person or small group that can do the best job. These workers can be located in India, China, Russia, Europe, and other areas of the world.
The subtasks can then be combined or reassembled into the complete design. This approach can be used to prepare tax returns, diagnose a
patient's medical condition, fix a broken computer, and many other tasks.
Today's information systems have led to greater globalization. High-speed Internet access and networks that can connect individuals and
organizations around the world create more international opportunities. Global markets have expanded. People and companies can get
products and services from around the world, instead of around the corner or across town. These opportunities, however, introduce
numerous obstacles and issues, including challenges involving culture, language, and many others.
Cultural challenges.
Countries and regional areas have their own cultures and customs that can significantly affect individuals and
organizations involved in global trade.
Language challenges.
Language differences can make it difficult to translate exact meanings from one language to another.
Time and distance challenges.
Time and distance issues can be difficult to overcome for individuals and organizations involved
with global trade in remote locations. Large time differences make it difficult to talk to people on the other side of the world. With long
distance, it can take days to get a product, a critical part, or a piece of equipment from one location to another location.
Infrastructure challenges.
High-quality electricity and water might not be available in certain parts of the world. Telephone
services, Internet connections, and skilled employees might be expensive or not readily available.
Currency challenges.
The value of different currencies can vary significantly over time, making international trade more difficult
and complex.
Product and service challenges.
Traditional products that are physical or tangible, such as an automobile or bicycle, can be
difficult to deliver to the global market. However,
electronic products (e-products)
and
electronic services (e-services)
can be
delivered to customers electronically, over the phone, through networks, through the Internet, or by other electronic means. Software,
music, books, manuals, and advice can all be delivered globally and over the Internet.
5/19/11 1:21 AM
Print Chapter
Page 43 of 62
Technology transfer issues.
Most governments don't allow certain military-related equipment and systems to be sold to some
countries. Even so, some believe that foreign companies are stealing intellectual property, trade secrets, and copyrighted materials,
and counterfeiting products and services.
State, regional, and national laws.
Each state, region, and country has a set of laws that must be obeyed by citizens and
organizations operating in the country. These laws can deal with a variety of issues, including trade secrets, patents, copyrights,
protection of personal or financial data, privacy, and much more. Laws restricting how data enters or exits a country are often called
