Begin by short-listing several firms. First, check for availability of information. It is important that the firm is publicly traded, ideally on the NYSE or NASDAQ, so that it receives extensive media coverage and has to comply with disclosure requirements. You will need access to this information to complete your project tasks.
Use the Web to research your short-listed firms. When you make your final choice, check the following:
Level of diversification: The firm should have a moderate-to-high level of diversification; avoid firms with low levels of diversification or very high levels of unrelated diversification.
International operations: Look for a firm that has significant operations in many countries.
Recent events: Look for a firm that has recently engaged in two or more acquisitions, about which you can collect information.
Alliance or joint venture: The firm should be have two or more alliances or joint ventures with other firms as a meaningful part of one or more of its business units' business-level strategy.
There are many firms that meet these criteria, and some of them are familiar names.
Based on your research, write short descriptions of each of these items.