Reference no: EM133932634

Global Business Analysis

Coursework instructions
Acting as a consultant for a semiconductor producer, you are asked to prepare a risk analysis report on doing business in one of the following countries:
Poland
Japan
South Africa
Slovakia
Singapore
Indonesia
Your risk analysis report should:
Apply the PESOE framework to identify and evaluate risks.
Focus on the 2-3 most severe risks at state and market level.
Use robust data and credible, publicly available sources.
Conclude with a PESOE Diamond, synthesising your findings.
Provide clear recommendation[s], limited to the 2-3 risks identified at the start of the report.

Company Remit Options
Please choose one as the scenario for your recommendation:
Establishing a new manufacturing facility in the chosen country.
Acquiring a local business.
Entering a joint venture with a local partner.

Task: Write a risk analysis report (up to 2,000 words, excl. references) acting as a consultant for a semiconductor producer.
Focus: Identify and evaluate 2-3 most severe risks in one selected country; recommend a course of action. Remaining risks should still be captured but in less details. Use of graphs, tables and Smart Art can be used.

Our expectations when using the Weighted Rubric is to verify that you
Use a clear structure and exercise clear signposting
Show critical interpretation & evidence-based recommendations
Demonstrate rigour, breadth & credibility of research
Effectively use data and original insights
Consistently apply PESOE
Engage with strategic tools, reports, policy and/or ethical implications

Suggested Structure for Risk Analysis Report
Title Page
Report title
Student ID
Course code
Date

Executive Summary (150 words)
Brief overview of the selected country & chosen company option (factory / acquisition / JV)
Key risks identified (2-3 severe risks) & why
Main recommendation (factory / acquisition / JV)
(Keep it concise - the summary is not included in the word count.)

Global Business Environment and Country Background (500 words)
Brief overview of chosen country and the wider/local semi-conductor industry
Ethical or policy considerations that impact business decisions
Link to aspects of change and trends within meta and macro environments that impact the industry.

Risk Analysis and Assessment (1000 words)
Apply PESOE framework systematically:
Political
Economic
Social
Operational
Environmental
Focus on 2-3 most severe risks
Use data, credible sources, and examples to evaluate each risk
Summarise with a PESOE Diamond to map severity

Recommendations (500 words)
Present one main strategic option for the company:
Set up a new factory
Acquire a local business
Enter a joint venture
Justify choice using evidence from risk analysis
Explain how other recommendations address the identified risks

References
Full list of cited sources (Harvard style)

Appendices
Extra charts, graphs, tables, or supporting data (only if relevant)
(optional, not in word count)

Step 1: Understand the marking criteria & band descriptors.

Below are the marking criteria and what we expect.

Marking criteria 1: Analysis of global business environment, change, and ethical implications where relevant.
This criterion carries 15% weight [15 out of 100].
You need to show us how the meta and macro environment changed over last couple of years because it provides a good context for your analysis and recommendations.
Change refers to key events that can shape semi-conductor industry and PESOE factors.
Ethics refers to considerations such as workers' rights, laws, SDGs and so on.
Remember to indicate which key risks you will focus on and what your focus will be [factory, JV, etc].
Go beyond description - show insight and use evidence.
Wordcount is 500 and remember to ALWAYS integrate your sources with discussion points.

Marking criteria 2: Application of PESOE to assess and map 2-3 severe risks in the chosen country.
This criterion carries 50% weight [50 out of 100] and is the most important part of the report.
You must make use of PESOE to show us how risks and trends shape businesses and country.
As mentioned in Ex Summary & Section 1, you need to thoroughly discuss top 2-3 risks.
Show scalarity of risks where possible.
You still need to mention rest of PESOE factors but can make use of tables, heat map or smart art to cover the remaining risks.
Be critical, not just descriptive, and back it with evidence.
Conclude this section with the PESOE pentagon.

Wordcount is 1000 and remember to ALWAYS integrate your sources with discussion points.

Marking criteria 3: Identify feasible & effective recommendations to top 2-3 risks.
This criterion carries 20% weight [20 out of 100].
Based on top 2-3 risks covered in previous section, you now need to elaborate on your recommendation with supporting arguments.
Justify your choice with previously used evidence covered in your risk analysis.
Tell us what your firm should do about these risks. Your suggestions should be realistic, actionable, and justified - don't just list ideas. Show feasibility and impact.
Explain how other recommendations address your identified risks.
Wordcount is 500 and remember to ALWAYS integrate your sources with discussion points.

Marking criteria 4: Integrates risk tools and evidence across the above areas in a coherent, well-structured argument, communicated with clarity and appropriate academic conventions.
This criterion carries 15% weight [15 out of 100].
A good report flows logically, integrates evidence, and uses proper academic style (citations, referencing).
Consistency is key in line spacing, formatting, colour schemes, fonts and styles. Table headers split over pages need to be repeated on each page.
Effective headings and signposting will enhance your report's quality. Make sure your discussions support headings.

Step 2: Understand our expectations

Critical analysis, not just description.
Use of evidence and sources.
Correct and clear application of PESOE.
Actionable recommendations.
Coherent writing and structure.

This assessment is designed to consolidate your academic knowledge while developing transferable skills valued by employers. By applying theories of strategy and risk to a real-world country analysis, you will strengthen your ability to critically evaluate complex information and present evidence-based insights. The emphasis on research, report writing, and recommendations will enhance your professional communication skills and demonstrate your capacity to provide clear, actionable advice.
In addition, the task develops key graduate attributes, including:

Analytical and problem-solving skills - assessing risks and identifying effective solutions.
Critical thinking and decision-making - evaluating global issues under conditions of uncertainty.
Commercial and global awareness - understanding how international developments affect organisations.
Professional communication - producing reports that meet the standards expected in consultancy and management.

These competencies are directly aligned with employability expectations and will support your transition into professional roles where strategic analysis and informed decision-making are essential.

We aim to highlight not only the employability relevance of this assessment, but also how it aligns with the C10IB course learning outcomes [CLOs] and, ultimately, strengthens the connection to your degree. The table below illustrates how this assessment maps to the learning outcomes, and how the marking criteria correspond to the relevant CLO.

LO4: evaluate the impact of change in the global business environment on firms' behaviour and strategy
LO6: Appraise the ethical implications of a changing global business environment for firms' strategy
LO2: describe the theoretical concepts, trends and risks underlying the evolving global business environment
LO3: Recognise the value of knowledge of the global business environment in a strategic context
LO7: Apply analytical and problem-solving skills to communicate complex ideas effectively (applies across all LOs)