BSB119 Global Business Semester 2, 2020
Assessment Item One (20%) Task Guidelines
This assessment item has three parts. Please read the requirements for all three parts carefully.
Part A
Drawing conclusions from socio-economic data. (12 marks)
Task: The below table shows socio-economic data of two fictitious countries. From the perspective of a business considering the possibility of undertaking business in these countries, analyse what the data could mean and present three conclusions. Each conclusion should compare both countries using at least two variables. You can relate each conclusion to any type of international business (eg. you can present a conclusion from the perspective of a business choosing a new export market, a business seeking an import source, a business choosing a location for FDI, etc). Recommended length for each conclusion is approximately 200 words. (4 marks per conclusion)
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Country
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Country A
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Country B
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1. Population
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2.1 billion
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80.2 million
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2. Area
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8.5 million sq km
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357,022 sq km
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3. GDP
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US$3.248 trillion
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US$4.199 trillion
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4. GDP Per capita (PPP)
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US$15,600
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US$ 50,800
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5. Gini Coefficient
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.51
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.32
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6. Population below poverty line
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20.4%
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14.7%
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7. % of Urban Population
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86%
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78%
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8. Main Exports
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Iron ore, soybeans, coffee, footwear, transport equipment.
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Motor vehicles, machinery, chemicals, electrical equipment, pharmaceuticals, textiles.
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9. Main Imports
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Machinery, chemical products, crude oil, electronics, electrical equipment.
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Data processing equipment, automotive parts, oil and gas, foodstuffs, agricultural products.
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10. Inflation
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3.8%
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1.7%
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11. Internet Users (% of Population)
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61%
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89.7%
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12. UN Human Development Index (HDI)
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.761
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.939
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13. Adult literacy rate
14. Labour Force by Occupation
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89%
27% agriculture, 21% industry, 52% services
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99%
0.7% agriculture, 30.7% industry, 68.6% services
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15. Unemployment
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12.8%
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6.2%
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Part B
Construct a line graph for percentage change in GDP. (3 marks)
Task: The two countries you are required to analyse for Assessment Item #2 (Country Analysis Report) are United Kingdom and Singapore. Using the EIU database and Excel, construct a line graph of the % Change in GDP for these two countries for the years 2014 to 2024.
Note: The EIU Database is available through the QUT Library website. Search for the relevant information using the database, export the required data to Excel and construct a line graph. Give your graph a title, label both axes and include the source of your data (if you are a new user of EIU, there are instructions provided on Blackboard). This graph can be reused for Assessment #2. Below are examples on how to correctly cite and reference your data source according to APA.
*Important : The citation should be included below your graph:
Source: Economist Intelligence Unit (2019).
*Important: The full reference should be included in reference list (not under your graph):
Economist Intelligence Unit. (2019). Country X and Country Y: Selected series 2014 to 2024
[Datafile]. Retrieved from —– provide weblink here — .
Part C
Foreign market entry mode – Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Greenfields vs. Exporting (5 marks)
ABCZYX Company is a successful Australian business with a range of popular high-tech consumer products under its brand name. One of its largest international markets is USA and the company is currently considering setting up a production facility in USA through greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI). From the perspective of ABCZYX Company, discuss why the use of greenfield FDI might be more appropriate than simply exporting its products from Australia to USA. What are the potential advantages of FDI and potential disadvantages of exporting for ABCZYX?
Recommended length is approximately 250 words.
Format
Your submission should follow the below format. Use APA style for referencing.
Part A
Conclusion 1.
Conclusion 2.
Conclusion 3.
Part B
Line Graph
Part C
Foreign market entry mode discussion
Reference List
Submitting your assignment
Submit one Word or PDF document by 11:59pm on Friday 21st August 2020 (Week 5).
* Please upload well before 11:59pm in case you experience technical difficulties. You are also advised to keep a backup copy of your submitted file and make sure you do not modify it after the deadline. Familiarise yourself with the QUT Late Assessment policy (files uploaded after the deadline, unless you have an approved extension, WILL NOT BE MARKED and will receive 0%). If you have applied for an extension but have not yet received a decision, you should upload the work you have already completed. DO NOT include these task guidelines or the criteria sheet in your file.
