GS & GG - Revision

Question 1

How do patterns of global production and consumption reflect globalisation?

Answer 1

• Patterns of production are changing due to increased globalisation.
• LIC -> NEE economies
• TNCs have the power to decide where their products are produced
• Consumption tends to be concentrated in HIC economies.

Question 2

What are the factors of globalisation?

Answer 2

• Systems & Relationships - ways of working
• Financial - global financial systems (WTO or WB)
• Transport - containerisation and air travel
• Security - can contribute to and limit globalisation
• Communications - people
• Management and information systems - making companies efficient (Global supply chains)
• Trade agreements - WTO, IMF and WB

Question 3

Apple as a TNC…

Answer 3

Information:
- Operates globally
- HQ based in California
- Sales HQ in Cork, Northern Ireland.

Production:
- Mainstream products are produced in China
- Foxconn City

Impacts on Ireland:
- Employs 4000 workers
- Many highly skilled workers are foreign so Apple has been accused of not creating sufficient work for locals.

Issues in China:
- Working conditions
- Health and safety - 50 workers poisoned with toxic chemicals in 2010
- Child Labour
- Suicides - 10 suicides in 2009

Question 4

‘The UN has worked tirelessly to promote growth and stability across the globe, but TNCs have been far more successful in this regard.’ To what extent do you agree with this view? [20]

Answer 4

1) - UN has promoted growth and stability through the UN Millennium Development Goals and UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- UN has provided stability through peacekeeping.

2) - UN has been criticised for being bias towards countries in conflict.

3) Apple has provided jobs in China through outsourcing and has promoted economic growth.

4) However, Apple has created inequalities and unequal flows of people in both China and Ireland.