Exam 2 Flashcards
What are the steps of the product life cycle?
Research and development Introduction Growth Maturity Decline
What can a company do during the introductory phase?
Influence consumer’s cognitive system and the purchase decision du to limited availability of information related product benefits.
What is characteristics of the maturity phase?
Demand slowdown that settles on steady growth rate
Marketing: shift from information to persuasionp
How is the PLC different from country to country?
Differences in: Shape of the curve Product phase in the life cycle The starting point The take off point Acceptance rate
How does word-of-mouth affect the PLC?
The increase of the adoption rate after the take-off point is mainly due to the interpersonal communication development i.e. word-of-mouth among the members of the foreign target segment, which can vary from country to country
What is significant about the PLC in regards to different countries?
The product can be in decline in the domestic market, in the maturity stage in country X and in the introduction stage in country Y
Companies need to manage the PLC across different countries to guarantee a constant level of profits
What is standardization?
Existence of global or regional markets
Development of similar marketing activities across national boundaries
What is adaptation?
Opting for a differentiated strategy that allows for adopting to the specific characteristics of foreign markets and to competition
Advantages and disadvantages of standardization?
Advantages: Environment: homogenous Costs: cost reduction Image: global image Planning and control: easier Innovation: diffusion of innovation Consumers: homogenous Legal issues: no differences Distribution: low costs Competition: global Customers: global
Disadvantages:
Customer satisfaction low because of lack to meet local needs
Advantages and disadvantages of adaptation?
Advantages: Consumer satisfaction high Environment: non-homogenous Image: local image Motivation: motivation of local managers Consumers: benefits for local consumers Competition: local Customers: local
Disadvantages:
Higher costs of manufacturing
Legal issues: many differences
Distribution: high costs, but can be reduced
What is the optimal level of standardization and adaptation?
When the combined costs of manufacturing and lost sales are at a minimum
Product use in a foreign market means to consider?
Use function
Use situation
Use conditions
Product utilization level
What’s the use situation of a product?
Considering all factors that define a “time” and a “place” that have a systematic effect on the consumer’s behavior
A different use situation can modify?
The importance consumers give to the product’s characteristics
The number and the type of brands taken into consideration in the purchase process
The acceptable price threshold
The time dedicated to information search
The information resources used
What are the 4 elements to packaging analysis?
Labeling
Packaging style and design
Packaging dimensions
Functional characteristics
What are the most important branding decisions in an international context?
Brand strategy (global v. local) Brand positioning Brand selection (name, logo)
What can be critical for the success of global brands?
Recognition Consistency Emotion Uniqueness Adaptability Management
What’s consistency?
A brand is able to deliver a consistent customer experience worldwide, e.g. McDonalds
What’s the emotional dimension?
Human values and aspirations
Common appeal despite cultural differences
e.g. Nike
What’s uniqueness?
Product features and communication (e.g. Apple, concept of innovation)
What’s adaptability?
A global brand demonstrates that it is able to respect local factors while fulfilling a global mission e.g. HSBC
Why are the brand name and logo significant?
They are part of the communication strategy
What do brands have to think about internationally when deciding on a name / logo?
Can we use the same brand name in all our potential markets?
Can we standardize our logo on an international level?
When would it be necessary to change the brand name in a foreign country?
When the brand name has a different meaning
What is the significance of the country-of-origin / made-in effect?
Attitudes are linked more specifically to the general perception on the quality of the products manufactured in that country
What’s the ethnocentrism phenomenon?
The believe that locally made products are more valuable then imported products.
How can the product nationality perception be influenced?
National product image vs. imported / international products
Generic products perceived country of origin
The manufacturing company’s national image
The image diffused by the brand name
The label’s “made in” image
What are the ideal tools to win over consumers about a foreign product and to strengthen brand image?
Products are guaranteed by independent manufacturers
Products have been examined by external labs
Warranties are offered
Partner with a prestigious distributor
Setting global prices …
Price must be in line with purchasing power
Pricing strategies need to be coordinated across countries and geographic areas to avoid ruining the image / brand
What factors influence international pricing decision?
Competitive factors
Consumer factors
Product factors and distribution channels
Country factors