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    TABLE OF CONTENTS

    1. INTRODUCTION

    1.1 BACKGROUND- COMPANY PROFILE

    1.2 THE PRODUCT

    1.3 LIST OF FOUR COUNTRIES

    1.4 SELECTION OF COUNTRY

    2. MARKETING RESEARCH PROPOSAL

    2.1 INTRODUCTION

    2.2 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

    2.3 METHODOLOGY

    2.3.1 POPULATION AND SAMPLING

    2.3.2 DATA GATHERING PLAN

    2.3.3 DATA ANALYSIS PLAN

    3. TIMING

    4. COSTS AND BUDGETS

    5. PROBLEMS IN DATA GATHERING

    6. RECOMMENDATIONS

    7. CONCLUSION

    8. REFERENCES

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    INTRODUCTION Section 1

    Introduction

    The marketing research plan, with respect to assignment one obtainable with motive by

    Gethafoam. Due to its magnetism of the bedding industry growth; Gethafoam has adopted a

    market development plan to achieve sustainable growth in the next five years. Part of the strategy

    is to develop into foreign market by looking beyond national boundaries for market opportunities

    overseas. Thus, the company has selected the following countries Nigeria, Congo and

    Zimbabwean, of which Nigeria were chosen after careful survey of customer profiles and it

    having potential market for the mattress with huge advantage for Gethafoam plc as a company.

    Nevertheless, culture is one of the most exigent component of the international marketplace,

    which inclusively patterns of behaviorand way of thinking whether people living in groups

    create, share and learn i.e. culture differs from group to another.

    The aim of this report is to give a synopsis of Nigeria culture and there consumers behavior.

    Moreover, it may provides the international marketer with clues on how the culture may affect on

    international marketing mix decisions

    The marketing mix deals with the way in which a business uses prices, product, people, process

    and promotion to market and sell its product. More so, the marketing strategy needs to take into

    account the culture, consumer needs and expectations, buyers behavior of people from targeted

    country Nigeria

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    1.1Company Background

    Weifong Industries Sdn.Bhd was incorporated in year 1969 and with almost 40 years of

    manufacturing experience, we are known as the leading manufacturer of natural latex foam

    mattresses and bedding products in Malaysia. The company is located at its own property at Lot

    60, Batu 11.Jalan Cheras, 43000 kajang, Selangor and occupies a land area of 10,000 square

    metres.The company manufactures its product with the Dunlop technology process and its latest

    European automatic foaming machine automated line, its products are proudly manufactured

    using 100% pure natural, high quality latex from only Malaysia which is renown for its world

    class quality.

    Gethafoam are made in conformance to international specifications and had matched and passed

    various test standards such as certification from ECO umweltinstitute,Germany,Institute

    Umweltindtitute Bremen GmbH,Germany and the world renown Malaysia Rubber Board.Getha

    mattress also developed there own fire Retardant natural latex foam, which had been tested and

    passed FIRA International ltd (UK)

    With the ever-increasing international exposure of there products, participation in international

    trade shows worldwide, emphasis on continuous research and development is the key to there

    continuous growth and success.

    The companys achievement had been duly recognized by the Malaysian government and they

    were honored to be the recipient of the Product Excellence Awards presented by Prime

    Minister of Malaysia,YAB DatoSeri Abdullah.Ahmed Badawi,in the year 2005.Besides this, the

    company had also attained numerous prestigious awards, in recognition of its continuous growth

    in branding and excellence.

    For more confirmation: visit. www.getha.com.my/compro.htm.

    http://www.getha.com.my/compro.htmhttp://www.getha.com.my/compro.htm
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    1.2 The Product Gethafoam produced the best quality mattress, carpets, cushion etc and

    automotive markets like technical foams for industrial, consumers and transportation

    industries. It has the same quality with the foreign brands, below are the product offerings.

