Unit VI Research Project

BBA 3201, Principles of Marketing 1 Course Description Introduction to the functions of marketing, building on the influence of social, economic, ethical, legal, and technological forces on marketing activities, and marketing in a socially responsible way around the globe. Features real -world examples that show concepts in action and how marketers address today's marketing challenges. Course Textbook Perreault, W. , Jr. , Cannon, J., & McCarthy, J. (2015). Essentials of marketing: A marketing strategy planning approach (14th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw -Hill. Course Learning O utcomes Upon completion of this course, students should be able to: 1. Discuss the importance of determining value proposition of the consumer. 2. Describe behavio rs in marketing that impact social responsibility. 3. Describe the impact that changes in the external business environment have on an organization. 4. Explain how the marketing mix is used to reach the target market. 5. Describe the process of market segmentation leading to the identification of the target market. 6. Explain the importance of positioning as it relates to brand strategy leading to brand equity. 7. Examine pricing strategies utilized in an organization. 8. Examine distribution channels and the si gnificance of supply chain management from the standpoint of marketing. 9. Discuss the significance of supply chain and logistics management in marketing. 10. Compare and contrast various factors that influence promotional strategies. Credits Upon completion of this course, the students will earn three (3) hours of college credit. Course Structure 1. Unit Learning Outcomes: Each unit contains Learning Outcomes that specify the measurable skills and knowledge students should gain upon completion of the unit. 2. Unit Lessons: Each unit contains a Unit Lesson, which discusses unit material. 3. Reading Assignments: Each unit contains Reading Assignments from one or more chapters from the textbook or Online Library. Chapter presentations are provided in each unit study g uide as Suggested Reading to aid students in their course of study. 4. Discussion Boards: Discussion Boards are part of all CSU term courses. More information and specifications can be found in the Student Resources link listed in the Course Menu bar. 5. Unit Assignments: Students are required to submit for grading Unit Assignments in each unit. Specific information and instructions regarding these assignments are provided below. Grading rubrics are included with each assignment. Specific information about accessing these rubrics is provided below 6. Ask the Professor: This communication forum provides you with an opportunity to ask your professor general or course content related questions. 7. Student Break Room: This communication forum allows for casual conversation with your classmates. BBA 3201, Principles of Marketing Course Syllabus BBA 3201, Principles of Marketing 2 CSU Online Library The CSU Online Library is available to support your courses and programs. The online library includes databases, journals, e -books, and research guides. Th ese resources are always accessible and can be reached through the library webpage. To access the library, log into the myCSU Student Portal, and click on “CSU Online Library.” You can also access the CSU Online Library from the “My Library” button on the course menu for each course in Blackboard. The CSU Online Library offers several reference services. E -mail ( [email protected] ) and telephone (1.877.268.8046) assistance is available Monday – Thursday from 8 am to 5 pm and Friday from 8 am to 3 pm. The library’s chat reference service, Ask a Librarian , is available 24/7; look for the chat box on the online library page. Librarians can help you develop your research plan or assist you in findin g relevant, appropriate, and timely information. Reference requests can include customized keyword search strategies, links to articles, database help, and other services. Unit Assignments Unit I Research Project Marketing Plan In application of the co ncepts learned in this course , you will research an EXISTING publicly traded company compiling a comprehensive marketing plan for this company throughout the course. Note that this is NOT a hypothetical entrepreneurial venture but instead an existing publi cly traded company, of your choice. Utilizing the CSU Online Library, you will research the various elements of the marketing plan as it relates to this company. In Unit I you will provide a Company Overview and a PEST Analysis. Company Overview This sec tion will provide the reader with a general understanding of the company and product/service offered by the company creating the value proposition for the customer. You might include general information about the company and industry and product/service. A dditional general information might include the size of company, location, NAISC code, mission/vision/objectives , or any other general information about the company. PEST Analysis The purpose of this section of the marketing plan is to describe how chang es in the business environment will affect the company. This will be achieved by the use of the PEST Analysis , which attempts to review how changes in the political/legal environment will affect your company, how changes in the economic environment will af fect the company, how changes in the socio -cultural environment will affect your company, and finally, how changes (advancements) in technology will affect your company. Your submission should be a minimum of two pages in length , double -spaced with a reference page and title page. References should include at least one additional , credible reference beyond the textbook. All sources used must be referenced; paraphrased and quoted material must have accompanying citations and cited per APA guidelines. Include the use of subheadings (this week consider using Company Overview and PEST Analysis). To determine the company you would like to research you may want to do a general search for “existing publicly traded company” or “publicly traded company list”. If you have questions about what a publicly traded company is or if the company yo u have chosen will work for this assignment please reach out to your professor. If you need assistance with utilizing the CSU Online Library, please reach