Reference no: EM13274392

1. Answer the following questions. Remember to cite an source used.

• Visit the alibaba.com.
• Choose a product and supplier from whom you would import the product. For example, you can search for suppliers of "golf clubs" in the country of " Indonesia" or in the region of " Asia."
• Describe the product and the supply company you chose. Briefly explain the rationale for your choice.
• Analyze the process for usefulness and potential value. Name at least one benefit and one drawback of using this type of website to conduct trade.
• Is it reasonable to speculate that eventually most trade SME's might take place in the context of sites like Alibaba.com?
• How transparent do sites like Alibaba.com make the import-export transaction? Would you still worry about fraud? Why, or why not?
• How might the global financial crisis create opportunities and threats for sites like Alibaba.com.

2. Assume you have the role of top management at a major global electronics company that is developing a wireless device capable of on-demand music and video downloads from anywhere on the globe. What criteria should the company use to determine where to manufacture the device and whether or not to enter into a collaborative arrangement to manufacture the product or control it internally?