A Work Project, presented as part of the requirements for the Award of a Masters Degree in Management from the NOVA – School of Business and EconomicsThe aim of this study is to research how can an international marketing strategy be simultaneously standardized and adapted to export markets. Moreover, it reveals that this strategy is more appropriate than the contingency approach, considering the case of a firm with very little expression in the global marketplace.
A single case-study based on the export venture of Renova Black toilet paper was developed. In addition to the analysis of secondary data, interviews were conducted with 3 Renova managers, 3 trade customers and 10 consumers.
Findings suggest that an international marketing strategy simultaneously standardized and adapted to new export markets forms a good fit with the existence of limited resources, light structure and centralized decision making possible due to firms’ reduced size. This study presents important insights for managers of small players in the global marketplace attempting to boost the internationalization process. It also broadens our understanding on the standardization versus adaptation debate using a fresh perspective
