China’s Changing Economic Structures and Its Implications for Regional Patterns of Trade Production and Integration

There is tremendous momentum for economic and financial integration in East Asia today. Partly inspired by the formation of the European Union and partly as a response to the 1997/98 Asia financial crisis, many East Asian countries are showing greater commitment to regional economic cooperation. A number of bilateral free trade agreements (FTAs) have either been concluded or are being negotiated.1 At a less formal level, the ASEAN+3 grouping has brought the whole region together in regular consultations over trade, investment, as well as monetary and exchange rate policy matters. Few countries in East Asia harbor any illusion of realizing a region-wide economic union any time soon, although there were clear attempts by some of them in this direction.2 A crucial ingredient in any successful East Asia-wide economic integration effort is the role of China. China could be a major catalyst to the integration process if it chooses to. But it would do so only if such a move is in line with the overall objectives of its foreign economic policy. More importantly, it must be consistent with Chinas domestic economic agenda. In this paper, we examine trends and developments in the regional pattern of trade and production and link it to the evolving structure of Chinas economy. We argue that there is scope for China to play a more active role and provide stronger leadership in East Asian economic integration. In our view, the developmental pattern in Chinas domestic economy and the likely changes in Chinas production and trade structures will justify such a policy approach. Doing so will also help improve Chinas economic and political relationship with the region.trade, China, East Asian economic integration, East Asia

China’s Changing Economic Structures and Its Implications for Regional Patterns of Trade Production and Integration

There is tremendous momentum for economic and financial integration in East Asia today. Partly inspired by the formation of the European Union and partly as a response to the 1997/98 Asia financial crisis, many East Asian countries are showing greater commitment to regional economic cooperation. A number of bilateral free trade agreements (FTAs) have either been concluded or are being negotiated.1 At a less formal level, the ASEAN+3 grouping has brought the whole region together in regular consultations over trade, investment, as well as monetary and exchange rate policy matters.

Risks affecting supplier-distributor relationships : evidence from Middle Eastern companies

DBAFor many manufacturers of fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), Middle Eastern markets are viewed as emergent economies with high growth potential. Some countries of the Middle East are witnessing a rise of modern trade channels such as hypermarket and supermarket formats, others are still dominated by traditional retailers such as wholesale and grocery store formats. Within this context, the decision to outsource the sales and distribution activities of a firm results in significant benefits but it also entails many dyadic risks between suppliers and their distributors. The purpose of this research is to understand how FMCG suppliers/manufacturers and distributors perceive relevant dyadic risks and how these risks are mitigated. The research examines the dyadic risk mitigation strategies adopted by both suppliers and distributors using relevant propositions based on transaction cost economics and agency theories. The propositions are explored by analysing 15 multiple dyadic cases which focus on the FMCG industry in three representative markets of the Middle East: Iraq, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and United Arab Emirates (UAE). Semi structured interviews have been conducted with 30 experts from the FMCG industry in the Middle East, split between suppliers and distributors. The research shows that FMCG suppliers in the Middle East are affected by dyadic risks that hinder their ability to control their performance. Distributors also face dyadic risks that are due to their dependency on suppliers, which affects their future sustainability. Dyadic Risk Mitigation strategies include deploying a control system and reviewing the formal contracting structure, as suggested by agency theory, while another strategic approach relates to a partial or vertical integration of assets of high specificity, as proposed by transaction cost economics theory. The research shows that trust plays a pivotal role in the relationship between suppliers and distributors. From a practical perspective, the research contributes to proposing a transformation road map that encapsulates guidelines and tools that managers can use to diagnose their dyadic risks and map their optimal dyadic risk mitigation strategy

The Digitalisation of African Agriculture Report 2018-2019

An inclusive, digitally-enabled agricultural transformation could help achieve meaningful livelihood improvements for Africa’s smallholder farmers and pastoralists. It could drive greater engagement in agriculture from women and youth and create employment opportunities along the value chain. At CTA we staked a claim on this power of digitalisation to more systematically transform agriculture early on. Digitalisation, focusing on not individual ICTs but the application of these technologies to entire value chains, is a theme that cuts across all of our work. In youth entrepreneurship, we are fostering a new breed of young ICT ‘agripreneurs’. In climate-smart agriculture multiple projects provide information that can help towards building resilience for smallholder farmers. And in women empowerment we are supporting digital platforms to drive greater inclusion for women entrepreneurs in agricultural value chains

Optimization of Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) marketing channels in China: a case study

JEL classification: M31The operation conditions of marketing channels, regarded as the crucial external resources of enterprises, directly influence the market position of a company. Good marketing channels are significant links for enterprises to perceive market change and adjust enterprise behavior and decisions. This thesis seeks to clarify and define various factors influencing marketing channels optimization by using fast moving consuming goods (FMCG) as the focus of the research topic and by taking Rainbow Company as an example, based on data of an actual marketing channel operation and deep research on the case company. On this basis, the concept and basic framework of marketing channel optimization of FMCG enterprises has been considered from the perspective of channel relationship selection and marketing channel integration, considering the influence of direct online marketing models on traditional marketing channels. Finally, it has put forward the implementation strategy of marketing channel optimization from three aspects, building strategic alliance of marketing channels, putting more effort in developing a network channel and in strengthening regional marketing team construction by applying relevant theories and concepts of marketing channel optimization.As condições de operação dos canais de marketing, considerados como recursos externos essenciais das empresas, influenciam diretamente o posicionamento de uma empresa no mercado. Um bom canal de marketing constitui um elemento muito significativo para que as empresas se apercebam das mudanças ocorridas no mercado e possam ajustar os seus comportamentos e decisões em conformidade. Esta tese procura clarificar e definir os diversos fatores que influenciam a otimização dos canais de marketing a partir do estudo de caso da empresa Rainbow Company e adotando, como base de pesquisa, o caso de produtos de rápido consumo (FMCG “fast moving consumer goods”). Deste modo a tese definiu o conceito e o enquadramento básico da otimização de canais de marketing sob a perspetiva da seleção de relacionamentos e da integração, considerando a influência de modelos de marketing direto online sobre os canais de marketing tradicionais. Por fim, e tendo por base as teorias e conceitos relevantes, a tese desenvolveu uma estratégia de implementação da otimização de canais de marketing sob três perspetivas: construção de alianças estratégicas; reforço do desenvolvimento de redes; e reforço do desenvolvimento de equipas de marketing regional

