International business

Analyse the Global Production Network (GPN) of a specific product or service. Who benefits most from the structure of this GPN?

Analysis of the GPN should include three main aspects:

• –  What types of labour go into creating the product or service at the different points in the GPN, and how is this work globally distributed?
• –  What institutional arrangements best explain the structure of this GPN?
• –  Is the capture of value evenly distributed throughout the GPN, and if not, who benefits most from its structure?

When choosing, ensure that there is enough information available to enable you to write a good essay.

CRITERIA FOR A GOOD ESSAY:

• Evidence of reading beyond standard textbooks and lecture notes
• Solid reference list based on reliable sources
• Good understanding of key concepts and ideas
• Some imagination and originality
• Inclusion of data and evidence, perhaps in the form of graphs of visual representations where appropriate
• Development of a clear line of argument so that the whole essay hangs together
• Inclusion of examples and illustrations
• Substantiated conclusions