Marketing and Question

Question 1
List and briefly explain the external or macro-environmental forces indicating how each element can affect the ability of the organisation to compete in the market.

External Environment (Chapter 3)

Question 2
Differentiate between the core product, the actual product, and the augmented product as these concepts apply in the motorcar industry.
Product (Chapter 8)

Question 3
Draw a product life cycle diagram showing the sales and the profit changes that occur over a typical product life cycle. Briefly explain the typical marketing mix variables that occur in each stage. Provide an example of a product or service that you feel reflect each stage of the product life cycle and justify your reasoning.
New Product Development (Chapter 9)

Question 4
List and briefly explain the stages in the consumer decision process. Explain the influences that can impact on the consumer decision process. Use the purchase of a car or phone to demonstrate your understanding. Identify at what stage/s the marketing mix might be used to influence the decision process.

Question 5
List and briefly describe five characteristics of services that make marketing of services different to that of the marketing of goods. How might the marketing mix be modified to overcome these challenges? Provide examples to demonstrate your understanding. Question 6
Kotler et, al., (2009, p 42) describes strategic planning as ‘the process of developing and maintaining a strategic fit between the organisations’ goals and capabilities and its changing marketing opportunities. It relies on developing a clear company mission, supporting objectives, a sound business portfolio and coordinated functional strategies.’ Discuss the three levels in a strategic hierarchy and briefly describe the strategic decisions that occur at each level. Provide examples to demonstrate your understanding. Question 7
What are the key factors that companies need to consider when