ducation, and existing product or consumption technology. Finally there are socio-cultural characteristics of a country, which deals with the cultural values, life-style patterns, and the break down of the number of ethnic or sub-cultural groups.Some information must also be acquired about the resources of a country. This is such physical resources information such as electricity, energy, or water. There are also human resources such as the availability of labor, work skills, management training, attitudes, size of a labor force, levels of productivity and hourly wages. Also there is information on capital resources such as financial resources, technological availability and sophistication. International research provides an essential input into the design of effective strategies for international marketing operations. Further, it aids in decisions concerning appropriate tactics to be used in different country markets. In particular, research is required to evaluate long-run market potential relative to different countries, product markets, and target segments. Research can also aid in determining appropriate modes of market segmentation. Finally, research provides a valuable input for long run strategic planning and selection of countries, product markets, target segments, and modes of operation for long run market growth. Collection on information is a key element in developing and implementing effective international business strategies. In particular, it is important to gather information relating to macroeconomic indicators in order to monitor the business-investment climate and marketing environment in different countries throughout the world. In domestic markets, an effective information system is essential to success. In the international markets, it is even more important to have an effective information system because of the rapid changes that are going on in the international market place. It is almost impossibl...
