NMIMS Sem 4 April 2025 International Trade Assignments
Business: Ethics, Governance & Risk
Q1. “Business should conduct and govern themselves with integrity, and in a manner that is ethical, transparent and accountable” (Principle 1). Prepare an executive summary (in your own words) based on the disclosures given under Essential Indicators and Leadership Indicators, to showcase how the company is delivering on this principle from the Business Responsibility & Sustainability Report – 2023-24 (BRSR) of a company of your choice. You will find this report under Director’s Report section. Please select any ONE company that is listed as Large Cap. For this selection you must refer to the NSE’s Nifty 50 list by market cap. It is required that you include the name of the company in the brief introduction at the beginning. You must also go through the website of the company as well as its sustainability report, if available in public domain for relevant information on Principle 1. DO NOT copy paste.
Q2. Go through the ‘Management Discussion & Analysis’ section under the Director’s Report in the annual report (FY2023-24) of the company selected in question1 and prepare an executive summary (in your own words) on the following two topics:
Opportunities and threat
Internal control systems & their adequacy
You must mention the name of the company. DO NOT copy paste.
Q3. As Head of Sales in a medium size consumer durables company selling cooling systems and air conditioners you have just bagged a Rs 75 lac worth of order from an out-of-town company, (their first order with you). The purchase executive of the client company agrees to confirm the order on the condition that you will agree to pay for his and his wife’s travel and stay in your city, while visiting your office for finalizing and signing of the contract.
3a. What do you think are the ethical dilemmas involved in this scenario?
3b. Describe the process you will adopt to resolve the dilemmas in this scenario?
Research Methodology
Q1. Samsung mobile phones have been facing a significant decline in market share over the past one year in India, despite the growing overall demand for Mobile Phones. The company’s sales have decreased by 12%, while competitors have seen a growth of 18% in the same period. This decline is affecting the company’s profitability and brand position in the market. This decline is occurring despite an overall increase in industry demand. The problem impacts the company’s profitability, brand strength, and market position. Which type of research study is above and what can be the research questions for this study? Explain which research design you will follow and why?
Q2. You are working in the HR department of Havells India; who have 15 state-of-the- art manufacturing plants spread across 8 locations in India. You have to study the relationship of Annual Increment (three levels 5%, 8% and 10%) and employee productivity (in units). Explain the design of experiment, independent, dependent and extraneous variable (assume any) for the study. What can be the potential threat to internal and external validity in this experiment?
Q3. In recent years, the financial landscape has witnessed significant transformations driven by advances in technology and the widespread adoption of online banking platforms. The emergence of online banking has revolutionized the way consumers engage with banks. With the increasing adoption of digital banking channels, it is crucial to assess how traditional banking methods are affected in terms of customer behavior, service demand, Trust, Security, operational adjustments and the response to the socio-demography of consumers.
a. Develop a comprehensive research plan to compare customer satisfaction and service efficiency between online and offline banking.
b. Develop a Structured questionnaire for this study.
International Logistics & Supply Chain Management
1. A leading Indian brand of packed spices (both in whole form as well as grind form) is already having a vast pan-India distribution network. They are planning its international expansion by way of exports. It has identified the USA as the first foreign market to start with. Explain the factors the manufacturer should consider while formulating its supply chain strategy for exporting to the USA market and suggest an appropriate strategy for the same.
2. “THE COLLECTIBLES” brands follow a direct-to-consumer (D2C) model for sourcing & selling accessories like watches, belts, purses, wallets, etc. for men & women. With competition from similar other D2C companies, “THE COLLECTIBLES” is looking to differentiate itself from the others based on its delivery experience. It is also looking at a superior delivery experience to provide it a source of competitive advantage. Explain, with reasons, the choice between in-house & outsourcing of logistics for “THE COLLECTIBLES” to achieve its twin objectives.
3. An international brand is interested in setting up its first India operations by importing & selling its product range comprising of internationally renowned models of premium sports shoes through both the distributor as well as retail channel.
a) Discuss the various requirements & the procedure to be followed for importing the products in the Indian market.
b) Discuss the requirements of warehousing in India for the distributor channel for the sports shoe brand? Would these be any different for the retail channel? Suggest the suitable type (or types) of warehouse.
International Finance
1. When the International Monetary Fund (IMF) conducts a comprehensive analysis of a specific economy, why does the Balance of Payments (BOP) often emerge as a crucial component? How does the paradigm shift when viewed from the perspective of the Current Account, and what role does the Capital Account play in this context? Explain the significance of these accounts in understanding the overall economic health and stability of the country.
2. In the context of international finance, how does the concept of Interest Rate Parity (IRP) influence the exchange rates between two currencies? What are the key mechanisms through which IRP affects the economic interactions and financial stability of two interconnected economies? How does this parity help in maintaining equilibrium in foreign exchange markets? Explain the implications of IRP on the exchange rate dynamics between these economies.
3a. In the realm of international trade, what significance does an Export Earners’ Foreign Currency (EEFC) account hold for global traders? How does the existence of an EEFC account facilitate the retention of foreign exchange earnings without converting them into the domestic currency? What are the key benefits and implications of this account for exporters in managing their foreign exchange reserves? Explain the role of EEFC accounts in enhancing trade efficiency and financial flexibility. (5 Marks)
b. In the context of foreign exchange management, how does Translation Risk emerge as a critical component of forex risks? What are the underlying factors that contribute to Translation Risk, and how does it impact financial statements and asset values? How do fluctuations in exchange rates exacerbate this risk for multinational corporations? Explain the significance of Translation Risk in the broader spectrum of forex risk management.
International Marketing
Q1. What are your views on Foreign Direct Investments FDI and FII and how do both impact our country?
Q2. Many countries today are promoting “Go Local “to promote Local consumption. What is your view on nations promoting local production and how does it impact globalization?
Q3. Read the following case study carefully and then answer the questions that follow: Your firm manufactures Incense sticks also called Agarbatti, in India and desires to market them globally. Although there is competition, you see that Mauritius has a huge potential and plan to expand your company’s retail operations in Mauritius.
a) Discuss the market entry strategy that you would recommend to launch your company products in Mauritius.
b) How does global pricing policies help in launch of products. In your view which pricing policies do you think would be appropriate while launching of Incense sticks in Mauritius?
