Which group is frequently Criticised for not representing the best interests of a manufacturer?

The Convention on the Rights of the Child is an international treaty that recognizes the human rights of children, defined as persons up to the age of 18 years. The Convention establishes in international law that States Parties must ensure that all children – without discrimination in any form – benefit from special protection measures and assistance; have access to services such as education and health care; can develop their personalities, abilities and talents to the fullest potential; grow up in an environment of happiness, love and understanding; and are informed about and participate in, achieving their rights in an accessible and active manner.

How was it decided what should go into the Convention on the Rights of the Child?

The standards in the Convention on the Rights of the Child were negotiated by governments, non-governmental organizations, human rights advocates, lawyers, health specialists, social workers, educators, child development experts and religious leaders from all over the world, over a 10-year period. The result is a consensus document that takes into account the importance of tradition and cultural values for the protection and harmonious development of the child. It reflects the principal legal systems of the world and acknowledges the specific needs of developing countries.

How does the Convention on the Rights of the Child protect children's rights?

The Convention defines a "child" as a person below the age of 18, unless the relevant laws recognize an earlier age of majority. On some issues, States are obliged to provide for minimum ages, such as the age for admission into employment and completion of compulsory education; but in other cases the Convention is unequivocal in prohibiting life imprisonment without possibility of release or capital punishment for those under 18 years of age.

How does the Convention on the Rights of the Child define a child?

What are the Convention’s guiding principles?

The guiding principles of the Convention are: non-discrimination; the best interests of the child as a primary consideration in all actions concerning children; the child’s inherent right to life, and State Parties’ obligation to ensure to the maximum extent possible the survival and development of the child; and the child’s right to express his or her views freely in all matters affecting the child, with those views being given due weight.

What is the vision of the child in the Convention on the Rights of the Child?

The Convention provides a universal set of standards to be adhered to by all countries. It reflects a new vision of the child. Children are neither the property of their parents nor are they helpless objects of charity. They are human beings and are the subject of their own rights. The Convention offers a vision of the child as an individual and a member of a family and a community, with rights and responsibilities appropriate to his or her age and stage of development. Recognizing children's rights in this way firmly sets a focus on the whole child.

How is the Convention on the Rights of the Child special?

The Convention:

Is the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history – in force in virtually all countries of the world, thus providing a common ethical and legal framework for the realization of children’s rights.
Was the first time a formal commitment was made to ensure the realization of child rights and monitor progress on the situation of children.
Indicates that children's rights can no longer be perceived as an option, as a question of favour or kindness to children or as an expression of charity. Children’s rights generate obligations and responsibilities that we all must honour and respect.
Has been recognized by non-state entities.
Is a reference for many organizations working with and for children – including NGOs, and entities within the UN system.
Reaffirms that all rights are equally important and essential for the full development of a child and that each and every child is important.
Reaffirms the notion of State accountability for the realization of human rights and the values of transparency and public scrutiny that are associated with it.
Promotes an international system of solidarity designed to achieve the realization of children's rights. Donor countries are called upon to provide assistance in areas where particular needs have been identified; recipient countries are called upon to direct overseas development assistance to that end too.
Highlights the role of society, communities and families to promote and protect children's rights.

How many countries have ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child?

The Convention on the Rights of the Child is the most rapidly ratified human rights treaty in history. More countries have ratified the Convention than any other human rights treaty in history – 196 countries have become State Parties to the Convention as of October 2015. Only the United States of America has not ratified the Convention. By signing the Convention, the United States has signalled its intention to ratify, but has yet to do so.

How does the international community monitor and support progress on the implementation of the Convention?

The Committee on the Rights of the Child, an elected body of independent experts that monitors the Convention's implementation, requires governments that have ratified the Convention to submit regular reports on the status of children's rights in their countries. The Committee reviews these reports and makes recommendations to States. Where necessary, the Committee calls for international assistance from other governments and technical assistance from organizations like UNICEF.

See more on Implementing and monitoring the Convention.

What steps do the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Committee on the Rights of the Child encourage governments to undertake?

Through its reviews of country reports, the Committee urges all levels of government to use the Convention as a guide in policy-making and implementation, including: having a national plan for children, monitoring how much of the budget is spent on children, conducting regular impact assessments throughout every government department using reliable data about children’s lives, and having an independent children’s ombudsman.

See more on Implementing and monitoring the Convention.

