Business Studies · 3rd Year · Globalisation and International Trade · 2.º Período

The Impact of Globalisation

Evaluating the effects of globalisation on Irish businesses, consumers, and the workforce.

TL;DR:The Impact of Globalisation examines how the world has become more interconnected through trade, technology, and cultural exchange. For Irish students, this is particularly relevant given the high concentration of Multinational Corporations (MNCs) like Google, Apple, and Intel in the country. This topic covers the benefits of globalisation, such as increased consumer choice and job creation, alongside the challenges, such as the risk of 'brain drain' or the environmental impact of global transport.

• NCCA Curriculum Specifications
• Strand 3: Our Economy, LO 3.6
• Strand 2: Enterprise, LO 2.7

About This Topic

The Impact of Globalisation examines how the world has become more interconnected through trade, technology, and cultural exchange. For Irish students, this is particularly relevant given the high concentration of Multinational Corporations (MNCs) like Google, Apple, and Intel in the country. This topic covers the benefits of globalisation, such as increased consumer choice and job creation, alongside the challenges, such as the risk of 'brain drain' or the environmental impact of global transport.

Students evaluate how globalisation affects different stakeholders: the local business owner facing global competition, the consumer looking for the best price, and the worker in a global supply chain. This topic connects Strand 3 (Our Economy) with Strand 2 (Enterprise) by looking at how businesses adapt to a global stage. Students grasp this concept faster through structured discussion and peer explanation of real-world case studies.

Key Questions

1. What are the benefits of globalisation for consumers?
2. How do multinational companies impact the Irish economy?
3. What are the challenges of a globalised market?

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Students often think globalisation only benefits wealthy countries.

What to Teach Instead

Discuss how globalisation can provide development opportunities for emerging economies, while also acknowledging the risks of exploitation. Using a 'fair trade' case study helps students see the ethical dimensions of global business.

Common Misconception

Globalisation is sometimes seen as a purely modern phenomenon.

What to Teach Instead

Briefly mention historical trade routes like the Silk Road to show that while the speed has increased, the concept is old. A timeline activity can help students visualize the acceleration of global links over time.

Active Learning Ideas

Inquiry Circle

The Global Smartphone

Groups choose a common global brand and map out where its components are sourced, where it is assembled, and where its headquarters are located. They present their findings to show the complexity of global supply chains.

45 min·Small Groups

Formal Debate

MNCs in Ireland

Divide the class to debate the statement: 'Multinational corporations are the most important part of the Irish economy.' Students must consider tax revenue and jobs versus the risk of these companies leaving (de-industrialisation).

40 min·Whole Class

Think-Pair-Share

The Global Consumer

Students look at their own clothing or school bags and identify where they were made. They discuss in pairs how globalisation has changed what they can buy compared to what their grandparents could buy at the same age.

20 min·Pairs

Frequently Asked Questions

How does globalisation affect small Irish businesses?

Globalisation provides small businesses with access to larger markets through e-commerce. However, it also increases competition from large international firms that can produce goods more cheaply due to economies of scale.

What is a Multinational Corporation (MNC)?

An MNC is a large company that operates in several countries but is usually managed from one home country. In Ireland, MNCs are major employers and contribute significantly to the national economy through taxes and investment.

What are the environmental impacts of globalisation?

Globalisation often leads to increased carbon emissions due to the long-distance transport of goods. It can also lead to environmental degradation in countries with weaker regulations, though it can also spread green technologies more quickly.

How can active learning help students understand globalisation?

Globalisation is best understood through 'mapping' and 'tracing' activities. When students physically trace the journey of a product or debate the presence of an MNC in their town, they move beyond definitions to understand the systemic impact. Active learning allows them to weigh the pros and cons from multiple perspectives, which is essential for this complex topic.