The concepts of globalization and international marketing are two important concepts that must be addressed and discussed in relation to business operations of large multinational companies. Globalization is defined as the integration of the economy at a global level and involves two main features. The first main feature states that in globalization, most trade takes place among multinational corporations, while the second main feature emphasizes that the major activity in the global economy is the flow of money in the form of derivatives, foreign investments and many others. In simple terms, the concept of globalization simply means the opening and cross relating of different economies in the world, in line with the desire to have a wider and diverse market. With this, since the aim of globalization is to expand and diversify its market, the concept of international market then becomes relevant. International marketing refers to marketing across national borders, Continue reading
International Marketing
International Marketing Research – Definition, Categories and Process
International marketing managers make the same basic types of decisions as do those who operate in only one country. Of course, they make these decisions in a more complicated environment. As with marketing decisions, the basic function of marketing research and the research process does not differentiate between domestic and multinational research. However, the process is complicated almost exponentially as more and more countries are involved in the same decision. Marketing research practices and techniques have become truly global. For example, the world’s largest research firm, Nielsen, is headquartered in the U.S. but derives almost two-thirds of its revenue from outside the U.S. It is standardizing much of the data it routinely collects in 27 different countries. The main factors which influence marketing research in different countries are; Cultural differences. Culture refers to widely shared norms or patterns of behavior of a large group of people. It is the values, attitudes, Continue reading
Country of Origin Effect in International Marketing
The Country of Origin Effect is the influence that the manufacturer country has on the positive or negative consumer judgment. Studies have shown that when a customer becomes aware of the country of origin of a product his/her image about the product is influenced either positively or negatively according to his perceptions. Consumers tend to have a stereotype about product and countries that have been formed by experience, hearsay, myth. These stereotypes are generally broad and vague according to which they judge a specific country or a specific product to be the best: French Perfumes, Italian Leather, Chinese Silk and Japanese Technology are all examples of such stereotypes. Therefore the country, the type of product, and the image of the company all its brand play a crucial rule in deciding whether the country of origin will engender a positive or a negative reaction. Country Image: Precursors to Country of Origin Continue reading
Case Study: PepsiCo’s International Marketing Strategy
Pepsi was created by chemist named Caleb Bradham. He was inspired to experiment with various products and ingredients to create a suitable summer drink that became highly sought after way back in the summer of 1898. It was this summer inspiration that later evolved into what we now know as Pepsi Cola. The company was launched officially in the year 1902. The beginning of Pepsi Cola was in the back room of his pharmacy, but recognizing its potential, Caleb soon started bottling the product so that people all over can enjoy it. As the years passed, Caleb started franchising the bottling of the drink to different people in different locations. Soon Pepsi Cola was being sold in 24 states across the United States. When World War I broke out, the company went bankrupt and Caleb had to sell the trademark to a stock broker from North Carolina. But he too Continue reading
The Global Advertising Plan
The strategic advertising plan usually is prepared in conjunction with the advertising budget. Basically, the plan outlines the marketing strategy, whereas the budget allocates the funds. Two major approaches to advertising in foreign cultures differ in their orientation: one is market oriented and the other is culture oriented. The Market Analysis Model This model is based on data and observation from several countries. It recognizes the existence of local, regional, and international brands in almost every product category. The two major variables are the share of market of brands within a category and the size of the category. A marketing manager must look not only as share but also at market size, growth rates, and growth opportunities. For instance, cola-flavored soft drinks are not nearly as dominant in Germany as they are in the United States. To generate sales in Germany, then, a soft-drink company would have to develop orange Continue reading
Multinational Marketing Information System (MMIS)
In general, marketing research is the process wherein vital information pertaining to the market is gathered thru data acquisition and is analysed in order to help the senior management reduce the risk associated with decision-making thru the means of an effective information dissemination system. Because of this, the marketing research tool plays a vital role in the overall process of management information systems. With the expansion of countries into the global market, multinational marketing research has taken flight. Multinational marketing research is the systematic and objective acquisition of data pertaining to the market in which the company wishes to penetrate. It is a support tool for the decision makers in order to reach a sound decision that involves the proper identification and implementation of their multinational marketing strategies and programs targeting the identified market. Marketing research as part of the multinational marketing information system should be able to be utilized Continue reading