The answer is A: gross domestic product (GDP).
Explanation for each option:
a. Gross Domestic Product (GDP): This is the correct answer. GDP measures the total value of all goods and services produced within a country's borders by resident firms, households, and governments. By comparing the GDP of the foreign market to the firm's home market, the manager can evaluate the economic size and productivity of the foreign market in a similar manner to their home market.
b. Liability of Foreignness: This concept refers to the inherent disadvantages that foreign firms experience in a new market due to their non-native status. It includes factors like unfamiliarity with local culture, regulations, and business practices. This is not what the manager is evaluating in this context.
c. Purchasing Power Parity (PPP): PPP is an economic theory that compares different countries' currencies through a "basket of goods" approach. It helps to determine the relative value of currencies and the cost of living between countries. While useful for understanding economic conditions, it does not directly measure the total value contributed by resident firms, households, and governments.
d. Gross National Product (GNP): GNP measures the total economic output produced by the residents of a country, including income from abroad. It differs from GDP, which only accounts for production within the country's borders. The manager is interested in the total value within the foreign market, making GDP the more relevant measure.
In summary, the manager is evaluating the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to find a market with a similar economic size and productivity to the firm's home market.