NMIMS Sem 4 December 2024 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. An Indian manufacturer of ready-to-eat snacks is already having a pan-India distribution network. They are planning its international expansion by way of exports. It has identified the UAE 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 UAE market and suggest an appropriate strategy for the same.
2. “THE PROS” brand follows a direct-to-consumer (D2C) model for sourcing & selling customized sports apparels for men & women. With competition from similar other D2C companies, “THE PROS” 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 PROS” to achieve its twin objectives.
3. An international Eyewear brand is interested in setting up its first India operations by importing & selling its product range comprising of premium range of glasses, lenses, & frames 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 Eyewear brand? Would these be any different for the retail channel? Suggest the suitable type (or types) of warehouse.
International Finance
1. A German Company want to expand their operations in Southeast Asia & Europe. In the same lieu they asked Research Team as to enlist & cover crucial technicalities & aspects of International Finance in lines of Global Macro Economics and Global Financial Management as a whole. Elaborate the views on these factors
2. For Economic Planning & Commission a Current Account is always instrumental in reporting Global Finance Position as per International Finance benchmark standard. If you agree to this perspective then explain Current Account paradigm in Balance of Payment process.
3a. How PPP – Purchase Power Parity Theory stands out as most different & crucial in International Fisher Effect? Kindly Elaborate
3b. NRI’s and most of Foreign Banks while doing recurrent Global Banking Transactions In between Domestic & Global Countries, they usually rely upon NOSTRO Account. Explain Nostro Account Fundamental Importance in Global Banking.
International Marketing
Q1. Pursuing International Marketing at the global marketplace can be a daunting task and also navigating it is tricky. What in your opinion motivates firms to engage in international marketing?
Q2. In our country many products from China dominate our markets and have made production unprofitable for Indian manufacturers. In your opinion should we allow the entry of Chinese products in our country?
Q3. Read the following case study carefully and then answer the questions that follow: Your firm manufactures EV bicycles in India and wishes to market them globally. In spite of competition, you see that South Africa has a huge potential and plan to expand your retail operations in South Africa.
a) Explain your market entry strategy to launch the EV bicycles in South Africa.
b) Explain major global pricing Which of these pricing policies would you consider while launching the EV bicycles in South Africa?