...Executive Summary Economies, industries and markets change everyday. The changes may be slow or rapid and may affect many companies and firms if not all. In the last twenty years due to rapid changes in technology and other environmental factors many firms could not simply rely on the strengths of firm resources to maintain healthy and high profit margins, there has been a greater need and shift towards market focused, industry focused approach to conducting business. Irrespective of industries, most companies today have adopted a market-oriented approach especially due to highly competitive environments in most industries. Many authors of market orientation advocate, in order for businesses to compete, stay ahead of their competition and ultimately rise above their competition, firms and companies need to adopt a market focused or market oriented approach to conducting business. Market Orientation is summed up as a process of understanding current and future client needs through research and applying strategies throughout the firm to better respond to those needs, which results in improved customer value. (Raaij, 2008; Lloyd & Harris, 1996; Kumar et al., 2011). This approach if adopted effectively could ultimately result in improved firm value as well. However, in the case of professional service firms there is still many for and against market orientation. The issues with the definition of the concept, time and monetary cost of research and implementation issues....
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...www.ccsenet.org/ijms International Journal of Marketing Studies Vol. 3, No. 2; May 2011 The Influence of Brand Loyalty on Cosmetics Buying Behavior of UAE Female Consumers Dr. Hamza Salim Khraim Marketing Department, Faculty of Business Middle East University, Amman, Jordan E-mail: hkhraim@meu.edu.jo Received: January 24, 2011 Abstract The worldwide annual expenditures for cosmetics is estimated at U.S. $18 billion, and many players in the field are competing aggressively to capture more and more markets. The purpose of this article is to investigate the influence of brand loyalty on cosmetics buying behavior of female consumers in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in the UAE. The seven factors of brand loyalty are brand name, product quality, price, design, promotion, service quality and store environment. Questionnaires were distributed and self-administered to 382 respondents. Descriptive analysis, one-way ANOVA and Pearson Correlation were used in this study. The findings of this study indicated that brand name has shown strong correlation with brand loyalty. The research results showed that there is positive and significant relationship between factors of brand loyalty (brand name, product quality, price, design, promotion, service quality and store environment) with cosmetics brand loyalty. Keywords: Female buying behavior, Brand loyalty, Cosmetics, UAE 1. Introduction The history of cosmetics spans at least 6,000 years of human history, and almost every society on earth...
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...Ta’Kita Boykin REI Marketing Environment Worksheet List the current characteristics of each environmental factor as they relate to REI. U.S. Economy How does the current U.S. economy affect REI retail operations? 1. If the economy was in a depression, people would begin saving money and limiting their spending habits, which in turns results in a decrease in online/in-store purchases for REI because the value of their goods/products would have to increase. There will less buying for some goods and supplies which decrease the company’s sales and revenue. 2. Employees within the companies would lose jobs (turnovers) or employees making less money. Global Economy How does the current global economy affect REI retail operations? 1. If some products or goods were bought or traded from another country and the currency values were increase, REI would have to purchase these items at a higher price also and the scope of REI’s prices would decrease because customers would realize that the prices for what they want are too expensive and not want to buy them. 2. Fair Labor. REI has joined with other associations such as Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) and Fair Factories Clearinghouse (FFC) to crack down and ban fair labor violations. Legal and Regulatory Environment What types of legal and regulatory forces affect REI in the U.S.? 1. Consumer privacy. By REI customer’s using their social security numbers, credit cards, checks, and debit cards to make purchases...
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...KUTCHEN March 24, 2013 MARKETING ANALYSIS REPORT BY: BRIDGETT BLUNT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Lortex Lutchen is the first company in the United States to ever create a comfortable toilet seat with state-of-the-art features, called Flush Max 1250. This product was created for consumers seeking a piece of mind in their private time. “Our mission is to provide the best in customized toilets, while integrating the latest in technology, to deliver quality and satisfaction to all our consumers. We are committed to the performance and consumer experience of Flush Max 1240 MARKETING MIX Setting a team of members to do a specific job as follows: • One would be responsible for external and internal environments. She/or he would keep up with the new technologies that comes out and keep track of the competition. • One would be responsible for marketing objectives and target marketing. He/ or she would focuses on what needs to be done for future purposes. • One would be responsible for product and pricing strategy. He/ or she would be in charge of setting prices and budgeting for the product. One would be responsible for marketing communication strategy. He/ or she would be in charge of the advertising, ads, sales, and promotion planning of the product. One would be responsible for distribution strategy and implementation and control. She/ or he is in charge of the action plan for marketing objectives. Being a brand new...
