1. Discuss the reasons that companies embark on cross-border strategic alliances. What other motivations may prompt such alliances?What are the driving forces for firms in emerging economies to embark on strategic alliances? How can SMEs expand abroad through relationships with MNC's ?

2. Why are there an increasing number of mergers with companies indifferent industries? Give some examples. What industry do you think will be the next for global consolidation?

3. Discuss the problems inherent in developing a cooperative alliance to enhance competitive advantage, which also incurs the risk of developing a new competitor.

4. What are the common sources of incompatibility in cross-border alliances? What can be done to minimize them?

5. Explain what is necessary for companies to successfully implement a global sourcing strategy.

6. Discuss the political and economic situation in the Russian Federation with your class. What has changed since this writing? Whatare the implications for foreign companies to start a joint venture there now?

7. What is involved in strategic implementation? What is meant by creating a "system of fits" with the strategic plan?

8. Explain how the host government may affect strategic implementation-in an alliance or another form of entry strategy.

9. How might the variable of national culture affect strategic implementation?Use the Mittal Steel example to highlight some of these factors.

10. Discuss the importance of knowledge management in IJVs and what can be done to enhance the effectiveness of that process.