1. In its international expansion policy, Wal-Mart followed the advice of Harvard business professor Theodore Levitt, whose famous 1983 book The Globalization of Markets advocated standardization, not localization: “Gone are accustomed differences in national or regional preference.” Whereas conventional multinational companies adapted to “superficial and even entrenched differences within and between nations,” truly global firms sought to “force suitably standardized products and practices on the entire globe.” Should companies stick to a standardized approach or adapt to local markets?

2. What domestic and global changes are taking place that encourage the international expansion of companies such as Wal-Mart?

3. What other U.S. businesses can you name that have merged with foreign companies or expanded to become multinational in scope? Have you heard of any notable successes or failures?