Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Job Opportunities & Career Path

Career Path: Normal Employee- Supervisor - Low Managerial Position (Division Manager) - Upper Management (General Council) - Operating Officers ( CEO, CFO, Co-Chairman, Chairman) It takes about 3-5 years for a normal employee get to the Lower Management position. Then it takes approximately the same time for the Lower Management to get into Upper Management. This path varies from company to company. Opportunities: Global Director of Logistics Human Resources

Ambev's strategy and how its reflects home country culture

Ambev operates with a growth strategy based on revenue management principles. They focus a lot on cost efficiency as well. What they see as their strongest competitive advantage however, is its employees and its company culture. Both of these aspects of Ambev are reflective of Brazil’s culture. Their company culture was “created through everyone’s interaction when challenges were faced and defeated over our history.” It is visible in their employees and shows who they are as a company. Their actions and behavior are guided by company values, beliefs, practices and management principles. They have four main values they are guided by: Our consumers come first; our people make the difference; we make things happen; and we lead the way. I think this is very representative of the Brazilian culture. In Brazil, the citizens are very passionate. They are youthful and spirited. Ambev is similar in culture. Afterall, they do provide Brazil with the most popular beverage brands. Carnival would not be the same in Brazil without Ambev!

http://www.ambev.com.br/eng/emp_05_en.htm http://www.ab-inbev.com/pdf/AmBev_GCReport_1.pdf

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

AmBev's Strategies Abroad

In Hispanic Latin America, named as HILA: AmBev holds 91% stake in operations in the Latin America The most recent investment in the region was the opening of a plant in Peru, with capacity to produce 1 million hectoliters of beer, generating more than 1,350 job positions. This new unit has an effluent treatment station, which allows reusing the water employed in the production process for watering and other purposes. The project complies with all the rules required by World Bank for this type of investment. In the North America: Canadian AmBev exports to the USA and Caribbean. AmBev is also the largest PepsiCo bottler outside the USA. By means of a franchising agreement, the Company sells and distributes Pepsi products in Brazil and in other Latin American countries, including Pepsi, Lipton Ice Tea and Gatorade. To cope with a production, which accounts for almost 69% of the Brazilian beer market, AmBev employs a total of 34 thousand employees, 18,500 of them in Brazil and the remainder in the Latin America. In order to supply consumer with all these brands, AmBev maintains a complex operation: hundreds of third party distributors, 13 thousand salesmen and a fleet of 16 thousand trucks, without mentioning boats and ferries crossing the Amazon river, and ensuring the presence of Company’s products in the most remote locations of such region.
  • Build on solid relationships and teams
  • Reach goals in a disciplined, focused and simple way thru the streamlining of their business
  • Think and act as owners
  • "Hands-on" approach - know the details of the business (market, plant, administration, etc.)