out to the CSU Online Library and a Librarian will assist you. Information about accessing the Black board Grading Rubric for this assignment is provided below. Unit II Research Project Marketing Plan This week you will continue your comprehensive marketing plan researching the SAME company that you researched in Unit I. Again, utilizing the CSU Online Library, you will research the various elements of the marketing plan as it relates to this company. In Unit II you will present the Target Market and a SWOT Analysis. BBA 3201, Principles of Marketing 3 Target Market Begin by discussing segmentation of the market based upon demographic, b ehavioral, geographic , and psychographic criteria. Apply these criteria to your company , explaining their importance to the company. This analysis will enable you to identify the target market(s) thoroughly . W ithin your explanation, discuss why the identif ication of a target market is of the utmost importance to a company. SWOT Analysis Perform a SWOT analysis for your company remembering that the strengths and weaknesses are internal and the opportunities and threats are external. Set this up using a tab le and/or bullet points with clear explanation following the chart. Your submission should be a minimum of two pages in length , double -spaced with a reference page and title page. References should include at least one additional , credible reference beyon d the textbook. All sources used must be referenced; paraphrased and quoted material must have accompanying citations and cited per APA guidelines. Include the use of subheadings ( This week consider using Target Market and SWOT Analysis). Information abou t accessing the Blackboard Grading Rubric for this assignment is provided below. Unit III Research Project Marketing Plan This week you will continue your comprehensive marketing plan, researching the SAME company that you researched in previous units. A gain, utilizing the CSU Online Library, you will research the various elements of the marketing plan as it relates to this company. In Unit III you will conduct an Industry Analysis and a Competitive Analysis. Industry Analysis Perform an industry analysis detailing how the overall industry is performing . Research trends in the industry as well as projections for the future. Remember to cite your research. Competitive Analysis Perform a competitive analysis reviewing multiple co mpetitors that offer similar products/services. How is your company different from its competitors? Think about the products/services offered or their pricing strategy or even their distribution strategy. W hat is the overall brand perception in the mind of the consumer? How does each rank based upon a pertinent parameter? Your submission should be a minimum of two pages in length , double -spaced with a reference page and title page. References should include at l east one additional , credible reference beyond the textbook. All sources used must be referenced; paraphrased and quoted material must have accompanying citations and cited per APA guidelines. Include the use of subheadings (this week consider using Indust ry Analysis and Competitive Analysis). Information about accessing the Blackboard Grading Rubric for this assignment is provided below. Unit IV Research Project Marketing Plan This week you will continue your comprehensive marketing plan researching the SAME company that you researched in previous units. Again, utilizing the CSU Online Library, you will research the various elements of the marketing plan as it relates to this company. In Unit IV you will provide a comprehensive discussion of the products and/or services provided by your organization. Product This section will provide a comprehensive look at the products, product lines , and services that are offered by your company. This will include discussions about the quality of the product/service a nd other additions such as warranties, installation, service plans, or unique packaging features that are included with the product ( if pertinent). Include a discussion of whether your company’s products/services would be considered business -to-consumer (B 2C) or business - to-business (B2B).Branding is also considered a part of the product offering, thus a discussion of the branding efforts associated with your company and the importance of said branding in the overall product offering should be included.

Wit hin this discussion, review the positioning strategy of your company. Competitive Advantage A competitive advantage is an important goal of every company, address whether your company has a competitive advantage WITH RESPECT TO PRODUCT. The idea is to dis cuss whether your company has a competitive advantage BBA 3201, Principles of Marketing 4 with respect to their product offering and the attributes associated with product as discussed above. Competitive advantage with respect to promotion, place, and pricing will be discussed in later secti ons of the marketing plan. Once you have stated your position, remember to include your rationale. Your submission should be a minimum of two pages in length , double -spaced with a reference page and title page. References should include at least one addi tional , credible reference beyond the textbook. All sources used must be referenced; paraphrased and quoted material must have accompanying citations and cited per APA guidelines. Include the use of subheadings (this week consider using Product and Competi tive Advantage in Product). Information about accessing the Blackboard Grading Rubric for this assignment is provided below. Unit V Research Project Marketing Plan This week you will continue your comprehensive marketing plan researching the SAME company that you researched in previous units. Again, utilizing the CSU Online Library, you will research the various elements of the marketing plan as it relates to this co mpany. In Unit V you will provide a comprehensive discussion of place or distribution strategies of your company. Place This section will provide a comprehensive look at the distribution strategy of your organization. Begin with an identificatio n of the distribution channels that should include the entire path that the products travel from the “manufacturer” to the final consumer. This might involve manufacturing plants, wholesalers, distributors, retailers and various other intermediaries.

