Of the four imperatives discussed in this chapter$$economic$,$ political, quality, and administration$$which would be most important to IBM in its efforts to make inroads in the African market? Would this emphasis be the same as that in the United States, or would IBM be giving primary attention to one of the other imperatives? Explain.

$2.$ Define global integration as used in the context of strategic international management. In what way might globalization be a problem for a successful national organization that is intent on going international? In your answer, provide an example of the problem.

$3.$ Some international management experts contend that globalization and national responsiveness are diametrically opposed forces and that to accommodate one, a multinational must relax its efforts in the other. In what way is this an accurate statement? In what way is it incomplete or inaccurate?

$4.$ Consider that both a retail chain and a manufacturing company want to expand overseas. What environmental factors would have the most impact on these companies? What ratio of environmental scanning to internal analysis should each employ? What key factors of success differentiate the two?

$5.$ AB InBev is attempting to expand in India, where beer is not widely consumed and liquor dominates the market. What areas should be targeted for strategic goals? What could be some marketing implications in the Indian market?

$6.$ What particular conditions that MNCs face in emerging markets may require specialized strategies? What strategies might be most appropriate in response? How might a company identify opportunities at the base of the pyramid $($i$.$e$.,$ low$-$income markets$)?$

$7.$ What conditions have allowed some firms to be born global? What are some examples of born$-$global companies?

$8.$ Mercedes changed its U$.$S$.$ strategy by announcing that it is developing cars for the $$30,000$ to $$45,000$ price range $($as well as its typical upper$-$end cars$).$ What might have accounted for this change in strategy? In your answer, include a discussion of the implications from the standpoints of marketing, production, and finance.