Spanning the Global Case

SPANNINGTHE GLOBAL

Part 1: In the role of Eric

1. Some of Eric’s Problems:

• The training programs are not fully completed

The programs are so theoretical and lack of real experiences that make the expatriates unwilling to take them.

• The failures in expatriation processes

The problem is that the 3-year project in Mexico work not really well. It should to be an 18-month assignment instead of a 3-year one. Eric found out the reason of this is the unwilling of Fred Banks, a Plant Engineer, and his team to train and hand over responsibilities to local engineers and his inability to work with district and federal regulation in the HCNs. Why this problem occurred? Why there is a difference between projects’ progress in Scotland and Mexico?

• Planning for the repatriation

How to treat with the repatriates is one big issue to Eric’s trouble. The repatriates needed to be encouraged more to give their meaningful exchange ideas and insights instead of just “tell to tell”

2. To solve Eric’s problems, first, he should research more information to understand these deeply. While knowing where the problems come from, Eric will find it easier to clear out them.

• For the incomplete training courses, he can provide more experience to attract engineers. In the pre-departure activities, language courses should be pointed out as important courses that help the expatriates all the time. Once they can communicate easily with the local, they might feel it also easy to work with them constructively. As long as understanding the language, expatriates can also know more about the country’s culture, they will more respect the nations.

In worry of long learning time, Eric can reduce the course meetings. He should not provide so many theories during meeting hours and take place with some more interesting issue about the country to attract people come to the courses and do not feel boring when they are there.

Besides, the courses should also be offered to all employees who are interested in them. This not only can bring to other employees