Some existing policies can act as barriers for managers who wish to take a different approach to some policies. While policies are great for businesses, they can get in the way of some internal factors of management functions. In the next paragraphs I will explain how some internal and external factors influence the four management functions. Globalization has connected companies around the world for years, enabling partnerships that were not possible before. This factor is often aided by the Internet and communication technology. The global economy allows businesses of all sizes to connect with foreign companies. For example, a U.S.-based store can import material from Chinese companies across the Web at a website called Alibaba.com. Managers are influenced by globalization because the planning function of the 4 management factors changes. Instead of focusing only on domestic operations, managers must now examine the opportunities offered by global partners. Global companies can also push competitive forces into the domestic market. If consumers can order cheaper products directly from foreign suppliers, domestic managers will have to use the control function to adapt to these expanding competitive forces.