•  Discussion 1 

The lowering of trade barriers has encouraged the globalization of markets and production while evolving technologies have made it a tangible reality.  Discuss three ways that changes in technology contributed to the globalization of markets and production and how technology is creating global opportunity?

Explain three key global marketing trends you recognize in the macro-environment?  

Which of these trends should global marketers target and why?

This applies to all weeks:  Make sure to reference the readings and other sources to support your posts!  As you respond to your colleagues, compare and contrast your responses with theirs.  Do you see similarities?  How about differences?

Here are a few ways to make a note substantive:

• Share unique web links, references, examples, research or resources.

• Link the discussions with peer-reviewed sources and course readings.

• Describe how you have applied course concepts to your career or life.

• Explain a work issue related to the discussion.

• Pose a question to the class related to the discussion material.

• Comment on others’ experiences or sharing related experiences.

• Offer a new perspective on an idea or concept being discussed.

• Explore an idea from the readings with an application or insight gained.

• The initial response must be at least 300 words with cited references from our textbook readings.  A comment to others should be at least 100 words.

Post your initial response no later than midnight Wednesday.  Continue to dialog with the class on this material through midnight Sunday.  Make sure to connect your discussion posts with this week’s text readings.

•  Discussion 2 

Outline at least three ways that cultural, political or legal system differences have an impact on company operations in a foreign country.  Provide one example of a high-profile global corporation and how it was impacted by these differences.

Give three or more examples of gestures, personal space, clothing, colors, numbers, shapes, and other cultural attributes that have different meanings in different cultures.  Explain these differences and how they might impact doing business in a foreign country.

Make sure to reference the readings and other sources to support your posts!  As you respond to your colleagues, compare and contrast your responses with theirs.  Do you see similarities? How about Differences?

• Discussion 3 

Marketing research over the Internet has increased significantly in the past decade.  Outline at least three strengths and three weaknesses of marketing research conducted online. 

Business planning and market research go hand in hand.  The goal of marketing research, in my opinion, is to reduce decision-making risk.  So what does this really mean, in your opinion?  Explain several ways that organizations reduce decision-making risk through market research and provide some examples. 

Make sure to reference the readings and other sources to support your posts!  As you respond to your colleagues, compare and contrast your responses with theirs.  Do you see similarities? How about Differences?

•  Discussion 4 

A company’s entry method choice for a target country is a result of numerous issues and forces.  Identify at least 3-4 of the entry method options available to companies and several pros and cons of each. 

When marketing internationally a company must often alter one or more elements of its domestic marketing mix in order to market effectively.  Pick a product you are familiar with and explain in detail at least one way that each element of the domestic marketing mix may have to be altered to effectively compete in a foreign market.  The elements of the marketing mix are product, price, promotion and place (distribution). 

Make sure to reference the readings and other sources to support your posts!  As you respond to your colleagues, compare and contrast your responses with theirs.  Do you see similarities? How about Differences?

•  Discussion 5 

Explain three or more things that companies should consider when developing a new product for a global market.  Identify a new product that has failed in global markets and the reasons why.  Explain at least three ways that you would you have handled the product launch differently. 

Explain several reasons that marketing channels and intermediaries are necessary in foreign markets.  Why do channel arrangements sometimes need to be modified over time?

Make sure to reference the readings and other sources to support your posts!  As you respond to your colleagues, compare and contrast your responses with theirs.  Do you see similarities?  How about Differences?

• Discussion 6 

Each student is to identify an international advertising campaign that was successful and explain why or identify an unsuccessful global advertising campaign and explain why it failed.  Outline 2-3 key things these examples teach us about global marketing communications and promotion programs in a global market. 

Consider direct marketing and interactive marketing.  Which type of marketing would you recommend for launching of a new product or service in a foreign market and why? 

Make sure to reference the readings and other sources to support your posts!  As you respond to your colleagues, compare and contrast your responses with theirs. Do you see similarities?  How about Differences?

Post your initial response no later than midnight Wednesday.  Continue to dialog with the class on this material through midnight Sunday.  Make sure to connect your discussion posts with this week’s text

• Discussion 7 

Describe 4-5 factors that companies consider when price-setting for foreign markets.  How important is a company’s strategy to adapt the price of products and services to each foreign market?

The U.S. dollar has been declining in value for several years against other key world currencies.  U.S. government officials don't appear too concerned about it and aren't making any moves to change this trend.   Explain in detail the impact of this trend on U.S. exporters and the U.S. economy

Make sure to reference the readings and other sources to support your posts!  As you respond to your colleagues, compare and contrast your responses with theirs.  Do you see similarities?  How about Differences?