SAMPLE CASE STUDY—GLOBAL BUSINESS

GLOBAL BUSINESS

CASE STUDY

PARTICIPANT INSTRUCTIONS

1. You have 20 minutes to review the case.

2. Presentation time is seven minutes. At six minutes the timekeeper will stand and hold up a

colored card indicating one minute left and at seven minutes the timekeeper will stand and

hold up a colored card indicating time is up.

3. The presentation is interactive with the judges who will ask questions throughout the

presentations. The judges will play the role of the company vice presidents.

4. Each team member will be given two note cards.

5. Cover all the points described in the case and be prepared to answer questions posed by

the judges.

6. All team members must participate in the presentation as well as answer the questions.

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• Ability to anticipate concerns, challenges, and issues with the selected countries

• Provide alternative solutions when you find a problem in the expansion plan

• Ability to foresee ways the company will need to adapt its philosophies, business model,

marketing strategy, product and company name, and production flow as it expands

internationally

• Provide positive, negative, and constructive feedback on the proposed expansion plan in a

professional way

• Address how the expansion plan might differ when talking about boards, helmets, and

accessories

CASE STUDY SITUATION

You work for SuperScooter, an internationally renowned company that specializes in stand-up

motorized scooters that are used for meetings, events, get togethers, security guards, and even

more. The company has consistently been growing, and it recently received an investment of

$3.5 Million to expand its international presence.

The company vice presidents have charged you with planning an international meeting and

training for the entire global company. A total of 16 international sales reps will need to be in

attendance.

The meeting is going to be held in Cancun, Mexico.

It is necessary to explain all important aspects of planning this international meeting so that you

can be sure the necessary people, equipment, materials, and issues are all addressed. The

most important factor to be aware of is the reality that this meeting is only 21 days out, and you

have to consider what will need to be done to successfully deliver the meeting.

Some of the key concerns that the Vice Presidents have shared with you include:

• Most sales reps are “in market” so not all of them have passports or visas. How

will we get visas or passports for all of them?

• The company leaders think it is incredibly important that samples of all the

different equipment are on site for the meeting. The average weight exceeds 150

pounds and you need to explain shipping, customs, and receiving.

• There may be electrical compatibility issues in Mexico with the chargers for the

scooters. Please be prepared to outline how these will be addressed.

• There is a definite language barrier amongst some of the sales representatives.

Address how language barriers will be supported.

• Because you are bringing together a variety of individuals from different cultures

and backgrounds, identify what the needs will be to ensure that everyone feels

included.

THINGS TO CONSIDER

• The company wants to expand quickly (you’ve heard in the next six months). Is this

possible?

• The international department today consists of your team of people. Do any changes

need to be made there?

• Are there any product changes that may need to be made as we continue to expand?