Evaluating Economic Integration Initiatives of MEXICO Unit Name: Thriving in a Competitive Global Context Assignment Brief Learning Outcomes The completion of this assignment requires you to demonstrate the ability to: • Apply consistently in-depth knowledge and reference relevant global business management theory. Generate a variety of ways of tackling a selected problem and identify options that have a chance of success in different organisational, geographical and economical entities. • Identify and critically assess in a comprehensive fashion the current strengths and weaknesses of the international organisation(s) relative to its global environment. Evaluate and synthesis information from different sources, theories and principles, and communicate relevant information effectively, and with accuracy. • Critically analyse the effectiveness of your strategy, including factors that had an impact on the outcomes, and identify ways to take the organisation forward, and ways of further developing problem solving skills Format for submission The word limit is 3,000 (+/-10%) All work should be word processed using either Times New Roman or Ariel font, with line spacing of 1½ and justified. A Reference list must be attached at the end of the report. A minimum of 20 peer reviewed academic sources is required.   Assignment Detail The Task Assignment : Evaluating Economic Integration Initiatives of MEXICO The Task There are hundreds of economic integration agreements in effect around the world. Virtually every country is party to one or more free trade agreements. Supporters argue that free trade is good for nations.(Do you agree ? why ? or why not ??) , identify the key benefits and short comings of economics or trading blocs . Undertake a research that would enable you to address the following task: Critically evaluate the specific benefits that countries seek by joining an economic bloc. To support your argument assess the main economic bloc for MEXICO of the MINT countries (Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria or Turkey). From your perspective, what advantages has bloc membership brought in the country of Mexico ? How does membership to the economic integration initiative impact upon the competitive position of the firms from this country(Mexico )? Illustrate by discussing the experience of a firm (or firms) from this country(Mexico). Impact of economic integration on the competitive position of firms . If you wish to examine the economic integration initiative for MEXICO , then you may research NAFTA.(North America Free Trade Area ) Through analysis , identify the key advantages that membership to this trading or economic bloc has brought in to MEXICO .Also , it is important to identify and discuss the disadvantages (if any ) of this membership produced . And finally to explain how membership to the economic integration initiatives impact upon the competitive position of the firms from this country .You can illustrate by discussing the experience of a firm or firms from this country Details of marking criteria are as follows: Assignment Marking Criteria (see also marking grid) While marking your assignment we will be looking for evidence for how well you have addressed the question / issues. The following part explains the key points you should consider in preparing your assignment. It is also important to review the specifications and guidelines outlined in your unit handbook, such as 'Learning outcomes' along with the 'Assessment Criteria', 'the Assignment Strategy', etc. 1. Introduction: A brief introduction that provides the purpose of the report or its objectives and how the report is structured. Interpreting the question – (stating how you understood the question ?)this ideally should be clear within the introduction along with background / context. And why you choose Mexico? A very good introduction with clear aims and objectives that interpret the question accurately. 2. Addressing the question / topic: The main body of the report where the question is addressed. (This part may have a few sections / sub-sections). The key criteria here include: a. Research – evidence of systematic research approach, depth and breadth of research undertaken; application of some conceptual (theoretical / empirical) framework(s), etc critical evaluation of benefits .you should demonstrate that you have read and research widely , synthesising different points of view and giving examples as necessary . Review the literature critically (that is discussing different point of view and evaluating them ) Collect fresh , secondary and often additional primary data to analyse .and then discuss the findings linking this to the literature and certain theories A wide and relevant choice of literature presented with a well argued narrative. Impressive breadth & depth of research. Clear conceptual framework(s) applied. b. Analysis – well focussed on answering the question, depth and clarity of argument, organising / summarising collected information; answering the questions/tasks fully in a convincing manner . A very good, critical and focused evaluation and synthesis; a convincing argument presented in answering the question fully. c. Scholarly practice – a proper referencing within the report (citations), employing appropriate International Business vocabulary, etc., the quality of the Reference section. (Harvard style of referencing). Overall a very good scholarly practice demonstrated. A minimum of 20 peer reviewed academic sources is required. d. Statistical data of Mexico before and after membership of MINT , contribution of manufacturing in GDP, impact on employment impact on per capita income , impact on manufacturing , impacts on trade.(include pie charts and tables ). 3. Conclusion: A clear, concise, and relevant conclusion (and recommendations where appropriate). A conclusion where the key points that have emerged from the discussion are summarised, implications and where further investigation may be appropriate are stated. A very good conclusion - clear, concise, and relevant; connected to the stated aims and objectives. Sound & well evaluated recommendations. 4. Presentation: Neat layout, and headings / sub-headings where appropriate. Clarity of expression (appropriate language, grammar, spelling, etc.). Professional, well structured, well written. 5. You must include figures , facts advantages of economic integration and use websites of UN , Global Impact , Economic Times , Financial times , International Monetary Fund . 