Unlock document.
This document is partially blurred.
Unlock all pages and 1 million more documents.
Get Access
DISCUSSION STARTERS
Discussion Starter 1: Productivity vs. Vacation Time
ASK: Does less vacation time make the United States more or less competitive?
The United States is the most productive country in the world. Some argue that this is because Americans
work harder. On average, Americans take about 13 days of vacation annually, versus 15 in Japan, 19 in
Discussion Starter 2: Mistine and ASEAN
Mistine was launched as a direct-selling cosmetics firm in Thailand in 1991. It became the first direct
selling firm in the world to engage in mass media advertising. Mistine has expanded beyond Thailand into
other Asian countries. ASEAN is a crucial trade agreement paving the way for Mistine’s distribution and
expansion into Southeast Asian countries.
ASK: Explain some ways that ASEAN is beneficial for companies such as Mistine.
Discussion Starter 3: Global Shipping
ASK: What is more than ¼ mile long and can carry more than a 44-mile-long train?
The answer is the world’s largest container ship the Emma Maersk. The growth of global trade has
led to a phenomenal growth in the demand for container ships. The Emma Maersk is longer than a
Discussion Starter 4: Logitech Born Global
Logitech is a Swiss provider of computer peripherals such as mouse products and speakers. Founded
in 1981, the company did not appear to belong to any particular country. Rather, research and
development was performed in two separate countries. By 1989 the company had global market share
of computer mouse products. Logitech is an early example of a “born global” firm.
ASK:
1. What are some of the advantages Logitech had by becoming a born global firm?
2. What might be some disadvantages to immediately adopting a born global approach?
