Sun City Board’s CEO, Tom Wilson, has decided that Sun City should take advantage of the global surfing market. He has based his decision on the information he obtained from the industry study summarized below. You are cautiously optimistic about this opportunity and need to advise Tom on the management considerations Sun City must address before embarking on this endeavor.
Preparation
In this assignment, you will outline and explain the key management considerations for going global, based on the information you’ve been given and the concepts you studied in your readings on globalization and business.
Thoroughly read Module 3 Management Within a Global Organization Learning Unit.
Review the following excerpts from the 2016 report titled “Surfing: A Global Strategic Business Report”Links to an external site. from Global Industry Analysts, Inc.
The global market for surfing is projected to reach US$9.5 billion by 2022, driven by growing interest in surfing both as a leisure and sporting activity, increased accessibility to surfing through surf parks and surf pools, and technology innovations focused on developing sophisticated surf-wear and surf-gear…. As warm water surfing in tropical locations turn crowded as a result of mass tourism, there is increasing interest in cold water surfing. The trend is expected to bring conventionally unpopular surfing locations into the spotlight, thus expanding the addressable market for surfing equipment and gear. The United States represents the largest market worldwide (49.0% market share) supported by the long-established surfing culture in the region and the resulting large base of surfer population. Australia is poised to grow at the fastest CAGR of 5.5% over the analysis period, driven by rising tourism, increased spending on family vacations, presence of several attractive national surfing reserves in the country, and the popularity of beach and surf tourism and recreation.
Snapshot Summary of Trends and Drivers
Growing participation of women in surfing offers surf-wear market lucrative growth opportunities
Rising popularity of surfing as a sport and leisure activity drives demand for surfing apparel and equipment
Performance surf wear continues to gain prominence
Establishment of surf parks with artificial wave technology to benefit market growth
Focus shifts to eco-friendly surfboard materials and production techniques
Demand for hybrid and uniquely shaped surfboards
Key players in the global surfing market include O’Neill, Quiksilver, Body Glove, Volcom LLC, Rip Curl International Pty Ltd., and Billabong International Limited.
Your Task
Carefully consider the political, economic, and cultural challenges and benefits of global business. How should Sun City management address its planning, organizing, leading, and controlling functions to participate in the global market?
Write a three-paragraph essay of at least 300 words describing your advice for Sun City. Your essay must include three properly referenced and defined terms from Module 3 Learning Unit. For example, if you believe that Sun City should follow a standardization strategy, what implications would this have on management control? How does your plan address the potential for a global supply chain?
You are encouraged to use appropriate illustrations or charts to describe your plan. In addition to the module, you may also reference reliable and properly cited Internet resources. You may also draw from your personal work experience with appropriate examples to support your references.
Political and Economic Considerations
Sun City management should carefully consider the political and economic risks associated with global expansion. Some of the key factors to consider include:
Sun City management should also consider the following economic factors:
Cultural Considerations
Sun City management should also be aware of the cultural differences between the United States and the target market. These differences can impact everything from marketing and branding to customer service and employee relations. It is important to adapt Sun City’s business model to the cultural norms of the target market.
Some of the key cultural factors to consider include:
Addressing the Planning, Organizing, Leading, and Controlling Functions
Sun City management should carefully consider how it will address the planning, organizing, leading, and controlling functions in the context of global expansion.
Planning: Sun City management should develop a comprehensive global business plan that outlines its goals, strategies, and action steps. The plan should be based on a thorough understanding of the target market and the competitive landscape.
Organizing: Sun City may need to adjust its organizational structure to accommodate its global operations. This may involve creating new departments or divisions, or hiring additional staff with expertise in international business.
Leading: Sun City management will need to develop a leadership style that is effective in a global context. This may involve being more culturally sensitive and adaptable.
Controlling: Sun City management will need to develop systems and processes for controlling its global operations. This may include implementing financial controls, inventory management systems, and quality control procedures.
Specific Recommendations
Based on the information provided, I recommend the following specific actions for Sun City management:
Conclusion
Global expansion can be a complex and challenging undertaking, but it can also be a very rewarding one. By carefully considering the political, economic, and cultural challenges and benefits of global business, and by taking steps to address the planning, organizing, leading, and controlling functions in the context of global expansion, Sun City can increase its chances of success in the global surfing market.