Why and how do es your company use these intermediaries? Many companies use multiple channels , particularly with the advent of the internet (which is considered a direct channel ). Another element to include is a description of a physical facility. This might include a ma nufacturing plant, bottling plant, retail location, or even a unique merchandising effort. Competitive Advantage Because competitive advantage is an important goal of every company, address whether your company has a competitive advantage WITH RESPECT TO PLACE. The idea is to discuss whether your company has a competitive advantage with respect to how they distribute their products . This should discuss their distribution channel and maybe a unique retail location (if pertinent). Again, this section should only discuss whether your company has a competitive advantage with respect to plac e (p roduct, price and promotion are discussed in other sections ). Once you have stated your position, remember to include your rationale. Your submission should be a minimu m of two pages in length , double -spaced with a reference page and title page. References should include at least one additional , credible reference beyond the textbook. All sources used must be referenced; paraphrased and quoted material must have accompan ying citations and cited per APA guidelines. Include the use of subheadings (this week consider using Place and Competitive Advantage in Place). Information about accessing the Blackboard Grading Rubric for this assignment is provided below. Unit VI Rese arch Project Marketing Plan This week you will continue your comprehensive marketing plan researching the SAME company that you researched in previous units. Again, utilizing the CSU Online Library, you will research the various elements of the marketing plan as it relates to this company. In Unit VI you will provide a comprehensive discussion of the promotion strategies of your company. Promotion This section will provide a comprehensive look at the promotional strategies of your organization. Begin wit h a look at the promotional objectives or themes used by your company. From there, review the promotional mix , this should include a preliminary discussion of the importance of IMC to your company. Promotion methods such as personal selling mass selling (a dvertising and publicity) and sales promotion should all be addressed in detail. Competitive Advantage Competitive advantage is an important goal of every company, so address whether your company has a competitive advantage WITH RESPECT TO PROMOTION. The idea is to discuss whether your company has a competitive advantage with respect to how they promote their products . Again, this section should only discuss whether your company has a competitive advantage with respect to promotion (product, price and pla ce are discussed in other sections ). Once you have stated your position, remember to include your rationale. BBA 3201, Principles of Marketing 5 Your submission should be a minimum of two pages in length , double -spaced with a reference page and title page. References should include at least one additional , credible reference beyond the textbook. All sources used must be referenced; paraphrased and quoted material must have accompanying citations and cited per APA guidelines. Include the use of subheadings (this week consider Promotion a nd Competitive Advantage in Promotion). Information about accessing the Blackboard Grading Rubric for this assignment is provided below. Unit VII Research Project Marketing Plan This week you will continue your comprehensive marketing plan researching the SAME company that you researched in previous units. Again, utilizing the CSU Online Library, you will research the various elements of the marketing plan as it relates to this co mpany. In Unit VII you will provide a comprehensive discussion of the pricing strategies of your company. Pricing This section will provide a comprehensive look at the pricing strategies of your organization. Begin with a look at the overall pricing obje ctives used by your company. This might include profit orientation, sales orientation , or status quo orientation. From there, review the pricing policies and include a look at the flexibility of the pricing structure, prices over the product life cycle, an d discounts or allowances. Review Chapter 16 in the text book for a complete understanding of how companies utilize pricing strategies. Competitive Advantage Does your company has a competitive advantage WITH RESPECT TO PRICING ? The idea is to discuss whet her your company has a competitive advantage with respect to how they price their products? Again, this section should only discuss whether your company has a competitive advantage with respect to pric e ( product, promotion and place are discussed in other sections ). Once you have stated your position, remember to include your rationale. Your submission should be a minimum of two pages in length , double -spaced with a reference page and title page. References should include at least one additional , credible reference beyond the textbook. All sources used must be referenced; paraphrased and quoted material must have accompanying citations and cited per APA guidelines. Include the use of subheadings (this