What are some of the areas in which the Convention on the Rights of the Child has been most effective?

In the 30 years since the adoption of the Convention, the lives of millions of children have been improved through the progressive realization of rights and fulfillment of obligations enshrined within the Convention and its three Optional Protocols.

The Convention has inspired changes in all parts of the world, including:

Incorporating child rights principles into legislation
Establishing interdepartmental and multidisciplinary bodies to address child rights
Developing national agendas for children
Promoting ombudspersons for children or commissioners for children's rights
Restructuring of budgetary allocations for the realization of children’s rights
Interventions targeting child survival and development
Addressing discrimination and other barriers to the realization of child rights including socio-economic disparities among children
Creating opportunities for children to express their views and be heard
Expanding partnerships for children
Assessing the impact of measures on children.

How does UNICEF use the Convention on the Rights of the Child?

UNICEF is the UN organization mandated to protect the rights of every child, everywhere, especially the most disadvantaged. As expressed in our Mission Statement, “UNICEF is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children's rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential. UNICEF is guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child and strives to establish children's rights as enduring ethical principles and international standards of behaviour towards children.”

UNICEF is the only organization specifically named in the Convention on the Rights of the Child as a source of expert assistance and advice. The Convention provides UNICEF with guidance as to the areas to be assessed and addressed, and is a tool to measure the progress achieved in those areas. In addition to maintaining a focus on child survival and development, UNICEF must consider the situation of all children, analyse the economic and social environment, develop partnerships to strengthen the response (including the participation of children themselves), support interventions on the basis of non-discrimination and act in the best interests of the child.

See more on UNICEF’s role in promoting and supporting the Convention.

Which of the following is true of the distribution process? A. It does not involve the physical handling and distribution of goods. B. It includes activities related to the promotion of goods and services. C. The ownership title remains with the distributor even on completion of the transaction. D. It includes buying and selling negotiations. E. The behavior of channel members is not affected by the cultural environment.

D.
It includes buying and selling negotiations

In a _____ distribution structure, an importer controls a fixed supply of goods and the marketing system develops around the philosophy of selling a limited supply of goods at high prices to a small number of affluent customers. A. domestic B. traditional C. manufacturer-oriented D. service E. customer-oriented

Which of the following statements is true of a traditional distribution structure? A. The distribution system is national in scope. B. The relationship between the importer and any middleman is similar to that found in a mass-marketing system. C. The idea of a channel as a chain of intermediaries performing specific activities and each selling to a smaller unit beneath it until the chain reaches the ultimate consumer is common. D. Independent agencies providing functions such as advertising, marketing research, and financing are a part of this distribution structure. E. The marketing system develops around the philosophy of selling a limited supply of goods at high prices to a small number of affluent customers.

E.
The marketing system develops around the philosophy of selling a limited supply of goods at high prices to a small number of affluent customers

Which of the following distribution structures is also known as a traditional distribution structure? A. Export-oriented B. Import-oriented C. Manufacturer-oriented D. Service-oriented E. Customer-oriented

Which of the following statements is true regarding an import-oriented distribution structure? A. The importer–wholesaler traditionally performs most of the marketing functions. B. The relationship between the importer and any middleman is similar to that found in a mass-marketing system. C. Several independent agencies providing functions such as advertising, marketing research, financing are a part of this distribution structure. D. The idea of a channel as a chain of intermediaries performing specific activities is common. E. This distribution system is national in scope.

A.
The importer–wholesaler traditionally performs most of the marketing functions.

_____ has long been considered the most effective nontariff barrier to the Japanese market. A. The Japanese population B. The Japanese distribution structure C. Japanese culture D. The Japanese import and export procedure E. Intense competition in Japan

B. The Japanese distribution structure

_____ are considered to be the foundation of the Japanese distribution system. A. Consumers B. Brokers C. Manufacturers D. Small retailers E. Wholesalers

Which of the following characterizes the business philosophy of the Japanese distribution channels? A. Loyalty B. Direct sales C. Fast delivery D. Variety E. Price competition

Which of the following statements is true of the Japanese market? A. The costs of Japanese consumer goods are among the lowest in the world. B. Manufacturers are independent of wholesalers for a multitude of services to other members of the distribution network. C. The Japanese distribution structure supports long-term dealer–supplier relationships. D. Japanese law favors the establishment of large retail stores. E. Japanese consumers favor price over personal service.