6. A reference list is essential , there is no upper limit to the number of readings or reference list BUT A minimum of 20 peer reviewed academic sources is required. Please note that the above does not necessarily provide you with the headings / subheadings to be used in your report. While generic headings such as 'Executive Summary ,Introduction', 'Conclusion', and 'Recommendations' would be appropriate and could be used in your report, other headings / subheadings would emerge from the issues you are researching. Headings / subheadings give a logical, sequential, and meaningful structure for your report. Assessment strategy The assessment, (Assignment) is a 3,000 (+/- 10%) words Essay on an international business topic (Mexico ). In evaluating your work for these assessments, the following general criteria will be used as necessary: • answering the question fully; • evidence of the application of international business theory; • evidence of wider reading ( through citations and references); • use of real-world examples; • critical thinking; • creative solutions; and • clarity of expression. You must refer to the detailed assignment briefs for the detailed requirements of each assessment. TCGC Assignment: Marking Grid Criteria Below Average D (40-49%) Average / Good C (50-59%) Good / V. Good B (60-69%) V. Good / Excel. A ( 100% & above) Introduction Aims and objectives stated but these do not adequately interpret the question. An adequate statement of aims and objectives that interpret the question fairly well. A good introduction provided with clear aims and objectives that interpret the question well. A very good introduction with clear aims and objectives that interpret the question accurately. Research Relevant literature has been presented but there is lack of depth and breadth of coverage. Attempt to apply some conceptual framework, but lack clarity. Relevant literature has been presented with adequate depth and breadth. But there is evidence of gaps where further research would be appropriate. Specific and relevant choice of literature is presented evidencing wide reading and understanding of the question. Good attempt at applying conceptual frameworks. A wide and relevant choice of literature presented with a well argued narrative. Impressive breadth & depth of research. Clear conceptual framework(s) applied. Analysis Relevant issues identified and an adequate discussion is presented. However the analysis does not go far enough to answer the question adequately. A good discussion of relevant issues presented. However a considerable gap in the focus, depth and width of the argument is evident. A sound, focused, critical evaluation and synthesis present; the argument offers clear links to answering the question. A very good, critical and focused evaluation and synthesis; a convincing argument presented in answering the question fully. Conclusion and recommendations The conclusion presented is not that clear and convincing. Not adequately connected to the aims and objectives. Recommendations do not appear practical. An adequate conclusion, with sufficient connection to the stated aims and objectives. Recommendations are workable but not adequately evaluated. A good conclusion – clear and relevant with good connection to the stated aims and objectives. Sound and well evaluated recommendations. A very good conclusion - clear, concise, and relevant; connected to the stated aims and objectives. Sound & well evaluated recommendations. Scholarly practice Overall there is a need to review your scholarly practice; a lot of inconsistencies in evidence. Overall an adequate scholarly practice demonstrated. However some inconsistencies in evidence. Overall a good scholarly practice demonstrated. Overall a very good scholarly practice demonstrated. Presentation Presentation is acceptable overall. but requires improvement on writing, structure, etc. Adequately presented, but requires improvement in some parts of the essay Professional in many respects; good structure, well written; within the word count limit. Professional, well structured, well written; within the word count limit. Recommended Resources Essential reading Cavusgil S.; Knight, G; and Riesenberger, J. (2014). International Business: the New Realities, 3rd. Edition. Prentice Hall Recommended reading Jullens, John (2013) How Emerging Giants can take on the world, Harvard Business Review, (91)12:121-125 Kumar, V.; Mudambi, R.; and Gray, S. (2013) Internationalisation, Innovation and Institutions: the 3 I's underpinning the Competitiveness of Emerging Market firms, Journal of International Management, (19)3:203-206. Capelli, P.; Singh, J.; & Useem, M. (2010). The Indian Way: How India's top business leaders are revolutionizing management. Boston: Harvard Business Press. Rugman, A. & Collinson, S. (2012). International Business. 6th. Edition. Harlow: Prentice Hall. Seyoum, B. (2008), Export-Import Theory, Practice, and Procedures (2nd. Ed.). Harlow: Routledge Porter, M.E. (1990), The Competitive Advantage of Nations, Free Press, New York. Xu, Jun & Mohammed Quaddus (2009), E-Business in the 21st. century, Abingdon: World Scientific Publishing (UK) Ltd. Useful Journals (available online through library website) Journal of International Business Studies Journal of Global Business International Business Review Journal of East West Business Journal of African Business European Business Journal Journal of World Business Journal of Transnational Corporations Harvard Business Review Samples of other periodicals The Economist, Time, Fortune, The Economist Intelligence Unit Business Week, etc. Newspapers, magazines, business publications, and other publications of regional and international scope are useful sources. Selected useful Internet resources Financial Times http://www.ft.com/ http://www.globalissues.org/TradeRelated Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) http://www.oecd.org/ The International Monetary Fund (The IMF publishes useful materials, e.g. World Economic Outlook; Global Financial Stability Report, etc.) http://www.imf.org/ The World Bank (The World Bank publishes numerous documents such as World Development Indicators, etc.) http://web.worldbank.org/ Time Magazine http://www.time.com/ UNCTAD (United Nations Centre for Trade and Development publish such documents as World investment report, etc. '' UNDP (United Nations Development Programme publishes useful reports) World Business Council for Sustainable Development WBCSD http://www.wbcsd.org/ World Resources Institute World Trade Organization, publishes various useful reports and documents, e.g., its annual 'International Trade Statistics'.