Week 2
Tutorial 1: Introduction to Global Marketing
SECTION A: Coursework Briefing
SECTION B: Discussion Questions
1. What are the basic goals of marketing? Are these goals relevant to global marketing?
Marketing activities represent an organization’s efforts to satisfy customer wants and needs by offering products and services that create value. These goals are relevant in virtually every part of the world; however, when an organization pursues market opportunities outside of its home country (domestic) market, managers need an understanding of additional conceptual tools and guidelines in order to do business in these other countries – in other words, to create value and satisfy consumer needs and wants.
2. What is meant by “global localization?” Is Coca-Cola a global product? Explain.
The phrase “global localization” represents an attempt to capture the spirit of the rallying cry for organizations in the 21st century, namely, “think globally, act locally, and manage regionally.” Most students will agree that Coca-Cola is a global product by virtue of the fact that it is available in more than 195 countries in red cans bearing the distinctive signature style. It must be noted, however, that customer service efforts are adapted to the needs of particular markets (for example, vending machines in Japan). Thus, Coca-Cola is both global and local.
3. Describe some of the global marketing strategies available to companies. Give examples of McDonald that use the different strategies.
4. Describe the difference between ethnocentric, polycentric, regiocentric, and geocentric management orientations.
The premise of an ethnocentric orientation is that home country products and management processes are superior. An ethnocentric company that neither sources inputs from, nor seeks market opportunities in the world outside the home country may be classified as an international company. A company that does business abroad