week consider Pricing and Competitive Advantage in Pric ing). Information about accessing the Blackboard Grading Rubric for this assignment is provided below. Unit VIII Final Project PowerPoint: Marketing Plan For the Final Project, you will put together a PowerPoint presentation that you could present to officers within the company. This presentation should summarize the Marketing Plan that you have compiled throughout this course. Remember to include pertinent facts as well as a discussion of the competitive advantage within each of the four elements of the marketing mix (product, place, promotion , and price). Additionally, include your recommendations for future development of their marketing strategies. Eleme nts to include:  Company Overview ,  PEST Analysis ,  Target Market(s) ,  SWOT Analysis ,  Industry & Competitive Analysis ,  Product ,  Place ,  Promotion ,  Price , and  Recommendations . Your PowerPoint presentation length should be 10 -12 slides in length, including a title slide and a reference slide. Use of speaker notes is also required. Information about accessing the Blackboard Grading Rubric for this assignment is provided below. BBA 3201, Principles of Marketing 6 APA Guidelines The application of the APA writing style shall be practical, functional, and appropriate to each academic level, with the primary purpose being the documentation (citation ) of sources. CSU requires that students use APA style for certain papers and projects. Students should always carefully read and follow assignment directions and review the associated grading rubric when available. Students can find CSU’s Citation Guide b y clicking here . This document includes examples and sample papers and provides information on how to contact the CSU Success Center. Grading Rubrics This course utilizes analytic grading rubrics as tools for your professor in assigning grades for all learning activities. Ea ch rubric serves as a guide that communicates the expectations of the learning activity and describes the criteria for each level of achievement. In addition, a rubric is a reference tool that lists evaluation criteria and can help you organize your effort s to meet the requirem ents of that learning activity . It is imperative for you to familiarize yourself with these rubrics because these are the primary tools your professor uses for assessing learning activities . Rubric categories include: (1) Discussion Board, (2) Assessment (Written Response), and (3) Assignment. However, it is possible that not all of the listed rubric types will be used in a single course (e.g., some courses may not have Assessments). The Discussion Board rubric can be found within Unit I ’s Discussion Boa rd submission instructions . The Assessment (Written Response) rubric can be found embedded in a link within the directions for each Unit Assessment. However, these rubrics will only be used when written -response questions appear within the Assessment. Each Assignment type (e.g., article critique, case study, research paper) will have its own rubric. The Assignment rubrics are built into Blackboard, allowing students to review them prior to beginning the Assignment and again once the Assignment has been scored. This rubric can be accessed via the Assignment link located within the unit where it is to be submitted. Students may also access the rubric through the course menu by selecting “Tools” and then “My Grades.” Again, it is vitally important for you to become familiar with these rubrics because the ir application to your Discussion Boards, Assessments, and Assignments is the method by which your instructor assigns all grades. Communication Forums These are non -graded discussion forums that allow you to communicate with your professor and other students. Participation in these discussion forums is encouraged, but not required. You can access these forums with the buttons in the Course Menu. Instructions for subscribing/unsubscribing to these forums ar e provided below. Click here for instructions on how to subscribe/unsubscribe and post to the Communication Forums. Ask the Profe ssor This communication forum provides you with an opportunity to ask your professor general or course content questions.

Questions may focus on Blackboard locations of online course components, textbook or course content elaboration, additional guidance on assessment requirements, or general advice from other students. Questions that are specific in nature, such as inquiries regarding assessment/assignment grades or personal accommodation requests, are NOT to be posted on this forum. If you have question s, comments, or concerns of a non - public nature, please feel free to email your professor. Responses to your post will be addressed or emailed by the professor within 48 hours. Before posting, please ensure that you have read all relevant course documenta tion, including the syllabus, assessment/assignment instructions, faculty feedback, and other important information. BBA 3201, Principles of Marketing 7 Student Break Room This communication forum allows for casual conversation with your classmates. Communication on this forum should alway s maintain a standard of appropriateness and respect for your fellow classmates. This forum should NOT be used to share assessment