C.
The Japanese distribution structure supports long-term dealer–supplier relationships.

In Japan, under the Large-Scale Retail Store Law, all proposals for new “large” stores are first judged by the _____. A. Transport and Tourism Department B. Internal Affairs and Business Council C. Ministry of International Trade and Industry D. Health and Welfare Committee E. Local Retailers Union

C. Ministry of International Trade and Industry

In the international business arena, which of the following is considered to be one of Walmart’s strengths? A. Clean business reputation.B. Internal Internet-based system. C. Ability to beat competitors.D. Outreach programs to placate small retailers.E. Ability to influence foreign governments.

B.
Internal Internet-based system

General Motors, _____, and DaimlerChrysler have created a single online site called Covisint for purchasing automotive parts from suppliers. A. Toyota Motor Corporation B. Honda Motor Company C. Ford Motor Company D. Nissan Motor Company E. Tata Motors

Which of the following countries has the largest number of retailers? A. United StatesB. ArgentinaC. ChinaD. South AfricaE. Japan

In the context of distribution patterns, the rate of change in retailing around the world appears to be directly related to the _____. A. literacy rate B. rate of inflation C. population growth D. speed of economic development E. currency exchange rate

D. speed of economic development

_____ is often the approach of choice in markets with insufficient or underdeveloped distribution systems. A. Direct marketing B. A big wholesale store C. Internet selling D. A discount house E. Television advertising

Which of the following has proved to be an important way to break the trade barrier imposed by the Japanese distribution system? A. Direct sales through catalogs.B. Large wholesale stores. C. Street corner kiosks.D. Internet shopping.E. Television advertising.

A.
Direct sales through catalogs.

Which of the following are frequently criticized for not representing the best interests of a manufacturer? A. Global wholesalers B. Trading companies C. Consumers D. Merchant middlemen E. Brokers

_____ take title to manufacturers’ goods and assume the trading risks. A. Merchant middlemen B. Brokers C. Buying offices D. Export agent E. Agent middlemen

The distribution channel process includes all activities, beginning with the manufacturer and ending with the _____. A. wholesaler B. agent middlemen C. merchant middlemen D. retailer E. final consumer

Which of the following statements is true regarding agent middlemen? A. They take title to the merchandise. B. They work on commission and arrange for sales in the foreign country. C. Manufacturers cannot control them as they control merchant middlemen. D. They do not represent the best interests of the manufacturer. E. They assume trading risks.

B.
They work on commission and arrange for sales in the foreign country.

Which of the following statements is true regarding merchant middlemen? A. They represent the best interests of a manufacturer. B. They can be controlled better than agent middlemen. C. They assume trading risks. D. They work on commission and arrange for sales in the foreign country. E. They do not take title to manufacturers’ goods.

C.
They assume trading risks

A disadvantage when using home-country middlemen as intermediaries in the distribution process is: A. the large financial investment required. B. the limited control over the distribution process. C. the large managerial investments required. D. the limited number of retailers in the foreign country who can be reached. E. the large amount of commission.

B.
the limited control over the distribution process

A major trade-off when using home-country middlemen is: A. the large financial investment required. B. the limited control over the entire distribution process. C. the large managerial investments required. D. the limited number of retailers in the foreign country who can be reached through the home-country middlemen. E. the large amount of commission charged by the home-country middlemen.

E.
the large amount of commission charged by the home-country middlemen.

Home-country middlemen are also known as _____ middlemen. A. area B. local C. merchant D. domestic E. regional

In the context of the different types of middlemen, which of the following is an example of a manufacturer’s retail store? A. Toys “R” Us B. Walmart C. Costco D. Benetton E. IKEA

James Barker is the marketing manager of a firm with small international sales volume. He is looking for a middleman who can take responsibility for promotion of the company’s products, credit arrangements, physical handling, and market research. Also, the middleman must be able to provide information on financial, patent, and licensing matters. In addition, the middleman should agree to work under the name of the firm. Which of the following types of middlemen would be the best choice for Mr. Barker if he wants to meet his objectives? A. A manufacturer’s export agent.B. An export merchant. C. A trade representative.D. An export management company.E. A complementary marketer.

