📚 Worksheet – Chapter 7: Business and the International Economy | 第7章工作表：商业与国际经济
This worksheet is designed to help A-Level Business students consolidate their understanding of Chapter 7, which focuses on the international business environment. It covers the nature of globalisation, the role and impact of multinational companies, the reasons for international trade, and the main influences of exchange rates and protectionism on business strategy. By working through the explanations, examples, and practice questions, you will strengthen your ability to analyse and evaluate how international factors shape business decisions.
本工作表旨在帮助 A-Level 商务学生巩固对第 7 章（国际商务环境）的理解。内容涵盖全球化的本质、跨国公司的角色与影响、国际贸易的原因，以及汇率和保护主义对商业战略的主要影响。通过梳理概念、实例和练习题，你能够提升分析评估国际因素如何影响企业决策的能力。
1. Understanding Globalisation | 理解全球化
Globalisation refers to the increasing integration and interdependence of national economies, cultures, and societies. It enables businesses to operate on a global scale, sourcing materials from multiple countries, selling to international markets, and competing with firms from all over the world. For A-Level Business, globalisation is a fundamental trend affecting strategy, operations, and marketing.
全球化是指各国经济、文化和社会的日益融合与相互依赖。它使企业能够在全球范围内运营，从多个国家采购材料、销往国际市场，并与世界各地的公司竞争。在 A-Level 商务中，全球化是影响战略、运营和营销的基本趋势。
2. Drivers of Globalisation | 全球化的驱动因素
Several factors have accelerated globalisation. Improvements in transport and communications technology have drastically reduced the time and cost of moving goods and information. The liberalisation of trade, through the reduction of tariffs and quotas by the World Trade Organization (WTO), has opened up new markets. Additionally, the growth of multinational companies and international supply chains has further interconnected economies.
多个因素加速了全球化进程。运输和通信技术的进步大大降低了货物与信息流动的时间和成本。世界贸易组织推动的贸易自由化，通过降低关税和配额，开拓了新市场。此外，跨国公司以及国际供应链的增长进一步将各经济体紧密联系起来。
3. Benefits of Globalisation for Businesses | 全球化对企业的好处
Globalisation offers businesses access to larger customer bases, enabling them to increase sales and achieve economies of scale. Firms can reduce costs by locating production in countries with lower labour or raw material expenses. Exposure to international competition also encourages innovation and efficiency. For example, a UK fashion retailer can source textiles from Bangladesh, manufacture in Vietnam, and sell in Europe, optimising each stage of the value chain.
全球化为企业带来了更大的客户群，使其能够增加销售额并实现规模经济。公司可以通过将生产设在劳动力或原材料成本较低的国家来降低成本。面对国际竞争也能激发创新和提高效率。例如，一家英国时装零售商可以从孟加拉国采购面料、在越南制造、然后在欧洲销售，从而优化价值链的每个环节。
4. Drawbacks of Globalisation for Businesses | 全球化对企业的缺点
Increased globalisation also creates challenges. Intense international competition can squeeze profit margins, particularly for smaller domestic firms that lack brand power or cost advantages. Operating in multiple countries exposes businesses to exchange rate volatility, cultural differences, and complex legal systems. Supply chain disruptions, such as those during a pandemic or geopolitical crisis, can also have severe global repercussions.
日益加剧的全球化也带来了挑战。激烈的国际竞争会挤压利润空间，尤其是那些缺乏品牌影响力或成本优势的小型国内公司。在多国运营会使企业面临汇率波动、文化差异和复杂的法律体系。供应链中断（例如疫情期间或地缘政治危机时）也可能产生严重的全球连锁反应。
5. Multinational Companies (MNCs) | 跨国公司
A multinational company is a business that has productive operations in more than one country. MNCs typically have headquarters in their home country but own or control subsidiaries, factories, or offices abroad. Well-known examples include Apple, Toyota, and Unilever. Their global reach allows them to transfer skills, capital, and technology across borders, influencing local economies and international trade patterns.
跨国公司是指在多个国家拥有生产性运营的企业。跨国公司通常总部设在母国，但在国外拥有或控制子公司、工厂或办事处。著名的例子包括苹果、丰田和联合利华。它们的全球覆盖能力使其可以跨境转移技能、资本和技术，从而影响当地经济和国际贸易格局。
6. Reasons for Becoming a Multinational | 成为跨国公司的原因
Firms become multinationals for several strategic reasons. Access to new markets allows them to grow sales beyond a saturated domestic market. Cost reduction is crucial when factor inputs such as labour are cheaper elsewhere. Other motives include avoiding trade barriers by producing within a target country, securing raw material supplies, and spreading risk across different economic regions. Many MNCs also seek to exploit brand recognition globally.
企业成为跨国公司有多个战略原因。开拓新市场使它们能在饱和的国内市场之外增长销售。当要素投入（如劳动力）在其他地方更便宜时，降低成本尤为关键。其他动机包括通过在目标国家内部生产来规避贸易壁垒、确保原材料供应，以及在不同经济区域分散风险。许多跨国公司还试图在全球范围内利用品牌知名度。
7. Impact of MNCs on Host Countries | 跨国公司对东道国的影响
MNCs can bring significant benefits to host countries: they create jobs, raise income levels, introduce new technology, and increase tax revenues. However, there are potential drawbacks. Local firms may be forced out of business due to superior competition. Profits are often repatriated to the home country, limiting local reinvestment. MNCs may also exert excessive influence on government policies and can cause environmental damage if regulations are lax.
