1.Culture

One of the most controversial topics in the world of Global Marketing is the use of Cultural symbols, images, events, garments and even food as "popular" items (for example, getting a tattoo of a religious symbol from a culture other than your own; or wearing a symbolic garment for fashion or style purposes - regardless of its Cultural meaning to the original culture). Although some people are supportive as they believe it helps to make their culture more visible in the world, others feel that it is insulting.

Provide a recent example - something you have seen in the last 6 months (please post an image if appropriate) of Cultural "misuse" or "misappropriation" (ideally one from your own culture, but that is not a requirement) that you are aware of:

a.Identify the Cultural item - explain what it's true Cultural significance is

b.Identify where it is being "misused" or "misappropriated"

c.Describe your feelings on the use - are you against it? Do you support it?Be sure to explain why you feel this way.

2.Outsourcing and Ethics

Outsourcing is a very controversial topic area.On the one hand, it allows companies to produce goods at a price that is affordable to consumers in developed countries, while still making a profit; however, it is often looked at as exploitation of under-developed countries.

There are a number of ethical arguments both in favour of, and in opposition to, outsourcing.

a.What are some of these arguments - both for and against.

b.What is your personal position as a consumer? Do you support these activities, or do you want to see change? Are you willing to take action - such as pay more, support only "ethical" brands or support politicians who feel like you?

Your answer should be based on facts and sources, not just your opinion.

(Continued)

3.Free Trade Deals

There is a lot of debate about Free Trade Deals - do we need them? Are we benefitting from them? Do we give too much up?

As discussed in class, for all of the debate about NAFTA/USMCA, it is still the lowest level of Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) - it removes most quotas and tariffs but does not allow the free movement of workers or a common currency like an Economic Union (such as the EU).

Do you think that Canada should pursue a higher level deal with the United States?Why or why not?

Use facts - not just your opinion.

4.Canada's Import/Export and Ethics

It is no secret that Canada is a big trader on the global market.Historically, countries like Canada traded primarily with countries that have similar values, economic systems and even forms of government.Today, along with the United States and Europe, Canada trades with countries who publicly share different values, laws and views than Canada.This is an area of great controversy - should Canada be trading with countries whose legal and ethical views are different from our own?

Pick two countries with whom Canada trades where there are issues associated with our trading relationship based on human rights, type of government, military aggression, labour standards (just for examples) and research our trading relationship.

a.Identify each country. What do we trade? How much?

b.What are the specific ethical issues associated with trading with this country or this product?

c.Do some research - what has the government said on record regarding these ethical concerns?

d.What is your personal opinion - is Canada acting the way you think it should?

5. Standardization vs Adaptation

"Adaptation" is when a brand or product changes a substantial and core aspect of its product or brand, but risks changing the meaning or perception and identity of the product.

A "Variant" is a "version" of the product, with some changes - but still recognizably and consistent with the core product or brand - and often supports the core brand.

For Example - in 1985 when Coca Cola changed its formula after 100 years in order to compete with Pepsi, consumers reacted angrily at what they saw being a fundamental change to their product - something which made it not their product or brand anymore.

However, when Coke introduced Diet Coke (and other variants, like Caffeine free, Coke Zero, Cherry Coke etc) - consumers reacted favourably, delighted to have some additional choices and options.

Based on your assignment topic - identify which (if any) of the changes the Marketers made you consider to be true "Adaptations" - changing the nature of the product or the brand, and which (if any) were "Variants" - different version of the same concept. Explain your reasoning.

6 Political Risk

We like to think of our Country Canada as being a good, safe and honest place for business.

However, no country is without any Political Risk.

Based on our learnings from this week's lesson and your own research -Identify and explain at least 3 examples of Political Risk in Canada.Note: you are encouraged to talk about Canada today, but you may also (if your research reveals it) cite examples from the past decades - provided you discuss why this is no longer a Political Risk - what has changed.

1. Introduce your example

2. Explain why a foreign company might consider this a Political Risk of doing business in Canada

3. Identify either how Canada has worked to reduce this risk or how foreign companies and countries have taken it upon themselves to reduce the risk.

4. Repeat for each example.