Easy Chairs Expansion Abroad: Unlocking Global Growth Opportunities

Abstract

BEFORE STARTING: Review the requirements for the Brainstorming Discussions.  Brainstorming is a technique that seeks to collect a myriad of ideas about a problem in an effort to find a unique and often innovative way of handling the solution. It can also be a way of collecting information about a situation or produce feedback about a particular topic. Brainstorming works very simply with only three rules: No idea is too far fetched, all ideas are to be accepted by the group for consideration, and the ideas must focus on the topic presented for discussion not whether the idea will work or not. Obviously, many ideas will be discounted later on when constraints like budget or implementation impossibilities may block its consideration for successful implementation. However, for the purpose of this discussion focus only on suggesting ideas from the class material and research which will answer the topic under discussion. What does it mean to be a manager today? Assignment: Identifying future opportunities and markets for Easy Chairs In the past year and a half, Dwight and Ike have expanded Easy Chairs (EC) into the Asian Market and increased their online presence to be more globally appealing. They have also sought to keep manufacturing in the USA. Concerns that Dwight and Ike have about opening manufacturing operations abroad stem from their fear that the quality of the products they make will be lesser than those produced in the US, the culture clash may be too hard to overcome, and that the business will become too large. It is also part of their culture to employ wounded US veterans first. This may be hard to accomplish abroad. Additionally, EC is a small family firm and expanding abroad would make it hard for managers and leaders to keep that "I belong" feeling that family embodies. Dwight and Ike want your thoughts on the subject of expanding manufacturing operations abroad. They would like to get fresh ideas on the subject.  Using a memo format, create a no more than 2-page memo with an answer which considers the following:   Use the following template for your memo: Memo Format Directions:  By FRIDAY, complete the following: Using the memo template prepare a 2-page memo to Dwight and Ike on the subject of manufacturing abroad, including: The future of the business environment, technology, and market opportunities for EC's products. (Topics to discuss: cities vs. rural, where are they likely to be popular? What countries have employees who can work the machines? Education? Cost of Living? Language etc. wealth distribution) The class material is a good place to start but online research will enhance the answer. Advantages and disadvantages of manufacturing abroad. The role of managers and leaders in business today. Support the response with facts, figures, and expert opinions. Dwight and Ike like to see you have done your homework. Use course material to support your responses and APA in-text citations with a reference list.