跨国公司可以为东道国带来显著好处：创造就业、提高收入水平、引入新技术并增加税收。但也有潜在的缺点。本地企业可能因竞争不过对方而被迫停业。利润常常汇回母国，限制了本地再投资。跨国公司还可能对政府政策施加过度影响，并且在监管宽松时造成环境破坏。
8. International Trade and Protectionism | 国际贸易与保护主义
International trade involves the exchange of goods and services across borders. Free trade allows countries to specialise according to comparative advantage, raising overall output and living standards. Protectionism, however, refers to government actions that shield domestic industries from foreign competition. Common protectionist measures include tariffs, quotas, subsidies, and non-tariff barriers like complex regulations. For businesses, protectionism can increase costs, limit market access, and disrupt supply chains.
国际贸易涉及货物和服务跨越国境的交换。自由贸易允许各国根据比较优势进行专业分工，从而提高总产出和生活水平。而保护主义则是指政府保护国内产业免受外国竞争的行为。常见的保护主义措施包括关税、配额、补贴以及复杂法规等非关税壁垒。对企业而言，保护主义可能增加成本、限制市场准入，并扰乱供应链。
| Protectionist Measure 保护主义措施 | How it Works 运作方式 |
|---|---|
| Tariffs 关税 | Tax on imports making them more expensive 对进口品征税，使其更昂贵 |
| Quotas 配额 | Limit on the quantity of imports 限制进口数量 |
| Subsidies 补贴 | Financial support to domestic producers lowering their costs 向国内生产商提供财政支持以降低其成本 |
| Non-tariff barriers 非关税壁垒 | Customs procedures, safety standards, or licensing rules 海关程序、安全标准或许可规定 |
9. Exchange Rates and Business | 汇率与商务
An exchange rate is the price of one currency in terms of another. Fluctuations in exchange rates can significantly affect businesses engaged in international trade. When a country’s currency depreciates, its exports become cheaper and more competitive abroad, while imports become more expensive. The opposite occurs with an appreciation. Companies can use strategies such as hedging, forward contracts, or matching currency flows to manage exchange rate risk.
汇率是用另一种货币表示的一种货币的价格。汇率波动会严重影响从事国际贸易的企业。当一国货币贬值时，其出口品在国外变得更便宜、更具竞争力，而进口品则变得更昂贵。货币升值时则相反。企业可采用对冲、远期合约或匹配货币流动等策略来管理汇率风险。
Depreciation → Exports cheaper, imports dearer → Export volumes may rise
贬值 → 出口变便宜，进口变贵 → 出口量可能增加
10. Strategies for Entering International Markets | 进入国际市场的策略
Businesses can expand internationally using a range of strategies. Exporting directly is low-risk but may involve fewer profits than establishing a local presence. Joint ventures and strategic alliances allow firms to share resources and local knowledge. Licensing and franchising offer rapid expansion with limited capital investment, while setting up wholly owned subsidiaries gives full control but involves higher risk. The choice depends on cost, risk appetite, and market characteristics.
企业可以通过一系列战略进行国际扩张。直接出口风险低，但利润可能比建立当地存在要少。合资与战略联盟使得企业能够共享资源和本地知识。许可经营和特许经营允许以有限的资本投资实现快速扩张，而设立全资子公司则赋予完全控制权但风险更高。选择取决于成本、风险偏好和市场特征。
- Exporting – selling goods produced domestically to foreign markets 出口——将国内生产的商品销售到外国市场
- Joint venture – a separate business created with a local partner 合资企业——与当地合作伙伴共同创建的独立企业
- Licensing – granting rights to use intellectual property in return for royalties 许可——授予知识产权使用权以换取特许费
- Franchising – using a proven business model and brand name 特许经营——使用成熟的商业模式和品牌名称
- Wholly owned subsidiary – direct investment in foreign operations 全资子公司——对外国业务的直接投资
11. Worksheet Practice Questions | 工作表练习题
Answer the following questions to test your understanding of Chapter 7. Use examples and analysis where possible. 回答以下问题，以检验你对第7章的理解。尽可能举例并进行分析。
1. Define globalisation and explain two factors that have driven the trend in recent decades. 定义全球化，并解释近几十年来推动这一趋势的两个因素。
2. Analyse the potential benefits and drawbacks for a business of becoming a multinational company. 分析一家企业成为跨国公司的潜在好处与缺点。
3. A UK-based manufacturer exports 60% of its output to the US. If the pound appreciates against the dollar, how might this affect the company? Suggest two ways to reduce the risk. 一家英国制造商 60% 的产品出口到美国。如果英镑兑美元升值，这会对公司产生什么影响？提出两种降低风险的方法。
4. Discuss the impact of protectionist policies on a developing country that relies on exporting agricultural products. 讨论保护主义政策对一个依赖农产品出口的发展中国家的影响。
12. Key Terms Summary | 关键术语总结
Familiarise yourself with the following key terms, as they frequently appear in examinations. 熟悉以下关键术语，它们经常在考试中出现。
| Term 术语 | Definition 定义 |
|---|---|
| Globalisation 全球化 | The process by which the world’s economies become more integrated and interdependent 世界经济更加融合和相互依赖的过程 |
| Multinational company 跨国公司 | A firm with production or service operations in more than one country 在多个国家拥有生产或服务运营的企业 |
| Tariff 关税 | A tax on imported goods 对进口商品征收的稅 |
| Quota 配额 | A physical limit on the quantity of imports 对进口数量的实物限制 |
| Exchange rate 汇率 | The value of one currency expressed in terms of another 用一种货币表示的另一种货币的价值 |
| Foreign direct investment (FDI) 外国直接投资 | Investment by a firm in productive assets in another country 企业在他国对生产性资产的投资 |
| Comparative advantage 比较优势 | The ability of a country to produce a good at a lower opportunity cost than another 一国以比其他国更低的机会成本生产一种商品的能力 |
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