International

The history of the banana trade is as politically loaded as that of coffee or oil-and yet it has received scant media attention over the decades. This documentary addresses that information void, exploring links between corporate power, Western governments, and developing nations that are heavily dependent on banana production as a result of colonial and post-colonial influences. Viewers gain an understanding of disputes between U.S.-supported Latin American countries wanting liberalization of European markets and the E.U.-allied ACP (Africa, Caribbean, and Pacific) states, which have traditionally enjoyed tariff preferences. An ideal case study for coursework focusing on the economics of globalization. (52 minutes)

Emerging from under the cloud of bankruptcy, Northwest Airlines has cut $1.4 billion from annual labor costs-while increasing executive pay. Bill Moyers looks at yet another industry in which CEOs fly high on salaries and perks while workers and retirees must tighten their belts. Also on the program: What's next for Afghanistan? Journalist Christian Parenti, just back from his fourth visit to the forgotten front line, discusses the growing influence of warlords in government, the resurgence of the Taliban and the drug trade, and life on the ground in the struggling nation. In addition, Episcopal presiding bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori-spiritual leader of more than two million American worshipers-talks about science, the environment, and the rift in her church over the ordination of gay and lesbian clergy. Broadcast date: June 8, 2007. (58 minutes)

For Nicolas Hayek and Domenico DeSole, image is everything. In this program, Hayek, chairman and CEO of Swatch Group, and DeSole, chairman, president, and CEO of Gucci Group, give their views on building multilevel global brands, the vital importance of image, and American versus European business theory. In addition, MBA students and faculty from the International Institute for Management Development, Lausanne, Switzerland, ask questions about how to reinvigorate tired brands and the effects of saturating markets with brands that thrive on uniqueness. (58 minutes)

The typical Valentine's Day bouquet is the product of an elaborate South American growing operation, a complicated airborne distribution network, and sophisticated European trading markets akin to stock exchanges. This program describes the entire process in detail, clearly illustrating the global nature of the floral industry. Shot in Ecuador, Colombia, France, and Holland, the video shows how supply and demand, seasonal dynamics, global competition, and other issues affect the production and transportation of a fragile, perishable commodity-which, although traded on a massive scale, moves according to highly emotional market forces. (53 minutes)

A 150-pound bag of coffee beans might earn a farmer $50; the street value" of that same bag-10,000 cups of coffee-is around $20,000. By following the trail of two coffee beans grown in the Peruvian Andes, this program takes a unique look at the ubiquitous stimulant which, after oil, is the most globally traded commodity. One of the beans takes the route of the open market where its price is determined by commodities traders and analysts, such as Merrill Lynch's Judy Gaines, the industry oracle who discusses the market's volatility. The other bean finds its way into Cafe Direct, a new gourmet coffee launched in Britain by a company dedicated to paying fair prices to farmers for their high-quality organic crop. (50 minutes)"

How do major multinationals deal with intensified competition, a failed product launch, corporate fraud, and the scrutiny that comes with rapid growth? This incisive five-part series analyzes some of the situations that multinational companies face as they conduct their business in the global marketplace. A BBCW Production. 5-part series, 29-39 minutes each.

Once the world's unchallenged industrial superpower, America now faces fierce competition from economies whose social systems, cultures, and business strategies are very different from ours. What lessons can America learn from the dramatic successes of our Japanese and German competitors? In Challenge to America, Hedrick Smith takes us inside innovative companies and classrooms in Japan, Germany, and the United States to reveal the unique strengths and weaknesses each economy brings to the table-and to show how American companies are pioneering new and effective strategies for meeting the challenges of a new era of global competition. 4-part series, 58 minutes each.

