B120-14JAn Introduction to Business StudiesDay School 3

Date: February 2015

Tutor: Phillippa Seaward

Agenda

• Introduction• TMA’s 3 & 4 Experiences & Feedback

• Book 5: Globalisation• Book 1: SWOT and Culture• Preparation for the EMA• Questions & Close

Experiences? - TMA03 & TMA04

Feedback on TMAs

• Word count• Read the question• Answer the Question• Use of course material• Look at the weighting of the marks and what you are asked to do• Choose a subject that offers obvious links to course material• When you use a course concept reference it in the text

(Harvard referencing)

Globalisation

Globalisation – what’s this about?

• changes in the pattern of global business and the political, social and economic environment that supports or hinders it

• example?

Globalisation

In a small group, using your Book 5 study materials, consider..

• What are the key features of globalisation?• List some key authors who have written about the

concept• What’s the difference between globalisation and

internationalisation?

• Take ten minutes • be prepared to feedback to class

Globalisation

In a group, using your Book 5 study materials..

• Explain the extent to which you think the case study company is globalised?

• Take 10-15minutes

• be prepared to feedback to class

Four Drivers of Globalisation

• 1 Cost drivers

– Seeking to reduce costs to your business by

– Increasing ‘economies of scale’– Using technology to improve production and

communications– Lower labour costs in some parts of the world– Using a cost effective transport system

– Examples?

Four Drivers of Globalisation

• 2 Market Drivers

– Influencing consumer choices

– Establishment of global brands, using homogenous marketing and advertising

– Increasing low-cost travel increases convergence of consumer tastes

– Growing incomes in developed and emerging economies increases purchasing power

– Examples?

Four Drivers of Globalisation

• 3 Government drivers

– Nations work together to increase trade activities to bring mutual advantage to both.

– Reduction in trade barriers and import tariffs– Creation of trading blocks

– Creating more open and freer economies eg Eastern Europe and China

– Privatisation of previously state owned industry

– Examples?

Four Drivers of Globalisation

• 4 Competition Drivers

– Opening up an economy creates an environment in which more competition and trade can take place. Business competes form domestic and international trade.

– Cross border ownership of firms eg parent company may be overseas

– Movement for companies to be global rather than nationally integrated

– Global organisation structures

– Examples?

Drivers of Globalisation

Case Study:

• In your groups consider…– How relevant is each of these four drivers of globalisation, to the

case study? Give examples to illustrate your answer. – Which is strongest in the case study? Say why?

• Be prepared to share your findings with the class

Take 15-20 minutes to discuss your ideas

Organisation Culture• See Drennan in Book 1, page 51• Twelve key factors which shape the culture of a

business

• In a small group, discuss which of these factors seem to be influencing the organisation culture of the case study

• Use the case study to support your points

15 minutes. Be prepared to feedback to the class

Q1a SWOT analysis• SWOT stands for?• An analysis of these gives a business an overview of its position

in relation to its external environment; and evaluates its competence and resources internally

• Don’t forget the ‘short paragraph’ required afterwards

SWOT analysis

• In a small group, conduct a SWOT analysis for the EMA case study

• Consider HRM, accounting & finance, and marketing functions• Use the info in the case study• What can you realise or ‘conclude’ as a result?

• 20 minutes

• be prepared to share with the group

Important Dates

• EMA – Must be submitted by 16 March 2015 by midday

There can be no extensions,

Please submit early!

In case of emergency, call the OU Exams Office for advice

GOOD LUCK

Questions