SCENARIO: Assume you are a new international e-Commerce business consultant who was just given a consulting opportunity by a well-known company, BestBuy with an online business presence. You have been tasked by your client with exploring B2B and B2C business potential in previously unserved markets. Specifically, you are to investigate 4 countries (Brazil, India, South Africa, and Switzerland) for their suitability to createB2B and/or B2C opportunities. Your client is prepared to make a major marketing push into recommended countries involving language specific and culturally sensitive print, television, radio, and internet advertising to announce their service into their countries.Longer term, you company is prepared to make major investments in warehousing, local storefronts for B2C and data networks and facilities for B2B opportunities

Your mission is to present a case recommending which countries, if any, to expand service,

and in what order to service them. Include in your recommendation your insights on the following:

1. Issues surrounding political economy and economic progress for each country. Include any pertinent differences in political, economic, and legal systems.

2. Issues related to markets including whether a market exists for your clients products, and how/why e-Commerce is a better option than other entry modes.

3. Production and supply chain issues with recommendations of whether to develop warehouse facilities in the country and why. If developing warehouse facilities is recommended, include a recommendation on whether to invest in a greenfield development, acquire a company in the host country, go with a joint venture or lease warehouse space.

4. Address other factors such as shipping costs, local infrastructure, availability of labor and other resources, suggested organizational structure and localization requirements.

5. You may find all some or all countries suitable or unsuitable in either B2B or B2C, or both. The goal is to investigate each country's merit and make well-researched and carefully considered recommendations based on the above criteria.