic volatility. Nonetheless, Nigeria offers substantial advantages such as a large population, a burgeoning middle class, and abundant natural resources, all of which can present significant market opportunities. The country has free trade agreements with regional blocs like ECOWAS, which could potentially ease market access. However, risks include fluctuating currency values, corruption, regulatory unpredictability, and infrastructural inadequacies that could hinder smooth operational scaling. The trade agreements in place may offer some facilitation, but the overall risk profile positions Nigeria as a less stable environment for direct investment.
Analyzing the comparative advantages, Singapore's economic stability and robust legal framework provide significant political and economic security, though at a higher operational cost. Cultural familiarity and language ease further reduce market entry risks. In contrast, Nigeria's potential for high returns aligns with its demographic and resource wealth but is offset by multiple political, infrastructural, and security risks. Language barriers exist, and cultural adaptation could be complex, adding to operational challenges. Economically, Nigeria's larger market demographics offer long-term growth prospects; politically, however, instability could threaten investments. These factors exemplify the core risks—economic instability, governance issues, and infrastructural deficit—versus the competitive advantages of market size and resource abundance.
Based on this comparative analysis, I recommend expanding into Singapore out of a strategic emphasis on risk mitigation, stability, and ease of market entry. The stable political environment, established legal system, and existing trade agreements make Singapore a more secure choice for initial market entry, especially for a technology firm seeking secure operations and intellectual property protection. Key factors supporting this decision include the country's transparent regulatory framework, technological infrastructure, and proactive government policies promoting innovation. While Nigeria presents higher risk, its market potential could be explored in later stages after establishing a foothold in the Singaporean market or through joint ventures with local entities that mitigate some entry risks. The choice aligns with strategic goals for sustainable growth and risk management in international expansion.
References
- World Bank Group. (2023). Worldwide Governance Indicators. https://databank.worldbank.org/source/worldwide-governance-indicators
- Central Intelligence Agency. (2023). The World Factbook: Singapore. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/singapore/
- Central Intelligence Agency. (2023). The World Factbook: Nigeria. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/nigeria/
- United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. (2022). World Investment Report 2022.https://unctad.org/webflyer/world-investment-report-2022
- OECD. (2022). Foreign Direct Investment Trends in Africa. https://www.oecd.org/africa/
- Schwab, K. (2023). The Global Competitiveness Report 2023. World Economic Forum.
- U.S. Department of State. (2023). Nigeria Investment Climate Statement. https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-investment-climate-statements/nigeria/
- International Trade Centre. (2022). Trade Map: Nigeria. https://www.trademap.org
- International Finance Corporation. (2022). Doing Business in Singapore. https://www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/corp_ext_content/ifc_external_corporate_site/resources/publications/doing-business
- PwC. (2023). Doing Business in Nigeria: Opportunities and Challenges. https://www.pwc.com/ng/en/