Activity 4.2 Requirements 

When preparing your report for which country to build a factory in, there are several considerations that you will want to review. Most of them relate to economic factors, and it is up to you to gather the necessary information so that you can make your recommendation. Here are the "rules" to work by for this important assignment that you have been given.

You are answering these questions so that you will consider how a country's resources affect a company's decision to locate there. For instance, why do you want to know about paved roads, deepwater harbors, and communication systems? Why does the education level of the workforce matter? Do you need airports to fly in executives or are there other purposes?

1. Which region of the world are you to choose from?
The factory will be built in one of three regions, either Latin America, Asia, or Africa.

Your task is to select one country from EACH of these regions and gather the necessary information to make your recommendation.

2. What comprises the necessary information?
At a minimum, you must collect data that would answer the following questions. Feel free to include other information that might be of value when making your recommendation, but the following information is absolutely required.

• Where is this country located?
• What is the population?
• What system of government does the country have? Is it a stable government?
  
• Who is the current leader?
• Where is the capital city?
• What type of economic system is utilized (market, command, mixed, traditional)?
• What are the primary imports and exports?
• Is it a rich or poor country?
• What is the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) [Need to find Web site that shows this] per capita? Compare this to your own country.
• What is the estimated labor force?
• What is the unemployment rate?
• Is unemployment a problem in this country?
• What is the educational level of the citizens (at the very least give the literacy rate)?
• What are the natural resources?
• What are the major industries?
• Is there a connection between its natural resources and the products it makes?
• What is the name of the currency and the exchange rate with US dollars?
• Are there adequate communication and transportation systems available?
• If your company put a branch operation there, would it be satisfied with the communications system? Do most people in the country have telephones, for example?
• What cultural aspects should you be aware of (religion and language)?
• What is the present relationship that this country has with the United States?
  

3. How should I organize the information I have gathered?
You may organize your data however you want, just be sure that it is easy to comprehend and that it demonstrates a clear comparison or contrast among the three (3) countries you have selected. You may use tables to organize the above required information, maps, graphs that support your recommendation, spreadsheets, brochures, even webpages are suggested. To receive an "A" you must present your findings in a unique manner. Submit your work as you would if you were actually giving this proposal to important members of your company.

4. What must my final recommendation include?
Along with the data you have collected and will present in some form, you must also include your final recommendation as to the country in which the factory should be built. This final recommendation should be put in writing and is to be one page in length (double-spaced). You must support your recommendation with specific statements as to why you favor one country over another. It would be wise for you to refer back to the data that you collected on each country in this recommendation. Give as many reasons as possible to support your decision but do not exceed one page.