Assignment 1 — Sharp Corporation: Beyond Japan Unit 1: Macro-level Influences on International...

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Assignment 1 — Sharp Corporation: Beyond Japan

Unit 1: Macro-level Influences on International Business

In Assignment 1, you are required to do a case analysis of Sharp Corporation, a Japanese company. If you haven’t already done so, review the Assignment Tips and Requirements and the Note on Case Analysis (links are on the instructions page for this assignment).

The objective of the case study for Assignment 1 is to expose students to globalization and its impact on operational decisions of companies. Faced with major losses, Sharp Corporation is forced to question its long-standing operating model and to develop a new approach that is more suitable to the environment it now competed in.

Completing this assignment will enable you to see how the key concepts presented in Lessons 1 through 3—globalization, culture, and political and economic risk—are interconnected. You will be able to evaluate interrelationships among issues related to (i) the role of globalization in investment decisions and company operations; (ii) the role of economic environment in creating global companies; (iii) the importance of property rights in international business; and (iv) the role of national culture in company operations.

The Case

To read the case, click the link below (will open in new window).

Sharp Corporation: Beyond Japan

Case Analysis Questions

The following questions are just a starting point that will help you organize your thoughts and better analyze the case. DO NOT simply answer these questions—rather, you must write a thorough case analysis as outlined in the "Assignment Tips and Requirements."

1. Who is the decision maker in this case? How would you characterize his background? Is he unusual?

2. Discuss Sharp’s history. What has it been good at? Less good at? How is the company perceived?

3. How did Sharp become a successful player in LCD?

4. Describe Sharp’s operating model? What are its pros and cons?

5. Should Sharp change its operating model?

6. Should Sharp move into China now? Why or why not?

To maximize the mark you receive on your case analysis report, ensure that it includes the sections listed below. Use a bold heading to identify each section in your paper. The approximate number of words recommended for each section is shown below in brackets.

Executive summary (200 words): provides a coherent overview of the document it attempts to summarize. The executive summary, which should be written
after
completing other sections of the case analysis report, must contain a brief statement of the core problem, pertinent details, and the recommendation.

Problem statement (50 words): identifies the core problem or issue facing the decision-maker. What is she or he trying to solve? Do not confuse the problem with its underlying causes. Likewise, do not "change" the problem. For example, if the problem is deciding whether a firm should enter Mexico via a joint venture, do not argue that China would be an ideal country for the firm to enter.

Analysis (600 words): identifies the underlying causes of the core problem. It should provide a well-balanced and detailed analysis of the situation by examining all relevant factors. Remember that unless you correctly identify the causes of a problem, it will be difficult to find a solution that "really" solves the problem!

Discussion of alternatives (400 words): includes two feasible and mutually exclusive alternatives that can be utilized to solve the core problem. Do not discuss alternatives that the decision-maker has rejected or about which she or he is not enthusiastic. Discuss all important advantages and disadvantages of each alternative briefly.

Recommendation (250 words): explicitly identifies your recommendation. Ensure that it is specific and feasible, and briefly explain your rationale for advocating a particular recommendation. Make sure as well that your recommendation is consistent with the rest of your report. Check to see if you have really addressed the core problem!

Make sure to stay within the time frame of the case study. If the case study ends in 2000, your analysis should assume it is the year 2000.

Write from the perspective of the decision maker in the case study.

Create exhibits (charts, tables, diagrams, etc.) to support your analysis of the case study and highlight the conclusions to be drawn from the exhibits in the body of your report.

Do not present the two alternatives in a table format, and avoid extensive use of bullet points.

Your report should be analytic rather than descriptive. Do not simply repeat the case facts and exhibits of the case study in your report. Use them to justify your analysis and emphasize the points you are making.

You must follow APA style for citations and referencing. The OWL at Purdue website provides an overview of the American Psychological Association (APA) formatting and style guide.

Assignment 1 — Sharp Corporation: Beyond Japan Unit 1: Macro-level Influences on International Business In Assignment 1, you are required to do a case analysis of Sharp Corporation, a Japanese...

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