    Getha Bond Adhesive

    Getha mattress

    Foam Wads & Rollers

    Getha campus/leisure mat

    1.3 The List of Selected Countries

    Gethafoam companypropose to go international market and that has placed a demand on the

    marketing manager to conduct a research on three countries to choose the best suitable. Thecountries selected are.

    NIGERIA

    CONGO

    ZIMBABWEAN

    1.4 Selection of One Country

    After suitable research demeanor on the three countries picked, Nigeria was selected via some

    convincing reasons which involves viz

    Political stability

    Beneficial geographical condition

    Positive economic condition

    Admittance to free tariff etc

    2.1 Introduction

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    Market research proposal is a plan, explains in detail the purposes of conducting the research,

    ways of doing it, the information needed for writing research and costs associated with it

    although there are clarity in domestic market, it is critical to conduct research on the prospect

    country for the difference in politics, economics, legal regulations on free trade or restrictions of

    operation. There are steps in the marketing research process (Kotler & Keller 2006).

    Definition of problem and objectives

    Develop the research plan

    Gather the data

    Perform data analysis

    Present the findings

    Make the decision

    2.1.1 Definition of problem

    The domestic market competition created a problem and the gethafoam considered how the

    operations of the company will progress in the next decade, with the high contested market share

    domestically.

    SWOTanalysis is a tool for auditing an organization and its environment. It is the first stage of

    planning and helps marketers to focus on key issues.

    From theBCG matrix, when gethafoam existing product goes into the new Nigerian market,

    the best market strategy for the company to chose is the market penetration.

    Existing product New developments

    Existing markets Market penetration

    Advertisement

    Pre-launch the product

    Product development

    Develop new range

    Produce new range

    New markets Market development Which Diversification

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    overseas market to enter?

    What information is needed

    for decision?

    Where is the target market

    (distribution places, people

    Produce different types.

    (Source from http://www.quickmba.com/strategy/rnatrix/bcg)

    2.2 Research Objectives

    Two key research objectives for Gethafoam Company are:

    (l) How to penetrate into the market with high level of rivalry?(2) How to assess the feasibility of International market with its differences in

    Politics, environment, social and culture.

    2.3 Methodology

    2, 3.1 Population and Sampling Plan

    A sample is the segment of the population you select for market research purpose to

    representation (varying levels of reliability) (Kotler& Lee). Knowledge of fully understand

    society's behavior and fundamental attitudes is essential. The culture traits of a country have a

    profound effect on people's lifestyle and behavior patterns and these are reflected in the market

    place. This involves the what? How? Where? & who. For the sake for Sample data, we collect

    information from various sources.

    1. Populations sampling (age, gender income).

    2. Brands sampling (the brands that consumer prefer).

    In this case cluster where formed to understand the approach of potential customers towards the

    brands, we conduct different questionnaires for proper survey and interviews for each diverse

    location. These shown in the table below.

    Group A Group B Group C Group D

    East West South North

    http://www.quickmba.com/strategy/rnatrix/bcghttp://www.quickmba.com/strategy/rnatrix/bcg
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    The sampling above can be done through visiting or conduct road show in various

    Supermarket, street corners, BRT stations and shopping mull.

    2.3,2 Data Collection Plan

    Two methods are used in data gathering:

    1. Primary data

    2. Secondary data

    Primary data collection methods include survey, observation and experiment, interviews, focus

    groups, questionnaires. Secondary data is the data that is already gathered, compiled, and

    analyzed for some other purposes. This is via online technology research can now provide access

    to thousands of sources, such as newspapers, trade journals, news releases industry news letters

    and much more. The following ways have been proposed to carry out during the data collection

    process:

    Activity Type

    (P= primary;

    S=secondary)

    Purpose location

    1 Survey via questionnaires P Better details and pertinent

    questions being posed in the

    forms to gather reliable and

    realistic

    shopping malls, o

    household resi

    survey, schools

    airport

    2 Observation/Personal

    interviews

    p To observe target market in

    action. This will enrich

    Understanding of surveyors.