answers. Grading Discussion Boards (8 @ 2%) = 16% Research Projects (7 @ 10%) = 70 % Unit VIII Final Project = 14 % Total = 100% Course Schedule/Checklist (PLEASE PRINT ) The following pages contain a printable Course Schedule to assist you through this course. By following this schedule, you will be assured that you will complete the course within the time allotted. BBA 3201, Principles of Marketing 8 BBA 3201, Principles of Marketing Course Schedule By following this schedule, you will be assured that you will complete the course within the time allotted. Please keep this schedule for reference as you progress through your course. Unit I Introduction to Marketing Review:  Unit Study Guide Read:  Chapter 1 : Marketing’s Value to Consumers, Firms, and Society  Chapter 2: Marketing Strategy Planning  Chapter 3: Evaluating Opportunities in the Changing Marketing Environment  Suggested Reading: See Study Guide Discuss:  Discussion Board Response: Submit your response to the Discussion Board question by Saturday, 11:59 p.m. (Central Time)  Discussion Board Comment: Comment on another student’s Discussion Board response by Tuesday, 11:59 p.m. (Central Time) Submit:  Research Project by Tuesday, 11:59 p.m. (Central Time) Notes/Goals: Unit II Understanding the Consumer Review:  Unit Study Guide Read:  Chapter 4 : Focusing Marketing Strategy with Segmentation and Positioning  Chapter 5: Final Consumers and Their Buying Behavior  Suggested Reading: See Study Guide Discuss:  Discussion Board Response: Submit your response to the Discussion Board question by Saturday, 11:59 p.m. (Central Time)  Discussion Board Comment: Comment on another student’s Discussion Board response by Tuesday, 11:59 p.m. (Central Time) Submit:  Research Project by Tuesday, 11:59 p.m. (Central Time) Notes/Goals: BBA 3201, Principles of Marketing 9 BBA 3201, Principles of Marketing Course Schedule Unit III Marketing Research Review:  Unit Study Guide Read:  Chapter 6 : Business and Organizational Customers and Their Buying Behavior  Chapter 7: Improving Decisions with Marketing Information  Suggested Reading: See Study Guide Discuss:  Discussion Board Response: Submit your response to the Discussion Board question by Saturday, 11:59 p.m. (Central Time)  Discussion Board Comment: Comment on another student’s Discussion Board response by Tuesday, 11:59 p.m. (Central Time) Submit:  Research Project by Tuesday, 11:59 p.m. (Central Time) Notes/Goals: Unit IV Product & New Product Development Review:  Unit Study Guide Read:  Chapter 8 : Elements of Product Planning for Goods and Services  Chapter 9: Product Management and New -Product Development  Suggested Reading: See Study Guide Discuss:  Discussion Board Response: Submit your response to the Discussion Board question by Saturday, 11:59 p.m. (Central Time)  Discussion Board Comment: Comment on another student’s Discussion Board response by Tuesday, 11:59 p.m. (Central Time) Submit:  Research Project by Tuesday, 11:59 p.m. (Central Time) Notes/Goals: Unit V Place & Distribution Channel Review:  Unit Study Guide Read:  Chapter 10 : Place and Development of Channel Systems  Chapter 11: Distribution Customer Service and Logistics  Chapter 12: Retailers, W holesalers, and Their Strategy Planning  Suggested Reading: See Study Guide Discuss:  Discussion Board Response: Submit your response to the Discussion Board question by Saturday, 11:59 p.m. (Central Time)  Discussion Board Comment: Comment on another student’s Discussion Board response by Tuesday, 11:59 p.m. (Central Time) Submit:  Research Project by Tuesday, 11:59 p.m. (Central Time) Notes/Goals: BBA 3201, Principles of Marketing 10 BBA 3201, Principles of Marketing Course Schedule Unit VI Promotional Segments Review:  Unit Study Guide Read:  Chapter 1 3: Promotion -Introduction to Integrated Marketing Communications  Chapter 14 : Personal Selling and Customer Service  Chapter 15 : Advertising, Publicity, and Sales Promotion  Suggested Reading: See Study Guide Discuss:  Discussion Board Response: Submit your response to the Discussion Board question by Saturday, 11:59 p.m. (Central Time)  Discussion Board Comment: Comment on another student’s Discussion Board response by Tuesday, 11:59 p.m. (Central Time) Submit:  Research Project by Tuesday, 11:59 p.m. (Central Time) Notes/Goals: Unit VII Pricing Strategies Review:  Unit Study Guide Read:  Chapter 16: Pricing Objectives and Policies  Chapter 17: Price Setting in the Business W orld  Suggested Reading: See Study Guide Discuss:  Discussion Board Response: Submit your response to the Discussion Board question by Saturday, 11:59 p.m. (Central Time)  Discussion Board Comment: Comment on another student’s Discussion Board response by Tuesday, 11:59 p.m. (Central Time) Submit:  Research Project by Tuesday, 11:59 p.m. (Central Time) Notes/Goals: Unit VIII Ethical Aspects of Marketing Review:  Unit Study Guide Read:  Reading Assignment : See Study Guide  Suggested Reading: See Study Guide Discuss:  Discussion Board Response: Submit your response to the Discussion Board question by Saturday, 11:59 p.m. (Central Time)  Discussion Board Comment: Comment on another student’s Discussion Board response by Tuesday, 11:59 p.m. (Central Time) Submit:  Final Project by Tuesday, 11:59 p.m. (Central Time) Notes/Goals: