What are transnational corporations? Part I (p. 12 - 13)

• Humanities
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 2

How has globalization shaped the world?

Statement of Inquiry: 

Globalization has occured due to a variety of processes that have changed the world, bringing both opportunites and challenges.

Key Concept: Change

Related Concept: Globalization; Processes

Global Context: Globalization and sustainability 

What are transnational corporations? 

Today, you will investigate the economic side of globalization and how the global economy looks like.

First, read the text on p. 12 and 13. 

On the next slide, answer the true or false questions. 

The creation of the first large companies or corporations that exist in multiple counties began in the era of industrialization.

1. True
2. False

Industrialization meant that in the 19th century, Japanese cars were driving in Eurpope and German cars in China.

1. True
2. False

Some examples of transnational corporations are Starbucks and McDonalds, since they exist in more than one country.

1. True
2. False

A franchise is when a new corporation is being created form another transnational corporation. This way profits only stay with the new corporation.

1. True
2. False

The method of production refers to how certain products or goods are being made for sale.

1. True
2. False

Transnational corporations often make their products where the labour is relatively cheap. This also means the quality of the product is rather poor.

1. True
2. False

In some countries like China, Brazil and Taiwan, the labour costs are even higher compared to developing countries.

1. True
2. False

What are transnational corporations? 

There are some obvious positive and negative consequences of transnational corporations. 

Check out Table 1.1 on p. 13.

On the next slide, drag the examples to the right consequence.

P

O

S

I

T

I

V

E

N

E

G
A

T

I

V

E

Can serve the interests of richter countires over poorer countries

Can help to develop workforce skills for particular goods and services

Can have negative environmental impact due to emissions and waste produced 

Choice and consistency of quality producrs delivered by TNC's

Can leas to a reduction in manufacturaing in more wealthy countries 

Can potentially exploit cheaper workers with long working hours and difficult conditions

Global brands mean that peaple can acces TNC products around the world

Investment in developing countries, for example creation of jobs.

TNC's can serve for good, for instance promoting sustainability

What are transnational corporations? 

Do you know some examples of global brands? 

On the next slide, click on the website link to make do the brand logo quiz. 

How many of the 20 brand logo's did you get in 4 minutes?

On the slide after that, post a screenshot with your high score. 

https:

Upload a screenshot of your high score of the brand logo quiz here.

What are transnational corporations? 

Wherever you go in the world, you will soon see if people are rich or poor. You can tell by their clothes, houses, what kind of work they do and the traffic. It all has to do with the level of development: a county's wealth or poverty. 

Read G220 Rich and poor countries 

Watch the video (2:30 min) about how development can be measured and answer the question. 

In about 50 words, explain with the use of examples from the video how, next to using the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), other indicators can measure the level of development.

What are transnational corporations? 

Some countries are getting more developed over time, while others have difficulty in doing so. 

Read G221 Growers and stragglers

Answer the question on the next slide.

In about 50 words, explain with the use of examples from G221 why nowadays there isn't a sharp divide between 'the North' and 'the South' anymore.

What are transnational corporations? 

Emerging countries are not yet fully developed, but are experiencing rapid economic growth. 

Read G222 Emerging countries (only the first dot, not the squares) and check out Figure 7.17 in the GeoGuide.

Answer the questions on the next slide.

In about 50 words, explain with the use of Figure 7.17 and G222 how globalization plays a role in the economic growth of emerging countries.

What are transnational corporations? 

The center of global economic activity had been changing troughout history, you call this movement global shift. 

Read G223 Global shift and check out Figure 7.18 in the GeoGuide.

Answer the question on the next slide.

Explain with the use of Figure 7.18 and G223 to which area of the world the global center of economic activity has shifted.