Put simply, Free trade is international trade where there are no government policies restricting the import and export of goods and services. While economists consider this as the best approach to maintain a healthy global economy, this is more of a theoretical policy become some restrictions do exist. Free trade means importing and exporting without […]
Organization Culture: Importance, factors and how it can be changed
Culture is gaining more attention in business nowadays as it is known to impact business due its influence on manners, behaviours, business negotiation process, decision making, etc. Due to globalisation, businesses are expanding their operations around the world; as a result, it is important to have understanding of different cultural patterns. Organizational culture refers to […]
Leadership (Organizational Behavior)
The communities where we live and work are facing complex challenges such as climate change, economic uncertainty, income inequality, multicultural relations, geopolitical unrest and other seemingly uncontrollable forces. People are stressed, confused, anxious, on edge. When we think of leadership in such times, we immediately look toward the dynamic individual leader who can guide us […]
Netflix: Various Strategies
Various strategies (innovation, growth) adopted by Netflix to become the largest streaming service provider in the world. About Netflix Netflix, the world’s largest online streaming services provider, serves a diverse subscriber base globally. Its popularity over the years has been driven through original content and sound use of technology. Netflix maintains that member satisfaction is […]
Kotter’s 8-Step Change Model Explained
Kotter’s 8-step change model is a change management model that lays down the process for organizations to efficiently implement a new change initiative. Introduction to Kotter’s Change Model Dr. John Kotter had first introduced the model in his book ‘Leading Change’ (1996); the model was then updated and published in the book ‘Accelerate’ (in 2014). […]
Special Economic Zone (SEZ): Case Studies
A special economic zone (SEZ) is an area within a country that has business-friendly trade and business laws and is subjected to different economic regulations from the rest of the country. SEZs are set up to boost economic activity, promote exports, boost investments, develop infrastructure as well as create employment opportunities. Special Economic Zone (SEZ): […]
Comparative Advantage trade theory
Comparative advantage is the ability of a country to produce a particular good or service more efficiently (at a lower cost) than its trading partners. Comparative Cost Advantage is a situation in which a country, individual, company or region can produce a good at a lower opportunity cost than a competitor. The Country concentrates on […]
Understanding Global Value Chains (GVCs)
Understand the importance and characteristics of global production chains. Understand the political, economic, ethical and social issues raised by the existence of global production chains. Understand the nature of employment and labor rights in identified emerging economies. What are Global Value Chains? (GVC) Global value chains are the fragmented cross-border stages, people and activities required […]
Organizational Structure: Types and Importance
An organizational structure is a system set in place, by which work flows within a firm, that helps the firm achieve its goals. Organizational Structure: Types and Importance Here, we take a look at the importance of organisational structure in terms of the overall success of a business. Experts have stressed that key factors have […]
International Trade: Concepts & Theories
International (Global) Trade concepts and theories. Understand free trade, protectionism, role of bodies like WTO in promoting free trade, regional economic integration and trade agreements. Understand the various theories of trade that explain why countries trade, understand the factors affecting countries’ trade patterns, and understand how global efficiency is increased through free trade. International Trade […]
Globalization: Concepts and resource guide
Globalization changes the business environment and presents new opportunities as well as pose new challenges to organisations operating in a global business. This resource guide helps understand globalization and key related concepts. What is Globalisation ‘New’ vs. ‘Old’ Forms of Integration Globalization refers to the increasing integration of economies around the world, particularly through trade […]
Trade Protectionism: Impact of Tariffs and Trade Barriers on International Trade
There are benefits to free trade, but some parties could lose out as well; that is why governments may feel the need to interfere and regulate certain aspects of the trade. Let’s understand why governments control trade and identify methods governments use to control trade. Introduction to Trade Tariffs Tariff refers to taxes or duties levied […]
Equity theory of Motivation – Adams (1965) (Process Theory)
As per the equity theory of motivation, when people see fairness and justice around them, they are motivated, and if they see unfairness and injustice around them, they become demotivated. This is how human beings really feel when it comes to fairness. Equity Theory (Adams 1965) suggests that we compare job inputs (effort/experience etc) and […]
What trade risks and financial risks does a multinational company face?