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...Executive Summary Introduction Blu-Ray Computer Design will provide computer and technical consulting to local small businesses as well as home PC users. In doing so the company will focus on marketing, responsiveness, quality, and creating and retaining customer relations. The Company Blu-Ray will initially be a sole proprietorship with minimum outside financing. Blu-Ray will be a home office start-up, utilizing one studio room in the owner's home and serving customers in the local Clearwater, Florida area. Blu-Ray Computer Design will be initially owned by Nigel Murrien. Depending on growth, the company will possibly add additional employees and expand operations. The Market Market research indicates an available market niche able to be occupied by additional businesses of this nature. The very nature of the computing industry, with its extraordinary rate of technological development, creates a constant need for businesses skilled in updating and advising customers on computer-related issues. Home PC users will provide the majority of our business revenue. These jobs will typically consist of minor upgrades services and advising. Business Week expects the computing industry to grow at a rate of 12% and the processor speeds to continue to expand for years to come, providing a rich resource for sales. Blue-Ray Computer Design has decided to focus mainly on the home PC market for many reasons. These home customers typically request jobs that are easier, faster, and less...
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...Marketing Mix “The four P approach has led to a manipulative attitude to people” (Gummesson, 2002:285). “What marketing deserves is new approaches, new paradigms, which are more market oriented” (Gronroos, 2002:140). “We propose that the mix has now reached its vanishing point, and we argue that marketing requires a new paradigm” (O’Malley & Patterson, 2002:50). What is common among the above three quotations is the fact that they are all against the Marketing mix. They also share the common belief that it’s time for a radical change, one where the 4Ps are rejected for a new paradigm. But the importance of the 4Ps is being undermined. Despite its limitations, they still form the base which is being used by modern organizations. This paper attempts to show the importance of the marketing mix for modern marketers and that it cannot be relegated from modern marketing strategy. The paper is divided into six parts. Beginning with the introduction it then moves on to the development of the marketing mix theory. The third part contains the literature review of the mix. The fourth asserts that marketing mix in conjunction with RM and CRM can result in a successful marketing strategy and the fifth uses Lexus as an example to prove this assertion. It ends with the conclusion. What Is Marketing Mix? The Oxford Dictionary of Business and Management’s definition of the Marketing Mix is of “the factors controlled by a company that can influence consumers’ buying of its products” (Anon...
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...1) Research SAP – discuss in YOUR words: what is SAP, what are some of its functionality, do research to determine its strengths and weaknesses. This should be 2 paragraphs – at least 20 sentences! In June 1972 5 IBM programmers created a company called Systems Analysis and Program Development after having worked on a program called SAPE for IBM. The programmers were originally pulled off the SAPE project but wanted to continue their work. Selling stock from their time at IBM the original founders of SAP were able to continue work on the SAPE program and eventually create many solutions for business. SAP is now one of the world’s largest software development companies focusing in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software. SAP has locations in over 130 countries and is the world’s leading ERP developer. SAP focuses on 6 primary industries: discrete, process, consumer, service, financial, and public services. SAP also offers integrated solutions for large enterprise companies as well as small and medium size businesses. Currently the SAP ERP Business Suite offers 5 ERP solutions for businesses intended to cover the scope of all solutions a business may need to be successful. Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) – this software allows companies to make orders from suppliers handling things such as inventory, scheduling, and cost analysis. Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) – This software allows manufacturers to maintain accurate product information that enables...
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...Project Report Launching the BMW Z3 Roadster Introduction BMW Z3 is the 1st BMW car which is being manufactured in North America, a market which has contributed only 16% to BMW s revenues. At the same time, the American customer has found itself very difficult to relate itself to a foreign brand. Here lies the challenge for BMW and the marketing efforts behind the Z3 campaign are aimed at changing this perception of the American customer and ingrain BMS s brand image in the hearts of Americans. Phase1 which was not a run of the mill marketing campaign created a huge buzz and was deemed a huge success. The campaign revolved around the placement of the BMW Z3 in the James Bond Movie, GOLDENEYE as Bonds new car. Several other non-traditional elements such as being part of the Neiman Marcus Christmas Catalog, product appearance on the Jay Leno show, and launch at Central Park ensured an out-of-the-box prelaunch. The challenge now is to leverage the buzz and design Phase II marketing strategies which will convert the interest generated into revenues for BMW. Strategic Significance of the Launch The launch is especially significant for BMW because the success of the entire U.S. operations of BMW crucially hinged on it. Moreover, BMW hopes to position the BMW brand firmly in American culture and settle into the hearts and minds of the American public through the launch. It was also meant to promote the vehicle as a cultural icon in America. Further, the launch demonstrates that...
