globalEDGE Newsletter             October 2004               Vol. 3 - Issue 4 


INSIDE THIS ISSUE
  1. New @ globalEDGE: Online Course Modules
  2. Featured Country: Brazil
  3. Selected Articles
  4. Media Updates
  5. Recently Added Sites
  6. Newsletter Information


1) NEW @ globalEDGE

Are you looking to update or add international content to your courses, but do not have the time to search the Internet for the best information? Let globalEDGE help you. The new Online Course Modules offer you over 40 modules in all functional areas, as well as in culture, agriculture, and exporting, among others. Some topics include: Doing Business in China; International Negotiations; Export Documentation; Global Market Opportunity Assessment; Multinational Marketing; Tariffs, Quotas, and Non-tariff Barriers; Global Agriculture Trade; and Formulation of the European Union. These easily accessible, easy to use self-guided modules are great tools for almost any course.

Online Course Modules are accessible through globalEDGE at:
http://globaledge.msu.edu/academy/courses.asp

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2) FEATURED COUNTRY

Our featured country this month is Brazil.

Brazil, the largest and most populous country in South America, is the tenth-largest economy in the world. The country's projected economic growth of 3.5% has turned Brazil into a gateway for investing in Latin America. This investment trend has lead to the signing of the cooperation accords within Latin America, the EU, the US, China, and, in 2005, Japan.

Brazil is not only trying to position itself as a strategic economic partner in Latin America, but working together with Japan, India and Germany, the South American giant hopes to gain a permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council.

globalEDGE has more information and links on Brazil at:
http://globaledge.msu.edu/ibrd/CountryIntro.asp?CountryID=107

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3) SELECTED ARTICLES

Think Global, Act European
Strategy+Business
http://www.strategy-business.com/enewsarticle/enews083004?pg=all
The E.U.'s recent growth to 25 countries has often been used as an example to better define the buzz word "Globalization". Pascal Cagni discusses how Europe is still very far from being considered a global market, and how multinational companies have to redefine their strategies to be able to compete simultaneously at a global, regional, and local level. A new management style, called "Dynamic Management", has to be implemented in order to help managers deal with global production facilities, standardized processes, and local customers' needs and requirements.

Magic Markets
Entrepreneur.com
http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/0,4621,316866-1,00.html
What are the U.S.' five hottest consumer markets today? Parenting, plus-size, pets, seniors and Hispanics are currently the fastest growing demographics. To target these markets effectively, companies need to understand the values and characteristics of the target group. For example, in addressing the Hispanic market, companies are recognizing the specific preferences and qualities that this group demands. Similarly, this strategy needs to be incorporated when targeting any of the other fast-growing markets. With this information, companies will be able to better serve their customers' needs-resulting in both satisfied consumers and a profitable business.

More "Selected Articles" from globalEDGE at:
http://globaledge.msu.edu/KnowledgeRoom/SelectedArticles/index.asp

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4) MEDIA UPDATES

India's Economy Continues to Grow
BBC News World Edition
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3703140.stm
India's economy is growing at a rate comparable to that of China's. India's economic growth is lead by its manufacturing sector, which grew at a rate of 8%. However, overall growth is being stymied by its agriculture sector, which only grew at a rate of 3.4%. The overall growth has spurred the Bombay exchange and has India's economy looking at a bright future.

Brazil, Japan seeks stronger trade ties
Washingtontimes.com
http://www.washingtontimes.com/upi-breaking/20040914-061336-2699r.htm
Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's 3-day visit to Brazil was a preliminary step for negotiations of an economic cooperation accord, expected to occur in 2005. According to this article, his trip to Brazil was prompted by the improving relations between Brazil and China.

More "Media Updates" from globalEDGE at:
http://globaledge.msu.edu/KnowledgeRoom/MediaUpdate/


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5) RECENTLY ADDED SITES

A sample of some of our recently added sites:

LogisticsWorld
http://www.logisticsworld.com
This comprehensive directory of worldwide logistics resources has categories such as transportation, supply chain management, warehousing, distribution, etc. In addition, logistics-related news and articles can also be accessed.
Listed in the following category: Trade: Logistics

Brazil: Investe Brasil
http://www.investebrasil.org
Investe Brasil is a non-profit organization dedicated to promote investment opportunities in Brazil. The website provides access to economic data, legislation, and news relating to the country.
Listed in the following country: Brazil
Listed in the following category: Trade: Trade Portals

Financial Conferences Search Engine
http://www.financial-conferences.com/pages/home.htm
Global Investor, a UK-based company, provides a current list of events and conferences worldwide. An advanced search engine is available to explore the database by period, organizer, topics, and countries. A detailed description of the organizer is provided as well as useful links and contact information.
Listed in the following category: Trade: Shows and Events

OnlineConversion
http://www.onlineconversion.com/
OnlineConversion provides more than 5,000 units and 50,000 conversions. It covers over 30 categories including Date/Time, Length/Distance, Temperature, Volume, Weight/Mass, Financial data, and Clothing.
Listed in the following category: Reference: Standards and Conversions

A list of recently added sites to globalEDGE is available at:
http://globaledge.msu.edu/ibrd/whatsnew.asp


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6) NEWSLETTER INFORMATION

This newsletter is being sent to you by the globalEDGE Team. You elected to receive this newsletter from globalEDGE when you registered on our website, located at:
http://globaledge.msu.edu/

We do not disclose any of your information to third parties. However, if you do not wish to receive further information from us, you can edit your globalEDGE profile using the link below:
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