global industry
competitors’ strategic positions in major geographic or national markets are affected by their overall global positions.
global firm
operates in more than one country and captures R&D, production, logistical, marketing, and financial advantages not available to purely domestic competitors.
factors that draw companies to the international arena
typical entry strategies
the waterfall approach
gradually entering countries in sequence.
the sprinkler approach
entering many countries simultaneously.
born global
firms that market to the entire world from the start. increasing amount of especially technology intensive firms or online ventures do this.
risks of going abroad
cultural distance
companies often choose neighbouring countries because they understand them better and can control costs more effectively. however, it may lead to overlooking potentially better markets and only superficially analysing differences that could put them at a disadvantage.
regional economic integration
the creation of trading agreements between blocs of countries. this has intensified in recent years and means that companies are more likely to enter entire regions at the same time.
broad choices in entering a market
indirect and direct export
companies often start in indirect export, work through independent intermediaries, and may move into direct export later. this order of entry requires less investment and risk.
licensing
the licensor issues a license to a foreign company to use a manufacturing process, trademark, patent, trade secret, or other item of value for a fee or royalty. the licensor gains entry at little risk; the licensee gains production expertise or a well-known product name.
joint ventures
foreign investors may join local investors in a joint venture company in which they share ownership and control, sometimes desirable for political or economic reasons.
direct investment
the foreign company can buy part or full interest in a local company or build its own manufacturing or service facilities.
standardised marketing program
using the same marketing program worldwide. this promises the lowest costs. standardised and adapted marketing programs form the two extremes.
adapted marketing program
the company, consistent with the marketing concept, believes consumer needs vary and tailor marketing to each target group.
standardised marketing program advantages
standardised marketing program disadvantages
ignores differences in…
1. consumer needs, wants, and usage patterns
2. consumer response to marketing programs and activities
3. brand and product development and the competitive environment
4. legal environment
5. marketing institutions
6. administrative procedures
straight extension
introduces the product in foreign market without any change, a successful strategy for eg. consumer electronics.
product adaptation
alters the product to meet local conditions or preferences, developing a regional version of its product, a country version, a city version, or different retailer versions.
product invention
creates something new. it has two forms:
1. backward invention: reintroducing earlier product forms well adapted to a foreign country’s needs
2. forward invention: creating a new product to meet a need in another country
communication adaptation
the process of changing marketing communications for each local market.
dual adaptation
both adapting the product and the communications.