MNB3702 PORTFOLIO (DETAILED ANSWERS) Semester 2 2025 - DISTINCTION GUARANTEED

MNB3702 PORTFOLIO (DETAILED ANSWERS) Semester 2 2025 - DISTINCTION GUARANTEED - DISTINCTION GUARANTEED - DISTINCTION GUARANTEED Answers, guidelines, workings and references ,... 1. INTRODUCTION Maximum length: one paragraph (as concise as possible) Approach: Introduce your SME name, product/service, industry, its home country (South Africa), and the host country in which your SME plans to operate. Finally, indicate to the reader what will follow in the sections, such as what you will evaluate, so that they know what to expect. [3 marks] 2. ENTRY MODE Maximum length: one A4 page Source: Chapters 11, 12 & 14 of Peng and Meyer (2019) and (2023) Your SME has chosen to expand its operations into your chosen African market through a Joint Venture with a local partner. By linking theory to your discussion, critically evaluate the potential advantages and disadvantages of entering the host country through a Joint Venture. Based on your findings, argue whether this strategic entry mode is appropriate or inappropriate for your SME (12). Your justification must include at least two institutional factors, such as regulatory frameworks, political stability, legal systems, or cultural norms specific to the host country that could influence the success or failure of the Joint Venture (8). [20] 3. SKILLS GAPS Maximum length: one A4 page Source: Chapters 13, 14, 15 & 16 of Peng and Meyer (2019) and (2023) Your SME is seeking to appoint a departmental manager to oversee operations in the Host country. Given the potential scarcity of specialized skills within the host country, critically evaluate how your SME will address local talent limitations (5). Discuss the strategic rationale for appointing an expatriate manager to address the skills gap and support your analysis with relevant theoretical frameworks (8). Additionally, investigate and reflect on the host country’s regulatory environment concerning expatriate employment and explain how these factors may influence your staffing decision (4). Provide two conceptual examples to support your arguments (3) [20] 4. LEADERSHIP AND CULTURE Maximum length: one A4 page Source: Chapters 13, 14, 15 & 16 of Peng and Meyer (2019) and (2023) Combine your studies from MNB3701 and briefly discuss at least three different leadership styles (6). Consider your SME’s preferred leadership style and explain why this leadership style is conducive in the context of the home country’s cultural environment. Assess the dynamics regarding culture in the Host country and discuss how these differences may challenge the effectiveness of the current leadership style (8). In your analysis, draw on relevant leadership and cross-cultural theories to support your arguments. Briefly propose alternative leadership strategies to ensure successful operations in the Host country (6). [20] 5. TECHNOLOGY AND SUPPLY CHAIN Maximum length: one A4 page Source: Chapters 14, 15, 16 & 17 of Peng and Meyer (2019) and (2023); MNB3702 Study Guide Critically discuss how technology can be leveraged to improve your SME’s supply chain network’s agility, adaptability, and alignment by applying the AAA framework as an analytical tool (4). By referring to relevant supply chain theories, investigate the strategic impact of blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and data management on your SME’s supply chain management (6). Your evaluation should demonstrate how these technologies contribute to better resilience, responsiveness, and strategic consistency within the business environment (5). [15]