a. Select an organization with which you are familiar that conducts both domestic and global marketing. ( Your choice)

For the purpose of this assignment, I will select the leading Automobile manufacturer Ford, which sells automobiles in many countries around the world.

b. Discuss the high-level domestic and global environmental factors that may impact the organization's marketing decisions.

The high level domestic environment factors that impact the organization's marketing decisions are:

External environment factors such as economic growth of the economy, growth rate in the automobile industry, current tastes and preferences of the consumers and their buying pattern or behavior over the last few years, degree of competitiveness or competitive scenario prevailing in the industry,etc. are some of the crucial external environment factors that impacts the Ford's marketing decisions in its domestic market, ie, United States. For example, Ford needs to find out which segment of the automobile industry is growing at the fastest rate, whether consumers prefer more SUV's or sedan's, etc.

Apart from these factors, other factors such as budget allocated to the marketing and advertising plan, level of innovation/ new product launches, product features/quality/USP, etc. also shape the marketing decisions of the company. Further, changing dynamics within the industry in relation to pricing, promotion and distribution trends also shape the marketing plan of the company. For example, if Ford launches a new SUV, it needs to pay attention to the USP of its new product and thus, highlight that USP in its advertising campaign.

Technology is another important factor, especially the information technology and internet, which governs the overall marketing decisions, given the reach and competitive advantage being provided by today's technology.

The international marketing decisions are affected by host of other factors as well, apart from the ones mentioned above for the domestic marketing decisions. For example, if Ford is operating in a country like India, it needs to pay specific attention to factors such as cultural issues, tastes and preferences of local customers which will be quite different as compared to American consumers, attitude of the customers towards products from foreign companies or to be more specific, US companies, level of competition from domestic players or other overseas players, appropriate medium to advertise and current distribution and promotion trends in the country, attitude of government towards the foreign companies,etc. Since international business environment is much more complex as compared to domestic environment, international marketing decisions are much more difficult for companies like Ford.

c. Explain how technology impacts the organization's marketing decisions.

Technology plays a very crucial role in today's marketing decisions, given the effectiveness of information technology tools and softwares, such as internet and ecommerce as a medium to market the products to a large section of the consumers. Technologies, especially the internet, has emerged as one of the most effective medium in terms of cost and reach for companies and is being increasingly used to promote products and services. Similarly, softwares such as CRM, direct marketing tools,etc. are increasingly helping companies to make complex marketing decisions with ease and accuracy. Companies are able to know their customers in a much better manner than before. Technology has significantly eased the complexities associated with marketing research.

Thus, technology is being viewed as something of great value and an integral part of today's corporate strategy. Companies are increasingly using technology to obtain competitive advantage. Therefore, technology is one of the crucial aspects of today's marketing function and impacts major decisions within the marketing plan.

d. Analyze the importance of social responsibility and ethics as related to the organization's marketing.

In today's corporate world, organizations are striving hard to improve their corporate image by pursuing socially responsible and ethical practices and have started paying much more attention to these aspects than ever before. This increased attention to social responsibility and ethical practices extends to marketing function as well because marketing involves direct interaction with people, society and community. In order to gain the trust of the society, community and customers and all other stakeholders, companies need to pursue ethical marketing practices and thus enhance its corporate image. Such favorable corporate image will payoff in the long run and will build a long list of loyal customers.

Unethical and socially irresponsible marketing practices will create a negative image among the consumers and society. Thus, various aspects of marketing, such as advertising and promotions, should be carefully designed and issues such as misguiding advertisements due to false claims,etc. should be avoided.