DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1 How does globalization affect industrialized countries? How does this compare with its affects on developing countries? 2 The BRIC countries of Brazil, Russia, India and China are seen as 'hot spots' of globalization. What does this mean? What problems might there be in sourcing from these countries? 3 Why do companies use worldwide sourcing? 7 Discuss some of the sources of information a buyer can use to identify potential foreign sources of supply. 8 How would the process for sourcing machine parts globally differ from the process for sourcing them from domestic suppliers? 9 Why would a company use third-party agents to help with worldwide sourcing? 10 What are the advantages of establishing an international purchasing office? What services would such an office provide? 11 How do international purchasing and global sourcing differ? Do you think the differences are meaningful? 12 What factors might differentiate successful from less-successful efforts at global sourcing? 13 Why is countertrade used? What different forms are available, and which of these are the most flexible? 4 What are the barriers to worldwide sourcing? How can firms overcome these? 5 Many companies have moved to worldwide sourcing on a reactive rather than proactive basis. What does this mean and what are the consequences? 6 Leading companies should develop staff who have global perspectives. What does this mean and is it true? Does it apply to organizations of all sizes