Final answer:
The first step in international market segmentation involves determining which criteria to use in the task (Option a).
Step-by-step explanation:
This entails selecting the appropriate factors or variables to divide the diverse global market into meaningful segments. Criteria like demographics, psychographics, geographic location, behavior, and cultural aspects are essential considerations.
By identifying relevant criteria, businesses can better understand and group consumers based on similarities, allowing for more targeted marketing strategies. This step lays the groundwork for effective segmentation, enabling companies to tailor their approaches to specific international market segments for improved customer engagement and satisfaction.