1. In the context of channel-of-distribution structures, discuss the distinguishing features of the Japanese distribution structure. Now, explain why the Japanese have not embraced the U.S distribution channel systems (or framework).
2. More than 60 percent of world’s top retailers are currently U.S based. Are you surprised at this High Rate especially given that U.S has only 5 percent of the world’s population? Explain in detail. Think of multiple defenses for your answer.
3. This question required that you read the postings on the Blackboard regarding Gray Markets. What are gray market products? Are they legal? Is Gray Markets a real issue in the U.S- cite examples? Why should MNCs (example, Seiko watches) be concerned with Gray Markets? What can be done? Do Gray marketers serve useful marketing functions—for certain consumers and/or manufacturers?
4. When devising an international channel strategy, it is necessary to be realistic about the intermediary’s motives. On the one hand, it is the intermediary’s responsibility to implement an important element of a company’s marketing strategy. But foreign agents often engage in cherry picking – the practice of accepting orders only from manufacturers with established demand for products and brands. Cherry picking can also take the form of selecting only a few choice items from a vendor’s product lines. A manufacturer of a new product or a product with a limited market share may find it more desirable to set up some arrangement for bypassing the cherry-picking channel member. What are the costs to the manufacturer when it caves into the foreign agents “cherry picking” demands? What are the “other” channel alternatives available if it decides to forego the Cherry Pickers? (Read the Blackboard Post on this subject).
5. This question required that you see the 3 videos posted on Blackboard on the recent EXIM bank controversy in Washington. Who created the EXIM bank and why? Why is the current move by key congressmen to shut the bank down? Who wins and who loses if that happens? Give specific examples to illustrate your points.
6. Which of the following statements is true regarding an import-oriented distribution structure?
7. Which of the following statements is true of the Japanese market?
8. James Barker is the marketing manager of a firm with small international sales volume. He is looking for a middleman who can take responsibility for promotion of the company’s products, credit arrangements, physical handling, and market research. Also, the middleman must be able to provide information on financial, patent, and licensing matters. In addition, the middleman should agree to work under the name of the firm. Which of the following types of middlemen would be the best choice for Mr. Barker if he wants to meet his objectives?
9. Which of the following statements is true regarding an export management company (EMC)?
10. A major disadvantage of _____ is that they can seldom afford to make the kind of market investment needed to establish deep distribution for products.
11. For companies seeking entrance into the complicated Japanese distribution system, _____ offer one of the easiest routes to success because they virtually control distribution through all levels of channels in Japan.
12. Which of the following was a goal of the Export Trading Company Act?
13. Which of the following is true of foreign sales corporations?
14. Experienced exporters suggest that the only way to select a middleman is:
15. Apex Corporation is a wholesaler for Global Electronics in the French market. Global Electronics discovered that Apex Corp. was diverting some of their goods to the English market. Apex Corp. could get a greater profit in the English market because the goods were bought by the firm at a cheaper price in France. In the context of the above scenario, which of the following forms of business is Apex engaged in?

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1 The Japanese distribution system has for a while been considered the most effective nontariff barrier The market however is becoming more open because of the competition from foreign marketers The d... View the full answer