Question 1

Maintaining the same product design team as products move from market to market has become increasingly unnecessary

Accepted Answer

Maintaining the same product design team can ensure consistency in product quality and brand identity across different markets, which is crucial for global brand recognition and customer trust.

Question 2

Desirable qualities of expatriate managers include cultural empathy and sensitivities to global events

Accepted Answer

Cultural empathy and sensitivity to global events are crucial for expatriate managers to effectively navigate and manage in diverse cultural environments, ensuring successful international assignments and global business operations.

Question 3

Expatriate assignment failures are much higher for US firms than for European or Japanese companies

Accepted Answer

US firms historically have higher expatriate assignment failure rates compared to European or Japanese companies, often due to less rigorous selection processes, inadequate pre-departure training, and less emphasis on cultural adaptation.

Question 4

Human resource managers can be globalized by placing them in global management teams or putting them in regional or country operating divisions

Accepted Answer

Human resource managers can be globalized by involving them in global management teams or assigning them to manage HR functions in regional or country-specific operating divisions, which helps them gain international experience and perspectives.

Question 5

The payoffs from supply chain inputs into the new product development process come not only from additional ideas generated but also from speedy implementation of new product programs

Accepted Answer

Incorporating supply chain inputs into the new product development process can lead to a broader range of ideas and innovations, as well as facilitate faster implementation and time-to-market for new products, due to improved coordination and efficiency.

Question 6

Harmonizing labor-management relation policies across countries or regions is almost impossible

Accepted Answer

While challenging due to different legal, economic, and cultural contexts, international organizations and multinational companies often work towards harmonizing labor-management relations policies to ensure fair and consistent treatment of workers across countries or regions.

Question 7

Encouraging and helping spouses find work overseas increases the likelihood of a successful expatriate assignment

Accepted Answer

Support from a spouse, including their ability to find work and adapt to the new environment, is crucial for the overall adjustment and success of an expatriate assignment. This reduces stress and enhances the expatriate's focus and performance.

Question 8

Outsourcing supply chain activities frees up resources and enable firms to access the superior capabilities of outside companies

Accepted Answer

Outsourcing allows firms to focus on their core competencies by leveraging the expertise and efficiencies of third-party providers for non-core activities, thereby potentially reducing costs and improving service quality.

Question 9

The 'hollowing out' of corporations refers to the transfer of expertise from the home market to a company's foreign subsidiaries

Accepted Answer

The 'hollowing out' of corporations typically refers to the process where companies reduce their domestic operations and workforce, often through outsourcing production and services to lower-cost locations abroad, rather than the transfer of expertise to foreign subsidiaries.

Question 10

Regulatory obstacles such as advertising restrictions, privacy issues, taxation problems and currency convertibility are consumer-based obstacles to internet and supply chain extensions into worldwide markets

Accepted Answer

These are not consumer-based obstacles but rather regulatory and operational obstacles that businesses face when extending into worldwide markets. Consumer-based obstacles would involve factors directly affecting the consumer's ability to access or use the internet and supply chain services, such as digital literacy or internet accessibility.

Question 11

The expatriate repatriation process is often viewed as a strong link in US companies

Accepted Answer

The expatriate repatriation process is often viewed as a weak link in US companies, with many expatriates facing challenges in reintegrating into their home country's work environment and leveraging their international experience upon return.

Question 12

Common product components and platforms is a significant aid to product development in global markets

Accepted Answer

Common product components and platforms allow for economies of scale, easier customization for local markets, and streamlined development processes, significantly aiding product development in global markets.

Question 13

Low ownership levels of personal computers and credit cards are not obstacles to internet purchasing in developing markets

Accepted Answer

Low ownership levels of personal computers and credit cards can be significant obstacles to internet purchasing in developing markets, as they limit access to online platforms and payment methods.

Question 14

Building recyclable components into new products has become increasingly important particularly in Western Europe

Accepted Answer

Western Europe has been at the forefront of sustainability and environmental conservation efforts, including the emphasis on building recyclable components into new products to reduce waste and promote a circular economy.

Question 15

Family problems are not usually a problem in expatriate assignments

Accepted Answer

Family issues are often a significant challenge in expatriate assignments, affecting the adjustment and performance of the expatriate and potentially leading to early return or failure of the assignment.

Question 16

Speedy, customized output and well-orchestrated supply chains are impacting increasing numbers of industries including autos, jeans and bicycles

Accepted Answer

The trend towards customization and the need for efficient supply chains are indeed impacting a wide range of industries, including autos, jeans, and bicycles, as consumers demand products tailored to their specific needs and preferences, and companies strive to meet these demands quickly and efficiently.

Question 17

Company focuses on core competencies has resulted in performing as many supply chain activities as possible in-house

Accepted Answer

Focusing on core competencies usually means a company will outsource non-core activities to external suppliers to increase efficiency and concentrate on what it does best.

Question 18

Foreign assignments are viewed increasingly as essential preparation for corporate leadership positions

Accepted Answer

Many companies view international experience as crucial for individuals being considered for leadership roles, as it helps develop a global perspective, cultural sensitivity, and adaptability, which are important traits for leaders in the global market.

Question 19

The only cost of a failed expatriate assignment is the cost of maintaining them abroad

Accepted Answer

The costs of a failed expatriate assignment also include lost business opportunities, damaged relationships with local stakeholders, and the cost of repatriation and finding a replacement, among others.

Question 20

Geographically-based organizational structures are more efficient than product structures in rolling out new products

Accepted Answer

Geographically-based organizational structures focus on managing operations based on regional locations, which can be less efficient for rolling out new products compared to product structures that concentrate expertise and resources around specific products, allowing for more focused and effective product development and launch strategies.

Quiz 10: Global and Multi-Market Supply Chain Management