    Shopping malls

    Departmental stores

    supermarkets, c

    stores, and retail shop

    3 Experiment p It is the most scientifically

    valued research technique. This

    is to capture cause-and-effect

    relationships-by selecting similar

    group of subjects. e.g.

    Complimentary gift in the

    Same as abov

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    package

    4 Survey via internet p This incurs least cost insurveying.

    Web pop survey

    5 Location of shopping

    complex and shop

    s The locality will determine the

    turnover of sales

    internet

    6 Lifestyle and living

    standards

    s Lifestyle of living will affect the

    purchasing trend

    internet

    2.3.3 Data Processing or analysis plan.

    The information collected from section 2.3.2 is helpful in developing the correct marketing mix

    strategies for this potential country, Nigeria. Thus it is crucial to evaluate in detailed in order to

    penetrate the marketsuccessfully. The analysis plan set up is as follow.

    Customer preferences concentrate on the response from questionnaires and intercept

    interviews and focus on the marketing mix selection criteria by the customers, namely

    product, price place, promotion, people process and physical

    Economic data GDP and Lifestyle survey via internet.

    Market segmentation- to analyze the venues with high sales turnover and target

    customers

    To understand the packaging referencing by customers

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    3. The table below indicates our suggest time frame on the research process

    Week Activity Purpose Venue

    1-4 Desk research To gather secondary data on

    three countries in order to

    select the best.

    Own office

    5-8 Fly to countries

    selected

    To gain better insight of what

    you see is what is what you get

    concept

    Nigeria ,Congo and

    Zimbabwean

    9 Selection of one

    panorama country.

    Arrangement is done

    to the Gethafoam

    management and seek

    for the consent

    To keep gethafoam

    management staff well

    informed to achieve the

    companys objectives

    Own office

    10-11 To sketch the

    questionnaires format

    on the pertinent

    questions and answers

    wish to be attained

    To conduct the survey in

    Nigeria based on the group and

    category summarized in 2.3.1 it

    will determine the product are

    interested by the population

    within its own country

    Own Office

    12-15 Complication on data

    collected through

    survey and interviews.

    To summarize the information

    gathered

    Own office

    19-20 To evaluate data and

    prepare the findings

    To analyze for decision making Own office

    21 To present the report To seek endorsement and

    decision making to go

    international

    Own office

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    4. Costs and Budget for Research

    Item

    No.

    Description Purpose Amount

    ($)

    1 To send at least twomarketing staff to Nigeria

    .Include air ticket, hotel

    accommodation and meal

    allowances

    To survey around the country ofits opportunities and threats to

    conduct observation research

    50,000

    2 Agent outsource cost To engage agent in Nigeria to

    conduct the survey

    10,000

    3 Harmonizing gifts to

    people who fill up thequestionnaire forms

    To attract more customers to fill

    up the forms in more delightmanners

    5,000

    4 Closet rental in

    supermarkets

    To gather the survey data in more

    effective way

    10,000

    5 Other miscellaneous bill

    e.g. telephone claims

    entertainment

    For other expenses and offer

    benefit to staff

    2,500

    The above table where used to illustrate for budgeting and costing, which however finalized at

    rates of $77,500.

    5. Problems in Data Gathering

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    Time and tolerance is required to have several endeavor in order to collect the data

    needed.

    Due to inadequate of fluency with the foreign place- this leads to bogus assumptions and

    imperfectly defined research problems.

    Statistic data and information about gethafoam seems to be limited.

    Regency of data (age of data) - the most current data gathered by way of internet is not

    the latest version.

    Through mailing and telephone Surveys may not obtain full responses in, accurate

    responses attitudes and behavior of customers which lead to in exactness of data

    collected.

    Lack of thorough demographic information and even in trying to reach sampling units

    andConsumer behavior- People could rebuff to collaborate to provide genuine answer

    to the questions.