http://www.ambev.com.br/eng/index_en.php

Locations and Staffing

Headquarters: Rua Renato Paes de Barros, 1017, 4th Fl. 04530-001 São Paulo, Brazil Ambev was formed by a merger in 1999 between the Brahma and Antarctica breweries. Ambev then merged with Interbrew in 2004 to form Imbev. Brazilian Carlos Brito is the current chief executive officer. InBev is a global company which divides operations into five zones - North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Central & Eastern Europe, and Asia Pacific. AmBev Subsidiaries and Affiliates Covered By Hoover's: Labatt Breweries of Canada Headquarters: 207 Queen's Quay Terminal, Ste. 299 Toronto, Ontario M5J 2T3, Canada Quilmes Industrial (Quinsa) S.A. Headquarters: 84, Grand-Rue 1660 Luxembourg, Luxembourg InBev has over 200 beer brands produced and sold throughout the world.[22] The flagship brands are Stella Artois, Brahma, Beck's and Leffe.[17] Title Name & Bio Contact Co-Chairman Victório C. De Marchi Age 70 Co-Chairman Carlos Alves de Brito Age 47 Corporate Issues Executive Officer Milton Seligman Age 57 Recruiting At A-B, we actively scout for recruits at college campuses and job fairs. But that's not the only door of opportunity that is open to you. This website is designed to help us reach all potential candidates who are qualified and interested in careers at Anheuser-Busch. Anheuser-Busch promotes from within, so we are seeking the future leaders to flourish, and take our company to the next level. We're investing in tomorrow by sourcing bright new talent and providing them with the training and resources to make a difference. Recruiting Process The recruiting process begins when you find the position that interests you and submit an online application. If your skills and experience match what we're looking for, we will contact you for a telephone interview. You may be asked to visit A-B for a company tour and face-to-face meeting. The selection process is highly competitive, so sometimes, you may need to return for a second or third interview. Getting the very best from the best To realise our ambition of being the Best Beer Company in a Better World, we need to have the very best people working for us. Our initial screening process ensures that we find the best job for each candidate and the best candidate for each job. To get the best out of you we have three prime recruitment methods: AIESEC, Global Management Trainee Program & MBA. They will help you to unleash your full potential and to develop in a way that will contribute to both your and our success. Our trainees speak for themselves We have great faith in our three prime recruitment methods, but you don't have to take our word for it. Here are some testimonials from people who have been through the programmes and who are now valued members of our Anheuser-Busch InBev teams around the world. AIESEC is the world's largest student‐run organisation. Focused on providing a platform for youth leadership development, AIESEC offers young people the opportunity to be global citizens, to change the world, and to get experience and skills that matter today. AIESEC' s innovative development process consists of unmatched leadership experiences, international opportunities and a global learning environment. AIESEC uses an innovative approach to engaging and developing today’s youth. By offering opportunities to build extensive international personal networks and explore leadership opportunities, we provide a platform for young people to discover direction and ambition for their futures. Depending upon the subsidiary or type of job, your benefits may include... Medical Dental Vision Prescription Life Insurance Accidental Death and Dismemberment Travel Accident Benefits Short and Long Term Disability Retirement Benefits (Pension Plan, 401k Plan and Post-Retiree Medical) Tuition Reimbursement Employee Assistance Program Work/Family Balance Liberal Vacation and Holiday Packages Promote from Within Policies Tickets to Busch Entertainment Theme Parks Fitness Centers ...even Complimentary Beer! http://www.hoovers.com/ambev/--ID__48025--/free-co-factsheet.xhtml http://www.ab-inbev.com/go/careers/careers_opportunities http://www.buschjobs.com/docs/recruiting.html

Friday, April 24, 2009

Relocation Allowances

There are a variety of relocation allowances allocated by the U.S. Department of State when moving to Brazil. Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo both have cost of living allowances, post hardship differentials, education allowances starting at $26,100, and living quarters allowance starting around $40,000. http://aoprals.state.gov/Web920/location_action.asp?MenuHide=1&CountryCode=1042

Education for the Children

The best option for schooling in Brazil is to find a private, American school for Jim and Betty's children to attend. Below is a link to The American School of Sao Paulo.

Monday, April 13, 2009

Health/Medical/Insurance Issues

Before beginning his job in Sao Paolo Jim, his wife Betty, and their children should take a number of health precautions. They should be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) vaccine, poliovirus vaccine, etc. They should also get vaccinations for the following diseases: Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, and Rabies. Malaria is a big problem in South America. Sao Paolo itself is not in a Malaria risk area but if the family plans to visit any Malaria risk areas in Brazil they will need to take one of the following antimalarial drugs: atovaquone/proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine (primaquine in special circumstances and only after G6PD testing). The following are Malaria risk areas in Brazil States of Acre, Rondônia, Amapá, Amazonas, Roraima, and Tocantins. Parts of states of Maranhaõ (western part), Mato Grosso (northern part), and Pará (except Belem City). Also, transmission in urban areas, including large cities such as Porto Velho, Boa Vista, Macapa, Manaus, Santarem, and Maraba, where transmission occurs on the periphery of these cities. In addition there are a number of things the family should plan to bring with them to reduce the health risks during their time in Brazil. • Iodine tablets to purify water • Mosquito repellant • Antibacterial hand wipes It is advised that the family be very careful when coming in contact with animals and insects. Health Insurance policies may or may not cover the family while they are abroad. They should check to see if their plan includes coverage overseas and if it does not they should switch to a provider who does. Also, those that provide "customary and reasonable" hospital costs abroad may not pay for your medical evacuation back to the United States which can easily cost $10,000.00 and up depending on your location and medical condition. It is important to note that the Social Security Medicare program does not provide coverage outside of the United States of America. Many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service. There is a list of companies that provide coverage overseas here: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1470.html#companies Through Access America Travel Insurance and Assistance, American Airlines offers its customers very good deals on medical insurance. For as little as $24 a person you can receive insurance for trip cancellation and interruption, emergency dental and medical insurance, emergency medical transportation, travel or baggage delay, and collision/loss/damage.

