Week 8 Assignment 2 - Submit Here: Evaluating M

Week 8 Assignment 2 - Submit Here Assignment 2: Evaluating Market Resea

Companies can conduct marketing research in many ways. Let's compare tools. Using the same company from ASSIGNMENT 1, examine the Market Analyses provided by 2016.export.gov, located at (when you type this in, please provide a forward slash and the country you want to research—e.g., . Review the resources that this search yields in order to gather information on possible countries where the company could expand. Compare the information you locate from export.gov against the Market Research Database from U.S. Commercial Services located at (copy/paste this link to your browser—be sure to use Google Chrome or Firefox). Once you are in the website, type in the name of a country you would like to research in the top right-hand side of the page where you see the search box and press enter. You may also select another website to compare information from. In doing so, please state the name of the resource used. Note: You may create and/or make all necessary assumptions needed for the completion of this assignment.

The business can be any business of your choosing, although it is recommended that you choose a field that you are currently working in or have previously worked so that you are starting with more knowledge. However, you must remove any and all identifying information that would enable someone to discern the organization(s) that you have used. Tip: Review previous discussion posts. You may have already started something that you can expand upon in this assignment!

Use the basic outline below to draft your paper.

Organize your responses to each question (except Questions 1 and 6) under the following section headings:

The Market Research Data Base (for Question 2)

Market Research Information (for Question 3)

It's Your Call - Where Are You Going to Look When You Need Information? (for Questions 4 and 5)

Write a five to seven (5-7) page paper in which you:

• Provide a brief (one [1] paragraph) description of the company that you are working for. Note: Consider the type of products/goods the company provides, the company's mission, how long they have been in business, etc. If any of this information has changed from ASSIGNMENT 1, please make edits accordingly.
• From your research efforts on the U.S. Commercial Services site, recommend at least one (1) country that could possibly use the company's product or service.
• Propose one (1) approach that the company can take in order to expand to the aforementioned country(ies).
• From your research efforts on the buyusa.gov site, recommend at least one (1) country that could possibly use the company's product or service.
• Propose one (1) approach that the company can take in order to expand to the aforementioned country(ies).
• Determine which of the two (2) sites provides better marketing research information in relation to the company. Suggest reliable methods that you could use in order to fact-check the accuracy of either site.
• Provide your opinion as to whether or not the market research you have found on these sites is reputable. Provide a rationale for your response.
• Use at least six (6) quality references.

Note: Wikipedia and other websites do not qualify as academic resources. Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements: be typed, double-spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, your name, your professor's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length.

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are: compare global market research to domestic market research; create best practices for a global research strategy; examine the relationship between segmenting and positioning and the global marketplace; use technology and information resources to research issues in global marketing management; write clearly and concisely about global marketing management using proper writing mechanics.

Paper For Above instruction

In today's interconnected global economy, understanding international markets through comprehensive market research is crucial for companies seeking expansion. This paper evaluates different tools for conducting market research, comparing the data provided by two prominent sources: 2016.export.gov and U.S. Commercial Services. By examining these tools, their resources, and their reliability, I will demonstrate how businesses can leverage such information to make informed decisions about international expansion, using a selected company as a case study.

Company Description

The company I have selected for this analysis is a mid-sized manufacturer specializing in eco-friendly packaging solutions. The organization has been operational for over a decade, with a mission to promote sustainability through innovative packaging products made from biodegradable materials. The company’s portfolio includes retail packaging, foodservice disposables, and customized corporate branding solutions. Its long-standing commitment to environmental responsibility aligns with increasing consumer demand for sustainable products, positioning it well for global market opportunities.

The Market Research Database (Question 2)

Using the resources provided by 2016.export.gov, I researched potential international markets suitable for the company's expansion. The export.gov platform offers country-specific analyses based on economic indicators, trade data, and industry-specific reports. For example, my research pointed toward Germany, given its robust manufacturing sector, strict environmental regulations, and consumer preference for sustainable products. These factors suggest a promising market for eco-friendly packaging solutions. The export.gov platform provided detailed reports on trade barriers, import/export regulations, and market trends, which are valuable for strategic planning.

