Posted: September 13th, 2017

Leadership European crises

Discussion Topic 1: Regulatory and Ethical Standards

 Please research the following topic for our class discussion and post prior to class a 100-word maximum summary of the topic’s implications for your firm/industry.

Topic 1:  Regulatory/Ethics Issues (Involves two main areas:  a) Protection and b) Economic Expansion)

1. a)      Consumer & Business Protection – e.g. product safety, intellectual protection, anti-corruption initiatives
2. b)      Economic Expansion- Standardization (policies, processes, etc.), Corporate  Governance, Cross-border Mobility (within EU), Trade Issues, Capital Markets, Quality & Technology

Requirements

Industry: Transportation and Environment

Discussion Topic 2: The Role of EU SMEs (Small & Medium Enterprises) –

Please research the following topic for our class discussion and post prior to class a 100-word maximum summary of the implications of this topic for your firm/industry.

Topic 2:  The Role of EU SMEs.  *Note:  Your team project will involve the launch of a new business initiative within a hypothetical U.S.-based SME.  However, for your individual assignment – if you work for a larger organization, you might take the perspective of launching a new entrepreneurial initiative within your firm. Alternatively, you might view E.U. SMEs as potential competitors, partners, suppliers, other.

–          SME (Small & Medium Enterprises) are defined as fewer than 250 employees, less than € 50 million ($61.4 million) in sales, less than € 43 million ($53 million) balance sheet totals.

–          Divided into 3 categories:  micro, small, medium enterprises

–          Issues include:

– Legislation to encourage/support SMEs

– Employment Issues (for example, SMEs are responsible for 70-80% of new jobs created)

– Providing Market Access to SMEs

– Productivity

– Financial/Other Business Issues:  (funding, tax considerations, cash flow, costs, accounting, continuity)