top of page
IBO-01: International Business Environment

IBO-01: International Business Environment

IGNOU Solved Assignment Solution for 2023-24

If you are looking for IBO-01 IGNOU Solved Assignment solution for the subject International Business Environment, you have come to the right place. IBO-01 solution on this page applies to 2023-24 session students studying in MCOM, PGDIBO, MCOMBPCG, MCOMMAFS courses of IGNOU.

Looking to download all solved assignment PDFs for your course together?

IBO-01 Solved Assignment Solution by Gyaniversity

Assignment Solution

Assignment Code: IBO-01/TMA/2023-2024

Course Code: IBO-01

Assignment Name: International Business Environment

Year: 2023-2024

Verification Status: Verified by Professor



Q1a) Define international business environment. Differentiate between micro and macro environment with examples.

Ans) The international business environment refers to the external factors, conditions, and forces that impact the operations and strategies of businesses engaged in international trade and commerce. It encompasses a wide range of elements, including economic, political, legal, cultural, technological, and environmental factors, which influence how businesses operate globally.


Q1. b) What is political risk? Discuss the major types of political risk with examples.

Ans) Political risk refers to the potential for adverse and unpredictable political actions or events in a foreign country to impact a business's operations, profitability, or investments. These risks can arise due to changes in government policies, political instability, conflicts, or regulatory shifts, and they can significantly affect a company's ability to achieve its objectives and protect its assets in international markets. Understanding and managing political risk is crucial for multinational corporations operating in diverse political environments around the world.


The Major Types of Political Risk Are:

  1. Expropriation and Nationalization: Expropriation occurs when a foreign government seizes or takes control of a business's assets or investments. Nationalization involves the government taking ownership or control of entire industries or sectors.

  2. Political Instability and Unrest: This risk includes civil unrest, protests, riots, and political turmoil in a host country. Such events can disrupt business operations and pose safety concerns for employees and assets.

  3. Policy and Regulatory Changes: Governments may change laws, regulations, or tax policies that affect foreign businesses. These changes can impact market access, profitability, and compliance costs.

  4. Currency and Exchange Rate Risk: Fluctuations in currency exchange rates can impact the value of foreign investments, revenue, and profitability when repatriating earnings.

  5. Bribery and Corruption: Businesses operating in countries with high levels of corruption may face demands for bribes or unethical practices to gain market access or approvals.

  6. Trade Restrictions and Tariffs: Governments may impose trade barriers, tariffs, or sanctions that disrupt supply chains, increase costs, or limit market access.


Q2a) Explain various theories explaining emergence of TNCs in the world economy.

Ans) The emergence of Transnational Corporations (TNCs) in the world economy can be explained through various theories that highlight different aspects of their growth and expansion. Here are the key theories explaining the emergence of TNCs:


Monopoly Rent Theory (Stephen Hymer)

Explanation: Stephen Hymer's theory suggests that TNCs emerge when they can increase and capture monopoly rents by internalizing their operations in markets with imperfections. Market flaws, such as imperfect competition or information asymmetry, create opportunities for firms to gain advantages by directly engaging in foreign operations rather than relying on market transactions.

Key Idea: TNCs exploit market failures to gain a competitive edge.


Product Life Cycle Theory (Raymond Vernon)

a) Explanation: Vernon's theory posits that TNCs originate from companies that dominate their home markets with innovative products. As products become standardized and face increasing competition, these firms move their production to other countries, often starting with economies similar to their own and later expanding to developing countries.

b) Key Idea: TNCs expand internationally to maintain a competitive edge in the face of product maturation and increased competition.


Ownership, Location, and Internalization (OLI) Framework (John H. Dunning)

a) Explanation: Dunning's OLI framework combines several theories to explain TNC emergence. It identifies three key factors that influence a firm's decision to internationalize:


  1. Ownership Advantages: Firms possess unique resources or capabilities (e.g., technology, brand) that make internationalization advantageous.

