Franchise Abroad: International Business Plan
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we successfully adapt an American franchise to thrive in a foreign country, considering the impacts of international trade, franchise characteristics, cultural differences, and potential challenges and opportunities?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How does international trade impact American businesses?
- What are the characteristics of the franchising industry?
- What are the potential challenges and opportunities when expanding a franchise to a foreign country?
- How can cultural differences impact the success of a franchise in a foreign country?
- What are the key considerations for adapting a business model to a new cultural and economic environment?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Understand the impact of international trade on American businesses.
- Describe the characteristics of the franchising industry.
- Identify potential challenges and opportunities when expanding a franchise to a foreign country.
- Analyze how cultural differences can impact the success of a franchise in a foreign country.
- Adapt a business model to a new cultural and economic environment.
- Develop a comprehensive plan to successfully adapt an American franchise to a foreign country
Teacher-Provided Standards
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsMystery Box Franchise Challenge
Present students with a 'mystery box' containing items representing different aspects of a foreign country (e.g., currency, local snack, traditional clothing). Students brainstorm what franchise would succeed, based on the items. This event encourages creative thinking about franchise compatibility and cultural relevance.Franchise Adaptation Analysis
Show a short video clip of a successful American franchise operating in a foreign country, but with some obvious cultural adaptations (e.g., McDonald's menu items catering to local tastes). Ask students to identify and analyze the adaptations and discuss why they were necessary. This encourages critical thinking about market research and localization strategies.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Cultural Fusion: Adapting the Franchise
Based on their research, students develop a plan to adapt the American franchise to the specific foreign market. This includes modifying the menu, marketing strategies, and overall business operations to align with local tastes and customs.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed adaptation plan outlining the specific changes needed to successfully introduce the American franchise into the foreign market.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsDirectly addresses PBM-1.10 by adapting the franchise model to fit the characteristics of the chosen country. It builds on PBM-1.9 by making specific trade and economic considerations for the adaptation.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioFranchise Adaptation Rubric
Cultural Adaptation
Assesses the students ability to adapt an American franchise to a foreign market. This includes modifying the menu, marketing strategies, and overall business operations to align with local tastes and customs.Market Research
Depth of research into the target country's culture, economy, and consumer preferences.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates comprehensive research, incorporating diverse sources and perspectives to understand the nuances of the target market.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates thorough research, covering key aspects of the target market with clear and relevant information.
Developing
2 PointsShows emerging research, covering basic aspects of the target market with some inconsistencies or gaps in information.
Beginning
1 PointsShows initial research, lacking depth and relevance to the target market, with significant gaps in understanding.
Adaptation Strategies
Extent and effectiveness of adaptation strategies proposed for the franchise.
Exemplary
4 PointsProposes innovative and highly effective adaptation strategies that demonstrate a deep understanding of cultural nuances and market dynamics.
Proficient
3 PointsProposes well-reasoned and effective adaptation strategies that address key cultural and market considerations.
Developing
2 PointsProposes basic adaptation strategies that address some cultural and market considerations, but may lack depth or effectiveness.
Beginning
1 PointsProposes limited or ineffective adaptation strategies that fail to address key cultural and market considerations.
Plan Presentation
Clarity, coherence, and persuasiveness of the adaptation plan.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresents a compelling, exceptionally clear, and well-organized adaptation plan with persuasive rationale and strong supporting evidence.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents a clear and well-organized adaptation plan with logical rationale and relevant supporting evidence.
Developing
2 PointsPresents an adaptation plan that is somewhat unclear or disorganized, with a basic rationale and limited supporting evidence.
Beginning
1 PointsPresents a poorly organized and unclear adaptation plan with a weak or missing rationale and insufficient supporting evidence.
Business Acumen
Evaluates the students ability to analyze the trade offs when adapting a business model to a new cultural and economic environment.Impact Analysis
Consideration of the impact on brand identity and overall business model.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates sophisticated understanding of how adaptations impact brand identity and business model, creating innovative solutions that enhance both.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates a thorough understanding of how adaptations impact brand identity and business model, with thoughtful and appropriate solutions.
Developing
2 PointsShows emerging understanding of how adaptations impact brand identity and business model, with some awareness of potential challenges.
Beginning
1 PointsShows limited understanding of how adaptations impact brand identity and business model, with minimal awareness of potential challenges.
Practicality
Feasibility and practicality of the proposed adaptation plan.
Exemplary
4 PointsProposes a highly feasible and practical adaptation plan, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of logistical, economic, and regulatory considerations.
Proficient
3 PointsProposes a feasible and practical adaptation plan, demonstrating a good understanding of logistical, economic, and regulatory considerations.
Developing
2 PointsProposes an adaptation plan with questionable feasibility, showing limited understanding of logistical, economic, and regulatory considerations.
Beginning
1 PointsProposes an adaptation plan that is largely infeasible, lacking consideration of logistical, economic, and regulatory factors.