LEVI STRAUSS Levi Strauss & Co. continually monitors its brand equity among consumers in most of its key markets around the world. The company developed "Brand Value Propositions" for each of its major brands. These are a set of enduring strategies that define each brand and differentiate it from competition. They succinctly list the brand's global positioning (including frame of reference and point-of-difference), its global character, and its global "building blocks" or desired state regarding consumer wants and needs. The Brand Value Propositions drive all brand strategies and actions and provide a globally consistent platform for regionally relevant product and marketing execution. In tracking each brand's equity, via ongoing consumer surveys, Levi Strauss & Co. monitors the consumer's perceptions and interactions with its brands; the impact its clothes, retail distribution, marketing, and other touchpoints are having on consumers; and whether the results of its efforts are in line with its Brand Value Propositions. Through these efforts, Levi Strauss & Co. can tailor brand strategies to ensure each brand is meeting consumer needs while being true to its essence. Answer the following questions: 1. What do we mean by stating global "building blocks?" 2. Marketing research infrastructure may be lacking in many countries. True or False. Explain your answer. 3. As an international brand, according to the statements above, what are the ways for Levi Strauss to stay competitive globally?