  2. Location Advantages: Certain locations offer benefits (e.g., lower labour costs, access to markets) that attract TNCs.

  3. Internalization Advantages: Firms prefer intra-firm transactions over market transactions when managing resources across borders.


b) Key Idea: TNCs internationalize to leverage their unique advantages and exploit opportunities in specific locations while internalizing certain functions for efficiency.


Market Failure Theory (Mark Casson)

a) Explanation: This theory emphasizes the role of market failures in driving TNC growth. Market failures occur when transactions between parties, especially across national borders, are inefficient due to factors like risk, information asymmetry, and inadequate market size.


b) Key Ideas:

  1. Cross-border transactions involve extra risks and uncertainties, which motivate firms to internalize functions.

  2. Markets may not consider external benefits and costs of transactions.

  3. TNCs emerge when they can achieve economies of size and scope in various functions by going beyond market transactions.


Q2. b) Highlight the main advantages and disadvantages of TNCs operations for the host country and the investing country.

Ans) Transnational Corporations (TNCs) play a significant role in the global economy. Their operations have both advantages and disadvantages for both the host country (where they operate) and the investing country (the home country of the TNC).The main advantages and disadvantages of TNCs operations for the host country and the investing country are the following:


Advantages for the Host Country

  1. Economic Growth: TNCs often bring substantial investments, create jobs, and stimulate economic activity in the host country. This leads to increased GDP, income generation, and improved living standards.

  2. Transfer of Technology and Skills: TNCs typically introduce advanced technologies, best practices, and specialized skills that can enhance the host country's industrial capabilities and competitiveness.

  3. Access to Global Markets: Host countries can benefit from TNCs' global distribution networks and access to international markets, helping local businesses expand their reach.

  4. Infrastructure Development: TNCs may invest in infrastructure development, such as roads, ports, and utilities, to support their operations, which can benefit the broader economy.

  5. Increased Tax Revenue: TNCs contribute to the host country's tax revenue through corporate taxes, which can be used for public services and infrastructure development.


Disadvantages for the Host Country

  1. Resource Exploitation: TNCs may exploit natural resources without proper environmental safeguards, potentially leading to environmental degradation and resource depletion.

  2. Income Inequality: While TNCs create jobs, wage disparities can exist between local employees and expatriate workers or executives, leading to income inequality within the host country.

  3. Dependency: Overreliance on TNCs can make the host country vulnerable to global economic fluctuations and changes in the TNC's business strategies.

  4. Loss of Cultural Identity: The influx of foreign cultures and products from TNCs can erode local traditions and cultures.

  5. Lack of Local Control: TNCs often have significant influence and control over host country policies, regulations, and business practices, potentially undermining local sovereignty.


Advantages for the Investing Country

  1. Profit Generation: TNCs can generate significant profits from their international operations, contributing to the home country's economic growth and wealth.

  2. Diversification: Operating in multiple countries diversifies a TNC's revenue streams, reducing dependence on a single market and mitigating risks.

  3. Access to Resources: TNCs can secure access to foreign resources, such as raw materials, talent, or markets, which may be scarce in their home country.

  4. Innovation: Operating globally encourages innovation and the adoption of new technologies and practices, which can benefit the investing country's economy.

  5. Job Creation: TNCs may create jobs in the investing country, both directly through headquarters and support functions and indirectly through increased exports.


Disadvantages for the Investing Country

  1. Profit Repatriation: While TNCs generate profits globally, they may repatriate these profits to their home country, potentially leading to capital outflows from the host countries where they operate.

  2. Regulatory Compliance: TNCs must navigate complex international regulations and taxation systems, incurring compliance costs.

  3. Reputation Risks: TNCs can face reputation risks if their foreign operations are associated with unethical practices, environmental issues, or human rights violations.

  4. Political Risks: Political instability or unfavourable policies in host countries can impact TNC operations, affecting the investing country's interests.

  5. Competitive Pressures: TNCs may face competition from local businesses and other TNCs in foreign markets, leading to market saturation and price wars.