D.
An export management company.

Which of the following statements is true regarding an export management company (EMC)? A. It acts as a middleman for firms with relatively large international sales volume. B. It operates under its own name while providing services to another firm. C. It does not have direct responsibility to the parent firm. D. It acts as a middleman for firms willing to involve their own personnel in international functions. E. It calls for a minimum investment from the parent firm to get into international markets.

E.
It calls for a minimum investment from the parent firm to get into international markets

A major disadvantage of _____ is that they can seldom afford to make the kind of market investment needed to establish deep distribution for products. A. export management companies B. trading companies C. import associations D. global retailers E. complementary marketers

A.
export management companies

For companies seeking entrance into the complicated Japanese distribution system, _____ offer one of the easiest routes to success because they virtually control distribution through all levels of channels in Japan. A. trade representatives B. trading companies C. brokers D. export management companies E. complementary marketers

Which of the following was a goal of the Export Trading Company Act? A. To allow U.S. companies to bypass tax laws with respect to international trading.B. To remove antitrust disincentives to export activities.C. To bypass trade barriers in foreign countries.D. To earn the highest possible profits in foreign countries.E. To combine export shipments within single containers.

B.
To remove antitrust disincentives to export activities

Which of the following arrangements are undertaken when a firm wants to keep its seasonal distribution channels functioning throughout the year? A. Price skimming.B. Using the services of a trading company.C. Establishing a retail store. D. Using the services of an export management company.E. Complementary marketing.

E.
Complementary marketing.

Complementary marketing is commonly known as _____. A. backhauling B. demand shifting C. piggybacking D. shape shifting E. skimming

Companies with marketing facilities in different countries with excess marketing capacity sometimes take on additional product lines for international distribution. The formal name for this type of marketing is: A. skimming. B. backhauling. C. complementary marketing. D. export marketing. E. demand shifting.

C.
complementary marketing

A(n) _____ is an individual agent middleman or an agent middleman firm providing a selling service for manufacturers that covers only one or two markets. A. complementary marketer B. export management company C. Webb-Pomerene export association D. global retailer E. manufacturer’s export agent

E. manufacturer’s export agent

A _____ provides a selling service for a manufacturer, has a short-term relationship, and operates on a straight commission basis. A. manufacturers’ retail store B. trading company C. global retailer D. manufacturer’s export agent E. complementary marketer

D.
manufacturer’s export agent

The Webb-Pomerene Act of 1918 made it possible for American business firms to join forces in export activities without being subject to which of the following acts? A. The Sherman Antitrust Act.B. The Federal Communications Act.C. The Trade Commission Act. D. The Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act.E. The Robinson-Patman Act.

A. The Sherman Antitrust Act.

A(n) _____ is a domestic middleman set up in a foreign country or U.S. possession that can obtain a corporate tax exemption on a portion of the earnings generated by the sale or lease of export property. A. Webb-Pomerene export association B. manufacturer’s export agent C. export management company D. complementary marketer E. foreign sales corporation

E. foreign sales corporation

Which of the following is a type of domestic middleman? A. Sole proprietors.B. Export Management Companies.C. Foreign distributors.D. Lessors.E. Joint ventures.

B.
Export Management Companies.

In the context of types of domestic middlemen, the WTO in 2003 ruled _____ to be in violation of international trade rules, thus starting a major trade dispute with the European Union. A. foreign sales corporations B. direct marketing partnerships C. trading companies D. export promotion companies E. Webb-Pomerene export associations

A.
foreign sales corporations

Which of the following is true of foreign sales corporations? A. They are commonly called piggybackers. B. They can only be related to a manufacturing parent and not an independent broker. C. They virtually control distribution through all levels of channels in Japan. D. They accumulate, transport, and distribute goods from many countries. E. They can function as a principal or a commissioned agent.

E.
They can function as a principal or a commissioned agent.

Which of the following factors affects the choice of distribution channels? A. Distance from manufacturer.B. Language spoken in the target market. C. Available distribution intermediaries.D. Consumer literacy levels.E. Country’s per capita income.

C.
Available distribution intermediaries

Which of the following is one of the six Cs of distribution channel strategy? A. Communication B. Continuity C. Capacity D. Commission E. Contribution

In the context of factors affecting choice of channels, one of the key elements in distribution decisions includes _____. A. the selection of optimum container sizes B. volume discounts and rebates C. the functions performed by middlemen D. the local advertising modes E. the target market culture

C.
the functions performed by middlemen

Which of the following is a critical element associated with using a particular type of middleman? A. Knowledge of the culture of the target market.B. Number of employees.C. Mode of transportation for moving goods.D. Influence over the target market.E. Cash-flow patterns.

