CASE STUDY: Nike in China

In this paper, I first review the history of Nike and its involvement in offshore production. I then briefly give a background of the business climate of China. Following this background, I proceed by analyzing the issues Nike has faced in China to date. I conclude by recommending solutions to the problems discussed.

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BRIEF: Should Coca-Cola Co. Continue its Partnership with Kerry Group in China?

COCA-Cola Co. invests directly in bottling plants in Mainland China through joint venture arrangements. Currently, Coca-Cola Co. has partnerships with three bottlers: China National Cereals, Oils and Foodstuffs Import and Export Corporation (COFCO), Swire Pacific Ltd., and Kerry Group.1 Foreign companies often cultivate guanxi and form joint ventures directly with individual local Chinese firms in order to conduct business in Mainland China. However, Coca-Cola Co.’s involvement with Kerry Group does not fit this model. This paper examines the unique relationship between Coca-Cola Co. and Kerry Group and evaluates the following: should Coca-Cola Co. continue this partnership?

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BRIEF: Robert Kuok's Non-Traditional Social Network of Capital

THE network of Tan Sri Robert Kuok is one that transcends Confucian or Chinese culture—traditionally the limits of diasporic Chinese business networks1. The Malayan-born, Chinese business tycoon has spent nearly his entire life developing a social network of capital whose arms reach across the globe. Currently this translates into business interests across twelve Asian nations as well as in Australia, Canada, and France. Kuok built his empire on the sugar trade, but has since diversified into other commodities, hotels and media.2 In broadening his business horizons, to what extent did expanding business networks beyond family and overseas Chinese “bamboo network” contribute to the development of his diverse empire? This paper speculates there is evidence of close business relationships with non- Chinese, indicating a social network that deviates from the traditional, culture-based model.

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BRIEF: What is the Fate of Government-Backed Red Chips?

MANY red chips, or Hong Kong-listed companies controlled by mainland concerns are the fund-raising arms of ministries and state and provincial governments in Mainland China. Historically, foreign firms have approached these government-backed red chips with uncertainty, understanding that political rather than commercial motives might shape their strategies and that transparency in business dealings could be obscured by Mainland guidance.

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Global Experience

If you're looking for someone with vast Global Experience, I just might be your man. I've been sent on Special Assignments around the world lasting from weeks to years and in some cases have been sent to negotiate and successfully close $1million+ deals in the following locations:

Asia
Hong Kong • Shanghai, China • Guangzhou, China • Shenzhen, China • Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia • Penang, Malaysia • Mumbai, India

North America
New York, NY • Chicago, IL • Washington DC • Baltimore, MD • Philadelphia, PA • Pittsburgh, PA • Indianapolis, IN • Miami, FL • Las Vegas, NV

You can reach me at Ryan at RyanLevesque.net