Group Writing Assignment

Chapter 14: Globalization

LEADING WITH CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS: Emerging or Submerging Markets

The BRIC countries are large emerging markets that are poised for major growth; however, in our networked global economy, global recession affects every country in the network. For example, China may continue to produce massive quantities of goods, but their customer countries may reduce the amount of goods they purchase because of the global recession.

1. Review the table of statistics in Exhibit 14.8 and research any changes to the stats of the five countries. You can use the CIA World Factbook, the IMF or the World Bank as online resources for gathering your numbers. Be sure to check statistics such as:

* Public debt

* External debt

* Value of imports

* Value of exports

* Total GDP

* GDP per capita

This data should be displayed in a table format (either Google, Word, or Excel) and should clearly notate the statistical differences for each category for each country.

2. Next, identify some new opportunities and risks currently faced by BRIC countries. Have opportunities and risks changed dramatically? Have new opportunities and new risks arisen? If yes, what are they?

3. South Africa and Indonesia are also important emerging markets. Using the CIA World Factbook, the IMF or the World Bank as online resources, gather data related to the public and external debts, value of imports and exports, total GDP and GDP per capita of these nations. How do they compare to the BRIC countries in terms of these statistics and in terms of the risks and opportunities they present?