Assignment 3: Global Competition Assignment

Assignment 3 is worth 20 points.
There are two parts to Assignment 3: Part (A) and Part (B):
Part (A): Complete the following Global Market Survey and
Part (B): Answer the following 5 questions (and sub-questions):

Background for the Assignment

Creative thinking is needed to solve the current and future problems confronting the world and our society. As future leaders, we will need to use creative thinking, not only in our personal and professional lives, but also to help solve societal problems. Creative thinking has wide application, can be used in a variety of ways, and have a tremendous impact on the way we look at and solve problems.

For example, as a result of global competition, American companies are experiencing economic hardship, ranging from reduced employment and production to downsizing and bankruptcy. Many foreign companies are providing goods and services throughout the world at a lower cost and higher quality than are American companies. To effectively compete in the global marketplace, American companies must learn to be more creative in competing and providing goods and services to people of other cultures.
Part (A) – Global Market Survey

1. On a scale from 1-5 (1= minimal job loss and 5= major job loss), what is your perception on the amount of U.S. job loss/unemployment resulting from foreign competition?
_____

2. On a scale from 1-5 (1= inability to effectively compete and 5= can effectively compete), what is your belief about American companies “current” ability to compete with foreign companies?
_____

3. On a scale from 1-5 (1= need few trade barriers and 5= need many trade barriers), what is your belief about whether the U.S. government should impose many or few trade barriers to protect American businesses from foreign competition?

_____

4. List what you believe are the 3 major advantages American companies have over foreign companies for competing in the global marketplace:

(1) ______________________________________________

(2) ______________________________________________

(3) ______________________________________________

5. List what you believe are the 3 major disadvantages American companies need to overcome to successfully compete in the global marketplace:

(1) _____________________________________________

(2) _____________________________________________

(3) _____________________________________________
Part (B): 5 Questions

Each student is required to use his/her imagination and creative thinking skills to identify ideas/solutions which will help American companies to more effectively compete in the global marketplace. Answer/respond to the following questions.

1. What is the “Problem As Stated (PAS)?”
2. What is the “Problem As Understood (PAU)?”
3. Brainstorm and identify at least 10 ideas for your PAU.
4. Identify your 1st and 2nd “best” idea for solving the problem (PAU).
5. Explain why your one best idea/solution will work by considering the short and long term consequences of that idea/solution on the problem (PAU)?