Title of the assignment: Case 2 – 1: Global Wine War 2009- New World versus Old

Instruction for the preparation of an Individual/ group case studies analysis:
The case study assignment -which is to be prepared either individual or on group basis-, is aimed to engage students with real-life business circumstances or fictitious accounts of international business situation or Global management dilemmas.
Students are expected to reflect sound thoughts and profound analysis rather than a snap shot analysis. Each individual/group is/are required conducting an analysis of a case of his/their own choice from the attentive list of cases provided in the course schedule.
Each case study analyses should be 2-4 pages long. All cases are presented at the end of each chapter in the textbook.
The criteria for grading written case analysis include:
1. Evidence of ability to size-up the organization’s situation and to identify key problems/issues.
2. Use of appropriate analytical techniques, sound logic, and well-supported arguments in evaluating the organization’s present condition and future prospects.
3. Evidence of ability to formulate realistic and workable recommendations for action.
4. Thoroughness — both (a) scope and coverage and (b) depth of analysis.
5. Evidence of ability to use good communication skills (including the use of charts, tables, graphs, and figures).

Reading Topics
CHAPTER 2: UNDERSTANDING THE INTERNATIONAL CONTEXT: RESPONDING TO CONFLICTING ENVIRONMENTAL FORCES

Readings:
1. Michael E Porter; Clusters and the New Economics of Competition; HBR (1998)
2. Ian Bremmer; Managing Risk in an Unstable World; HBR ( Jun 01, 2005)
Questions: Read the case study thoroughly and then attempt to provide short answer to the questions below:

1. How did the French become the dominant competitors in the increasingly global wine industry for centuries? what sources of competitive advantages were they able to develop to support their exports? what were they vulnerable?
2. What changes in the global industry structure and competitive dynamics led France and other traditional producers to lose market share to challengers from Australia, United States, and other New World countries in the late twentieth century?
3. What advice would you offer today to the French minister of Agriculture? to the head of the French wine industry association? to the owner of amid-size, well regarded Bordeaux vineyard producing wines in the premium and super premium categories?