Q3) Comment on the following:

a) tariff barriers are not the only instrument to restrict trade and give protection to the domestic import competing industry.

Ans) Non-tariff barriers (NTBs) have emerged as prominent tools for nations to restrict trade and protect their domestic industries beyond traditional tariffs. While tariffs involve taxes on imported goods, NTBs encompass a wide array of measures and regulations designed to limit imports for various reasons. One recent example involves the United States, which has barred imports of carpets from India due to concerns about child labour in the Indian carpet industry. This decision has raised objections from human rights activists.


NTBs come in many forms, including health and safety regulations, environmental standards, and human rights concerns. These barriers serve as justifications for countries to impose restrictions or outright bans on imported goods. By examining these non-tariff instruments, we can better understand their impact on international trade.

One prevalent non-tariff barrier is health and safety regulations. Nations frequently cite health hazards posed by imported products as a reason for restrictions. If a product fails to meet certain health or safety standards, it may be deemed unfit for entry into the importing country. Such measures aim to protect consumers and ensure that imported goods meet the necessary quality and safety standards.


Environmental standards are another facet of non-tariff barriers. Countries may impose strict environmental requirements on imported goods to encourage sustainable practices and reduce harm to the environment. Products that fail to meet these standards may be denied entry or face higher costs, which can discourage foreign producers.


Human rights concerns also feature prominently among NTBs. In the case of the U.S. barring Indian carpet imports, the objection is rooted in allegations of child labour exploitation within the Indian carpet industry. Such actions are taken to discourage trading partners from engaging in practices that violate human rights and labour standards.


Non-tariff barriers are multifaceted and serve as tools for countries to safeguard their domestic industries and address various societal concerns. These barriers can significantly impact international trade, making it crucial for nations to navigate them effectively to foster healthy and fair global trade relationships. As the world continues to evolve, understanding and managing non-tariff barriers will remain essential in shaping the landscape of international trade.


Q3. b) Comment on all contracts are agreements but all agreements are not contracts.

Ans) The statement "All contracts are agreements, but all agreements are not contracts" encapsulates a fundamental principle of contract law, shedding light on the critical differentiation between these two legal concepts. At the core of this distinction lies the crucial aspect of legal enforceability, which is the key determinant of whether an arrangement falls under the category of a mere agreement or qualifies as a full-fledged contract. Understanding this differentiation is pivotal in navigating the complex terrain of business transactions and legal relationships while ensuring adherence to applicable laws.


The fundamental elements that characterize both agreements and contracts within the context of contract law. An agreement, in its essence, serves as the foundational building block for a contract. It signifies a mutual understanding or arrangement between two or more parties, reflecting a shared intention to take certain actions or abstain from them. The pivotal distinction arises when we examine the transition from an agreement to a contract.


For an agreement to metamorphose into a contract, it must satisfy specific legal criteria that provide it with the necessary enforceability by the law. These criteria encompass several essential elements, including offer and acceptance, intention to create legal relations, legality of purpose, consideration, and capacity.

  1. Offer and Acceptance: A contract begins with one party making an offer and another party accepting it. This demonstrates a clear intention to create a legally binding arrangement.

  2. Intention to Create Legal Relations: The parties involved must display a genuine intent for their agreement to have legal consequences. Social or domestic agreements often lack this crucial element.

  3. Legality of Purpose: The subject matter of the agreement must be lawful. Contracts involving illegal activities or purposes are typically unenforceable.

  4. Consideration: There must be something of value exchanged between the parties, known as consideration. This ensures that both sides incur some form of benefit or detriment.

  5. Capacity: The parties entering the contract must possess the legal capacity to do so. This means they must be of sound mind and, in some cases, of a certain age.


Q3. c) Comment on Indian foreign trade policy does not facilitate the import of technology.

Ans) India's foreign trade policy has undergone significant evolution over the years, guided by a multifaceted approach that prioritizes economic growth, self-reliance, and safeguarding domestic industries. While these principles have underpinned India's trade strategy, they have also led to the implementation of stringent import restrictions, including high tariffs and non-tariff barriers, particularly concerning technology-related goods.

