Discussion:
1. Globalization
Read the closing case: Carnival Cruise Lines: Exploiting a Sea of Global Opportunity. Response the below:
1. What global forces have contributed to the growth of the cruise-line industry?
2. What specific steps has Carnival Cruise Lines taken to benefit from global social changes?
3. What are some of the national differences that affect the operations of cruise lines?
4. Although most cruise-line passengers are from the United States, the average number of annual vacation days taken by U.S. residents is lower than that of workers in most other high-income countries (13 days, compared with 42 in Italy, 37 in France, 35 in Germany, and 25 in Japan). How might cruise lines increase sales to people outside the United States?
5. What threats exist to the future performance of the cruise-line industry and, specifically, of Carnival Cruise Lines? If you were in charge of Carnival, how would you (a) try to prevent these threats from becoming reality and (b) deal with them if they were realized?
6. Discuss the ethics of cruise lines regarding the avoidance of taxes while buying ships built with governmental subsidies.
2. Exploring International Business
Respond to following:
a. Read the article, Globalization effects: winners and losers of the 21st century. Discuss whether you agree or disagree with the author's view on the globalization effects.
b. On the FITA website, select a country of your choice from "Country Profiles" dropdown on the left navigation of the webpage. List three items that you found surprising or particularly interesting about the business environment or business operations in that country, and explain why.