Servicing International Markets: Competitive Strategies of Firms

Now, more than ever before, international competitiveness depends on truly effective foreign market servicing strategies. At a strategic level, the mix of 'methods' employed is critical for any firm involved in international trade and overseas markets. Based on wide-ranging and up-to-the-minute research in firms, this new book links foreign-market-servicing decisions to competitiveness. The study highlights the importance of effective management of the competitive process and the need for firms to develop a long-term and flexible approach to overseas operations. It is often the ability to switch between 'modes' of operation to achieve greater competitiveness that is the key to lower costs, better pricing and innovation. This volume is one of a series of studies commissioned by the UK Economic and Social Research Council concerned with the competitiveness and regeneration of British industry. The performance of a nation's industry is influenced by numerous things, many of them beyond the control of the firms themselves. This series of studies focuses on management issues within the firm and is intended for the practicing manager, for management students and for business school academics. Already published are Successful Product Development by Axel Johne and Patricia Snelson, Managing Change for Competitive Success by Andrew Pettigrew and Richard Whipp, Global Research Strategy and International Competitiveness by Mark Casson and John Cantwell.