Suggested Answers to Discussion Questions
1. What are the stages of national market development, and what percentage of
world income is found in each of the stages? Why is this information important
to global marketers?
2. What are the major trends in the world economy in the first two decades of the
21st century? How do these trends impact global marketing decisions? Cite
several subtrends that relate, in your opinion, to these major trends.
A business leader’s ability to assess trends in a rapidly changing competitive marketplace,
and use these to appropriately gauge their impact on profitability of the firm, is a critical
3. What is the pattern of income distribution in the world today? How is it different
than even 10 years ago? What are the implications of these patterns of income
distribution across the globe for the strategic marketer?
4. A manufacturer of online gaming devices is assessing the world market potential
for her products. She asks you if she should consider emerging countries as
potential markets. How would you advise her?
5. Are income and standard of living the same thing? What is meant by the term
standard of living; how is it best measured and why?
6. Describe the importance of international trade alliances and economic
cooperation agreements. In your view, are these beneficial to the global
marketer? If so, why? If not, why not?
7. Interview several local business owners to determine their attitude toward world
trade. Why, in your opinion, do they hold these attitudes and on what factual
information or experience are they based?