International Marketing
Professor: Bjoern Ivens
Course type: Master +2
Value in ECTS: 3
Bibliographic references available on the University Library website
Academic Year 2012/13 - I. year - Spring semester
Course objective
In most industry sectors, competition is international today. International marketing and sales strategies offer potential for revenue growth, economies of scale and other key economic objectives. But while fascinating success stories exist, many companies have experienced how difficult it is to enter foreign markets.
International activities require an in-depth analysis of market conditions and customer value perceptions. Based on this analysis, core decisions concern the questions of which markets to enter and in which order to enter them. Moreover, the activities in the individual country markets and regions need to be coordinated.
Consequently, the course will first discuss the challenges of developing international markets and of conducting international market research. It then presents approaches to strategic market entrance decisions. Finally, it focuses upon the implementation of the strategic decisions through organizational design and the marketing mix. A specific focus is set upon the challenges but also opportunities that the rising importance of corporate social responsibility expectations from various stakeholder groups present for companies operating at an international level.
Course outline
- Fundamental concepts in international marketing
- Drivers and challenges of foreign market entry
- The international marketing playground
- Market entry decisions
- Market presence decisions
- Corporate Social Responsibility in international marketing