Module 5: Exploring strategic and operational approaches to the development of international trade

Reasons for using the selected strategy

 

Reasons for using the selected strategy

The speed at which operations are set up

When considering operating overseas, one must consider how quickly a business needs to do this. This can affect their decisions. For example, if competitors are likely to start trading in the country, a business may want to move quickly.

Access to local business knowledge and expertise

Decisions based on the use of local human resources can be beneficial. For example, local franchisees are likely to know the market in their country.

Cost Control
Some strategies are likely to incur more costs than others and a business will need to be aware of the impact on their cash flow. For example, setting up or buying a company in a foreign country is expensive and can take time while collaborating with other companies could be cheaper.
Risk management
While strategies that favour working with other businesses can be faster and more cost effective, they are not risk-free. For example, a company's reputation can be dependent on the quality of a product or service so giving other businesses the right to produce a product, e.g. through licence agreements, puts a large amount of responsibility for quality in the hands of another company.