    Random sampling errors these errors occur due to variation in a sample data.

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    RECOMMENDATION

    For the challenges faced during the data gathering Nigeria textile Mills commended to conduct

    primary research to overcome the familiarity with foreign environment Individual survey and

    observation in different environment convey the most reliable data compared to the mailing or

    telephone survey. Via observation and questionnaires we can view the consumer behavior and

    their attitude authenticity. All team members and staff in the organization being the consumer

    before progressing to penetrate the overseas market. This means we must put ourselves in the

    consumers shoes to understand our products in term of quality, taste and price. This is to conduct

    the survey within the immediate family members, relatives and friends to obtain the answer

    whether we have confident to go international, when faced with the situation where there is no

    data available, or the secondary data sources are inadequate then it is necessary to begin the

    collection of primary data in the form of quantitative and qualitative research (cateora, 1996).

    Due to the inadequate and reliable data collected from internet for its aging reason we must also

    search for the magazines such as Weekly Business and journals for better updates. After research

    of the potential and viability of Singapore market here after some recommendations about the

    further strategy to go to the new market even though all the information is already gathered PLC

    still should prepare contingency strategies to cope with the Crisis which cannot be anticipated

    such financial crises, terrorism and when penetrate a new international market, PLC should

    better use segmentation strategy to fulfill every kind of customer need. In order to gather, sort,

    analyze evaluate and distribute needed, timely and accurate information to marketing decision

    makers. International marketing information system is necessary for PLC to do better.

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    PART 2: Gathering of Secondary Data in Nigeria

    Political

    Environment

    Political

    system(research &

    findings

    Political stability.

    http://humandevelopment.bu.ed/dev:indicators

    Taxations Tax system (Research

    Findings)

    Taxation and duties are 100% exempted

    Income tax rate is less than 4% after 10 years

    Environmental

    regulation

    Research Findings Variation in Environmental regulations from

    state to state.

    Employment law Research and

    findings

    The unemployment rate in the Nigeria jumped

    to 8.1 percent, the highest level since late

    1983, as employers slashed 651,000 jobs.

    Trade and Tariff

    Restrictions

    Research and

    findings

    The Trade and Tariff restrictions are generally

    high, especially on companies with African

    Origin

    Economics Factors in Nigeria

    Socio-cultural Environment

    Employment

    Rate

    Research

    Findings

    The unemployment is high, increases to 8.5%

    Economic

    Growth

    Research

    Findings

    GDP growth averaged 5.6% since

    2002

    Inflation

    Rates

    Research

    Findings

    Inflation rate fluctuates between 17-25%.

    Exchange

    Rates

    Research and

    findings

    Potentially favorable

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    Population

    Growth Rate

    Research Findings Population growth is among the highest in the

    developed countries

    Age

    DistributionResearch Findings

    The age distribution for the Nigeria increased

    in the mid aged

    Consumer

    Behaviors)

    Research Findings Notable for continuously changing consumer

    buying behavior.

    Technological Trends

    Distribution and

    Communication

    Channels

    Research and

    findings

    Distribution of products by the use of

    technologies e.g. marketing information

    systems

    Technology

    inducement

    Research and

    findings

    According to statistics in 2004, 120

    million people in Nigeria use the internet.

    Rate of

    Technological

    Change

    Research and

    findings

    Development in technology is fast

    changing

    According to the data obtained, there are opportunities for growth in Nigeria. With the state of

    the economy ranging from the inflation rate, the subsidies for African countries, effective

    channel of distribution, political stability and so many others touched in the analysis above.

    Section2

    Cross cultural values and consumers behaviour

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    Cross cultural marketing is defined as thestrategic process of marketing among consumers

    whose culture differs from that of the marketers own culture at least in one of the fundamental

    cultural aspects, such as language, religion, social norms and values, education, and the living

    style (kotler 1994).