With increased globalization, many companies see the benefits of engaging in international trade; there’s opportunity to earn more revenue and to place your products and services in front of a wider audience. However, a business should also weigh in the risks associated with international trade. While one can mitigate most of these risks, certain risks […]
GE-McKinsey Matrix / Directional Policy Matrix
The GE-McKinsey (9-box) Matrix (aka Directional Policy Matrix) is a tool that enables a firm to understand which are its strong products/segments, where it has a strong competitive position so that it can focus better on those areas. This tool enables a firm to carry out analysis of its portfolio of products or various areas […]
Walmart: Various Strategies
Here are various strategies adopted by Walmart over the years that has helped the company become a retail giant. Pricing Strategy The pricing strategy of “Everyday Low Prices” has been at the core of the business model of Walmart. This strategy is focused on selling goods at a lower price per item at all times, […]
New Product Development (NPD): Various Models
New Product Development (NPD) refers to the process or steps needed to produce a new product and introduce it in the market. In order to improve customer satisfaction and to increase market share, firms use strategies such as regularly introducing new products and improving upon variables such as cost, time and quality. Managing new products […]
Operations Management and Operations Strategy
Operations Management is everywhere around us. The concept of operations management applies to every business activities (manufacturing of products or rendering of services) that involves or requires a sequential process. Operations management is about understanding how organizations produce goods and services. Operations refers to the resources that create products and services; it refers to detailed, […]
Toilet paper shortage: Lessons in supply chain
Toilet paper shortage was a strange side-effect of the Covid19 pandemic. As lockdown was enforced in the US, people resorted to panic buying of toilet paper rolls resulting in several shortage on toilet rolls in leading retail stores. Here are lessons in supply chain learnt from the shortage. The Product – Toilet Paper While people […]
Logistics Management: Core concepts
Logistics management, a component of supply chain management, is the process of efficiently transporting goods from the starting point to the destination. It involves steps such as acquisition, storage and transportation of inventory. Here we will try to understand the Logistic concept, identify main activities and elements within logistics, recognise various modes of transport in […]
Ethical Issues in Photojournalism/Photography
Aaron Quinn raises the ethical issue of manipulating images in Photojournalism, through the use of computers, high-end camera gear and imaging editing software, as most readers feel that the images they see in newspapers and media is manipulated by journalists, as a result of which public trust is waning in journalism. Aaron Quinn says that […]
Ethical Issues with respect to Technology
Ethics is a branch of philosophy that studies morality, and Ethics in technology addresses ethical questions specific to the Technology Age. Professional ethics falls under the sub discipline of applied ethics as its purpose is to reason about, and answer moral issues, that arise in certain specific situations encountered by professionals. There are situations when […]
Kohlberg and Gilligan theory of moral development: Differences
Key issues in the ‘Kohlberg–Gilligan conflict’ and reasons why Gilligan criticized Kohlberg. Kohlberg’s research is based on the cognitive development theory in psychology adopting a functional perspective on ethical behaviour which assumes that: Individual behaviour is directed by moral beliefs. Moral beliefs enable individuals to understand and evaluate the behaviour of others. 18 year study […]
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Theories
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Importance in recent years and explanation of various concepts What is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)? Corporate social responsibility (CSR), also known as corporate responsibility (CR) or business sustainability, is a form of corporate self-regulation integrated into a stakeholder type business model. CSR focuses on achieving business sustainability through the delivery of […]
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Basics, Concepts, Case Studies
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) explained. Understand concepts, key terms, and also find case studies related to FDI. These terms are commonly used while talking about FDI. MNCs/MNEs – nomenclature of foreign business FDI-inward/outward Domestic/ cross border business Subsidiaries / affiliates / parent company Home country / host country Rankings / indexes- Ease of doing business […]
US-China trade conflict
The US-China trade war has been escalating for some time now, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic. More companies are planning to diversify their supply chain after the Covid-19 pandemic crippled their business. Also, it’s getting too bureaucratic to be a foreigner in China and hence companies are looking to move to other countries in Asia […]
Business Ethics & Responsibility: Theories, Definition, Principles, Examples
Business ethics addresses issues of right and wrong in decision making, but how does one decide what is right and what is wrong. Importance of Business Ethics Business ethics addresses issues of right and wrong in decision making. Law also tells us what is right and wrong but often law is the minimum acceptable standard. […]
Business Canvas Model
The business canvas model is one of the more commonly used frameworks that are used to explain the business model of a firm, and to explain the more important elements of the business. The canvas displays all this information in a single view thereby making it easy to visualize the business (Osterwalder et al., 2011). […]
Value Proposition Canvas
The Value Proposition Canvas is a useful tool to understand how a new product/service that a business plans to introduce can help the buyers. The canvas consists of two sections, the customer profile and value proposition (Osterwalder et al., 2014). The Value Proposition Canvas is a tool/framework used by product owners, marketing experts, and businesses […]
Role of WTO (World Trade Organization) in International Trade
What is WTO (World Trade Organization) and its importance in international trade. Introduction to WTO The World Trade Organization (WTO) is a global body that deals with the rules of trade between nations. The WTO strives to ensure trade flows as freely and predictably as possible. WTO replaced the GATT (General Agreement on Tariffs and […]
Technological Environment: Impact on business
Technological Environment (Domestic or Foreign Technological Factors) and its impact on business. Two of the principal divers of global development have been speed of communication and the reduction in cost of technology. New technologies in both home and host market impact strategic thinking and should be taken into account when developing a global marketing strategy. […]
The Economic Environment facing Business
Economic environment refers to the external economic factors that can influence businesses as well as consumer behavior, and in turn impact the performance of a business. Economic environment factors are further categorized as macroeconomic factors and microeconomic factors. It is important for managers to appreciate the importance of the economic analysis of foreign markets, to […]
The Legal Environment facing business
The legal environment of a country is framed by its government and comprises of business laws that every business operating in that country must adhere to. Legal Environment (Domestic or Foreign Legal Factors) stems from the political stance and cultural attitude towards business in the domestic and foreign market in which the company operates. International […]
The Political Environment facing business
Political Environment (Domestic or Foreign Political Factors) includes any domestic and foreign political factors which may affect the organization’s decision making, planning, implementation and control mechanisms. Marketers have to work within the framework of each country’s ruling parties in which they operate. Each nation has a unique political culture that: reflects the relative importance of […]
Culture and Impact of Socio-Cultural Environment on Business
Culture is an intangible and wide-ranging concept whose theoretical basis is based in several traditional fields of research including anthropology, management, psychology and other social sciences is culture. Culture has many views; however, a very common understanding of culture is that it is related to concepts such as behaviour, values, and norms of a certain […]
How to do Competitor Analysis
As part of the industry or sector analysis, it is important to examine the activity of competitors. Competitive analysis is about assessing the nature and extent of competition in the organisation’s market place. As part of competitive analysis, detailed information is needed on the following: Competitors: who are they, where are they, what are they […]
Introduction to Marketing: Useful Concepts
Introduction to marketing: Various definitions, marketing mix, sales vs. marketing, marketing plans, and more. What is Marketing? Marketing is an organizational function and a set of processes for creating, communicating and delivering value to customers and for managing customer relationships in ways that benefit the organisation and its stakeholders. Marketing management is the art and […]
Ansoff Matrix Explained
Ansoff Matrix, often referred to as the Product/Market Expansion Grid, is a strategic planning framework used by firms to help plan their growth initiatives. The matrix talks about four different growth alternatives – market penetration, market development, product development and diversification. The Ansoff matrix is named after Igor Ansoff, who published it in a Harvard […]