The imposition of such restrictions has been a double-edged sword. On one hand, these measures aim to protect and nurture domestic industries, fostering self-reliance in technological capabilities and reducing dependence on foreign goods. However, these very restrictions can inadvertently deter the import of advanced technology and equipment, which are often essential for innovation and sustained economic growth.


Navigating India's bureaucratic processes for importing technology can be a convoluted and time-consuming endeavour. The intricate approval procedures, compounded by the need to safeguard intellectual property rights, can lead to significant delays in technology imports. India's cautious approach to intellectual property rights protection is aimed at preventing potential infringements but can sometimes hinder the timely transfer of crucial technologies.


The frequent changes in India's trade and foreign investment policies introduce an element of uncertainty for foreign companies contemplating technology transfers or investments within the country. Such fluctuations can make long-term planning and decision-making more challenging for foreign firms.


India has also imposed local sourcing requirements as prerequisites for foreign companies seeking to conduct business within its borders. While this strategy may ostensibly promote domestic industries and employment, it can deter technology transfer and collaboration with foreign counterparts, discouraging investments and partnerships. National security concerns have also left their mark on India's trade policies, influencing the import of specific technologies. These concerns have prompted the imposition of tighter regulations and restrictions on the importation of technologies that could potentially compromise national security.


Q3. d) Comment on in the neoclassical model free trade not only equalises the relative commodity price in the two countries but also equalises the relative wage rate.

Ans) The neoclassical model of international trade, often exemplified by the theory of comparative advantage, provides a framework for understanding the efficient allocation of resources and the advantages of unrestricted trade between nations. This theory not only underscores the equilibrium of relative commodity prices but also highlights its potential influence on relative wage rates within the participating countries.


Equalizing Relative Commodity Prices: At the heart of the theory of comparative advantage is the concept that countries should specialize in the production of goods or services in which they exhibit a comparative advantage. This means they can produce these items more efficiently or with lower opportunity costs compared to their trading partners. As these countries engage in trade, the efficient allocation of resources comes into play. This phenomenon tends to equalize relative commodity prices across borders. In simpler terms, it means that trade can lead to cost reductions for goods, benefiting consumers in both trading nations. The competitive advantage that each country possesses in certain industries allows them to enjoy access to a wider variety of products at lower prices, thus enhancing overall economic welfare.


Equalizing Relative Wage Rates: While the primary focus of comparative advantage centres on goods and services, its implications can indirectly affect wage rates. When a country specializes in industries where it holds a comparative advantage, these industries tend to experience growth and expansion. This expansion, in turn, generates increased demand for labour within those sectors. Consequently, this heightened demand can result in higher wage rates for workers involved in those industries. Conversely, industries that are comparatively less competitive may experience contraction, potentially affecting wages within those sectors.


The neoclassical model acknowledges that the outcomes of free trade, including its impacts on relative commodity prices and wage rates, are contingent on a multitude of factors. Real-world scenarios are far from being one-size-fits-all, and the effects of free trade can vary across industries, regions, and demographics within a nation. Numerous economic and social factors come into play, including the flexibility of labour markets, government policies, technology trends, and the overall global economic environment.


Q4a) Distinguish between

a) Custom union and Common market.

Ans) Both customs unions and common markets involve cooperation between countries to facilitate trade, common markets go a step further by allowing for the free movement of services, capital, and labour, creating a deeper level of economic integration among member states.


Q4. b) Distinguish between GATT and WTO.

Ans) GATT laid the foundation for international trade cooperation, the WTO represents a more formal and comprehensive international organization that covers a broader range of trade-related issues and has a more robust dispute settlement mechanism.

Q4. c) Distinguish between Export sales contract and Domestic sales contract.

Ans) Export sales contracts involve additional complexities related to international trade laws, currency, logistics, and risk management, while domestic sales contracts are typically simpler due to their focus on transactions within a single country governed by local laws.


