The joint venture with Mitsubishi Corporation in Japan (9B20M048)

Ivey Case: Tata Consultancy Services Limited: The joint venture with Mitsubishi Corporation in Japan (9B20M048)
Midterm Exam
MGT 3650 B Introduction to International Management
Due: 23:59 on Oct. 27
th (Tuesday), 2020.
Please answer ALL questions.

1. Use Porter’s Five Force model to analyze the competitive situation in the Japanese IT
   services industry. Clearly specify the magnitude of each force as “low” or “medium” or
   “high”, and justify your answers with case facts. (2.5%)
2. Is the competitive situation favourable or unfavourable for Tata Consultancy Services
   Limited’s (TCS1
   ) operation in the Japanese market from the perspectives of the company
   (TCS), Japanese customer, and competition in Japan, respectively? For example, if you
   determine that the competitive situation for TCS is favourable/unfavourable from the
   1 TCS refers to the Indian parent company.
   Created in Master PDF Editor
   2
   perspective of the Japanese customer, clearly specify your answer and justify it with case
   facts. (3%)
3. What differences between the institutions (e.g., economy, geographical location, and culture)
   in India and Japan were potentially detrimental to TCS in the Japanese market? For instance,
   if you think that the economic distance between India and Japan is “low” or “medium” or
   “high”, clearly specify your answer and justify it with appropriate information. External and
   reliable information such as Hofstede’s value dimension scores for the two countries can be
   used for this question. (3%)
4. Modes of Entry and VRIO Framework:
   a. Why was TCS’ initial entry in the Japanese market through the wholly owned subsidiary
   in 1987 unsuccessful? (1%)
   b. Why did TCS give up its full ownership and control in 2014 to enter into the joint venture
   (JV) with Mitsubishi Corp. (MC)? (1%)
   c. From the perspective of TCS, identify the three most important resources and/or
   capabilities that MC brought to the JV. Be clear on what each one is and explain why you
   think they are the three most important. Apply the VRIO framework to each of these three
   resources and /or capabilities. (1.5%)
   d. To penetrate the Japanese IT services market and compete with local giants, should TCS
   have acquired another medium-sized Japanese company instead of joint venturing with
   MC? Why or why not? (1%)
   e. Should TCS collaborate with other Japanese companies through non-equity mode
   instead? Why or why not? (1%)
5. Recommendations:
   Created in Master PDF Editor
   3
   a. What would be your short-term recommendations for TCS Japan2
   ’s operation in the
   Japanese market? Briefly justify your decision(s). (1.2%)
   b. What would be your long-term recommendations for TCS’s future in the Japanese
   market? Briefly justify your decision(s). (1.5%)
   Formatting: (0.6%)
   • This assignment should be written primarily in essay style; however, headings, subheadings,
   tables, and bullet points can be used to convey information and save space.
   • Times New Roman, 12-point font; double spaced; 2.5 cm/1-inch margins.
   Paper length: (1.2%)
   • Max. 10 pages, excluding title page, appendices, and references. Any additional contents in
   excess of the designated page report limit will NOT be considered for grading.
   • Length of paper matches well with number of ideas presented, allowing in-depth
   consideration of each key concept.
   Coherence of ideas/style/clarity/grammar/references: (1.5%)
   • The analysis and recommendations should be coherent.
   • Displays an interesting and engaging writing style that captures the reader's attention.
   • All key points are easily understandable and overall argument is clear.
   • Pay attention to spelling, proofreading, grammar, and clarity.
   • Include APA style citations and references
   2 TCS Japan refers to the JV with MC.