McKinsey’s Three Horizons of Growth
McKinsey’s Three Horizons of Growth suggests that a firm should categorize its various goals into three different ‘horizons’ in order to effectively focus on growth as well as innovation. Horizon 1 Current core activities – extend and defend these activities. This is about conintuing to do what a firm does best. Horizon 2 Develop emerging […]
Internal Analysis Models & Tool in Strategic Management
The Internal Environment includes all aspects that are directly within the span of control of the global company and can be altered, stopped or started at its decision, e.g. strategy, structure, people, processes, resources. What is the Internal Environment? The internal environment refers to the culture, people (directly or indirectly related to the organization), events […]
Mission, vision and value statements: Definitions & examples
Understanding mission, vision and value statements. A mission statement talks about the organization’s business, its purpose, its objectives and how it intends to meet those objectives. A vision statement details what the organization hopes to become in the future, where it aspires to go. The values statement talks about the organization’s core principles and ethics. […]
Porter’s Five Forces: Analysis of Competitive Environment (Micro Environment)
A useful way of gaining insights into competitors and the competitive environment is through industry analysis. Porter’s five forces model is a framework that helps understand the competitive patterns within the industry in which a firm operates. Introduction An Industry is “a group of firms that produce products that are close substitutes for each other. […]
Business Level Strategies
While strategies at the corporate level provide the broad direction, below this level are the business level strategies. Corporate level strategies lay down the framework in which business strategies operate. These strategies are then applied at the business level. Business strategies are the courses of action adopted by an organization for each of its businesses […]
What is Strategic Management?
Strategic management is the process of setting goals, objectives and developing plans, policies in order to achieve those objectives, and then allocating the requisite resources to implement those plans. This is done in order to make the firm more competitive. Strategic Management What is Strategic Management? Strategic Management is concerned with establishing the proper “organization […]
Keller’s Brand equity Model (CBBE Model)
One of the main objectives of the branding team of a company is to increase the brand equity of the organization. There are several ways in which this can be done, and one of the ways is to follow the Keller’s Brand equity model (also known as the CBBE model of Keller). Introduction Kevin Keller […]
Environmental Scanning
Environmental scanning is an activity that helps an organization to identify the opportunities and threats in its environment. It is the systematic, ongoing collection and interpretation of data about internal and external factors that affect marketing and performance. According to Aguilar (1967), environmental scanning is the process of gathering information about a company’s external events […]
Leadership Theories Explained
Overview of the various leadership theories (Great Man Theory, Trait Theory, Behavioural Theory, Contingency Theory, Situational Theory, Transactional Theory, Transformational Theory, and others) that describe why certain individuals develop Leadership qualities. Key Points Great man Theory: Leaders are born and not made. Trait theory: Leaders have traits that can be inherited or acquired. Behavioural theory: […]
Carroll’s CSR Pyramid: Understanding the Four Levels
Carroll’s CSR pyramid is a framework that explains how organisations can take social responsibility, it highlights the four important types of responsibility of organisations. The more important responsibilities are placed towards the bottom of the pyramid. Carroll’s CSR pyramid suggests that firms should engage in practices and take responsibility at four levels – Economic, Legal, […]
Deviant Consumer behaviour
Consumers can often be their own “worst enemies”. Consumers’ desires, choices, and actions often result in NEGATIVE consequences to themselves and / or to society. Social pressures, a culture’s value of money, exposure to unattainable ideals of success, social status, and / or beauty – all contribute to negative consumer behavior. Consumers are NOT always […]
Schiffman and Kanuk’s model of Consumer Behaviour
Schiffman and Kanuk uses a marketing segmentation approach to explain Consumer Behaviour. The authors have explained the model in their book named ‘Consumer Behaviour’. Consumer buying behaviour is the study of the buying behaviour of consumers; it tries to understand the decision making process of the consumer, their shopping habits and purchasing behavior. Schiffman and […]