MNB3701
Assignment 1 Semester 2 2025
2 2025
Unique Number:
Due date: September 2025
Introduction
International business plays a crucial role in shaping the strategies of multinational
enterprises (MNEs) as they engage with foreign markets under diverse institutional and
cultural conditions. The study of global business requires an understanding of both formal
institutions such as political, legal, and economic frameworks, and informal institutions such
as culture, values, and social norms (Meyer & Peng, 2019:32). These institutional factors
strongly influence trade, investment, and production decisions. The two cases presented in
this assignment, namely China’s growing investment footprint in Africa and Apple’s reliance
on manufacturing partnerships in China, highlight how multinational firms balance
opportunities and risks in global operations. The China–Africa case demonstrates how
comparative advantage, resource access, and the eclectic paradigm shape foreign direct
investment strategies in developing economies, while the Apple case illustrates the
challenges of outsourcing, supply chain efficiency, and responsible business conduct. By
applying theoretical frameworks from international business, this assignment critically
evaluates how firms pursue global competitiveness, manage risks, and respond to ethical
considerations in complex international environments.
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
Introduction
International business plays a crucial role in shaping the strategies of multinational
enterprises (MNEs) as they engage with foreign markets under diverse institutional
and cultural conditions. The study of global business requires an understanding of
both formal institutions such as political, legal, and economic frameworks, and
informal institutions such as culture, values, and social norms (Meyer & Peng,
2019:32). These institutional factors strongly influence trade, investment, and
production decisions. The two cases presented in this assignment, namely China’s
growing investment footprint in Africa and Apple’s reliance on manufacturing
partnerships in China, highlight how multinational firms balance opportunities and
risks in global operations. The China–Africa case demonstrates how comparative
advantage, resource access, and the eclectic paradigm shape foreign direct
investment strategies in developing economies, while the Apple case illustrates the
challenges of outsourcing, supply chain efficiency, and responsible business
conduct. By applying theoretical frameworks from international business, this
assignment critically evaluates how firms pursue global competitiveness, manage
risks, and respond to ethical considerations in complex international environments.
Question 1.1
Assignment 1 Semester 2 2025
2 2025
Unique Number:
Due date: September 2025
Introduction
International business plays a crucial role in shaping the strategies of multinational
enterprises (MNEs) as they engage with foreign markets under diverse institutional and
cultural conditions. The study of global business requires an understanding of both formal
institutions such as political, legal, and economic frameworks, and informal institutions such
as culture, values, and social norms (Meyer & Peng, 2019:32). These institutional factors
strongly influence trade, investment, and production decisions. The two cases presented in
this assignment, namely China’s growing investment footprint in Africa and Apple’s reliance
on manufacturing partnerships in China, highlight how multinational firms balance
opportunities and risks in global operations. The China–Africa case demonstrates how
comparative advantage, resource access, and the eclectic paradigm shape foreign direct
investment strategies in developing economies, while the Apple case illustrates the
challenges of outsourcing, supply chain efficiency, and responsible business conduct. By
applying theoretical frameworks from international business, this assignment critically
evaluates how firms pursue global competitiveness, manage risks, and respond to ethical
considerations in complex international environments.
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
Introduction
International business plays a crucial role in shaping the strategies of multinational
enterprises (MNEs) as they engage with foreign markets under diverse institutional
and cultural conditions. The study of global business requires an understanding of
both formal institutions such as political, legal, and economic frameworks, and
informal institutions such as culture, values, and social norms (Meyer & Peng,
2019:32). These institutional factors strongly influence trade, investment, and
production decisions. The two cases presented in this assignment, namely China’s
growing investment footprint in Africa and Apple’s reliance on manufacturing
partnerships in China, highlight how multinational firms balance opportunities and
risks in global operations. The China–Africa case demonstrates how comparative
advantage, resource access, and the eclectic paradigm shape foreign direct
investment strategies in developing economies, while the Apple case illustrates the
challenges of outsourcing, supply chain efficiency, and responsible business
conduct. By applying theoretical frameworks from international business, this
assignment critically evaluates how firms pursue global competitiveness, manage
risks, and respond to ethical considerations in complex international environments.
Question 1.1