Language and Cultural Training

Communicaid's Doing Business in Brazil cultural awareness training courses would be a great way to learn about the culture of Brazil while also learning the business aspects one would need to know to succeed in Brazil's business world. Benefits: (Direct from website) Communicaid's Doing Business in Brazil courses will provide you with: An overview of the current state of affairs as well as the future of Brazil 's economic sector Detailed knowledge of the differing cross-cultural nuances that may affect business and how to effectively respond to new situations Insight into what motivates Brazilian business counterparts Techniques for working more effectively with Brazilian business counterparts Practical tips to ensure successful business partnerships with Brazilian colleagues A better understanding of the potential obstacles that may arise in the Brazilian workplace and the solutions to overcoming these issues Who should attend A Communicaid Doing business in Brazil course will be of benefit to you if you are: Interested in establishing business partnerships in Brazil Establishing partnerships with Brazilian counterparts Managing overseas projects in Brazil Involved in exporting/importing with Brazilian business counterparts Employing Brazilian nationals within your organisation Experiencing the challenges of doing business in Brazil Course Content All our Doing Business in Brazil training courses are designed to meet the specific needs of our clients depending on their particular requirements and existing skills set. A Doing Business in Brazil course typically includes: Establishing a Brazilian context: geographical, historical, political and economic overview of Brazil Brazilian culture and society: religion, language, diversity, family roles and customs and how they influence business culture The impact of Brazil and its position in South America Brazilian business and economic environment and the future of the South American markets Brazilian corporate culture and business etiquette: hierarchy, egalitarianism, perspectives of time, relationships Management and working styles for doing business in Brazil Effective business communication in Brazil: using English as an international tool, degrees of formality, verbal and nonverbal cues Negotiating in Brazil: getting your point across Understanding the potential obstacles that may arise in the Brazilian business environment and solutions to these challenges Language 
Communicaid's language training is also ideal to learn the language spoken in Brazil, along with the proper way to say words and phrases, and also what is appropriate to say in a business setting and what is not. Benefits of our Brazilian language course A Communicaid Brazilian Portuguese course will provide you with the ability to: - Speak Brazilian Portuguese with confidence - Build rapport and strengthen relationships with Brazilian contacts through a show of interest in Brazilian language and culture - Demonstrate goodwill and facilitate international communication at both a personal and organisational level - Interact more confidently when visiting Brazil or dealing with Brazilian Portuguese speakers Who should attend our Brazilian school A Communicaid Brazilian Portuguese language course is suitable for: - Anyone working with Brazil or Brazilian contacts - Anyone planning to relocate to a Brazil and wishing to attend a Brazilian Portuguese course in order to prepare in advance for their assignment - Business professionals conducting business regularly with Brazilians who wish to build rapport and strengthen relationships by attending a Brazilian Portuguese course - Government and non-governmental agency representatives working in Brazil who need to be able to communicate at all levels Brazilian course content The content and format of your Brazilian Portuguese training course will depend on your profession, proficiency in Brazilian Portuguese and objectives. Whether beginner, survival, intermediate or advanced, key areas covered in all our Brazilian Portuguese courses include: - Spoken fluency - Pronunciation and accent - Listening comprehension - Reading comprehension - Telephone skills in Brazilian Portuguese - Email skills in Brazilian Portuguese - Sector/industry-specific terminology - Presentation & negotiation skills http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=6884933812523234715&postID=2243288896407316043

Visas and Permits

In general, work visas and work permits will only be issued to employees of Brazilian registered companies subject to local tax and labour regulations. This means that no one may work in Brazil whilst being paid by a company which is registered outside Brazil. * permanent visa- It is 5 years long. The foreign-based company for whom this individual works must be investing or be preparing to invest, through its Brazilian-registered branch, a minimum of US$200,000 in the country. * temporary Visa with a company tie- This visa is granted to an individual whose qualifications and/or experience clearly demonstrate that his skills set is unique and there is no Brazilian citizen who can assume the role he is intended to perform in the country. The visa is issued for an initial period of two years with the option to extend it for another two years should the need arise. * temporary Visa without a direct company tie- This visa is designed for companies intending to contract hire an individual the company can prove has unique skills and for which there is no Brazilian citizen able to perform the same tasks. However, the worker is neither a direct employee of a Brazilian company or of an overseas-based company with a Brazilian-based branch, rather he will be an independent, overseas-based individual, contracted to attend to a specific need that may have arisen. This visa is valid for 2 years and extendable. Work Permit - Once the visa has been issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the company contracting the foreigner will start the work permit application process with the Ministry of Labour and Employment in Brasília. The following are the documents needed: *Work permit application form *Applicant and candidate form (any type of remuneration received abroad must be submitted to the Brazilian Revenue Service) *Copy of the applicant's foreign passport identification page(s) showing the passport number, name, date of birth, nationality and photograph *Employment contract *Proof of education, qualifications and professional experience *Copy of the Brazilian Federal Tax Number (Cadastro Nactional de Pessoa Juridica - CNPJ) *Signed document from the applicant stating that full responsibility will be taken for all medical and hospital expenses incurred by the foreign citizen or their dependants during their stay in Brazil *Signed document from the applicant firm confirming responsibility for the repatriation of the foreign citizen as well as their dependants after the end of the stay *Information on the locations (including addresses) where the foreigner will work *Proof of payment of individual immigration tax for the foreigner and each of their dependants *Officially delegated power of attorney http://brazil.angloinfo.com/countries/brazil/employ.asp

