GM Micro-Challenge Overview My country: Kazakhstan The GM Micro-Challenges are intended to help you appreciate the resources available and challenges associated with global marketing to another country. For these assignments, you will assume the role of an employee at a company providing global marketing assistance. You will engage in tasks and research related to the specific country and US state which you have been assigned (YOUR COUNTRY/YOUR STATE). The GM Micro-Challenges will involve your responding to a selection of memos from your manager. Your responses will require the collection, analysis, and concise provision of the information requested of you in a business memo format. YOUR COUNTRY/YOUR STATE See the list of assigned countries and U.S. states in Module 1. Memo Format Use a standard business memo format for your response. Your memo should include all the pertinent parts of a business memo. A Standard Business Memo with Its Parts can be found HERE Download HERE. M2 – GM Micro-Challenge: Export Promotion Your manager’s memo to you is below. In it your manager is giving you tasks to address regarding international trade. You are not expected to be an expert, just willing and able to use the resources available to develop an accurate response. Your memo should start with an introduction that reminds the manager what s/he requested you to do. Next, overview the information your manager can expect to find in your memo. After that, respond to each topic you were requested to address in sequence. For each topic, your response should clearly state the question(s) you understood you were to address. Then give a written response to the question that summarizes the source information. Your written response should then be supported with (1) an image that shows the specific source information you used, and (2) a weblink to that source in case your manager wants to seek out additional information. Note: An image does not replace your written response, it only shows the source information used. Finally, you may choose to provide a conclusion to your memo. Images may be screen clipped to include them. That image should show the name of YOUR COUNTRY/YOUR STATE. To: You From: Your Manager Date: Aug 29, 2021 Subject: Export Promotion Below are subjects that need some research for an agency in YOUR STATE. The agency said they might want to use subscription sources (PIERS, Datamyne, Euromonitor, etc.) in the future to research competitor activity but wanted to try free sources first. Consider each subject, examine sources, and provide a brief response. Include screen clippings of your source material. That image should show the name of YOUR COUNTRY/YOUR STATE and the exact information that supports your response. Some potential sources you might find helpful are provided. A government agency in YOUR STATE wants to expand the state’s exports. 1. Determine YOUR STATE’s major exports. A. Identify the top 10 exports from YOUR STATE in 2020. Include the HS Code and the value in millions of dollars for that year. Identify one top export product from YOUR STATE upon which you will focus. (Use the U.S. International Trade Data provided by the Census Bureau HERE (Links to an external site.)) 2. Identify and justify some countries that might be promising for a trade mission from YOUR STATE. A. The Observatory of Economic Complexity provides international trade information for countries. A link to their website is HERE (Links to an external site.). Under the Tools tab, select “Tree Map.” Use the “Bilateral – Exports by Product” option to find the information needed for the top export product that you identified above. Under “Product” select this top export product. Use the HS6 data to get as close to the HS Code for that product as you can. Under “Country,” select “United States.” See image “A” for customization settings. Clicking on “Build Visualization” will give you a diagram with a question above it. Verify it is the question. The United States’ top exports of this product went to these countries. See image “B.” List the countries (up to ten) getting the greatest percentage of this top export product from the U.S. as a whole. This diagram tells you what countries are currently buying from the U.S. Next, determine what countries are buying a lot of this product. Use the “Tree Map” again. Use the “Product – Importers” option to identify what countries import that product. Customize the settings for the top importers of this product. Under “Product” select this top export product. Use the HS6 data to get as close to the HS Code for that product as you can. See image “C” for customization settings. Clicking on “Build Visualization” will give you a diagram with a question above it. The countries that are the top importers of this product will be shown. Verify it is the question. See image “D.” List the countries (up to ten) that are importing the greatest percentage of this product. This diagram tells you what countries are currently buying a lot of this product in general. B. Use the two lists you made to identify one country that is importing a lot of the product but is not importing it from the United States. This may be a good country to consider for a trade mission. The government of YOUR STATE might consider sending a trade mission there to explore further exports. C. Find two individuals that work with the US Commercial Service that can help facilitate export efforts for this product to that country. A link to their website is HERE (Links to an external site.). Include their names, titles, and contact information. At least one of these individuals should be located in that country or at least in its region. D. What import tariffs would be associated with sales of that product to that country? (Use the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) – 2018 National Trade Estimate (NTE) on Foreign Trade Barriers HERE (Links to an external site.)) E. Just to be fully prepared for the manager’s recommendation to the government agency, repeat steps A. to D. for a second top export product from YOUR STATE. Choose a country for the trade mission that is in a different region of the world. 3. Identify two promising international trade shows to attend. A. For two top exports from YOUR STATE, identify a large international trade show that is focused on that product and that attracts buyers/sellers from all over the world. Include some information about each of these two trade shows including when the next one is tentatively scheduled and where. Provide a weblink for each trade show. Image A. Image B. Image C. Image D.

