this discussion is based on the methods available for engaging in the global marketplace, factors that promote global business participation, and the potential threats and opportunities which exist in the global business environment.

At the present time, your Capstone employer conducts business in the U.S. only and is considering a global expansion. Your boss considers the company's status to be similar to Kroger, which also only operates in the U.S. In order to provide your Capstone boss with insight into this subject matter, you will utilize Kroger (https://www.thekrogerco.com/about-kroger/our-business/) as a focus company to discuss the global exploration focus of this organization by responding to the following questions:

1. Discuss how Kroger could engage in the global marketplace by addressing the following:
   1. Exporting: discuss the types of products that Kroger could export.
   2. Licensing & Franchising: discuss how Kroger could license its name or enter into franchise agreements.
   3. Contract Manufacturing: discuss how Kroger could utilize a contract manufacturing arrangement.
   4. Joint Ventures: give an example of how Kroger could enter into a joint-venture arrangement.
   5. Direct Foreign Investment: discuss how Kroger could enter into a global market in this manner.
2. Identify factors which promote Kroger's global business participation by addressing the following:
   1. World Trade Organization: discuss the purpose of this organization and how it could impact Kroger's ability to expand.
   2. Antidumping Laws: discuss how these types of laws in the market where Kroger plans to expand would impact its operations.
   3. European Union ("EU"): assuming that Kroger expanded into one of the EU member countries, discuss how their future expansion into other nearby countries could benefit from the EU's focus on promoting economic progress of all member countries.
3. Describe the potential threats and opportunities which exist in the global business environment that could impact Kroger by addressing the following:
   1. Political considerations: describe two types of considerations that could positively or negatively impact Kroger's plans.
   2. Cultural differences: describe two examples of cultural differences that could impact Kroger.
   3. Economic environment: describe one example of how an economic infrastructure could positively or negatively impact Kroger's plans.