Write an international mini-plan for a company that interests you (or a product/service that you want to sell yourself).Address the following in your mini-plan: * Location of value-added functions—The choice of where to locate each of the functions that comprise the entire value-added chain, from research to production to after-sales servicing * Location of sales target—The allocation of sales among countries and the level of activity in each, particularly in terms of market share,* Level of involvement—The choice of operating through wholly owned facilities, partially owned facilities, or contract arrangements and whether the choice varies among countries * Product/services strategy—The extent to which a worldwide business offers the same or different products in different countries * Marketing—The extent to which a company uses the same brand names, advertising, and other marketing elements in different countries * Competitive moves—The extent to which a company makes competitive moves in individual countries as part of a global competitive strategy * Factor movements and start-up strategy—Whether production factors are acquired locally or brought in by the company and whether the operation begins through an acquisition or start-up. Ice Cream Franchise International Mini-PlanThe product that interests me will be marketed and sold in the country of Spain. I have prepared an international mini-plan discussing my overall strategic plan of selling the famous Cold Stone Creamery Ice Cream products in the country of Spain.
Location of value-added functions—we will have Sales and Marketing conducted in Madrid, Spain and possible future expansion to other major cities in Spain. With this being a franchise many of the value-added functions (Marketing & Product/services strategy) are already being managed by Cold Stone Creamery corporation; as their franchise states, “If you are looking for the perfect career where you can own your own business, but be supported y a larger corporation through marketing, operational assistance, real estate, legal and much more” [ (Franchise Discounts for U. S. Veterans) ]. I plan to use a unique labor force in Spain that will provide a major value-added function.The employees will primarily be college student from the major Spanish Universities.
With coordination and configuration I will propose to the universities’ business department a joint venture where college students can work/internship for Cold Stone Creamery and have employment while completing an approved business internship. The cost factor of this labor force will be an added value to my operation in Spain verses in the U. S. nd the employees will receive training and possible management position within Spain after completing their internship.This could lead to my franchise operation in Spain expanding into a larger enterprise. Location of sales target—for me would be the major cities in Spain; the ice cream industry would do very well in a location as warm as Spain and with the uniqueness of Cold Stone Creamery the addition of stores will be a refreshing sight for tourist and locals alike.
Level of Involvement & Factor movements and start-up strategy—will be managed by Cold Stone corporation; as they have a great deal for veterans: “If you have been honorably discharged from the U. S. rmed forces or are a federally recognized 501(c)(3) organization, you will receive a twenty percent (20%) discount on the Initial Franchise Fee.Therefore, if you have been honorably discharged from the U. S.
armed forces or are a federally recognized 501(c)(3) organization, the Initial Franchise Fee is $24,000 per franchise for the first two traditional franchise units; $14,000 for the third and each subsequent traditional franchise unit; $6,000 for the first two non-traditional franchise units; and $4,000 for the third and each subsequent non-traditional franchise unit [ (Franchise Discounts for U. S. Veterans) ]. Competitive moves—my unique concept of using college students majoring in business will be leveraged with the university.
A college student will be trained and educated by their university and hands-on in my business. Their employment will help the economy of Spain as one of the Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece, and Spain (PIIGS) will get a small business boost when students graduate and start up their own Cold Stone Creameries in Spain or other small business/franchise opportunities. In essence I have used franchising as a strategy to engage international markets in ways that sustain the company’s growth and boost its profitability [ (Daniels, Radebaugh, & Sullivan, 2007, p. 376) ]. Much of my value chain & strategic management functions have been absorbed by Cold Stone Creamery, however operations and financing will be issues that I must face.
