Considering the size of the U.S. trade deficit, you would think that working with foreign suppliers would be old hat to most U.S. firms. Yet the fact is that foreign sourcing, particularly what is referred to as "low cost country" (LCC) sourcing, remains new and challenging to many companies, even as experience in this regard is becoming increasingly important.

It appears the honeymoon with China is over-will we skip marital bliss and head straight for divorce and, if so, how ugly will it get?

One of the greatest challenges facing companies in China - how to hire and retain good people.

China doesn't change the technology race; it just broadens the field of entrants.

A common mistake companies make when entering foreign markets is proceeding based on inaccurate estimates of the size and characteristics of the market.

In a global marketplace where cross-cultural encounters are increasingly common, how do you work with those who don’t exactly see the world as you do?

Some industries in the U.S. will be restructured over the next decade due to competition from China. Now is the time to begin planning a response.

When doing business in a foreign country and a foreign culture—particularly a non-Western culture—assume nothing. Because cultures really are different, and those differences can have a major impact on the business environment and management challenges you will face in another country.

We need to give more consideration to the role culture plays in shaping our world. If we did that, we would realize that businesses, economies and political systems tend to reflect the same cultural values.

It is often said that guanxi is the key to success in China and in many other developing markets, particularly in Asia, but my advice to you would be this—don’t bet on it.