    At the mainstay of culture, lie its values. As defined by Rokeach, value is an enduring belief that

    one mode of conduct or end-state of existence is preferable to an opposing mode conduct i.e.

    consumer behaviour.eg applying unpleasant colour in the embroidery and latex in making the

    mattress is well accepted in the Malaysia but may perhaps be considered a disrespect in Nigeria,

    values endow consumers with standards for making comparisons among alternatives.

    To suitable the importance of values in consumer behaviour, first we need to identify valuable

    market segments to target within the Nigeria market, using an apt marketing mix.

    Fundamentally, our crucial targets are defined by elusive consumer characteristics defined by

    their lifestyles, reimbursement sought; mattress is a reflection of order, as a result of innovator.

    VALS MODEL SEGEMENT inhabit this niche segment Previous consumer features sort after

    involves, geography i.e. states, provinces densely populated by blacks, demographics i.e. youths

    between 16-30, and the elderly personnels, religions oriented.

    The behaviour of the identified consumer groups above towards product consumption is subject

    to the values and value systems therein, thus the need to evaluate differences in value systems

    between Nigeria foreign market and Malaysia parent country to establish the differences in

    behaviour amongst these segments. Understanding the implications of these differences is of

    these differences is of significant importance to the international marketer.

    Decision Making Strategies for international marketing mix (7ps)

    The basic question now is when launching a product into foreign market; do youstandardize or

    adapt your market mix to the foreign market? Gethafoam can either adopt to use an adaptedmarketing mix to market the mattress in Nigeria or standardized marketing mix. Conversely the

    best unforeseen event approach is to consider a bit of the both; 40%/60%.

    Product decision: Standardization / Adaptation

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    The central part predicament in global marketing is whether to sell an indistinguishable product

    (a global brand) throughout its sales area or to make whatever modifications are needed to relates

    for confined differences. The mattress is a niche brand targeted at common niche segment within

    the Nigeria country

    Apparently desires may be universal, but the motivation, elevation and expressions of these

    needs vary, so in essence the product decision on whether to standardize or adapt the mattress is

    questionable based on two hypothesis.

    Presence of Global Communities: Global communities, entail homogenous groups or market

    segments of people with similar lifestyles and values. The mattress is originally targeted towards

    the youths ages; the best estimate is that average youth in Malaysia divulge similar

    characteristics with similar race within the Nigeria .This is not completely true as these people

    are reared on different norms and values, the average Malaysia is very respectful to there seniors

    and is quite symbolic in demonstrating this mattress is usually for resting and enjoyment hour,

    the case may be difference in Nigeria making products decision for standardization unfavourable.

    Convergence and Divergence of Consumer Behaviour This is as a result of cultural

    imperialism; countries are becoming similar with respect to penetration and consumption of

    confident goods but not in respect to the motives for buying them.Basically, Nigeria when

    compared to Malaysia display little convergence at the macro level, we so far apart from GNI

    (gross national income).however this does not necessarily imply a divergence of consumer

    choice at the micro level, for e.g. Malaysia youth and a Nigeria show talent for upholstery

    furniture, yet the reasons for purchasing differs. A Malaysian may purchase foam for resting

    while Nigerian man for furniture use only.

    Product lifecycle and Adaptation Obviously some reimbursement from Standardization include;

    economies of scale in production, Marketing, management, distribution etc, usually

    standardization saves cost' however one major factor disturbing the standardization of mattress'

    is the product phase within the product life cycle. In Malaysia, the product has attained its peak

    phase unlike the Nigeria, for its product new compete. Hence there is need for extensive

    adaptation to profitably ascertain the mattress within the Nigeria, The strategy would be to think

    worldwide, but act local

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    Analysing the Product for Adaptation: In accumulation to cultural struggle to Product

    acceptance, which may oblige adaptation, physical attributes can influence the recognition or

    elimination of a product. Similarly, the mattress is Multi-dimensional and the totting up of its

    features and attributes determines the amount of satisfaction received by consumers thus there is

    needed to divide its many dimensions into three distinct components;

    Its core Components: Gethafoam mattress core components consist of its design and quality.

