This week focuses on the challenges and opportunities posed for strategy by globalization. There is a large and growing body of literature on international business and on the global aspects of strategy. We focus our debate on one key aspect, which is the question of the degree to which a firm can standardize its offerings and processes when engaging in international business and the extent to which it has to adjust to local conditions.

To prepare for this discussion, review the required readings for this week. Post to the Discussion Board your answers to the following questions:

Looking at your own organization (or, alternatively, at an international firm competing in your industry), examine elements of standardization and adaptation. You can focus on aspects of organizational design and firm processes or on product and service offerings.

Indicate how your organization (or an international firm operating in your industry) achieves standardization and the associated cost advantages and how it does (or should) pay heed to localized conditions such as legal, political, geographical, behavioral, and sociocultural particularities.

Your aim should not be to provide a holistic discussion of all factors, but rather to provide a more in-depth debate of the key elements important to the organization/international firm you have chosen to analyze.