Abstract
This paper offers an abstract of "African Culture and Business Markets," by William K. Darley and Charles Blankson, that highlights characteristics of African culture and discusses their implication for business marketing.

From the Paper
"In "African Culture and Business Markets", William K. Darley and Charles Blankson argue that for businesses to succeed in the African marketplace, multinational firms must understand the beliefs, attitudes and perceptions that characterize African culture. The article is structured in three parts. The first provides an overview of the cultural underpinnings of Africa. The second uses the cultural models of Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck and Hofstede to provide a synoptic view and a modal focus on African culture. A final section offers..."

Tags:relationships, Hofstede, Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck, cultural dimensions, upstream and downstream business relationships

Abstract
This paper expounds upon the basic concepts, principles and practices of marketing and systematically outlines how to conduct marketing research. It points out that marketing research, as distinct from mere data and information, is, in addition, the systematic collection and analysis-based interpretation of all data focused on a specific marketing issue. The paper defines marketing research as the systematic, objective, and unbiased collection, analysis and interpretation of recorded data obtained from a large sample in order to provide support to decisions on a specific marketing issue. It discusses important related issues such as the analysis of customer behavior and culture. The paper concludes that the marketing strategies implemented by the marketing staff are constrained by the company's corporate strategies and are also strongly influenced by the market opportunities the company has selected to pursue.

Table of Contents:
Executive Summary
Introduction
Research Process
Report
Summary

From the Paper
"Marketing decisions are usually time-bound and if research has to play a role in influencing these decisions, the results must be available in time for decisions to be based on Research. The financial cost of research is linked to the time available for research. Delayed research often results in opportunity loss because of delayed decision-making or through wrong decisions. Another factor that normally affects the decision about the scope and especially the nature of research is the availability of monetary and human resources. An important issue is the availability of analysts with adequate knowledge of suitable research techniques. Sophisticated research methodologies also require a higher degree of expertise on the part of the researcher. Understanding and interpreting qualitative research data can only be done well by a trained researcher, preferably with a background in sociology and psychology. For example, the science of semiotics can contribute a great deal to a sophisticated understanding of how consumers interpret and relate to colors, symbols, etc and relate to brand."

Tags:market, strategy, analysis

Abstract
This paper considers the ways in which celebrity culture has played a role in the marketing of luxury fashion products as a luxury experience. The paper begins with a brief history of conventional advertising and discusses the psychological, social, economic, and technological aspects of our culture and looks at how marketing has affected the ways in which brands are advertised using celebrities as endorsers.

From the Paper
"The struggle to make a good impression and foster customer loyalty toward a product has been part of marketing and advertising history since before the turn of the twentieth century in Europe and the United States. After the Industrial Revolution took hold in Western Europe and the United States during the nineteenth century, more and more mass-produced goods were manufactured and bought by customers who, in previous years, might have made their own goods or gone without. A focus on capturing a customer's attention and desire with advertising practices went..."

Tags:luxury, experience, celebrity

Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses how to make marketing planning work in an organization by improving its organizational structure, internal communication mechanisms, and organizational culture. Market research and competitive intelligence are also discussed briefly.

From the Paper
"Marketing has been described as a business philosophy that puts the customer at the center of the organization's activities and marketing planning is a logical sequence and a series of activities leading to the setting of marketing objectives and the formulation of plans for achieving them. In any organization that engages in marketing the process of marketing requires planning. Products need to be positioned effectively in order to be competitive with rival products and marketing campaigns need to be thought ..."

Tags:marketing planning, communication, organizational structure, competitive intelligence, market research, Kuwait Hotels Company, KHC, organizational culture

Abstract
This paper discusses the youth market and the youth culture as a separate entity within the overall demographic of the U.S. The paper pays particular attention to the integration of the music and clothing industry and who these industries have become associated in the minds of the youth as being consistent with their culture and self expression.

From the Paper
" Youth Culture v. Youth Market The concept of youth culture as a separate entity within the broader demographic of the U.S. population is tenuous at best because it shifts constantly from one point to another. At times various groups co-opt what they perceive to be youth culture for their own unique and idiosyncratic purposes: "Through magazines, music, sit-com style videos, cartoons, and other media, Focus strives to construct an alternative Christian youth culture that mirrors secular culture's style and consumption habits" (Hendershot, 1995, para.5). Just as likely is the current trend in Hip-Hop to turn its primary audience; a grand collage of youth from across the various demographics making up the U.S. population, into one conceptual body comprising a unique youth culture all its own (Taylor & Taylor, 2004)."

Tags:culture, marketing, rap

Abstract
This paper examines how, as increasing numbers of businesses look to expand and develop their consumer and market base through the internationalisation of their operations, managers are recognising the importance of effective international marketing to counter the increased levels of uncertainty and complexity. It focuses specifically on the role of culture in the formulation of international marketing strategies, using a number of examples to highlight the points raised. Firstly, international marketing strategies are considered in more detail, followed by an exploration of the concept of culture and its influence on international marketing strategies.

