on the challenges and opportunities posed for strategy by globalization.

This week focuses on the challenges and opportunities posed for strategy by globalization. There is a big and growing literature on International Business and global aspects of strategy and we focus our debate one key aspect, which is the question of the degree to which a firm can standardize its offerings and processes when engaging in international business and the extent to which it has to adjust to local conditions.
• Looking at your own organisation (or, alternatively, at an international firm competing in your industry), examine elements of standardization and adaptation. You can focus on aspects of organisational design and firm processes or on product and service offerings. You are expected to indicate where your organisation (or a foreign firm operating in your industry) achieves standardization and the cost advantages that go with it and where it does (or should) pay heed to localized conditions (such as legal, political, geographical, behavioural, socio-cultural particularities). Your aim should not be to provide a holistic discussion of all factors, but a more in-depth debate of the key elements you have found/experienced.