International Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 14

International Business - Essay Example Patricia focused too much on securing an international connection instead of gaining knowledge about the product which resulted in the immediate sense of failure once business meeting underwent. The initial approach of requesting information from home offices located internationally and conducting research via email is something which is commonly followed by businesses however such inquiries are usually improper and may result in irrelevant inquiries. It is, therefore, better to visit local trade offices of foreign consulates residing in the home country and seek information from them regarding businesses operating in their country. Another way of gathering information about potential targets is by accessing trade websites which provide useful information including the credibility of potential businesses. However, selection of targeted businesses should be made against the criteria based on the assessment of product or service offerings. Before conducting meeting it is important that mutual understanding is achieved between parties so that situations of despair are not faced. Biggest mistakes that business typically makes must be learned and avoided however it requires a thorough research and well-directed efforts if there is no prior experience.  Regarding Patricia business trip to Japan few major weaknesses could be identified regarding her overall understanding of the potential market and interaction with the possible business partner. Most importantly she seemed unprepared for the business trip which was made all of a sudden without any written understanding of each other’s business and products to be offered. Any such international business trip should be backed with the establishment of the business objective and an intensive study of the market which is targeted. The study of the potential market does include the survey of the market which is served by the machinery offered.

Assignment 1 Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 14

1 - Assignment Example Such confusion happens because speech sounds and meanings relate in an arbitrary manner. In other words, there is no rational and logical relationship between speech sounds and meanings. The Portuguese model can best illustrate language arbitrariness. Similarity in words should not be an issue, and neither should the words be understandable to a foreigner. However, the tribesmen need to understand what words mean. The Portuguese words tigre-dente-de-sabre mean a sabre toothed tiger. These words are the signifier. Suppose one was to go back 40 years and ask a Portuguese where to find a tiger with a sabre tooth, he or she would have no idea about it. The reason is that there is no connection between the words and the animal in question. Maybe one would wonder how the words are signified or related to the animal. According to Tomasello, every sign is arbitrary and has conventional associations, which have been established by a social rule (Tomasello 87). At first, one could argue that the statement is completely flawed, especially when onomatopoeic words are concerned. However, when one looks gives a detailed look at specific languages, one will notice certain differences. For instance, cock-a-doodle-doo is the English representation of a cock’s crowing whereas cocorico is the French version of the same. It is unlikely that cocks in Britain and France crow differently. In conclusion, all languages are arbitrary but it does not mean they are unpredictable. Precisely, arbitrariness means that one cannot exactly predict specific features that can be found in a language. It is impossible to predict what sounds will occur. Languages have their systems that differentiate sounds and meanings. Not every new concept necessitates the creation of a new word. The wing of a plane, for instance, was lifted from the wing of a bird. Moreover, a banker and a baker sound almost the same