Business Studies · 2nd Year · Globalisation and Sustainable Business · 4.º Período

The Impact of Globalisation

An analysis of globalisation and its effects on consumers, workers, and businesses. Students debate the positive and negative impacts of multinational companies operating in Ireland.

TL;DR:Globalisation is the process by which the world becomes more interconnected. In this topic, students analyze how this trend affects Ireland, a country that hosts many of the world's largest multinational companies (MNCs). They explore the drivers of globalisation, such as improvements in transport and technology, and evaluate the impact on different stakeholders, including consumers, local businesses, and the environment.

• NCCA Curriculum Specifications
• 3.10 Evaluate the impact of globalisation on the Irish economy
• 3.11 Discuss the role of multinational companies

About This Topic

Globalisation is the process by which the world becomes more interconnected. In this topic, students analyze how this trend affects Ireland, a country that hosts many of the world's largest multinational companies (MNCs). They explore the drivers of globalisation, such as improvements in transport and technology, and evaluate the impact on different stakeholders, including consumers, local businesses, and the environment.

This unit encourages critical thinking by looking at both sides of the coin. Students discuss the benefits of MNCs, such as high-quality jobs and investment, alongside the challenges, such as the 'footloose' nature of companies that can move elsewhere if costs rise. This topic comes alive when students can participate in structured debates and collaborative investigations into the global supply chains of brands they use every day.

Key Questions

1. What is globalisation and what drives it?
2. How do multinational companies impact the local Irish economy?
3. Does globalisation benefit everyone equally?

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Globalisation is a brand new thing.

What to Teach Instead

While it has accelerated recently, trade and cultural exchange have happened for centuries. Looking at the history of the Silk Road or the tea trade helps students see globalisation as an evolving process rather than a modern invention.

Common Misconception

Multinational companies only care about Ireland's low tax rate.

What to Teach Instead

While tax is a factor, MNCs also come to Ireland for our educated workforce, EU membership, and English-speaking environment. Using a 'Decision Matrix' where students rank different reasons for an MNC to move here helps broaden their perspective.

Active Learning Ideas

Formal Debate

MNCs, Friends or Foes?

Divide the class into two teams. One team argues that MNCs are the backbone of the Irish economy, while the other argues they make us too dependent on foreign decisions. They must use specific examples like Google, Intel, or Pfizer.

45 min·Whole Class

Inquiry Circle

The Global Sneaker

Groups research the 'journey' of a typical pair of sneakers, from raw materials in one country to assembly in another and sale in Ireland. They create a map showing how many different countries were involved in making one product.

40 min·Small Groups

Think-Pair-Share

The Global Consumer

Students individually identify one way globalisation has made their life easier and one way it has made it more complicated. They pair up to compare their views on 'global brands' versus 'local shops.'

20 min·Pairs

Frequently Asked Questions

How can active learning help students understand globalisation?

Globalisation is a massive, complex topic. Active learning breaks it down by starting with the students' own lives. By mapping the origins of their clothes or phones, they see themselves as part of a global web. Debating the role of MNCs in Ireland forces them to look at the economy from multiple perspectives, worker, consumer, and local business owner, which builds a much deeper understanding than a lecture.

What are 'Footloose Industries'?

These are businesses that are not tied to a specific location by natural resources or heavy infrastructure. They can move their operations to another country easily if it becomes more profitable to do so, which is a risk for the Irish economy.

How does globalisation affect the environment?

It can lead to increased carbon emissions due to the long-distance transport of goods. However, it also allows for the global sharing of green technologies and environmental standards.

What is a 'Global Brand'?

A global brand is a product or service that is recognized and sold in many countries around the world with a consistent image and identity, such as Coca-Cola, Nike, or McDonald's.