choosing a strategy, in a given situation, to develop a global market

8.2 Marketing Strategy – International Marketing

Objective: Choosing a strategy, in a given situation, to develop a global market.

1️⃣ Understanding the Global Market Landscape

Think of the world as a giant pizza 🍕. Each country is a slice with its own taste preferences, cultural toppings, and crust thickness. To sell a product worldwide, you need to know which slice you’re targeting and how to adapt your pizza to fit the local palate.

2️⃣ Market Entry Strategies

  • Exporting – Ship your product from home country. Low risk, low control. 🚢
  • Licensing – Let a local firm use your brand and technology. You earn royalties. 📜
  • Franchising – Similar to licensing but includes a full business model. Ideal for fast‑food chains. 🍔
  • Joint Venture (JV) – Partner with a local company. Shared risk, shared control. 🤝
  • Direct Investment (FDI) – Build your own factory or office abroad. Highest control, highest cost. 🏗️

3️⃣ Choosing the Right Strategy: Decision‑Making Framework

  1. Assess Company Resources – What can you afford? Capital, expertise, brand strength. 💰
  2. Analyze Target Market – Size, growth, cultural fit, regulatory environment. 📊
  3. Evaluate Risk – Political, economic, currency, competitive. ⚠️
  4. Consider Competition – Who’s already there? What’s their market share? 🏁
  5. Decide & Plan – Match strategy to resources, market, and risk. Draft a timeline. ???

4️⃣ Case Study Example: “TechCo” Launches a New Smartphone in India

TechCo is a mid‑size electronics firm. They want to sell their new phone in India.

FactorOptionsRecommendation
Capital Availability\$2M for marketing, \$5M for manufacturingExport + Local Assembly (low cost)
Market SizeLarge, growing smartphone marketJoint Venture with local distributor
Risk LevelPolitical stability moderate, currency volatility highLicensing to reduce currency risk

TechCo chooses a Joint Venture with a local partner who already has a distribution network. This balances control and risk while leveraging local knowledge.

5️⃣ Exam Tips & Common Questions

Tip 1: Use the Decision‑Making Framework to structure your answer. Show a clear step‑by‑step process.

Tip 2: When comparing strategies, create a table to highlight pros and cons. This demonstrates analytical skills.

Tip 3: Remember to link company resources with market opportunities. The examiners look for a balanced approach.

Tip 4: Use real‑world examples (e.g., Apple, McDonald’s) to illustrate how global brands adapt.

Tip 5: Keep your language simple and avoid jargon. Use emojis sparingly to make the answer memorable, but ensure they don’t distract from the content.

6️⃣ Quick Flashcard Review

  • 🚀 Exporting – Low cost, low control.
  • 📜 Licensing – Use brand, earn royalties.
  • 🍔 Franchising – Full business model, high brand consistency.
  • 🤝 Joint Venture – Shared risk, local expertise.
  • 🏗️ FDI – Highest control, highest investment.