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Nestle, a Swiss-based company, has manufacturing, packaging and distribution plants in Brazil. http://www.drinks-business-review.com/article_news.asp?guid=7DEC39B8-2B89-44F2-A80A-8A8ED22CBBA7

Shell in Brazil

Brazil is the leading ethanol producing country and Shell is very much a leading petroleum company in terms of ethanol.

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

MNC's in Brazil

Ambev is the one of the largest beverage companies and is the biggest brewery in South America. They produce many beverage products in Central and South America such as Pepsi products, Lipton teas, Gatorade, and numerous cervejas (beers). http://www.ambev.com.br/index.php

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Power Distance

Brazil has a Power Distance of about 70 and the US has a Power Distance of about 40. In Brazil we can expect that stricter obediance is found across all levels of society. The accept that power is distributed somewhat unequally. Here in the U.S. there is much less power distance, so lower level emplyees tend to follow orders as a matter of procedure.

Masculinity

Brazil's Masculinity: 49
United States' Masculinity: 62
Masculine traits include assertiveness, materialism/material success, self-centeredness, power, strength and individual achievements. According to number Hofstede's scale of Masculinity, these two cultures share very different values. 

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Long-Term Orientation

On the other hand, Brazil has a much higher long-term orientation than the U.S. Brazil scores a 65 in LTO, while the U.S. scores a 29. For the United States this means that we are distinctively below the world LTO average of 45. This probably indicates that our society tends to focus on short-term goals and our obligation to meet objectives. Typically, short-term orientation aligns with a respect for tradition and fulfilling social obligations (such as voting). Brazil's score of 65 indicates that Brazil stresses perseverence.

Individualism according to Hofstede

The United States has a much higher sense of Individualism than Brazil. Brazil only scores a 38 on individualism while the U.S. scores a 91. This is the largest difference gap between the U.S. and Brazil. This is due to the Latin tendency to be a more Collectivist society. Brazilians have a long-term commitment to their family groups (extended family and relationships). Most Brazilians live at home with their parents until marriage, then even once married tend to stay within the same neighborhood to remain close to the family. The United States on the other hand has rather loose bonds with others and maintains a higher individualistic attitude. I believe there is more of a fight for power within the U.S. that creates a sense of "every man for himself". Typically, U.S. citizens tend to look out for themselves and only close relatives. We are a much more self-reliant culture than Latino countries.

Hofstede's Dimensions

PDI-Power Distance Index IDV-Individualism MAS-Masculinity LTO-Long-Term Orientation UAI - Uncertainty Avoidance Index Brazil has a much higher rate of UAI than the United States. The citizens of the U.S. are known to be risk takers. We do not tend to avoid situations just because they are uncertain about them. We do often times weigh the pros and cons to be more certain, but we have also been known to just jump into things without much thought. In Brazil, their culture is less risky. They are more cautious of things that they are not certain about. They will take some risks, but they are more careful about the risks they take. They are more likely to avoid situations that might not end up like they think they will. They are more likely to look at all the possible outcomes before making a decision.

Monday, February 23, 2009

Porverb

He who knows nothing, doubts nothing. 
SOURCE: http://creativeproverbs.com/br01.htm 

Crafty Women

Women in Brazil tend to work from home. Less than 50% of Brazilian women hold jobs outside of the home. If they bring in any income for the home unit, women will create crafts from home to sell in markets or to sell straight from their home.
www.everyculture.com/Bo-Co/Brazil.html

Cristo Redentor

IMAGE SOURCE: http://www.conteaqui.com.br/images/nova_maravilha_cristo_redentor.jpg