This book takes as its perspective that the customer undoubtedly is positioned in the center of the firm s overall management activities. True understanding of the customer requires efficient marketing research about the firm s international business environment. As discussed in the first chapters of the book, the firm s business success depends in part on its ethical standards; thus awareness of its environmental and social responsibility is required. The following chapters concentrate on various aspects of culturally biased customer behavior and how the firm ensures sensitivity when planning and selecting its marketing strategies. The most efficient techniques of international market segmentation, targeting, and strategic competitive positioning are introduced. Furthermore, concepts of consumer loyalty programs and their implementation in diversified international markets are presented. An important part is dedicated to describing suitable mixes of marketing policies for firms operating in culturally heterogeneous international markets. Finally, forecasting changes in consumer behavior as a tool of planning international marketing activities is taken into consideration. Marketing control mechanisms that seek to increase efficiency of selected marketing activities further contribute to the valuable insights of this publication."

Emerging challenges related to socio-demographics and economics require new approaches for academics, politicians, hospital management, clinical staff, public institutions, and firms doing business in the healthcare industries. This book provides valuable insights for understanding modern and complex healthcare market configurations in Europe. Taking a unique cross-country perspective the authors figure out critical success factors for relevant stakeholders. Mario Glowik is Professor of International Strategic Management at the Berlin School of Economics and Law. He holds a Doctorate in Business Administration from the Freie Universitat Berlin in Germany and gained his habilitation (post-doctoral qualification) at the Vienna University of Economics and Business, Austria. Slawomir Smyczek is Marketing Professor at the University of Economics in Katowice (Poland), where he earned his Ph.D. In 2010, the Polish Prime Minister awarded his habilitation thesis as the best in the field of economics in the entire country.

Emerging challenges related to socio-demographics and economics require new approaches for academics, politicians, hospital management, clinical staff, public institutions, and firms doing business in the healthcare industries. This book provides valuable insights for understanding modern and complex healthcare market configurations in Europe. Taking a unique cross-country perspective the authors figure out critical success factors for relevant stakeholders. Mario Glowik is Professor of International Strategic Management at the Berlin School of Economics and Law. He holds a Doctorate in Business Administration from the Freie Universitat Berlin in Germany and gained his habilitation (post-doctoral qualification) at the Vienna University of Economics and Business, Austria. Slawomir Smyczek is Marketing Professor at the University of Economics in Katowice (Poland), where he earned his Ph.D. In 2010, the Polish Prime Minister awarded his habilitation thesis as the best in the field of economics in the entire country.