problem 1: In March, Apple was considering potential uses for its $100bn cash reserve. Describe the options that a company has for using cash reserves on this scale.

problem 2: In February of this year commentators were speculating that Vodafone, the telecoms company, would take over Cable and Wireless global in a £700m merger. What advantages might Vodafone hope to accomplish through the takeover?

problem 3: Prior this year Sony appointed a new chief executive with the task of turning around the $2bn annual loss suffered by the company. What actions can a company suffering losses on this scale take to accomplish financial stability?

problem 4: In February Greece was given a £130bn loan to help with debt repayments. Describe the impact of such loans on the domestic economy in Greece.

problem 5: In February of this year Iran threatened to close the Straits of Hormuz, the world’s most significant oil-shipping route, unless the West removed its sanctions. Evaluate the impact of this threat, and the closure of the route, on businesses in the industrialized world.

problem 6: In April, shareholders in Tesco plc, the UK’s biggest food retailer, were telling the company to sell its loss-making US business Fresh and Easy. What challenges might a company face in making a successful investment in an overseas market?