Overview

According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, Hawaii ranks 50th in exports¹. Given Hawaii's small industrial base, it is unlikely that our state is going to evolve into one of the leading exporters. Since we are not a "major player" in the global economy, should we sit on the sidelines? The answer is an emphatic no!

Your mission, should you decide to accept it, is to perform a foreign market analysis for a local business. Each course participant needs to be approved for a company and country by September 17. To learn more about how the reports should be prepared, please read, "A Guide to Writing Assignments."

Below are examples of local companies that could be studied.

Assignment #1: Country Environment
Due October 8 prior to the beginning of class.
Possible topics to be addressed in this assignment might include the following.
1.	What is/are the product(s)?  Who is the potential target market? Why is this market worth our time?
2.	What external opportunities and risks exist in the foreign market?

Assignment #2: Product and Distribution
Due November 12 prior to the beginning of class.
Possible topics to be addressed in this assignment might include the following.
1.	Is product adaptation needed? Would people in the target country use the product differently than in the US?
2.	Are there regulations that affect the importation of the product?  Is there a need for an intermediary to distribute the product?

Assignment #3: Promotion and Pricing
Due November 30 prior to the beginning of class.
Possible topics to be addressed in this assignment might include the following.
1.	Which elements of the promotional mix should be emphasized?
2.	Is it necessary to change the promotional message?
3.	Is price sensitivity and issue? Are there any difficulties in repatriating profits? - Discussed in Chaper 18. The answer can be found through secondary research.