Workshop 7 – Chapter 7

Global Alliances

In-class activity 1: Discussion questions

Discuss the following in class:
1. Explain the motivations and benefits of cross-border strategic alliances.

2. Discuss ‘how to’ implement an outsourcing strategy.

3. Discuss a successful cross-border alliance. What were the reasons why it

succeeded?

In-class activity 2: Ongoing Semester Case Study – Businessville Hotel.

Beijing Businessville Hotel is proving to be extremely successful. It has just been
announced that a major world trade expo is to be held in Ho Chi Minh City. Around the
World Hotels is interested in providing accommodation for some of the expected
thousands of delegates. However, there is not time to build a new hotel. Around the
World are considering approaching an existing hotel group to form an alliance.

 What issues need to be considered when establishing an alliance in this case?

 What form would you suggest the alliance take?
 Outline the major challenges for Around the World Hotels in establishing the type
of alliance you recommend. How would you suggest they overcome them?

In-class activity 3: Student Presentation Case Study.

Students to present solutions to Q 7-12 & 7-13 of case study titled ‘Foreign Companies in
China under Attack’ on page 302-303 of the textbook. Audience to prepare discussion
points for the questions.

In-class tutorial activity 4: In-class multi-choice quiz.

Print out the quiz for the students and administer in class. Students will be given 10 mns
to attempt the quiz. Discuss the solutions in class. This quiz serves as a good revision
exercise.

1
Assessment 1 - Portfolio questions:

Students are required to answer the three questions in essay format (maximum 450 words
in total). Please print number of words at the end.

1. Why are there an increasing number of mergers with companies in different

industries? Give some examples.

2. What are the common sources of incompatibility in cross-border alliances? What can
be done in order to minimize them?

3. How might the variable of national culture affect strategic implementation? Use the
Mittal Steel example to highlight some of these factors.