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Most MNCs have really not yet become purely global enterprises - TNCs (transnational corporations). Some are well on their way e.g. U.S based IBM. Here are some of the representative examples of those MNCs making the transition to TNCs:
It has been integrating operations worldwide, copying successful strategies used by other divisions, and tailoring approaches to meet the needs of local customers. The company's R&D centers have been working closely to create new product offerings and get them to worldwide markets.
It is developing a TNC by combining its talents with those of other computer makers, using joint ventures to help develop and market its products everywhere. A good example of this is provided by the Japanese market, where Apple has sold and is continuing to do very well in competition. Sony manufactures Apple's PowerBook 100 laptop; Sharp Electronics makes the Newton, Apple's electronic organizer. Apple has entered into agreements with IBM to jointly conduct research and manufacturing.
It is best known for its automobiles that do well in the Japanese and US marketplace. Nissan has reorganized the way it does business in the United States and is using its strong R&D skills to design and produce new offerings that appeals more to the US market.
It uses an approach similar to that of Nissan. General Electric product lines are assigned to global managers, and R&D centers are assigned products and processes in which they will specialize. For example, premium computerized tomography (a diagnostic scanning system) and magnetic resonance equipment, has been handled by the Waukesha, Wisconsin, R&D people. Meanwhile, the R&D lab in Tokyo has been responsible for developing less expensive computerized tomography and magnetic resonance equipment and the lab in France has responsibility for X-rays. At the same time, all three groups share ideas and developments, thus resulting in a multitude of new products for a worldwide market.
It is continuously remaining alert to changes in the food industry on a global, international and national food base.
Much of the research and development that goes into Honda cars sold in Europe and North America has been developed in the company's Japanese R&D laboratories. Similarly companies, such as Volkswagen, typically assign managers from SEAT (the Spanish auto firm it purchased in 1980s) to Latin America and other overseas locations where Spanish is the primary language and Latin customs prevail. MNCs are able to meet international management challenges by drawing from their in-house common resources although this is not always possible.