BBB 4M Unit 1 L05 – Assignments

Assignment #1: Current Event Memo Assignment: Canada’s Economic Outlook

Complete the following assignment and submit your work.

You are the assistant to the Minister of Finance. The Minister has been away on an extended vacation and has just returned. He needs you to inform him about the current state of the economy and the short-term economic outlook. Specifically, he wants to know about the:

1.  Inflation rate

2.  Prime Interest rate

3.  Strength of our dollar

4.  Gross Domestic Product versus last year

5.  Your opinion – What stage of the business cycle is Canada currently in?

The Minister also wants you to mention how the current economic state will affect international business in the near future.

Your memo should be no longer than one page in length. Your writing should be very concise and grammar and spelling correct.

If you’re unsure of proper memo format:

MEMO

To: (who are you writing to)

From: (your name)

Re: (What is the topic of the memo)

Date: (date of submission)

Start in simple paragraph form. Memos are very concise/to the point.

Remember that each new topic needs a new paragraph.

There are no “Dear” and “Sincerely” in a memo!

Resources:

http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/

http://www.bank-banque-canada.ca/

http://www.ic.gc.ca/Intro.html

Rubric

Current Event Memo Assignment: Canada's Economic Outlook
Categories / Level 1
(50 - 59%) / Level 2
(60 - 69%) / Level 3
(70 - 79%) / Level 4
(80 - 100%)
Knowledge and Understanding
describes the impact of international business activity on Canada's economy / - describes the impact of international business activity on Canada's economy in limited detail / - describes the impact of international business activity on Canada's economy in some detail / - describes the impact of international business activity on Canada's economy in considerable detail / - describes the impact of international business activity on Canada's economy in extensive detail
Thinking/Inquiry
analyzes how the state of Canada's economy (e.g., inflation rate, unemployment rate, productivity levels) affects international businesses operating in Canada / - analyzes in limited detail how the state of the economy affects international businesses operating in Canada / - analyzes in some detail how the state of the economy affects international businesses operating in Canada / - analyzes in considerable detail how the state of the economy affects international businesses operating in Canada / - analyzes in extensive detail how the state of the economy affects international businesses operating in Canada
Communication
composes a memo in a concise and accurate format / - composes a memo that is inconcise and inaccurate / - composes a memo that is somewhat concise and accurate / - composes a memo that is fairly concise and mostly accurate / - composes a memo that is concise and accurate
Application
formats the memo appropriately / - formats the memo with limited effectiveness / - formats the memo with some effectiveness / - formats the memo with considerable effectiveness / - formats the memo with thorough and appropriate effectiveness
Assignment 2

Using the Internet, research the following questions about a government agency that aids businesses in international trade. Complete the questions and submit your work at the end of class.

Go to the Foreign Affairs and International Trade website (www.international.gc.ca/index) and answer the following questions:

1.  Name three valuable pieces of information you can find on this website if you were exporting (hint- look at ‘exportsource’).

2.  Why is trade map helpful to businesses? What information does it give?

3.  Choose one ‘hot topic’ and write a few points outlining the main theme.

4.  List 3 pieces of valuable information if you are a Canadian travelling for business. What do you need to know before you leave?

5.  Go to “Services for Businesses”. If you were a foreign business, how would you find a partner or supplier to do business with?

Assignment 3
Minister of Finance Speech

You have been asked to step in for your boss, the Minister of Finance, and give a speech to international businessmen and businesswomen at a luncheon. The government is flying you to Europe and is really counting on you to make an impression on these international business leaders! Your objective is to promote Canada as a great place to do business!

Your speech must include;

1.  The advantages of doing business in Canada (refer to your note)

2.  The current state of the economy and the future outlook for business (refer to your memo)

3.  The government agencies that will assist you in doing business in Canada and their various roles (Strategis, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada are only a few! Continue with your own research!)

You should aim to speak for 3 to 4 minutes!

Assignment 4
Discussion

Explain which government agency/association you feel is most beneficial to international companies doing business with Canada. What advice/help does this agency offer businesses? Do you feel this agency promotes Canada as a valuable trade partner?

Share your response to the above question with your teacher and peers.