Using globalEDGE found at www.globaledge.msu.edu, complete the Research Exercises 1 and 2, located under the section Research Task in Chapter 18.

Exercise 1: The consumer purchase of specific brands is an indication of the relationship that develops over time between a company and its customers. Locate and retrieve the most current ranking of best global brands. Identify the criteria used. Which countries appear to dominate the top 100 global brands list? Why do you think this is the case? Now look at which sectors appear to dominate the list, and try to identify the reasons. Prepare a short report identifying the countries that possess global brands and the potential reasons for success.

Exercise 2: Part of developing a long-term R&D strategy is to locate facilities in countries that are widely known to be competitive. Your company seeks to develop R&D facilities in Asia to counter recent competitor responses. A publication which evaluates economies based on their competitiveness is the Global Competitiveness Report. Locate this report, and develop a presentation for the top management team that presents the benefits and drawbacks for the top five Asian economies listed.