Week 1
Discussion 2
Prior to beginning work on this discussion forum, read Chapter 3 in your textbook.
Based on your readings this week, in 200 to 300 words, describe two difficulties that an international logistician could experience in moving goods from a country with a developed infrastructure (transportation, communication, and utilities) to a country with a deficient infrastructure. In your initial answer, address the following:
· Select a specific country for your example of a deficient infrastructure.
· In addition to your example of a transportation, communication, or utilities infrastructure, indicate any possible political, economic, legal or regulatory challenges in the selected country that may affect international logistics operations.
· Compare and contrast transportation, communication, or utility in the U.S.A. and a country with a deficient infrastructure that you selected for this discussion.
· Then, provide analysis explaining how you, as an International Logistics Manager, will mitigate the existing infrastructure challenges in the selected country.
Discussion 2
Prior to beginning work on this discussion forum, read Chapter 4 in your textbook.
The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act prohibits bribery in international business. Do you think that U.S. companies are at a disadvantage as a result of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act? Take a position and defend your opinion in 200 to 300 words. Be sure to illustrate the situation you describe with a specific example and rationale for your position on the issue. Return to the forum later this week to engage in a conversation with your classmates.
Week 2
Discussion 1
Prior to beginning work on this discussion forum, read Chapter 6: Terms of Trade or Incoterms® Rules assigned this week.
The Incoterms® 2020 rules include 11 trading terms created by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). In 200 to 300 words, describe one Incoterms® 2020 rule of your choice, and explain whether it is more exporter-friendly or importer-friendly depending on the amount of financial exposure and responsibility for the shipment. Then, respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts.
Discussion 2
Prior to beginning work on this discussion forum, read Chapter 7: Terms of Payment assigned this week.
The text describes problems that exporters may have with letters of credit. Since letters of credit transactions are document-based, the slightest discrepancies between documents can snag a transaction. In 200 to 300 words, describe how an organization can mitigate one risk in writing a letter of credit. Be sure to return to the forum later this week to strike up a conversation with your classmates.