Globalization of Production and the Competitiveness of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in Asia and the Pacific: Trends and Prospects

The focus of this section is on the trends and prospects for the competitiveness of the region's SMEs, based on a review of the literature (as distinct from original research). In this context, the key dynamic shaping the prospects of Asia- Pacific SMEs relates to the globalization of production. This is changing the competitive environment for the region's SMEs in both international markets and at home. Therefore, at the core of the story is the need to understand the nature of globalization and its implications for the competitive performance of Asia-Pacific SMEs. From this perspective, small traditional firms serving only small local markets are not primary interest here, except insofar as they may evolve, or may be forced to evolve, into competitive enterprises in the above context.SMEs, Globalization, competitiveness, Asia, Pacific, trends

Zara and Benetton: Comparison of two business models

The project analizes and compares two very important and diferent business models in fast fashion industry: Zara y Benetton models. Their models are so diferent but have been a great success, due to their capacity to respond quickly to demand of the market, then due to their flexibility. In this regard, the project also demonstrates how information sharing have a big role to the success of a company. It improves the efficiency of a company and helps to achieve the customer satisfaction . To achieve a good sharing information, it' s important a good and strenght relationship between manufacturer and retailer

Дослідження управління багатонаціональною корпорацією, на прикладі компаніїb "Кока-Кола"

The main purpose of this research paper is to investigate system of management of multinational corporations and to give recommendations as for system of management at Coca-Cola Company. The main tasks of master research paper are the following: - To ascertain whether the multinational corporation are social responsible. - To ascertain whether the MNC in Nigeria have any contribution to the economic advancement of the nation. - To ascertain whether they contribute to the technological development of the countries. - To determine the environmental factors that influences the operations of the Multinationals Corporation Coca-Cola Company. - To give recommendations as for improvement of activity os Coca-Cola Company and industry of beverages.Master’s research paper critically evaluates the challenges Coca-Cola Company experiences while managing its operations in geographical and culturally diverse contexts. An overview of Coca-Cola Company and brief analysis of the global contemporary landscape is initially examined. A critical evaluation is conducted of the Global competitive, Political-Legal, Economic, Socio-cultural and Ethical challenges experienced by Coca-Cola Company. Ways to improve Coca-Cola's operations in the African markets were proposed.Introduction. 1. The theoretical framework and study of Multinational Corporation 1.1 Meanings and definition of Multinational Corporation 1.2 The managerial functions in international business 1.3 Important finding in managing Multinational Corporation 2. Research and analysis of Coca-Cola Company 2.1 Introduction to Coca-Cola Company 2.2 SWOT-analysis of the industrial and economic activity of Coca-Cola Company 2.3 Analysis of the system of management at Coca-Cola Company 3. Recommendations in management for Coca-Cola Company that operates in different geographical and cultural contexts 3.1 Recommendations as for the corporate social responsibly at Coca-Cola company 3.2 Recommendations as for using stevia in producing beverages at Coca-Cola Company 3.3 Recommendations as for strategic issues that Coca-Cola Company is facing today 4. Special part 4.1 Current trends in the field of Coca-Cola Company 4.2 Activities of multinational corporations in the development of Nigeria 5. Rationale for recommendations 5.1 Statement for recommendations at Coca-Cola Company 5.2 Recommendations as for using stevia in producing beverages at Coca-Cola Company 6. Occupational health and safety in emergencies 6.1 Safety and health for Coca-Cola Company 6.2 Protection against specific risks in safety and health 7. Environmental issues 7.1 Environmental impact of products in Coca-Cola Company 7.2 Coca-Cola sustainability plan Conclusions References Appendice

Sourcing and Manufacturing in the Market Region

It has been a common practice to transfer making goods to faraway low-labor-cost countries. For many managers, this seemed to make commercial sense. Sourcing in remote corners of the world takes advantage of reduced labor hour cost. This can be the most significant direct cost. This chapter focuses on the emerging trend to bring manufacturing back, via reshoring within the nation state or near(er) shoring where production is closer by taking advantage of lower cost neighboring locations. Financial analysis presented is based on differential wage rate and pipeline liability. The financial case analysis indicates overall profit that may be reduced due to labor cost; however, risk-free profit can be significantly higher. Four supply chain configurations can be determined using a simple two-by-two matrix: long and short distances between supplier and plant, and between plant and market/customer. Typically, longer distances increase the end-to-end time that is taken and increase inventory. Activity-based cost models (ABCDM) and cases originally focused on internal plant operations now are applied along the supply chain. Long inbound supply and long outbound distribution increase pipeline liability risks and typically increase the inventory due to less frequent and larger volume consignments

Opportunities for greater Lincolnshire's supply chains: full report

A study of the key sector supply chains across Greater Lincolnshire, and identification of barriers and opportuniteis for growth