    These features tend to differ across borders as they reflect contrasting implications to consumers

    taste. In Malaysia, the 'mattress, is made mostly in latex; this might replicate rebuff because

    consumers are more aligned to spring mattress in Nigeria market. For example; the quality of

    the product can be altered .Basically, these adjustments are costly because a change in the

    platform (core component) can affect product processes, hence it need additional capital

    investment; however it is necessary to adapt the product to the cultural variations as ubiquitous

    in the Nigeria. Packaging: These include style features, labeling, trademarks, brand name etc.

    The importance of each of these elements in the eyes of the consumer depends on the need that

    the product is designed to serve.

    Products refer to the offering based on the product or service variety, design, features, quality,

    brand name, packaging, styling, size and colour varieties, performance, image etc. In making the

    product offering decision Gethafoam plc will need to look into the standardization and adaptation

    strategy based on various factors as discussed.

    Gethafoam Plc needs to make a decision on the product offering as to whether to standardize or

    adapt the mattress to international markets. The most important reasons driving Nigeria

    multinational companies towards international tactical adaptation are culture, market

    development, competition, laws, economic differences and differences in customer perceptions

    while the most important reasons for standardizing are global uniformity and image, economies

    of scale and synergetic and transferable experience. Consistency with consumers, easier planningand control and stock cost reduction are of less importance.

    Price (Standardization or Adaptation) low cost price

    Changes in the marketing environment may require a review of the prices of products already on

    the market or for a new market. For example, an announcement by a large firm that it is going to

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    lower its prices makes it necessary for other firms in the industry to examine their prices. Culture

    is not an independent variable in the business equation. Rather, culture exists, or should exist, to

    support thebusiness strategy. If culture is how we get things done, strategy shows us what needs

    to be done. Usunier (2000) argues that price is a significant element of communication and a

    decisive element in the social interaction between buyer and seller.

    Gethafoam Plc needs to look into theirpricing strategy and for very obvious reasons review the

    strategy on a regular basis. The price objective, demand and costs estimate needs to be

    determined

    Promotion (Standardization or Adaptation)

    Promotion refers to the awareness created for the preamble of a new product and availability of

    an already existing product by means of advertising and selling activities. The main goal of

    promotion is to make customers responsive of product features, its uses and reimbursement

    Promotion activities help firms to position their products in the right way in the market to reach

    the target customers. Effective promotional activities consist of a clear and simple message

    which is directly targeted at a specific group of people, reached by means of a suitable medium

    like television or print adverts. The message should be consistent with the overall marketing

    image of the firm and should reach the target audience and generate the desired response.

    Promotional activities involve advertising, personal selling, public relations and sales

    promotions. Gethafoam Plc needs to develop their promotion strategies for all of these stated

    reasons.

    Individualistic cultures' high attraction to the Internet is often attributed to the egalitarian,

    democratic nature of the Internet (de Mooij, 2000, 2004). The strong influence of Individualism

    on the consumption of the Internet, which is a relatively impersonal medium of communication,

    is also connected with the essential and product-specific aspect of cultural communication styles.

    Gethafoam Plc needs to be sentient of this since the Nigeria has the predisposition to purchaseproducts online and these needs to be considered as a channel of promotion.

    Hofstede (1991) refers to Hall's concept of Context and concludes that high Individualism is

    very often connected to "Low-context" communication, whereas low Individualism

    (Collectivism) very often is connected to "High-context" communication. According to Hall

    http://www.allbusiness.com/human-resources/employee-development/687257-1.htmlhttp://www.allbusiness.com/human-resources/employee-development/687257-1.html
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    (Hall & Hall 1990) members of low-context cultures have less personal contact with each other;

    therefore communication must be very detailed and very explicit.

