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Aalto University School of Business Master's Theses are now in the Aaltodoc publication archive (Aalto University institutional repository)
School of Business | Department of Management and International Business | International Business | 2011
Thesis number: 12697
Internationalization of Finnish design-intensive SMEs and the challenge of international marketing communication strategy. Case: Three Finnish design-intesive SMEs
Author: Lahti, Pekka
Title: Internationalization of Finnish design-intensive SMEs and the challenge of international marketing communication strategy. Case: Three Finnish design-intesive SMEs
Year: 2011  Language: eng
Department: Department of Management and International Business
Academic subject: International Business
Index terms: kansainväliset yhtiöt; international companies; pk-yritykset; smes; design management; design management; kansainvälistyminen; internationalization; markkinointi; marketing; mainonta; advertising; strategia; strategy
Pages: 100
Key terms: internationalization; kansainvälistyminen; marketing; markkinointi; design; muotoilu; smes; pk-yritykset
Abstract:
Objectives of the study:

The main purpose of this research is to examine the international marketing communication channel strategies that Finnish design intensive SMEs use in their internationalization process and why these particular channels are selected. Secondary the international sales channel strategies as well as the role of design and its effect to the internationalization process and overall competitiveness was studied.

Methodology:

This research is a qualitative case study, where three Finnish design-intensive SMEs were studied. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were the main method used in collecting data on the studied companies.

Findings:

The findings show that Finnish design intensive SMEs face a notable challenge in establishing international marketing communication strategies, as their limited resources force them to seek for alternative marketing opportunities. In addition to end-consumer marketing, they need to establish good relationships and networks with international retailers and partners in the targeted markets to establish sales channel(s) for their product presence and begin building their brand identity in the international markets.
Master's theses are stored at Learning Centre in Otaniemi.