Resource Manual for International Business

We have recently published a comprehensive resource manual for International Business. Whether you are a business professional in need of resources to gain market share abroad or are simply considering "going global", this manual will be useful. Whether you are a student working on a research project or deciding to study/work abroad, the 264 resources in our manual will help.

View our Resource Manual for International Business at: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/2321

Surfs up with the Vietnam Economy

By Christian Losche, Research Associate for GLOBAL ID, LLC

Vietnam, in past years, has been posting economic growth rates consistently around eight percent. With inflation above 25 percent, the stock market taking a hit, and labor strikes, people are wondering if it was too much to fast. These are unusual events seeing as how a year ago Vietnam was predicted to be one of the top economies in the world. It would make sense with their population, low labor costs, and available resources. The inflation is not only due to imports, however; it would seem other elements contributing to the incredibly high rate are increased lending and government spending. This inflation rate has created problems for factory workers on minimal salaries, contributing to the labor strikes. With the inflation rate, labor strikes, and the stock market at a two-year low, people are seeing the true volatility of the economy. Considered to be the next emerging and extraordinarily successful market, Vietnam must now ride the wave of uncertainty and hope the economy reaches a balancing point.

Why Consider Countertrade?

By Christian Losche, Research Associate for GLOBAL ID, LLC

Countertrade refers to the trading of goods for goods between countries, rather than currency. This is an excellent way to trade if a company is looking to break into the international market, but lacks the currency at the time. It will also help in building customer relationships in different markets as long as the goods provided in the trade are of promised quality. The question may arise, how does one make money during the process of a countertrade? Take PepsiCo, who entered into a countertrade with Russia. In exchange for syrup provided by PepsiCo, Stolichnaya trades vodka. PepsiCo makes money off of this trade by obtaining the rights to sell the vodka in the U.S. With the partnership, PepsiCo adds additional sales and an addition of a new market to its list of endeavors. There are numerous other examples of countertrades, but once again the point must be stressed, when entering into a countertrade, the products exchanged must meet the standard of quality promised.

Trade Adjustment Assistance

By Christian Losche, Research Associate for GLOBAL ID, LLC

The Trade Adjustment Assistance program is for workers affected by an increase in international trade. With the numerous benefits of foreign trade, it is difficult to not pursue that avenue from an economic standpoint. When employees are either laid off, or hours are severely cut due to trade, the Trade Adjustment Assistance program helps these workers in different ways. The program provides for training to acquire a new job, if the reason for the lay-off can be linked to increased trade. The program also provides income support and job search and relocation allowances, among other benefits. Although this program is a step in the right direction for trade-affected workers, it still is being criticized for inaccurate methods of allocating funds and inaccurate data. The focus must remain on the fact that the program, although not perfect, is in place to help trade affected workers find re-employment in a short period of time, which is an extremely positive program.

A Reason to Outsource, how about Five

By Christian Losche, Research Associate for GLOBAL ID, LLC

In the business world today, outsourcing is proving to have numerous benefits for companies of any size. Several tasks and processes can be outsourced saving, and even improving, companies. Below are five common, but solid reasons for outsourcing:

1) Reduction of Operating Costs
Saving money is the most common reason for outsourcing. It costs less to outsource rather than create an in-house addition and accrue the costs that accompany it.

2) Use of Resources not Available Within a Company
Whether it’s a lack of staff or the specialized skills required, outsourcing is an efficient way of getting the job done.

3) Use of Skilled Specialists
When outsourcing, specialists are attained to quickly complete a task with no mistakes.

4) Time
With outsourcing, the process of training and monitoring is sidestepped.

5) Improved Company Focus
With the time being saved by outsourcing, it allows a company to focus and improve other aspects of the business.