LO1 Analyse how effective marketing contributes to business strategies in an international context
ASSIGNMENT BRIEF
HNBS 350 International Marketing
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Unit Number and Title |
HNBS 350 International Marketing |
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Academic Year |
2024/25 Spring term (Jan – Apr 2025) |
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Unit Tutors |
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Assignment Title |
Part 1: Scoping the International Marketplace Part 2: International Marketing Plan |
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Issue Date |
w/c 03.02.2025 |
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Submission Date |
11:59 pm on Wednesday, 30 April 2025 (both part 1 and part 2 of the Assignment) |
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IV Name & Date |
Business Management Department, January 2025 |
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Guideline for Final Submission |
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ASSIGNMENT PART 2.
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Assignment Brief - Part 1
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Submission Format |
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The submission is in the form of an individual briefing report. This should be written in a concise, formal business style using single spacing and font size 12. You are required to make use of headings, paragraphs and subsections as appropriate and all work must be supported with research and referenced using the Harvard referencing system. Provide a bibliography using the Harvard referencing system. The recommended word count is about 2000 words, you will not be penalised for exceeding the total word limit. |
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Learning Outcomes |
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LO1 Analyse how effective marketing contributes to business strategies in an international context. LO2 Evaluate entry to a selection of international markets and define the key success factors. |
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Vocational scenario |
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You work as an Associate Consultant in the International Expansion Team at Many Pets Ltd., a British unicorn company that sells per insurance. Your team are playing a critical role at this organisation for growing product and service offerings in new international markets. You have a cross-functional role working closely with different areas of the business to identify business needs and adapt strategic approaches. Currently, you are working closely with the marketing department. You have been asked to prepare a brief document for the marketing team to familiarise them with key aspects they need to consider for their international marketing strategy. |
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Assignment activity and guidance |
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You will need to produce a briefing report which includes the following:
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Recommended Resources Please note that the resources listed are examples for you to use as a starting point in your research – the list is not definitive. Text Books
HN Global
Weblinks
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Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria
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Pass |
Merit |
Distinction |
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LO1 Analyse how effective marketing contributes to business strategies in an international context |
LO1 and LO2 D1 Produce a critical evaluation of the international market context, including insight into how organisations should adapt their marketing strategies for various markets. |
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P1 Analyse the scope and key concepts of international marketing. P2 Discuss the rationale for an organisation to want to market internationally and describe the various routes to market they can adopt. |
M1 Evaluate the opportunities and challenges that marketing internationally presents to an organisation. |
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LO2 Evaluate entry to a selection of international markets and define the key success factors |
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P3 Evaluate the key criteria and selection process to use when considering which international market to enter. P4 Explain, using examples, the different market entry strategies, including the advantages and disadvantages of each one. |
M2 Apply the market evaluation criteria and entry strategies, and make recommendations for a selected organisation. |
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Assignment Brief - Part 2
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Submission Format |
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The submission is in the form of an individual report which presents an international marketing plan for Many Pets Ltd. This should be written in a concise, formal business style using single spacing and font size 12. You are required to make use of headings, paragraphs and subsections as appropriate and all work must be supported with research and referenced using the Harvard referencing system. Provide a bibliography using the Harvard referencing system. The recommended word limit is 2000 – 2500 words, you will not be penalised for exceeding the total word limit. |
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Unit Learning Outcomes |
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LO3 Debate how the elements of the marketing plan can be adapted or standardised across international markets. LO4 Present different international marketing approaches for multinational, global, transnational or meta-national contexts. |
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Vocational scenario |
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Working for the same role and organisation (Many Pets Ltd.) as in Part 1, you are now required to develop an international marketing plan for them, that can be adapted or standardised across international markets to organise and evaluate their overall marketing efforts. |
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Assignment activity and guidance |
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Develop an international marketing plan for which you should perform the following tasks:
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Recommended Resources Please note that the resources listed are examples for you to use as a starting point in your research – the list is not definitive. Textbooks ALBAUM, G. and DUERR, E. (2016) International Marketing and Export Management.8th Ed. Harlow: Pearson. KEEGAN, W. (2016) Global Marketing Management: International Edition. 9th Ed. Harlow: Pearson. LOWE, R., KENYON, A. and DOOLE, I. (2019) International Marketing Strategy: Analysis, Development & Implementation. 8th Ed. Cengage. HN Global
Weblinks
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Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria
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Pass |
Merit |
Distinction |
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LO3 Debate how the elements of the marketing plan can be adapted or standardised across international markets |
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P5 Present the key arguments in the global vs local debate. |
M3 Challenge the context and circumstances in which |
D2Justify how the marketing mix can be adapted and applied, |
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P6 Discuss how the product, pricing, promotional and distribution approach differs in an international context. |
an organisation should adopt a global or local approach, highlighting the implications of doing so. M4 Articulate in detail how to adapt the |
giving a range of international examples. |
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marketing mix of a |
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selected organisation in |
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an international |
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context. |
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LO4 Present different international marketing |
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approaches for multinational, global, |
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transnational or meta-national contexts. |
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P7 Present various international marketing approaches for different organisations and contexts. |
M5 Present the benefits and limitations of various international marketing approaches and competitor analysis |
D3 Present recommendations for how organisations should be structured to maximise the |
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P8 Compare home and |
in relation to |
opportunity in an |
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international orientation |
organisational purpose |
international context. |
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and ways to assess |
and orientation. |
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competitors, giving |
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implications of each |
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approach. |
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All You Need to Know About HNBS 350 International Marketing Assignment
The HNBS 350 International Marketing Assignment focuses on how businesses expand their operations into foreign markets. It requires students to understand marketing strategies, cultural influences, and economic factors that affect international trade. This assignment is designed to develop analytical skills by assessing real-world business scenarios and applying marketing theories.