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...In a Brand mantras are short; there is 3-5 word phrases are supposed to relay everything the seller is trying to convey to his consumers. Not only is it conveying a message to the consumer but also everyone associated with the organization, everyone from the sales staff to the marketing so they can understand the essence the organization is trying to capture. Also the brand positioning is an important aspect and as a matter of a fact where everything starts when an organization wants to create their brand. Its concept is to capture where the organization wants to target the market with their product/service. It is supposed to capture the brands essence in its design and easily convey that to the minds of the consumers. And important aspect of a brand that is associated with its reputation I believe is the point-of-difference. The point of difference are unique associations (meant to be positive) that the consumers make only with a particular brand, versus the point of parity, which are associations that are shared with competitors. How a brand is different in terms of what it offers to a consumer is very important for its reputation that is called its differentiability. Its deliverability is the commitment and its ability to use its resources accordingly to make sure its product/services deliver what it promises. Some of the advantages that an organization can benefit from once their brand and product is out in the market; is it creates a good perception of product performance...
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...31/08/2011 Group 2 – Kieran Tierney Marketing Plan: Vifon Cup Noodles Contents 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 3 2. CURRENT MARKETING SITUATION 4 2.1. Introduction 4 2.2. Situation analysis 4 2.2.1. Microenvironment 4 2.2.2. Macroenvironment 6 3. SWOT ANALYSIS 9 4. OBJECTIVES 10 4.1. Corporate objectives 10 4.2. Financial objectives 10 4.3. Marketing objectives 10 5. SEGMENTING, TARGETING AND POSITIONING 11 5.1. Segmentation table 11 5.2. Targeting 11 5.2.1. Evaluating Market Segment 11 5.2.2. Target marketing strategy 12 5.3. Positioning 12 5.3.1. Positioning map 12 5.3.2. Possible value different and competitive advantage 12 5.3.3. Choosing the right competitive advantages 13 5.3.4. Overall positioning strategy 13 5.3.5. Positioning statement 14 6. MARKETING MIX STRATEGIES 14 6.1. Product strategy 14 6.1.1. Brand Life cycle stage 14 6.1.2. Levels of Products and Product strategy 15 6.1.3. Brand Development Strategies – Line extension 16 6.2. Price Strategy 16 6.2.1. Product Mix Pricing Strategies 16 6.2.2. Price-Adjustment Strategies 17 6.3. Place strategy 17 6.3.1. Administered Vertical Marketing System 17 6.3.2. Multiple distribution channels 18 6.3.3. Channel design 19 6.4. Promotion 19 6.4.1. Promotion mix strategies 19 6.4.2. Promotion tools 20 7. ACTION PROGRAM 23 8. CONTROL PROGRAM 25 REFERENCES 26 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Vifon (Vietnam Food Industries Joinstock Company) seeks to provide a...
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...1.0 Introduction: 1.1 Purpose of the Report: The report is the first phase of a modified integrated marketing and communication plan for a new treadmill called Digi-Sprint. 1.2 Description of Digi-Sprint: Digi-Sprint is the only treadmill that has a retractable integrated touch screen computer with Wi-Fi, voice reader and webcam. The screen is retractable to fit the different consumer’s different needs as some would prefer to have the screen at a distance while others prefer it to be at a close range. For consumers who do not like reading while running the voice reader would read out the required areas of the website. Another main feature of Digi-Sprint is that it is silent. It does not emit noise like other treadmills. (Refer to table 1 in the appendix for all the features of Digi-Sprint both tangible and intangible characteristics). 1.3 Brand Image and Brand Identity: “Brand identity is a combination of name, logo, and design.” (Blech, Blech, Kerr & Powell, 2009). Digi is short for digital which implies to the consumers that the treadmill is digitalised and sprint is supposed to represent the athletic factor of the treadmill. The brand image that the company wants consumers to associate with the Digi-Sprint is that it is a sophisticated, intelligent high-end brand treadmill that is revolutionary and entertaining. The sophisticated image is to be achieved through the sleek and complex design. Intelligent is accomplished through the sharp, quick and innovative interface;...
