Work it out

1. "China Feels the Heat," but so do Olympic sponsors. According to the story, which American companies are among those sponsoring this summer's Olympic Games? What investments are both explicit and implicit in that commitment? Brainstorm the benefits that sponsors receive from their support of the popular event. Now, assume that you head one of these companies. Many of your customers have asked you to respond to actions by the host nation. How will you respond? At what point might that response change? Summarize your thoughts and plan of action in a speech or Web-based letter to your customers.

2. After reading this story, review another recent Newsweek story by Melinda Liu, "The Next Saffron Revolution". Based on information in both stories, how would you characterize the divisions between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama? How might China lessen tensions in the short term, leading up to the Summer Games? What long-term goal would need to be realized to bring peace to the region? Communicate your opinions in a posting on a classroom blog devoted to news about this summer's Olympics.

© 2008