You need a stable foothold and insight into the dynamics of the marketplace from which to be able to peer effectively into the future.... Marketing research can provide real value by helping to provide the radar that will alert the enterprise to perils -- and opportunities -- ahead" (Duboff & Spaeth 2000, pp. 3-13). Proponents of market research maintain that these activities help to ensure that companies remain consumer-orientated.

economic factor is probably the first to be considered when making a domestic or international marketing decision. In terms of the international marketing decisions, the economic factor will determine the initial export decision. Indeed, the economic factor practically summarizes everything in terms of the financial and economic health of the country in which the marketing decision will be applied, but with a direct impact on social or demographical factors

, 2003). Notwithstanding these similarities in the marketing function, there are some important differences that must also be considered. For example, even enormous countries in geographic and population terms that have relatively homogeneous populations may require more straightforward domestic marketing techniques and small city-states will require more elaborate international marketing techniques. For example, as Rao (2000) points out, "Given its strong tourism base and an open economy, Singapore has modern international

People and services are not easily moved among the various countries. Although securing work and permits in the United States for Mexican and Canadian immigrants, NAFTA has also caused considerable concern in terms of legislation. This is particularly the case in Canadian lawmaking. Several disputes resulted from NAFTA trading activities in the country. Such disputes for example include gasoline additives and possible related health concerns and nerve damage (Weintraub, 2004).

To an average individual within the United States however, the relevance is reduced, with importance only for gathering general knowledge on the country. The jurisdiction of the analysis expands as far as the data is available and does not constitute intrusion on matters of national secrecy. 2. Review of Literature 2.1 Research Tools The primary tool to be used in the answering of the posed questions is that of conducting research. This

Global Marketing According to Cleveland and Laroche (2007), the global consumer is characterized as someone who fits in with global consumer culture. This is a culture that has certain characteristics that are static internationally, such that the global consumer can be subject to global marketing. The global consumer is understood in contrast to the local consumer. The local consumer bears strong characteristics of the local market, in their tastes and buying