Athalla Ramadhan

1931502098

1. These four countries are collectively known as BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, and China).
Microsoft's experience illustrates the nature of the market opportunity in these
countries: In fiscal 2008, the software giant's collective revenues from BRIC grew 54%,
compared with overall global revenue growth of 18%. Experts predict that the BRIC
nations will be key players in global trade even as their track records on human rights,
environmental protection, and other issues come under closer scrutiny by their trading
partners.
2. Conducting business in the Japanese market demands understanding, flexibility,
ambitions, and long-term commitment. Although the Japanese market has changed
from a closed market to just being a tough market, there are still several barriers that
need to be overcome. These barriers include differences in business attitude as well as
laws. Companies interested in doing business with Japan should be willing and able to
provide top-quality products and services. Also, the products and services should be
tailored to local tastes.
3. The task of the global marketer is twofold based on the differences and similarities
prevalent worldwide. First, marketers must study and understand the country cultures
in which conduction of business is planned. Secondly, marketers must incorporate this
understanding into the marketing planning process. Several adaptations will be needed
in developing strategies. Deep cultural understanding can actually be a source of
competitive advantage for global companies.
4. Trade secrets, like the formula of Coke, are confidential information or knowledge that
has commercial value and is not in the public or government domain. Careful steps have
to be taken by those who have access to these trade secrets. Trade secrets include
manufacturing processes, formulas, designs, and customer lists. To prevent disclosure,
the licensing of unpatented trade secrets should be linked to a confidentiality contract
with everyone who has access to the protected information. In the United States, trade
secrets are protected by state law rather than federal statute.
5. There are different IT programs that can provide valuable tools for marketing. EDI
(Electronic data interchange) links with vendors to enable retailers to improve inventory
management and restock popular products in timely, cost-effective manner. Also,
effective consumer response (ECR) is another program which allows management to
work more closely with vendors on stock replenishment.