    Place (Standardization or Adaptation) location

    Place refers to the distribution channels used to get a firms products from the

    manufacturer/service provider to the end customers. Place is also known as channel, distribution,

    or intermediary. For business to be successful, it is important that the product/service offerings

    are at the right place at the right time. Therefore great importance should be placed in

    determining the distribution medium. The selection of distribution method should be carefully

    made keeping in mind the target audience and the positioning of the product in the market.

    Gethafoam Plc needs to adopt the adaptation strategy in its bid for expansion into other

    countries and market around the world as its globalization strategy focusing on managing

    capitals through prudent and strategic growth since various countries have different cultures with

    regards to their buyer behaviour based on their distribution channel cultures. In high power

    societies globalization is broaden supply chains internationally at a time when market instability

    is increasing, exposing companies to greater uncertainty. Port stoppages, customs delays and

    transportation capacity constraints are just some of the dangers global companies face every day

    but this will not be the case of Gethafoam Plc entering the Nigeria due to the fact that the culture

    is such that the individualistic nature of the residents also encourage the customers to buy

    products online.

    People (Standardization or Adaptation) staff/ good delivery

    Hofstede (2003) viewed culture as a construct and therefore is not directly accessible to

    observation but inferable from behaviours and useful in predicting other behaviour (p 69).

    Edward Hall (1976) proposed that the difference in communication among different societies lies

    in their context. High context societies depend more on the external stimuli for behavioural

    cues whereas those in low context cultures are more direct and explicit in their communication

    and this affects the behaviour of the people and this needs to be considered for human resource.

    In Nigeria the collectivism culture encourages all staff to think in one direction but the

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    individualistic nature of the Nigeria may also hamper group think and work, therefore a blend of

    local and foreign workers should be encouraged to strike a balance. The foam industry in Nigeria

    is more of afeminine fieldas it is considered a place for women and it is assumed that women

    will be more creative than their male counterparts this will not be the case in the Nigeria as the

    industry is a mixture of both sexes. In going global, Gethafoam Plc needs to put all this culture

    into consideration as well as identify the laws on labour in the country of expansion like

    demography where Malaysia workers do not have to attain a certain age to work whereas in the

    Nigeria only people over 18years of age can work.

    Process

    This assumes a separate role within the marketing mix, as it involves the procedures, task

    schedules, mechanisms, activities and routines by which a product or service is delivered to the

    customer. Identification of process management as a separate activity is a pre-requisite to quality

    improvement. While the people facet is important in customer service, no amount of interest and

    effort from staff will overcome continued unsatisfactory process performance. The foam industry

    in Nigeria emanates high standards of quality hence there should be a precedence need for

    Gethafoam plc to incorporate and use for success in this new market. The weather in the Nigeria

    requires that the product be produced according to the needs of the consumers and Gethafoam

    plc needs to be alert of this therefore they need to use the adaptive strategy withoutcompromising on quality since their slogan is Malaysians quality foam, high quality latex. For

    example, can Dunlop technology be added to wool while it can remain 100% latex? Suppliers

    have to be responsive to this adaptive strategy else Gethafoam Plc may need to be involved in

    vertical integration to ensure that raw materials are readily available for production although the

    procedure for production could remain similar.

    Physical evidence (Standardization or Adaptation)

    Gethafoam should adoptstandardization in some aspects of their physicals like buildings, logos

    and slogans since they have been known for Asians quality mattress and has a symbol of the

    Asian legacy which is the quintessence of their product offering, the buildings and factories

    should have a particular pattern if laws in the Nigeria allows for it. The environmental laws on

    pollution by factories may differ from place to place and this will definitely affect the structures

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    for example, in Malaysia factories are encouraged to be high storied so as to take pollution

    further up the atmosphere, in the Nigeria biotechnology is encouraged to discourage global

    warming therefore the building structure may differ.

    Conclusion