Marketing (Edexcel A Level Business)
Revision Note
Written by: Jennifer Aryiku
Reviewed by: Steve Vorster
Glocalisation
Global marketing strategy is the process of planning, producing, placing and promoting a business’s product or service to the global market
Glocalisation is a strategy where businesses aim to reach customers globally and also take into consideration the needs of the local market
The term ‘think global, act local’ is used to describe the strategy of glocalisation
Different Marketing Approaches
There are several marketing approaches that a business can take when it comes to expanding its operations to other countries or regions
The three main approaches are:
Domestic/ethnocentric
Mixed/geocentric
International/polycentric
The Domestic/Ethnocentric Approach
Businesses see the domestic market and foreign markets as very similar
This approach is based on the belief that the company's home country culture and marketing practices are superior to those of other countries
There will be no changes to the products for overseas customers and marketing of the product will be the same
E.g. Apple sells standardised products across their global markets e.g. iPhone, iPad which helps them to reduce costs as they can benefit from economies of scale
The Advantages & Disadvantages of the Ethnocentric Approach
Advantages | Disadvantages |
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Polycentric/International approach
Businesses adapt their marketing strategy by tailoring their products to the local market
The company treats each country as a unique market and develops a customised marketing mix for each market
E.g. KitKat (Nestle) has developed different adaptations of the chocolate to reach different consumers in the international market
The packaging for KitKat in Japan was changed to include cherry blossoms, a symbol of good luck
Additional flavours, such as purple sweet potato and matcha powder, were included to appeal to the tastes of the local market
The Advantages & Disadvantages of the Polycentric Approach
Advantages | Disadvantages |
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The Geocentric/Mixed Approach
This strategy is a mix of the polycentric and ethnocentric approach
This approach utilises the benefits of standardised products but also tailors products to meet the needs of local markets overseas while maintaining a consistent brand image across markets
E.g. McDonald's has a geocentric approach by adapting their menu to meet the tastes and culture of different overseas markets
McDonald's do not offer beef or pork in India due to religious reasons. However in the majority of western countries, McDonald's has standardised products such as the Big Mac
The Advantages & Disadvantages of the Geocentric Approach
Advantages | Disadvantages |
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Examiner Tips and Tricks
The question can ask you to recommend which type of approach a business should take when expanding abroad. You should take into account the best approach for the type of business that is being considered in the extracts
Adapting & Applying the Marketing Mix to Global Markets
The marketing mix is the set of controllable marketing tools that a company uses to promote its brand or product in a market
It consists of the four Ps - product , price , place , and promotion
Businesses have to adapt the marketing mix to a new overseas market ensure the success of the product/service
By adapting the marketing mix to meet local needs, companies can effectively penetrate global markets and build a strong global brand
Adapting the Marketing Mix to Global Markets
Place | Product |
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Price | Promotion |
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Adapting & Applying Ansoff's Matrix to Global Markets
Ansoff's Matrix is a strategic planning tool that helps businesses identify potential growth opportunities by analysing their product and market strategies
The matrix consists of four growth strategies - market penetration, market development, product development, and diversification
Expanding outside of domestic markets generates risks for the business, so they need to ensure that they adopt the right strategy
By doing so, businesses can effectively penetrate global markets and achieve long-term success
Ansoff’s Matrix
| EXISTING PRODUCTS | NEW PRODUCTS |
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EXISTING GLOBAL MARKETS | Market Penetration | Product development |
NEW GLOBAL MARKETS | Market development | Diversification |
Market Penetration
This strategy focuses on selling existing products into existing markets
Carries the least risk - if a business already operates in a market and launches another product, customers are already familiar with the business
Market Development
This strategy focuses on selling existing products to new markets
Businesses may have to adapt the product to meet the needs of customers in global markets who have different preferences
This strategy carries more risk as customers may not understand the product
E.g. Tesco opened stores in China and later had to withdraw from the market as they lacked understanding of Chinese consumer habits
Diversification
This strategy involves businesses developing new products for new markets
A high risk strategy as the business may have limited knowledge about the market
This strategy requires a deep understanding of local market conditions and consumer behaviour to ensure that the new product and market are a good fit for the business
Product Development
A growth strategy where a business aims to introduce new products into existing markets
This requires market research to identify the target market's needs and preferences, developing products that meet those needs, and adapting the marketing mix to ensure that the products resonate with local consumers
Examiner Tips and Tricks
In Paper 1, you are often required to make links between Theme 1 and Theme 4. When you have questions on marketing, refer to the marketing strategies and concepts from other sections of the course to explain the different approaches a business may undertake when expanding into an international market
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