One key aspect of this assignment is market research. Students must explore different regions, identify potential customers, and evaluate the competitive landscape. Understanding consumer behaviour in a global context is crucial, as marketing strategies must align with cultural norms, legal requirements, and economic conditions. Companies that fail to consider these factors often struggle to establish a strong international presence.
Another critical component is the role of digital marketing in global expansion. Businesses use social media, search engine optimisation (SEO), and online advertising to reach international customers. The assignment may require an analysis of how companies leverage digital platforms to build brand awareness and drive sales in new markets. Case studies of successful international campaigns can provide valuable insights into effective strategies.
Students should also be prepared to discuss pricing, distribution, and promotional techniques in different markets. Currency fluctuations, taxation policies, and trade regulations can significantly impact pricing strategies. Distribution channels vary widely across countries, requiring companies to adapt their supply chains to local conditions. Similarly, advertising and promotional efforts must be tailored to the cultural expectations of target audiences.
This assignment encourages critical thinking and practical application of marketing principles. Students should use credible sources, real-world examples, and structured arguments to present well-supported conclusions. By completing this task, they gain a deeper understanding of how companies navigate the complexities of international marketing, preparing them for careers in global business.
Sample Answer of HNBS 350
LO1 Analyse how effective marketing contributes to business strategies in an international context.
As Many Pets Ltd. embarks on its international expansion journey, an effective marketing strategy will be crucial in navigating new markets, understanding customer needs, and establishing a strong brand presence. This document provides an overview of key international marketing concepts and their role in supporting strategic growth.
Key Concepts of International Marketing
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Market Entry Strategies
- Selecting the right market entry approach is essential. Many Pets Ltd. can explore direct exporting, joint ventures, franchising, or wholly owned subsidiaries depending on market potential, competition, and regulatory requirements.
- For example, a joint venture with an established local insurance provider may facilitate easier regulatory compliance and market penetration.
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Standardisation vs. Adaptation
- Standardisation involves using a unified marketing strategy across all markets, maintaining brand consistency and cost efficiency.
- Adaptation, on the other hand, tailors products, messaging, and pricing to local preferences, ensuring higher engagement and customer satisfaction.
- A hybrid approach could be beneficial—standardising core brand elements while adapting policies, pricing, and customer engagement strategies to fit local expectations.
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Cultural and Consumer Behaviour Analysis
- Understanding cultural nuances, pet ownership trends, and insurance adoption rates in different countries is crucial.
- Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Model can help assess factors like uncertainty avoidance, which influences how customers perceive insurance-related risks.
- For example, in markets with high uncertainty avoidance, Many Pets Ltd. should emphasise comprehensive coverage and reliability.
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Legal and Regulatory Compliance
- Each country has specific insurance regulations, data protection laws, and financial compliance requirements.
- The company must ensure adherence to GDPR in Europe, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) regulations in the US, and country-specific insurance licensing laws.
- Engaging local legal experts or compliance consultants can mitigate risks and ensure smooth operations.
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Brand Positioning and Competitive Analysis
- Identifying key competitors in target markets and assessing their strengths and weaknesses helps in crafting a unique value proposition (UVP).
- Many Pets Ltd. should position itself as an innovative, customer-centric, and tech-driven pet insurance provider that offers personalised policies, digital claims processing, and exceptional customer service.
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Pricing Strategies
- Pricing should be aligned with local purchasing power, economic conditions, and competitive benchmarks.
- Strategies like penetration pricing (offering lower initial rates to gain market share) or value-based pricing (charging premium rates for exclusive benefits) could be explored depending on market dynamics.
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Digital Marketing and Localised Customer Engagement
- International marketing success heavily relies on SEO, social media marketing, influencer partnerships, and content localisation.