The world economy is changing at a rapid pace, presenting unprecedented opportunities but also challenges.  The current
wave of Globalisation has meant that countries across the globe are seeing unparalleled levels of interconnectedness and
interdependence, with impacts of events in one part of the world being felt
throughout the four corners of the globe. But that does not mean that economies
are growing at a similar rate nor has it, for the most part, seen a reduction
in disparities in wealth and power. While we talk of a global economy,
economies are still regional and local in composition and due to a variety of
historical, geographical and political factors, some economies are growing in
strength, others continue to dominate, whilst even more remain weak.

Changes are taking place in both developed and developing countries against a backdrop of major political and social changes. Some countries
have traditionally generated wealth from oil production, for example, and
continue to do so, while others have grown their economies through online and
offline manufacturing, and through well-developed service industries. From media commentary we get a general sense of business in different parts of the world however, we don’t really get to fully appreciate the developments taking place in countries around
the globe and the opportunities these present to individuals and businesses. 

Your
task for this assignment is to review the spatial organisation and distribution
of economic activity, historically and currently, of France.. You will examine all the factors that contribute to the
growth and/or lack of expansion of the economy of France , which would enable a company to have a good general feel
for the France’s economic activity past, present and future. So, this is an
overview of the economic geography of France .   You are required to prepare a report for France. Remember
this is a general overview of  France , not specific to any sector in particular,
and therefore, should include the following (not necessarily in this order):

1.      Outline
of the economy of the country in general – include its performance over time,
current position, impact of globalisation, projected outlook

2.      Brief
summary of the historical origins of the key industries of France i.e., availability of raw materials, favourable climatic
conditions/soil etc.  

3.      The
principal industries of the area – primary, secondary (manufacturing) and
tertiary (services).  Profile whatever is
the main industry in more detail than the other two

4.      Trade
patterns of France – their key
trading partners globally; value of exports and contribution of trade to the
overall economy

5.      Demographic
and migration patterns of France now and into the future  

6.      Current
impact of any world events or problems on the region .

7.      Recommendations
for an Irish manufacturing/services
company on doing business WITH the region – does it offer potential and why
(or why not); types of industry that would be suitable to expand here and
perhaps industries that would not reap any benefit in France – if they should
run some / all of their operations there; you could be specific here about
particular industries.  It
should be based on what the country’s competitive advantages are and what
problems or difficulties you found within France

8.      Any
other content that has been covered in class or that you find in your research
can be added but just ensure that it is relevant to the objectives of the
report

9.      Be
very careful to include every section in your report equally .

10.  
don’t forget to analyse the material
you have found in light of the question asked: i.e. what opportunities or
challenges does  France have for a
foreign business. While you will present facts and figures you must interpret
the findings.

Clarity
of presentation and a clear writing style is very important to make the reading
task easier for the reader  

therefore
please adhere to the following guidelines:

·        
Follow a report style
structure as outlined below

·        
Use clear paragraphing
with headings and sub-headings

·        
Use of plenty white
space, breaking up the text with visual aids, diagrams, graphs, etc.

·        
Use 1.5 line spacing
with font style and size of Times New Roman 12pt and justify the text

·        
Numbered Pages

·        
Table of Contents

Structure of a Business Report

1.      Cover
Page

2.      Table
of Contents

3.      List
of Appendices (if you have them)

4.      Executive
Summary

5.      Introduction

6.      Main
Body

7.      Conclusion

8.      Recommendations

9.      Bibliography

10.  Appendices