Born Global Firms

Appendix B

Developing an International Business Plan

Once the firm has decided to go international, it is useful to develop a strategic plan. The plan helps to develop the broad understanding and consensus needed among top managers on conditions abroad, as well as company goals, objectives, capabilities, and constraints. The plan should account for important facts and goals, set forth time schedules for implementation, and mark milestones so the degree of venture success can be measured. All personnel involved in the internationalization process should agree to the plan, as they are the ones who will implement it. In this way, the plan helps to motivate key personnel.

Take, for example, an international business plan developed to launch one ...