Factors Contributing to Globalisation – Vocabulary Review

30 vocabulary flashcards summarising the key terms and examples from Chapter 8: Factors Contributing to Globalisation.

Globalisation

The process through which ideas and activities of people in different parts of the world become interconnected.

Interconnections

Links created among people, businesses and countries through the movement of goods, services, people, knowledge and resources.

Interdependent relationships

Mutual reliance that develops from global interconnections, e.g., between global and local developments or among suppliers, producers and consumers.

Producer

A company that manufactures or provides goods or services, e.g., Apple Inc., Haidilao, Charles & Keith.

Supplier

An entity that provides raw materials or components to producers.

Consumer

An individual or organisation that purchases and uses the goods produced.

Driving force of globalisation

A factor that rapidly increases the pace, frequency, intensity or geographic scope of global interconnections.

Technological advancements

Improvements in transportation or digital tools that make global movement and communication faster, cheaper and broader.

Developments in transportation

Enhancements in land, sea and air transport that reduce travel time and cost while increasing capacity.

Containerisation

The transport of goods in large, standardised containers, greatly increasing shipping efficiency and capacity.

Budget airline

Low-cost carrier that makes air travel more affordable and accessible, e.g., Scoot or AirAsia.

Transportation hub

A location with advanced, integrated transport infrastructure linking numerous global destinations.

Port of Singapore

A major transhipment and refuelling hub visited by over 130,000 vessels annually and connected to 600+ ports.

Digital technology

Electronic tools, systems, devices and resources that generate, store or process data and enable communication across distances.

Smartphone

A mobile phone with advanced computing abilities, high-speed connectivity and downloadable applications.

Echo chamber effect

Online situation in which users encounter only information or opinions that reinforce their existing beliefs.

Anti-vaxxer movement

Groups or individuals who spread misinformation about vaccines, often amplified through social media echo chambers.

TakeShelter

Website launched after the 2023 Syria-Turkey earthquake to match displaced persons with hosts worldwide.

Social media activism

Use of online platforms to organise, share information and participate in movements like #MeToo or #BlackLivesMatter.

Multinational Corporation (MNC)

A business that conducts economic activities and operates in more than one country.

Supply chain

The network of suppliers, producers, transporters, warehouses, retailers and consumers involved in making and delivering a product.

Subsidiary

A company controlled by a parent MNC and established in another country to carry out operations.

Starbucks supply chain example

A single cup of Starbucks coffee can involve inputs from up to 19 countries, illustrating global supply networks.

Interconnections created by MNCs

Economic and cultural links formed when MNCs spread operations, labour and ideas across borders.

Razer

Singapore-founded technology company that operates globally, exemplifying a locally owned MNC.

Synergy between technology and MNCs

Technological advances enable MNC operations, while MNC demand spurs further tech development.

Global transportation infrastructure

Integrated network of roads, railways, ports and airports enabling efficient international movement of goods and people.

Singapore-Johor Causeway

A land link facilitating essential goods and commuter flow between Singapore and Malaysia.

Changi Airport Terminal 5

Planned expansion of Singapore’s airport system to maintain competitiveness as a global aviation hub.

Transhipment

The transfer of cargo from one vessel or mode of transport to another en route to its final destination.