1. Understanding Key Groups

• Define what MINT countries are (Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria, Turkey).

• Define what BRICS countries are (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa).

• Define what a Developed Economy is and give 3 examples (e.g., USA, Germany, Japan).

2. Research & Comparison

• Compare the economic characteristics of MINT vs BRICS (e.g., growth potential, role in global trade).

• Identify strengths and weaknesses of each group in terms of growth, resources, and stability.

• Discuss how globalization affects MINT and BRICS differently.

3. Case Studies

• Choose one country from MINT and one from BRICS. Research:

  • Population size and demographics

  • Key industries and exports

  • Growth opportunities and challenges.

  • For each of your two businesses (contrasting types) identify the reasons for them conducting business in that country. You need to explain a minimum of 4 different factors per business per country.

2) can send members abroad without visa

3) positive

4)increase sales

5)quick and easy communications

Create a poster outlining the main technological, environmental, and ethical factors affecting your chosen business in that country.
Use bullet points or short paragraphs for each section.

Technological Factors: e.g. digital infrastructure, e-commerce use, R&D capacity, automation
Environmental Factors: e.g. climate impact, sustainability regulations, waste management, energy policies
Ethical Factors: e.g. labour practices, fair trade, CSR, corruption and transparency
Analyse the Combined Impact:
Explain how these three types of factors together influence the business’s international operations, for example:

How they affect marketing and branding
How they shape production, logistics, or supply chain management
How they influence the business’s reputation and decision-making
Make Recommendations:
Suggest two or three strategic recommendations for how the business could respond to these combined challenges and opportunities.
For example:

Invest in greener technology to reduce environmental impact
Strengthen ethical supply chain audits
Use digital innovation to enhance sustainability reporting

Sainsburys, Dominican Republic

Strengths

Sainsburys would benefit from operating in Dominican republic due to the fact that there is a high tourism rate and they would benefit from the cheaper raw materials. They would also benefit from the large population due to the fact that they can easily employee staff.

Weaknesses

The main weakness of Sainsburys operating in Dominican Republic is that they might not offer all of Dominicans traditional foods.

Opportunities

An opportunity of Sainsburys operating in Dominican republic is that they could expand their product range so that they can meet customer needs with Dominican foods.

Threats

A threat of Sainsburys operating in Dominican republic is that Dominican republic remains as high risk from extreme weather conditions and natural disasters which could affect their raw materials and their in-person stores.

Sainsburys, Australia

Strengths

The strengths of Sainsburys operating in Australia is that they have access to strong natural resources and rich services.

Weaknesses

Australia has an aging population which leads to less staff for Sainsburys.

Opportunities

An opportunity of Sainsburys operating in Australia is that they have easy access to raw materials like food and liquids that they can sell in their in-person stores.

Threats

A threat of Sainsburys operating in Australia is that they have the driest inhabited continent therefore very vulnerable to the climate.

Learning Aim

Understand the role of key organisations that support UK businesses trading internationally.

Task 1: Department for International Trade (DIT)

a) What is the main purpose of the Department for International Trade?

b) List three types of support the DIT offers to UK businesses wanting to export or invest overseas.

c) Explain how a small business could benefit from working with the DIT when entering a new international market.

Task 2: Chambers of Commerce

a) What is a Chamber of Commerce, and who can join?

b) Identify two services a Chamber of Commerce provides to support businesses involved in international trade.

c) Describe a situation where a business might rely on documentation services provided by a Chamber of Commerce.

Task 3: Regional Advisory Organisations

(Examples include local LEPs, Growth Hubs, and regional trade advisers.)

a) What is the purpose of regional advisory organisations for businesses?

b) How might these regional organisations support a business preparing to export for the first time?

c) Give an example of a type of training, workshop, or funding support that could be offered.

Task 4: Open to Export

a) What is Open to Export, and who is it designed for?

b) List two tools or resources Open to Export provides to help businesses plan their exporting journey.

c) Explain why online platforms like Open to Export can be particularly useful for small businesses.

Highlight

The strengths of the country

Who are the main businesses in that region

Trade blocs they may be part of,

The demographics and geography of the country

Economic factors

Environmental factors

Ethical considerations

Infrastructure of the country