Q4. d) Distinguish between express contract and Implied contract.

Ans) Both types of contracts are legally recognized and binding but differ in their formation and evidentiary requirements.


Q5. Write short notes on following:

a) Porter's view of globalization.

Ans) A field or industry can earn the designation of being "global" when its competitive advantage is derived from the strategic integration of activities across the world. Michael Porter, a renowned scholar in the field of business strategy, introduced the concept of a "value chain" view of a company to underscore the origins of a firm's competitive advantage, whether it operates domestically or internationally. Porter emphasizes that within any company, various distinct activities collectively contribute to its business operations. These activities are commonly referred to as "value activities" and encompass a broad spectrum of tasks that include, but are not limited to, sales, technical support, research and development, and financial management. These activities are characterized by both their technical nature and their physical execution.


A firm's activities are viewed as integral components of a more extensive network known as the "value system." this value system extends beyond the boundaries of the firm and encompasses the activities of suppliers, buyers, and distribution channels. Suppliers have their own value chains responsible for providing inputs to the firm, while buyers incorporate the firm's products or services into their value chains. Distribution channels have their own value chains through which the firm's offerings pass.


The essence of achieving competitive advantage lies in how these activities are harmoniously connected and aligned. Porter introduces the concept of "competitive scope," which relates to the range of activities that a company engages in to compete effectively within its industry.


  1. Configuration of Activities Worldwide: This dimension pertains to where in the world each activity within the value chain is executed. It emphasizes the strategic decision-making involved in determining the geographic locations best suited for specific activities.

  2. Coordination of Activities: The second dimension, coordination, underscores the need for seamless integration and synergy among related activities dispersed across different countries. This aspect highlights the importance of ensuring that activities in various global locations complement and reinforce one another.


Q5. b) Write short notes on Hosmer's model for ethical analysis.

Ans) Hosmer's model for ethical analysis, formulated by R. Heald Hosmer, offers a well-structured framework designed to guide individuals and organizations in the evaluation of ethical dilemmas and the subsequent process of ethical decision-making within the context of their operations. This model comprises three integral components, each playing a pivotal role in fostering ethical awareness, judgment, and intent.


Moral Awareness: At the very inception of Hosmer's model lies the critical phase of moral awareness. This initial step emphasizes the paramount importance of recognizing and acknowledging ethical issues that may arise within a given situation. It entails a vigilant process of identifying the moral implications intertwined with various actions or decisions under consideration. To foster moral awareness, individuals and organizations must diligently scrutinize their circumstances, aiming to grasp the full spectrum of moral dimensions at play. In doing so, they gain a comprehensive understanding of the potential ethical consequences associated with each potential course of action.


Moral Judgment: During this phase, individuals and organizations assess the ethical implications of the different available courses of action. They scrutinize each option through the lens of ethical principles and values, striving to determine which alternative aligns most closely with these foundational ethical tenets. Moral judgment entails a deliberate and thoughtful process, wherein stakeholders weigh the potential consequences, considering both short-term and long-term impacts, on various stakeholders, including employees, customers, communities, and society at large.


Moral Intent: The final piece of Hosmer's model revolves around moral intent. Having made a moral judgment and identified the ethically sound course of action, individuals and organizations proceed to form a moral intent. This entails a firm commitment to pursuing the specific course of action that reflects the ethical choice made during the judgment phase. Moral intent is not merely a declaration of ethical alignment; it represents a resolute dedication to acting in accordance with the ethical principles and values identified earlier. It serves as the bridge between ethical assessment and ethical action, solidifying the decision to act responsibly and ethically.


Q5. c) Write short notes on role of services in economic development.

Ans) The role of services in economic development is significant and has evolved over the years. Services, often referred to as the tertiary sector, encompass a wide range of activities that do not produce tangible goods but provide essential support to the economy.


