BUS00747

Contemporary Trends in the Business Environment

‘Globalisation has wrought fundamental changes in the global economy and it is evident that the effects of globalisation are more positive than negative’

Assignment 1

Tutor: Robert Waldersee

Author: Catherine Whitaker

Student No: 211664327

Address: 7/59 Howard St

Randwick 2031

Introduction

What is Globalisation? Dutch academic Ruud Lubbers, on his website http://globalize.kub.nl/ defines globalisation as:

… a process in which geographic distance becomes a factor of diminishing importance in the establishment and maintenance of cross border economic, political and socio cultural relations.

Ruud’s definition draws attention to the following main points: • globalisation involves processes that transcend geographic and national boundaries, • these processes are of an economic nature, • there are political implications and considerations, and • socio cultural factors are also impacted.

The issue of Globalisation has become a contentious one in recent years. Note the violent demonstrations in Seattle in 1999 and subsequent demonstrations by anti-globalisation groups such as S11. However there are many advocates of globalisation who support the ideals of free trade and free moving economies whose fate is left to market forces. The purpose of this paper is to examine some of the main issues associated with Globalisation and the current debate of these topics. Given the scope of available information is quite voluminous the case for and against will be presented for three main topics.- Americanisation of Culture, Increasing World Poverty and Environmental Damage. The paper will then examine some of the changes that have occurred in our world as a result of Globalisation in terms of technology, the changing