Will the 21st century be the Chinese century? Economics correspondent Paul Solman examines the rise of China as a global economic power-and the challenges that lie before it-in this timely collection of NewsHour reports. The episodes are... • China's Growing Economy: This segment spotlights the freewheeling Chinese economy-and its growing pains • The Chinese Consumer: This segment seeks to understand Chinese consumers and how both Wal-Mart and high-end boutiques are catering to them • The Cult of Mao Zedong: This segment illustrates how the idealism and enthusiasm of the early Mao years is influencing China's emerging free market economy • Misinvestment in China: This segment sheds light on the Chinese government's notably opaque investment practices and the failing Shanghai Stock Exchange • Interview with Cheng Siwei: In this segment, China's father of venture capital" speaks on economic relations with the U.S., foreign investment, textile exports, and the revaluation of the yuan • Piracy Explored: This segment investigates piracy of foreign intellectual property rights in China, using Viagra as a case in point • Bumps in the Road?: This segment seriously questions whether China's economy can continue to grow at its incredible pace without major political reform (77 minutes)"

The Vikings never conquered Russia, but Swedish mega-retailer IKEA might just pull it off. In this case, victory depends on sweet-talking, arm-twisting, and impromptu brainstorming-skills that company founder Ingvar Kamprad has perfected over a long life in business. This program follows Kamprad and a handful of colleagues during their 10-day trip across Moscow and more remote regions, revealing the political and logistical challenges that must be overcome to solidify a domestic supply chain and make IKEA Russia profitable. The result is both an illuminating international business case study and a remarkable profile of one of the world's richest, oldest, and most charismatic entrepreneurs. (Portions in other languages with English subtitles, 46 minutes)

The export of Western culture has made English a star performer on the world stage. This program discusses the ubiquity of Shakespeare and the King James Bible, explaining their roles in propelling English into preeminence as a language for cross-cultural expression. The success of TV as a medium for disseminating English is also explored, as is the appeal of English in movies and music to audiences in India and Japan. Ebonics as a dialect of American English with mass appeal among teens is also considered. Featured personalities include televangelist Pat Robertson; Moira Goff, of the British Library; fashion mogul Sir Paul Smith; and director Nagesh Kukunoor. (50 minutes)

Almost any industry has its Holy Grail. For cell phone makers, it is a smaller, slimmer, and lighter model that sports a bigger screen and more functions-easy to envision, very difficult to make. This program examines the struggle for dominance in the Japanese cell phone market-a viable litmus test for worldwide technology consumption-and the internal battles tech companies endure in order to create hot products. Viewers are taken inside South Korea's LG Electronics as it tries to crack the market. In turn, Japan's NEC searches for a phone that will outdo LG's slimness, while Sony Ericsson workshops a design it hopes will endure. Meetings in which engineering and design teams go head-to-head illustrate the urgency and high stakes involved. Not available in French-speaking Canada. (Portions in other languages with English subtitles, 50 minutes)

It has the tallest building in the world, the biggest shopping mall on earth, and economic growth rivaling China's. This CNBC Original documentary takes viewers to Dubai, a Persian Gulf city with huge business and investment opportunities-many of which have nothing to do with oil. With insight from American corporate leaders, including J. W. Marriott Jr. and GE's CEO Jeffrey Immelt, the program features commentary from Mohamed Ali Alabbar, chairman of construction and real estate giant Emaar, and Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, chairman of Dubai World and perhaps the region's most important businessman. Thoughts from American expatriates shed further light on the depth, strength, and diversity of Dubai's economy. Not available in French-speaking Canada. (44 minutes)

The E.U. is intent on developing a Europe without economic borders. Module one of this program outlines the potential of Europe's open labor markets while addressing the barriers imposed by language and culture. Module two examines the basic principles of the European Central Bank and the objectives of European monetary policy. Module three assesses both the economic gains to be had from European integration and the challenges of equitable political representation. (30 minutes)

For families throughout Asia, meals are a central event. It is also likely that more business deals are concluded in dining rooms than boardrooms. This program examines the importance of family and food to Asian business sensibilities. The program looks at Dr. Geoffrey Yeh and his children, who run Hsin Chong, one of Hong Kong's biggest construction firms; and Dato' Hamdan Mohamad, a major shareholder and chief executive of Ranhill, Malaysia's biggest engineering consulting firm and designers of the tallest building in the world. (27 minutes)

In today's swiftly evolving world economy, change is a fundamental determinant of business planning. With a primary focus on Europe, this outstanding 10-part series-created for instructional use-provides diverse case studies of international companies that exemplify core business concepts in action. 10-part series, 28-30 minutes each.