Follow-up questions:

Should companies which send overseas agents to conferences be consulted about the content? (Why/Why not?)

What kinds of data should be provided for agents at this kind of conference? (Why?) What would be an effective way of following up the conference? (Why?)

How might sales strategies and products vary from one country or region to another? (Why?)

How important is networking in the modern business world? (Why?)

Project Abroad

Your company is proposing to send a team of staff abroad for six months to set up an office and train local employees. You have been asked to make recommendations for the project.

Discuss, and decide together:

l How to select appropriate staff to manage the project

l What preparation and advice the staff would need before leaving

Follow-up questions:

What advantages would there be in working abroad for a short period of time? (Why/Why not?)

What kinds of problems could staff encounter while working abroad?

How can people get the kinds of information they need while they are working abroad? What effect does the increase in international contacts have on the way companies operate? (Why?)

How important is it for business to have their own offices abroad?

Customer Base

The Finance Director of your company is concerned that the majority of its income comes from one main client. You have been asked to make recommendations on ways to expand your company's customer base.

Discuss, and decide together:

l What the potential dangers are of having only one main client

l How the company could try to gain additional clients

Follow-up questions:

What advantages could there be for companies in having a relatively small customer base? (Why?)