Q4: Recent trends in globalization have forced businesses around the world to more keenly focus on profitability. This trend is also present in Japan, where historical links between banks and businesses have traditionally blurred the goals of firms. For example, the Japanese business engineering firm, Mitsui & Co. Ltd., recently launched "Challenge 21". A plan directed at helping the company emerge as Japan's leading business engineering group. According to a spokesperson for the company." This plan permits us to create new value and maximize profitability by taking steps such as renewing our management framework and prioritizing the allocation of our resources into strategic areas. We are committed to maximizing shareholder value through business conduct that balances the pursuit of earnings with socially responsible behavior." Ultimately, the goal of any continuing company must be to maximize the value of the firm. This goal is often achieved by trying to hit intermediate targets, such as minimizing costs or increasing market share. If you as a manager- do not maximize your firm's value over time, you will be in danger of either going out of business, being taken over by other owners (as in a leveraged buyout), or having stockholders elect to replace you and other managers. Source: "Mitsui & Co., Ltd. UK Regulatory Announcement: Final Results." Business Wire, May 13, 2004. Questions 1. What is (Challenge 21 ) plan of Mitsui & Co., Ltd. 2. What were the objectives of the management of Mitsui & Co., Ltd. 3. What are the threats of not maximizing a firm's value