Employment Generation: The services sector is a major source of employment in both developing and developed economies. It offers a diverse range of job opportunities, from healthcare and education to information technology and tourism. As economies grow, the demand for services and service-related jobs tends to increase.

  1. Contribution to GDP: Services contribute significantly to a country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In many advanced economies, the services sector accounts for the largest share of GDP. This highlights the sector's economic importance.

  2. Enhancing Productivity: Services play a crucial role in enhancing the productivity of other sectors. For example, the availability of efficient transportation and logistics services can lower the cost of moving goods, benefiting the manufacturing and agricultural sectors.

  3. Innovation and Technology: Many services, particularly in the technology and research domains, drive innovation and technological advancements. The development of cutting-edge technologies and digital solutions often originates from service-based industries.

  4. Export Potential: Services can be exported across borders, contributing to a country's balance of payments. Outsourcing, offshoring, and the export of services such as software development, business process outsourcing, and consulting services have become significant sources of revenue for many nations.

  5. Quality of Life: Services such as healthcare, education, and social services improve the overall quality of life for citizens. A healthy, educated, and skilled workforce is vital for sustained economic growth.

  6. Tourism and Hospitality: The tourism and hospitality sector are a substantial contributor to economic development in many countries. It generates foreign exchange earnings, creates jobs, and stimulates related industries such as transportation, food services, and entertainment.

  7. Financial Services: The financial services sector, including banking, insurance, and investment, plays a critical role in the allocation of capital, risk management, and facilitating economic transactions. It enables businesses to access the funds necessary for expansion and innovation.

  8. Urbanization and Infrastructure Development: The growth of services often accompanies urbanization. As people migrate to cities in search of better opportunities, the demand for services such as housing, transportation, and utilities increases, leading to infrastructure development projects.

  9. Globalization: The services sector has been at the forefront of globalization. Cross-border trade in services has expanded significantly, connecting economies, and fostering international cooperation.


Q5. d) Write short notes on sales of goods act, 1930.

Ans) The Sale of Goods Act, which was enacted in 1930, is an important piece of legislation in India that regulates the buying and selling of many types of goods. It provides a legal framework that outlines the rights, liabilities, and responsibilities of both purchasers and sellers in commercial transactions involving movable property by establishing the rights, obligations, and responsibilities of both parties.


  1. Formation of Contract: The legislation outlines the fundamental components that must be present in order to constitute a legal agreement to purchase goods or services, such as an offer, an acceptance, and consideration.

  2. Conditions and Warranties: It makes a distinction between the conditions, which are the most important terms of the contract, and the warranties, which are the less important terms, and it outlines the remedies that are open to the parties in the event that these terms are breached.

  3. Transfer of Ownership: The act determines when and under what conditions ownership of the products passes from the seller to the buyer. It also specifies the circumstances under which this occurs.

  4. Implied Conditions and Warranties: The legislation makes certain conditions and warranties an implicit part of every sale transaction, with the goal of guaranteeing that the goods are of a quality that is satisfactory, that they are suitable for the purpose, and that they are consistent with their description.

  5. Passing of Risk: It decides when the risk of loss or damage to the products shifts from the seller to the buyer, which impacts who is responsible in the event that the goods are damaged while in transit.

  6. Rights of Unpaid Seller: An unpaid seller is granted various rights by the act, including the ability to withhold delivery and the right to resell the products under specific conditions. These rights are defined in greater detail in the act.

100% Verified solved assignments from ₹ 40  written in our own words so that you get the best marks!
Learn More

Don't have time to write your assignment neatly? Get it written by experts and get free home delivery

Learn More

Get Guidebooks and Help books to pass your exams easily. Get home delivery or download instantly!

Learn More

Download IGNOU's official study material combined into a single PDF file absolutely free!

Learn More

Download latest Assignment Question Papers for free in PDF format at the click of a button!

Learn More

Download Previous year Question Papers for reference and Exam Preparation for free!

Learn More

Download Premium PDF

Assignment Question Papers

Which Year / Session to Write?

Get Handwritten Assignments

bottom of page