The Global Brand

Global Success

Unless your company has a centralized, command and control structure you will need to get buy-in from business units and local operating companies. Make sure the stakeholders understand the need and benefits of the project.
Make sure that you have an appropriate budget and (where necessary) the buy-in of local budget holders. Set aside a contingency budget to address unforeseen needs and issues.
In cases where not every region understands the need for the research "proof of concept" can be very helpful. Identify a lead person or region which is willing to pilot test the project. Celebrate and communicate success to encourage others to take part.
Organize in-person summit meetings of stakeholders before the study starts to facilitate communication and sharing. An annual summit is useful in order to stay in touch with changing needs.
Clear, concise communications are critical (simple words that are easily understood across cultures/languages). The research company can help foster communications and sharing — particularly when your company is de-centralized — but cannot enforce compliance.
Provide detailed documentation to all stakeholders, i.e., success criterion, critical path timeline and deliverables. Ensure clarity over reporting structures and information sharing — who gets to see what and where is it all to be stored.
Support the research agency and give them your unqualified support. Be accessible and encourage dialogue.