SECTION A

Read the scenario below and answer ALL questions in this section.

Globex Inc., a U$.$S$.-$based multinational company specialising in consumer electronics, recently expanded its operations into multiple international markets, including China, Brazil, and Germany. While the company's core products$-$smartphones, laptops, and smart home devices$-$are globally recognised for their innovative features, the company has encountered significant challenges in balancing global standardisation with the need for local responsiveness. In China, for instance, consumer preferences for localised app ecosystems and payment methods differ greatly from the U$.$S$.$ market. In Brazil, economic fluctuations and local buying habits required Globex to adjust its pricing and product configurations. Meanwhile, in Germany, where privacy laws are stringent, the company had to adapt its data handling practices to comply with local regulations. Faced with these challenges, Globex must develop an international strategy that balances global integration with local market adaptations while also understanding the cultural factors influencing consumer behaviour in these diverse regions.

QUESTION $1$

Multinational companies must carefully balance global standardisation and local customisation to optimise operational efficiency while meeting the unique needs of different markets. Evaluate how multinational companies balance global integration with local responsiveness when crafting their international strategies.

QUESTION $2$

Cultural factors significantly shape consumer behaviour in international markets, requiring companies to adapt their marketing and product strategies to resonate with local values and preferences. Drawing upon the scenario provided, examine how cultural factors influence consumer behaviour in international markets and how companies can adapt their strategies to align with these differences.

SECTION B

Answer ALL three $(3)$ questions in this section.

QUESTION $3$