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...INTRODUCTION: Amazon.com opened for business in July 1995, nobody in that time was optimistic for this brand new business model. People still enjoy the physical store, and skeptical on online shopping. However, with more than a decade efforts, Amazon was named the world’s top brand ahead of common names like Coca-Cola, Microsoft, and so on. Amazon and its online business model had creased more than $34 billion revenue, and equally 80 million people visit Amazon.com every month. In order to achieve greater success, Amazon need to overcome the challengeable external environment, strengthen organization structure, fulfill the product line, and leverage its brand strategy. CURRENT MISSION, GOAL, AND STRATEGY The current mission statement for the Amazon.com is “to be the Earth’s most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they might want to buy online, and endeavor to offer customers the lowest prices.” Amazon added 13 new fulfillment centers in 2010 and another 15 new center in the 2011 and company is planning to launch cloud technology in 2011 which allowed customers to store and access music. The company believed that in the nearly future this technology could bring the internal strength and competitive advantage for Amazon.com. INTERNAL ANALYSIS: See attached IFEM Amazon.com internally with an IFEM score of 3.25 FINANCE: Amazon is on strong financial position now; online sales reached $9.91 billion...
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...Prathap Oburai, Marketing Area, Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, India. Email: prathap@iimahd.ernet.in, prathapoburai@yahoo.co.in Phone: 0091-79- 2632 4942 Professor Michael J Baker. University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom This paper is a revised version of a competitive paper reviewed and accepted for presentation at the Academy of Marketing 2004 conference, July 06-09, Cheltenham, University of Gloucestershire Business School, England, United Kingdom 1 A Grounded Exploration of Sales and Distribution Channel Structures in Thirteen Industries in India Leading to a Classification Scheme Abstract Innovation is a fundamental virtue of marketing. In this paper, a case is made to promote the use of innovative and novel combinations of research methodologies to derive new insights of business phenomena. This study is an attempt to understand and explain the sales and distribution channel structures in thirteen different industries in India. The investigation adopted a mix of case research and grounded theoretic research methodologies in exploring the subject under scrutiny. The study offers a classification scheme for grouping marketing channels into homogenous clusters based on similarity/dissimilarity using multivariate multidimensional mapping techniques. This scheme offers to explain the variety found in structures and suggests alternative channel possibilities. Such a scheme can be used in formulating marketing strategies and...
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...producing quality product in cheaper price and they have a variety of products. The Square group has been living to their name and improving the image of Bangladesh in front of the world. They provide authentic information for their customers and are devoted towards customer satisfaction. We have learnt a lot of things from them and wish them good luck for their journey to prosperity. Table of Contents Title Page 04 05 10 12 15 15 17 19 20 12 22 23 1.0 Introduction 2.1 Objectives 2.0 Company Profile 3.0 SWOT Analysis of Square Consumer goods (Radhuni) 4.0 Competition Analysis 4.1 Identifying Competitors 4.2 Assessing Competitors 5.0 Marketing Mix 5.1Product 5.2 Product Quality 5.3 Price 5.4 Place 5.5 Promotion 6.0 Success Factor of Radhuni 7.0 End Note 1.0 Introduction SQUARE is a Bangladeshi industrial conglomerate. The industries under this group include Textiles, Pharmaceuticals, Toiletries, Consumer products. Services provided by SQUARE include Health care (Hospitals), Information and Communication Technology. The company was founded in 1958 by Samson H. Chowdhury along with three of his friends as a private firm. It went public in 1991 and is currently...
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...Literature Review This literature review we will cover all the aspects of the retail industry and how supply chain management affects the industry. We will also be looking into the common industry practices that are used in the developed nations. Apart from this we shall also be looking at the current situation of supply chain practices that are used in retail companies in India. Witte, C, Grunhagen, M, & Clarke, R 2003, 'THE INTEGRATION OF EDI AND THE INTERNET', Information Systems Management, 20, 4, pp. 58-65, Business Source Premier, EBSCOhost, viewed 30 August 2013: Summary The paper talked about the use of EDI in retail supply chains. So it covered the advantages and disadvantages of using EDI in retail space. It dealt upon searching reasons why small businesses are not able to use the EDI in their systems and went ahead suggesting alternatives that cold tackle the inefficiency of EDI. Key Learning * The major advantage of using EDI is that it is cost saving also it uses the recognized format across industry so standardized format. * The disadvantage of using EDI is that it can be costly specially the hardware and maintenance part of it. * SME’s do not find it cost effective to use EDI * Alternative to EDI is XML that is web based so no special hardware or software needs to be installed. Boyer, K, & Hult, G 2005, 'Welcome Home: Innovating the Forward Supply Chain', Business Strategy Review, 1p. 31-37, Business Source Premier...
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