In which of the following modes of distribution in the foreign market will a company have to make maximum financial investment? A. Export management companies.B. Trading companies.C. Export associations.D. Direct sales force.E. Complementary marketers.

Which of the following is one of the highest costs of doing business in China? A. Money required for the transportation of goods.B. Money required for obtaining appropriate permits.C. Cost of local advertising. D. Capital required to maintain effective distribution.E. Cost of customizing products for the Chinese market.

D.
Capital required to maintain effective distribution.

Which of the following modes of distribution affords the most control over the distribution channels but often at a cost that is not practical? A. Complementary marketers.B. Direct sales force.C. Export associations.D. Trading companies. E. Export management companies.

Most middlemen have little loyalty to their vendors. They handle brands in good times when the line is making money but quickly reject such products within a season or a year if they fail to produce during that period. This is an example of problems associated with which of the following six Cs of distribution channel strategy? A. Character B. Continuity C. Control D. Cost E. Capital requirement

One of the reasons that channels of distribution often pose longevity problems is that most middlemen _____. A. do not maintain sufficient inventory to serve customers B. lack product knowledge resulting in low sales volume C. have little loyalty to their vendors D. tend to slow down distribution to extract higher commissions E. do not have sufficient knowledge of the target market

C.
have little loyalty to their vendors

_____ is an area that should be on a checklist of criteria for evaluating middlemen servicing a market. A. Flexibility B. Hypersensitivity C. Cultural empathy D. Productivity E. Breadth of knowledge

Which of the following actions should be taken to begin with the search for prospective middlemen? A. Short listing the middlemen.B. Studying the target market. C. Evaluating the available financial resources.D. Designing the sales force required.E. Understanding the mission of the manufacturing firm.

B.
Studying the target market

Experienced exporters suggest that the only way to select a middleman is: A. to conduct a background check on all the distributors available in the target market. B. to issue a request-for-proposal to all distributors in the target market and evaluate their responses. C. consult other manufacturers of the similar products and select the distributor recommended by them. D. consult trade organizations and select the distributor recommended by them. E. to personally talk to ultimate consumers to find whom they consider to be the best distributors.

E.
to personally talk to ultimate consumers to find whom they consider to be the best distributors.

Sixty percent of the Japanese population lives in the _____ market area, which essentially functions as one massive city. A. Tokyo-Nagoya-OsakaB. Komaki-Tokoname-KariyaC. Nagoya-Handa-SetoD. Nishio-Okazaki-InazawaE. Inuyama-Nisshin-Takahama

Most middlemen have little loyalty to their vendors. They handle brands in good times when the line is making money but quickly reject such products within a season or a year if they fail to produce during that period. This is an example of problems associated with which of the following six Cs of channel strategy? A. CharacterB. ContinuityC. ControlD. CostE. Capital requirement

Apex Corporation is a wholesaler for Global Electronics in the French market. Global Electronics discovered that Apex Corp. was diverting some of their goods to the English market. Apex Corp. could get a greater profit in the English market because the goods were bought by the firm at a cheaper price in France. In the context of the above scenario, which of the following forms of business is Apex engaged in? A. Black marketing. B. Parallel importing.C. Backwashing.D. Industrial piracy.E. Smuggling.

In the context of controlling middlemen, parallel importing is also known as _____. A. secondary wholesaling B. black marketing C. backwashing D. industrial piracy E. smuggling

E-commerce is more developed in _____ than the rest of the world, partly because of the lower cost of access to the Internet than found elsewhere. A. China B. Brazil C. Switzerland D. South Africa E. the United States

In the context of the Internet in international marketing channels, technically, e-commerce is a form of _____ selling. A. direct B. parallel C. dual D. mass E. targeted

In the context of cultural reactions when engaging in e-commerce, the color red is associated with socialism in _____. A. the United States B. China C. Brazil D. Uruguay E. Spain

Which of the following is true of a physical distribution system? A. It involves only the physical movement of goods. B. It is a total systems approach to the management of the distribution process. C. A decision involving an activity has no impact on the cost and efficiency of one or all others. D. It excludes the interdependence of the costs of each activity. E. It includes transportation mode, inventory quantities, and packing.

E.
It includes transportation mode, inventory quantities, and packing