Multinational Companies (MNCs) (DP IB Business Management: HL)

Exam Questions

44 mins14 questions
12 marks

Case Study

Tropical Fruits Ltd exports fresh produce worldwide. Globalisation meant the company experienced significant growth after 2020, when more supermarkets began sourcing fruits globally.

Define the term 'globalisation'.

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22 marks

Case Study

Heritage Textiles PLC manufactures traditional clothing and fabrics. In 2024, HTP noticed that improvements in technology have made it easier for artisans to sell their products across national borders.

State two ways technology has impacted global business connections.

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32 marks

Case Study

Culinary Experts Ltd is experiencing challenges recruiting skilled chefs locally. The company is considering hiring international talent as more countries reduce restrictions on worker movement across borders.

State two factors that have led to increased labour movement across borders.

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42 marks

Case Study

Cotton Traders PLC operates in international textile markets where trade barriers have been significantly reduced. In 2024, CTP's financial reports highlighted the impact of free trade on their business model.

Define the term 'free trade'.

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52 marks

Case Study

Heritage Furniture PLC competes with global brands in their domestic market. To maintain market share, HFP emphasises their local craftsmanship and community connections in their marketing.

State two ways domestic businesses can compete with global brands.

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62 marks

Case Study

Automotive Parts PLC, a large MNC, recently moved its manufacturing facilities to Thailand. The company cited lower costs as a key factor in their decision.

State two cost advantages that attract MNCs to specific countries.

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72 marks

Case Study

Tech Solutions International PLC develops software in emerging economies. Local communities have noted improvements in digital infrastructure while expressing concerns about the company's policy of transfer pricing on domestic businesses.

Define the term 'transfer pricing'.

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82 marks

Case Study

Nike, a multinational company, manufactures products in several Southeast Asian countries. Production costs in these locations are significantly lower. This allows the company to maximise its profits.

Describe one cost advantage of becoming a multinational company.

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14 marks

Case Study

GreenHarvest Agriculture, an Ireland-based company, specialises in sustainable farming equipment. Over the last decade, GreenHarvest has grown domestically by providing eco-friendly machinery for small farms. Recently, it has decided to expand globally and is exploring the opportunity to establish manufacturing plants in developing countries like Kenya and India. The company is drawn to these locations due to lower labour costs, government tax incentives, and growing agricultural markets.

GreenHarvest’s management believes global expansion will help achieve economies of scale, lower production costs, and diversify its markets. However, some stakeholders are concerned about potential issues such as weak labour laws in host countries, which might harm GreenHarvest’s reputation if exploited. Additionally, establishing operations in these countries may disrupt local competitors and strain GreenHarvest’s resources in the short term.

Explain one benefit and one drawback for GreenHarvest of setting up manufacturing plants in developing countries.

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24 marks

Case Study

GreenHarvest Agriculture, an Ireland-based company, specialises in sustainable farming equipment. Over the last decade, GreenHarvest has grown domestically by providing eco-friendly machinery for small farms. Recently, it has decided to expand globally and is exploring the opportunity to establish manufacturing plants in developing countries like Kenya and India. The company is drawn to these locations due to lower labour costs, government tax incentives, and growing agricultural markets.

GreenHarvest’s management believes global expansion will help achieve economies of scale, lower production costs, and diversify its markets. However, some stakeholders are concerned about potential issues such as weak labour laws in host countries, which might harm GreenHarvest’s reputation if exploited. Additionally, establishing operations in these countries may disrupt local competitors and strain GreenHarvest’s resources in the short term.

Describe two challenges GreenHarvest might face when competing with local businesses in host countries.

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36 marks

Case Study

TechNova Electronics, a multinational corporation (MNC) headquartered in Germany, specialises in consumer electronics like smartphones and smart home devices. Over the last decade, TechNova has expanded rapidly into developing markets such as Brazil, South Africa, and Vietnam. Its strategy has focused on leveraging low-cost manufacturing in these regions while using its strong brand reputation to gain market share.

Recently, TechNova has faced criticism in Brazil for its working conditions in local factories. Reports suggest that workers are paid below the living wage, and safety standards are not being enforced. Local businesses in South Africa have also expressed concerns that TechNova’s aggressive pricing strategies are driving smaller competitors out of business. Despite these challenges, TechNova remains committed to its expansion strategy, citing the benefits of economies of scale, increased market reach, and stronger global brand recognition.

Analyse two benefits and one drawback of globalisation for TechNova.

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44 marks

Case Study

TechNova Electronics, a multinational corporation (MNC) headquartered in Germany, specialises in consumer electronics like smartphones and smart home devices. Over the last decade, TechNova has expanded rapidly into developing markets such as Brazil, South Africa, and Vietnam. Its strategy has focused on leveraging low-cost manufacturing in these regions while using its strong brand reputation to gain market share.

Recently, TechNova has faced criticism in Brazil for its working conditions in local factories. Reports suggest that workers are paid below the living wage, and safety standards are not being enforced. Local businesses in South Africa have also expressed concerns that TechNova’s aggressive pricing strategies are driving smaller competitors out of business. Despite these challenges, TechNova remains committed to its expansion strategy, citing the benefits of economies of scale, increased market reach, and stronger global brand recognition

Describe two challenges TechNova might face in competing with local businesses in developing markets.

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54 marks

Case Study

AquaPure Water Solutions, a multinational corporation headquartered in Switzerland, produces eco-friendly water purification systems. The company has established manufacturing facilities and sales operations in over 30 countries, including high-growth markets like India, Nigeria, and Brazil. AquaPure’s mission is to provide affordable, clean water solutions while reducing its environmental footprint. It has benefitted from tax incentives offered by governments in developing countries, which have helped it reduce costs and expand production.

Despite its success, AquaPure faces challenges. Local communities in Nigeria have raised concerns about the environmental impact of its manufacturing plants, accusing the company of overusing water resources. In Brazil, domestic competitors argue that AquaPure’s presence has hurt smaller businesses, leading to job losses. Meanwhile, critics in India question whether AquaPure prioritises profit over its corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals, as some of its products are still priced beyond the reach of low-income households.

Explain one advantage and one disadvantage for AquaPure of receiving tax incentives from host countries.

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66 marks

Case Study

AquaPure Water Solutions, a multinational corporation headquartered in Switzerland, produces eco-friendly water purification systems. The company has established manufacturing facilities and sales operations in over 30 countries, including high-growth markets like India, Nigeria, and Brazil. AquaPure’s mission is to provide affordable, clean water solutions while reducing its environmental footprint. It has benefitted from tax incentives offered by governments in developing countries, which have helped it reduce costs and expand production.

Despite its success, AquaPure faces challenges. Local communities in Nigeria have raised concerns about the environmental impact of its manufacturing plants, accusing the company of overusing water resources. In Brazil, domestic competitors argue that AquaPure’s presence has hurt smaller businesses, leading to job losses. Meanwhile, critics in India question whether AquaPure prioritises profit over its corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals, as some of its products are still priced beyond the reach of low-income households.

Analyse two benefits and one drawback of AquaPure’s focus on corporate social responsibility.

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