Unit 4 Marketing Principles Assignment Brief

Introduction

This is a broad-based unit which gives learners the opportunity apply the key principles of marketing.
Firstly, the unit looks at the definitions of marketing, and what is meant by a marketing orientation and the marketing process.
Next, learners consider the use of environmental analysis in marketing principles and carry out their own analyses at both macro and micro levels. They will also investigate the importance of market segmentation and how this leads to the identification and full specification of target groups. Learners then consider buyer behaviour and positioning.
The unit looks at the main elements of both the original and the extended marketing mix. This includes an introduction to the concept of the product life cycle, new product development, pricing strategies, distribution options and the promotion mix.
Finally, learners will develop their own marketing mixes to meet the needs of different target groups. This includes considering the differences when marketing services as opposed to goods. A range of other contexts is examined including marketing to businesses instead of consumers and the development of international markets.
Aim:
This unit aims to provide learners with understanding and skills relating to the fundamental concepts and principles that underpin the marketing process.

Learning Outcomes and assessment criteria:

On successful completion of this unit a learner will:
LO 1 Understand the concept and process of marketing
1.1 explain the various elements of the marketing process
1.2 evaluate the benefits and costs of a marketing orientation for a selected organisation
LO 2 Be able to use the concepts of segmentation, targeting and positioning
2.1 show macro and micro environmental factors which influence marketing decisions
2.2 propose segmentation criteria to be used for products in different markets
2.3 choose a targeting strategy for a selected product/service
2.4 demonstrate how buyer behavior affects marketing activities in different buying situations
2.5 propose new positioning for as elected product/service
LO 3 Understand the individual elements of the extended marketing mix
3.1 explain how products are developed to sustain competitive advantage
3.2 explain how distribution is arranged to provide customer convenience
3.3 explain how prices are set to reflect an organisation’s objectives and market conditions
3.4 illustrate how promotional activity is integrated to achieve marketing objectives
3.5 analyse the additional elements of the extended marketing mix
LO 4 Be able to use the marketing mix in different contexts.
4.1 plan marketing mixes for two different segmentsin consumer markets
4.2 illustrate differences in marketing products and services to businesses rather than consumers
4.3 show how and why international marketing differs from domestic marketing.

Knowledge and Understanding

1. Understand the concept and process of marketing

Definitions: alternative definitions including those of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and the American Marketing Association; satisfying customer needs and wants; value and satisfaction; exchange relationships; the changing emphasis of marketing
Marketing concept: evolution of marketing; marketing orientations; societal issues and emergent philosophies; customer and competitor orientation; efficiency and effectiveness; limitations of the marketing concept ?
Marketing process overview: marketing audit; integrated marketing; environmental analysis; SWOT analysis; marketing objectives; constraints; options; plans to include target markets and marketing mix; scope of marketing ?
Costs and benefits: links between marketing orientation and building competitive advantage; benefits of building customer satisfaction; desired quality; service and customer care; relationship marketing; customer retention; customer profitability; costs of a too narrow marketing focus

2. Be able to use the concepts of segmentation, targeting and positioning

Macro environment: environmental scanning; political, legal, economic, socio-cultural, ?ecological and technological factors?
Micro environment: stakeholders (organisation’s own employees, suppliers, customers, intermediaries, owners, financiers, local residents, pressure groups and competitors); direct and indirect competitors; Porter’s competitive forces?
Buyer behaviour: dimensions of buyer behaviour; environmental influences; personal variables – demographic, sociological, psychological – motivation, perception and learning; social factors; physiological stimuli; attitudes; other lifestyle and life cycle variables; consumer and organisational buying ?
Segmentation: process of market selection; macro and micro segmentation; bases for segmenting markets, (geographic, demographic, psychographic and behavioural); multi- variable segmentation and typologies; benefits of segmentation; evaluation of segments and targeting strategies; positioning; segmenting industrial markets; size; value; standards; industrial classification ?
Positioning: definition and meaning; influence over marketing mix factors?
Product: products and brands – features, advantages and benefits; the total product concept; product mix; product life cycle and its effect on other elements of the marketing mix; product strategy; new product development; adoption process?
Place: customer convenience and availability; definition of channels; types and functions of intermediaries; channel selection; integration and distribution systems; franchising; physical distribution management and logistics; ethical issues?
Price: perceived value; pricing context and process; pricing strategies; demand elasticity; competition; costs, psychological, discriminatory; ethical issues ?
Promotion: awareness and image; effective communication; integrated communication process (SOSTT + 4Ms); promotional mix elements; push and pull strategies; advertising above and below the line including packaging; public relations and sponsorship; sales promotion; direct marketing and personal selling; branding, internet and online marketing?
The shift from the 4Ps to the 7Ps: product-service continuum; concept of the extended marketing mix; the significance of the soft elements of marketing (people, physical evidence and process management)
Be able to use the marketing mix in different contexts?
Consumer markets: fast moving consumer goods; consumer durables; coordinated ?marketing mix to achieve objectives?
Organisational markets: differences from consumer markets; adding value through service; industrial; non-profit making; government; re-seller ?
Services: nature and characteristics of service products (intangibility, ownership, inseparability, perishability, variability, heterogeneity – the 7Ps); strategies; service quality; elements of physical product marketing; tangible and intangible benefits ?
International markets: globalisation; cultural differences; standardisation versus adaptation; the EU; benefits and risks; market attractiveness; international marketing mix strategies