In comparison, the U.S. Commercial Services market research database also provided relevant insights but was more generalized in its data presentation. Its reports included consumer behavior trends, competitive landscape, and political stability, which confirmed Germany’s suitability but with less industry-specific detail than export.gov. Both platforms are useful, but the export.gov resource offers more targeted, detailed industry data that supports strategic decision-making for this particular company.

Market Research Information (Question 3)

The core market research information from export.gov indicated that Germany ranks as a high-potential market due to its strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental compliance. The country’s packaging market is projected to grow steadily, driven by consumer awareness and stricter regulatory standards that favor biodegradable materials. Additionally, trade statistics highlighted opportunities for export growth, especially in the retail and foodservice sectors where eco-conscious products are increasingly demanded.

The Market Research Database from the U.S. Commercial Services also reported similar insights but included additional data on consumer preferences. For example, German consumers show a preference for products that are certified biodegradable, and there is a significant governmental push for waste reduction initiatives. Such information underscores the alignment between the company's eco-friendly offerings and market demands, strengthening the case for expansion.

It's Your Call – Where Are You Going to Look When You Need Information? (Questions 4 & 5)

When considering where to gather international market data, the export.gov platform emerges as a better resource for industry-specific, detailed information. Its reports are oriented toward facilitating export decisions, including technical standards, trade barriers, and sector analyses that are critical for a manufacturing company's strategic planning. Conversely, buyusa.gov provides valuable insights into the general market environment, such as political stability, basic consumer preferences, and legal considerations, which are essential but less detailed for niche industry research.

To fact-check the accuracy of the information obtained from these sites, reliable methods include cross-verifying data with peer-reviewed trade journals, consulting official government publications, and leveraging independent market research firms. Additionally, corroborating data with firsthand industry reports and contacting trade associations can provide validation beyond digital sources. In my opinion, export.gov offers more actionable and industry-specific insights, making it more advantageous for business expansion decisions.

The Reputability of Market Research

I believe that the market research from both platforms is generally reputable, given their governmental backing and reliance on official data sources. Export.gov's reports are based on U.S. government trade data, industry analyses, and economic indicators, which are typically accurate and current. Similarly, buyusa.gov, managed by the U.S. Department of Commerce, aggregates data from reliable governmental and international sources. However, it is prudent to triangulate this information with additional independent research to ensure accuracy, especially considering potential lag in data updates or country-specific reporting discrepancies.

The credibility of these sources is supported by their transparency, extensive data collection methodologies, and alignment with recognized economic indicators. Consequently, they serve as trustworthy starting points for global market research, although supplementing with industry-specific and region-specific data is recommended for comprehensive strategic planning.

Conclusion

Effective international market research is fundamental for successful global expansion. Comparing tools like export.gov and buyusa.gov reveals that dedicated industry-focused platforms such as export.gov provide more detailed, actionable information, while broader sites like buyusa.gov offer valuable context. A critical approach, including data validation through multiple sources and independent verification, enhances decision-making confidence. For the eco-friendly packaging company, Germany presents a promising market aligned with current environmental trends, and strategic expansion approaches—such as forming local partnerships and leveraging regulatory incentives—are advisable. Overall, rigorous market research enhances a company's ability to navigate the complexities of international markets and develop successful entry strategies.

References

• Congressional Research Service. (2020). International Trade and Market Access. CRS Report RL33426.
• Export.gov. (2023). Germany Country Commercial Guide. U.S. Department of Commerce. https://www.export.gov/article?id=Germany-Trade-Overview
• U.S. Commercial Service. (2023). Market Research Database. U.S. Department of Commerce.
• BuyUSA.gov. (2023). Market Data and Reports. U.S. Department of Commerce.
• European Commission. (2022). European Green Deal and Sustainable Packaging Regulations. https://ec.europa.eu/environment/green-deal/
• Smith, J. A., & Brown, L. (2021). Global Market Entry Strategies. Journal of International Business Studies, 52(3), 345-367.
• Fletcher, R., & Williams, P. (2020). International Trade Data Analysis. International Journal of Market Research, 62(4), 531-550.
• United Nations Environment Programme. (2022). Global Waste Management Outlook. UNEP.
• World Trade Organization. (2023). Trade Statistics and Market Trends. WTO Publications.
• Johnson, M. E. (2019). Strategic Market Research for Global Business. Routledge.