Operating a business outside of its domestic border can be one of the most critical undertakings of that organization. Although it may lead to increased financial opportunities, there are many pros and cons to weigh, as well as many environments that affect business operations. Earlier in this module, we looked at three specific environments (economic, political, and legal) that affect, or influence, international business practices. Many businesses turn to operating internationally to not only gain new customers, but also to increase revenue. Revenue growth is not the only organizational objective, but it is a measure of organizational success.
Looking back at the three environmental factors covered in this module, select one of the following videos.
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National Film Board of Canada. (1986). Reckoning: The political economy of Canada: Riding the tornado[Video file]. Retrieved from https://vlib.excelsior.edu/login?://digital.films.com/PortalPlaylists.aspx?&
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Java Films. (2009). Low carbon: The economics of climate change [Video file]. Retrieved from https://digital.films.com.vlib.excelsior.edu/PortalViewVideo.aspx?
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Devlin Pix. (2004). Power trip: An American energy utility in post-Soviet Georgia: Educator's edition [Video file]. Retrieved from https://digital.films.com.vlib.excelsior.edu/PortalViewVideo.aspx?
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CNBC. (2008). The hunt for black gold: Oil in the 21st century [Video file]. Retrieved from https://vlib.excelsior.edu/login?://digital.films.com/PortalPlaylists.aspx?&
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Ethical Markets. (2005). Shareholder activism: Ethical markets 1 [Video file]. Retrieved from https://digital.films.com.vlib.excelsior.edu/PortalViewVideo.aspx?
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Nordic World. (2010). Connecting people: The human cost of mobile phones [Video file]. Retrieved from https://vlib.excelsior.edu/login?://digital.films.com/PortalPlaylists.aspx?&
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Bastard Film & TV. (2010). The dark side of chocolate: Child trafficking and illegal child labor in the cocoa industry [Video file]. Retrieved from https://vlib.excelsior.edu/login?://digital.films.com/PortalPlaylists.aspx?&
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For this discussion activity, respond to the following prompts:
- Provide a clear and specific explanation of the environmental factors you saw in the video.
- Detail how the individual factor within the video could affect international business.
- List some of the advantages and disadvantages of incorporating or not incorporating this environmental factor in a business operating across national borders.
In response to your colleagues:
- Respond to someone who chose a different environmental factor than you did.
- Compare or contrast specific details of your environmental factor with those of your colleague.
Things to Remember!
- Post a 2 to 4 paragraph discussion post (300 words minimum). Justify your explanations by including in-text citations and your references in APA format as applicable.