International Business Management

International business management refers to the effective management of business transactions that are to be performed across various countries. This is done to satisfy the objectives of people and organizations. Thus a firm should be aware of various issues while entering foreign markets. There are key political, cultural, social, legal and environmental issues that every organization must fully cover to ensure the smooth running of its business in foreign shores. Failure to do so may lead to may obstacles. It is always effective to take a proactive measure while conducting business in foreign markets.

Ben & Jerry's Homemade, Inc., the Vermont-based manufacturer of ice cream, frozen yogurt and sorbet based in Vermont. It was founded in 1978 by two Brooklyn schoolmates Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield. Their first shop was in a renovated gas station in Burlington, Vermont with an investment of $12,000. Within a short time, they became popular for their innovative flavors, made from fresh Vermont milk and cream and they were also known for their innovative names for their ice creams. The main products of Ben & Jerry's are ice cream, low fat ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet and novelty products. These products are produced in pints, quarts, and 2.5-gallon tubs. Their products are distributed nationwide as well as in selected foreign countries. Their products are sold in supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, franchised Ben & Jerry's scoop shops, restaurants and other venues.

Ben & Jerry's operated its franchise shops in both the U.S. and Canada. The company also has wholly-owned operations in France, Japan and the United Kingdom, and licensees in the Benelux countries, Israel, Canada, Peru and Lebanon. By 1997 Ben