Outline
Introduction
What are International Marketing Strategies?
Understanding Culture
The Role of Culture in International Marketing Strategy Formulation
Hofstede?s Five Dimensions
Hall and Hall?s High-Low Context
Direct Influence on Marketing Mix
Product
Price
Place
Promotion
Importance of Ethics
Critiquing the Role of Culture
Conclusions
References
Appendix 1

From the Paper
"Since value judgements vary between and within cultures, perceptions of what constitutes acceptable behaviour also differ: for example a gift in one country may be considered a bribe in another (Cateora and Ghauri, 2000; Doole and Lowe, 2001). Kotabe and Helsen (2004 p.171) highlight the significance of this for international marketers who "must understand and respect cultural subtleties, whilst finding the limits of ethical behaviour"; since a company's ethical stance may affect its ability to do business in some countries. For example, Motorola's lengthy "Code of Business Conduct", sets out standards for accepted behaviour throughout the organisation (see www.motorola.com). They recognise the "ethical legitimacy" of gift-giving in Japan, but decline to "participate in the practice" (Hamilton and Knouse, 2001 p.87). This allows the company to show respect for Japanese culture, whilst maintaining its own corporate values. Similarly, consideration should be given to product usage and production processes, which may not be appropriate in certain cultures or environments."

Tags:culture, hofstede, business

Abstract
This paper explains that global marketing requires the organization to pay attention to its internal structure, to be prepared to face different regulatory procedures and, above all, to be able to familiarize itself adequately with the culture and practices of the country into which it is expanding operations. The author points out that transnational businesses and international marketing should be organized around strong leadership and teamwork across cultural borders because problems in communication tend to increase with the relative distance of the branch or subsidiary to its headquarters. The paper relates that a certain degree of centralization is doubly important to the company operating internationally because it allows the company to fix prices within certain boundaries and to discourage gray trading.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Organizational Structure
Global Marketing, Regulation and Business Practice
International Cultures
Conclusion
Propositions for Future Research

From the Paper
"Before discussing international marketing further, agreement must be sought in existing literature about the definition of marketing itself as a base concept for comparison. There are many different perspectives to consider when seeking a definition of the word marketing. Kotler, et. al see a modern definition of marketing as the crucial determination of how business are going to succeed in new conditions that are brought about by technological advances and globalization. For example, the authors state that, in the analog economy, most companies operate three different businesses: a product innovation and commercialization business, a customer relationships business, and an operations and infrastructure business, and then go on to note that in the new or digital economy (which also signifies an increase in global marketing efforts with increases in communication technology), these three different businesses are still present, even if they must be dealt with more dynamically than in the past. Generally, these authors see the old economy as a place of stability and control, and oppose it to the new economy, which is a place of constant change and increasing recognition of customer needs globally."

Tags:structure, pricing, regulatory, culture, communication

Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that the article "Alt.Everything: The Youth Market and the Marketing of Cool" by Naomi Klein is primarily a lament about the commodification of youth culture. The writer discusses that the author argues that this is a phenomenon that has arisen since the early 1990s, and that now threatens to colonize all possible free space. The writer notes that the author analyzes and laments this phenomenon, arguing that the current generation of youth has had their space colonized by the branding of culture and of city spaces.

From the Paper
"Briefing Note: "Alt.Everything: The Youth Market and the Marketing of Cool" by Naomi Klein * Article is entitled "Alt.Everything: The Youth Market and the Marketing of Cool" by Naomi Klein. * Klein is criticizing the commodification of youth culture. * Klein argues this a phenomenon that started in early 1990s, and now threatens to colonize all free space. * Klein argues that the current generation of youth has had their space ..."

Tags:youth, culture, corporations

Abstract
This paper is a marketing audit of the Sony Corporation. The paper provides a detailed SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis of Sony's marketing, culture, technology, strategies and tactics. The paper concludes with its recommendations for Sony's future marketing strategies.

From the Paper
"The Sony Corporation has a long history of innovative development, strong branding and excellent quality, which has made it a technological leader for many years. Sony's family-like organizational culture, where employees are ..."

Tags:Sony, marketing audit, executive summary, TOC, environmental aspects, marketing objectives, strategies, tactics, 4 P's, organizational culture, electronics, SWOT

Abstract
This paper discusses culture, environment, and marketing strategy for Ford Motor Company cars in Poland. It examines Polish history and recent events in Poland, and presents a cultural and economic profile upon which to base a marketing strategy. The paper considers Poland a viable market for Ford.

From the Paper
"This report focuses on Poland a country which has experienced significant economic reforms and privatization in the wake of political changes taking place after Poland has enjoyed rapid growth in ..."

Tags:marketing, poland, Ford, business