Mastering the Art of Online Learning: Your Guide to Acing Online Courses

Introduction

In recent years, the popularity of online courses has skyrocketed, offering learners the flexibility to acquire new skills and knowledge from the comfort of their homes. However, succeeding in online courses requires a different approach compared to traditional classroom settings. To help you make the most of your online learning experience, this article presents essential strategies and tips to ace your online courses.

1. Set Clear Goals and Plan Ahead

Before embarking on an online course, establish clear goals and objectives. Determine what you hope to achieve by the end of the course and break down your goals into manageable milestones. Create a study schedule that aligns with your other commitments, ensuring you allocate dedicated time for coursework, assignments, and revision.

2. Create a Productive Study Environment

Establishing a conducive study environment is crucial for online learning success. Find a quiet, well-lit space where you can concentrate without distractions. Remove any potential interruptions, such as notifications from social media or email. Organize your study materials and have a reliable internet connection to ensure seamless access to course materials.

3. Actively Engage in the Course

Active participation is key to mastering online courses. Engage with course materials, including videos, readings, and interactive components. Take comprehensive notes, highlighting key concepts and ideas. Participate in discussion boards, forums, and virtual meetings to interact with instructors and peers, fostering a sense of community and enhancing your understanding of the subject matter.

4. Manage Your Time Effectively

Online courses offer flexibility, but it’s essential to manage your time wisely to avoid falling behind. Create a detailed schedule, allocating specific time slots for coursework, assignments, and studying. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable segments to prevent procrastination. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and dedicate focused time to each one, ensuring consistent progress throughout the course.

5. Develop Effective Communication Skills

Online courses often rely on written communication, making it crucial to hone your skills in this area. Be concise and clear in your written responses, paying attention to grammar and spelling. Actively participate in discussions, asking thoughtful questions and providing constructive feedback to your peers. Regularly check your course emails and notifications, ensuring you stay updated with any important announcements or changes.

6. Utilize Available Resources

Take full advantage of the resources provided by your online course platform and instructors. Familiarize yourself with the learning management system (LMS) and explore its features. Access supplementary materials, such as textbooks, lecture slides, and external resources recommended by instructors. Utilize online libraries, research databases, and tutorial services to deepen your understanding of the subject matter.

7. Stay Motivated and Engaged

Maintaining motivation throughout an online course can be challenging, particularly when faced with competing priorities or a lack of face-to-face interaction. Set short-term goals and reward yourself upon their completion. Connect with fellow learners through virtual study groups or online forums to foster a sense of camaraderie. Regularly remind yourself of the benefits and personal growth associated with completing the course successfully.

8. Seek Support and Clarification

Don’t hesitate to seek support or clarification when needed. Reach out to your instructors for guidance or clarification on course material. Utilize online discussion forums to ask questions or engage in collaborative problem-solving. Leverage the support services provided by your course platform or institution, such as technical support or academic advising.

Conclusion

Online courses present unique opportunities for self-paced learning and personal growth. By setting clear goals, creating a productive study environment, actively engaging with course materials, and managing your time effectively, you can maximize your chances of acing online courses. Remember to stay motivated, seek support when needed, and make the most of the available resources. Embrace the flexibility and adaptability of online learning to achieve your educational goals.