Influence of globalization on strategic management in multinational corporations: The case of Puma Corporation, Nigeria

Abstract

Globalization is regarded as sine-qua non for international business growth. This is so because interconnectivity and interdependence of countries and businesses through globalization have continued to shape global business transactions. This paper evaluated the impacts of globalization on multinational corporations’ expansion and growth, using Puma Corporation, Nigeria. Other objectives included to investigate influence of globalization on supply chain management strategies of Puma Corporations. The study adopted a survey research design involving the collection of data through structured questionnaires. Simple percentage and t-test statistics were used for the data analysis. Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) software version 22 aided the computation of data. Findings revealed that: globalization influence Puma Corporation through the integration of technology as part of its Supply Chain Management practices. Also, globalization was found to influence Puma Corporation by enhancing stakeholders’ communication and improves customer services.  The influence of globalization on Puma was palpable in its global integration, innovation and competitiveness, via access to international market, different suppliers, and advanced technologies. Based on the findings, the study recommends the following: The need for Puma Corporation to invest in technological tools to enhance real-time tracking, inventory management and demand forecasting which can ultimately lead to operational efficiency. Equally, the reinforcement of relations with suppliers, governments, and logistics providers are expedient. The  corporation should also diversify its supplier base across multiple regions while also localize parts of its supply chain by sourcing and producing closer to key markets to reduce lead time and other logistics cost.