MKTG 1005 – Marketing September 24, 2009

Ed McHugh Maxwell Russell, W0192947

Marketing Lab Assignment #1 Fall 2009

1. I compared the Business program at Memorial University of Newfoundland with Concordia University.

Which one is better? That’s an open-ended question because what does it mean “better” in terms of what

criteria? But since this is a marketing course, I am assuming that you mean which one do I think is better

for me to choose. Looking at the final result, both schools offer similar programs in business, but which

would be better for depends on a number of factors. Ranking high in the list would be the costs, not only in

terms of student fees, tuition, and books but the opportunity costs of holding a Business degree from MUN

or from Concordia. Which graduate with similar grades, skills etc., would be most appealing to a potential

employer? If I plan on looking for work in Newfoundland then I would probably have better success with

the Concordia degree; on the other hand, I am uncertain as to which graduate would be given preference

elsewhere. Another consideration is that housing costs that are considerably less in St. John’s than

Montreal. Then there are the cost of family separation, safety concerns, transportation, climate and the list

goes on and on. So, on that note I will say that MUN is better. Why? Total education costs for may be a

little higher at MUN but housing costs would be lower and I would probably have less debt in the long run.

I would be closer to family, I would feel safer, I don’t like big cities. If I wish to pursue a post-graduate

degree then I can decide later where I would like to do it. I would still be qualified to pursue some

certification such as a CA, CGA, or CMA etc.. It boils down to what needs and wants will be satisfied for

me and how much I am willing to sacrifice to meet them.

2. I recently purchased a new monitor for my computer.

(Problem Recognition)

I had my cable disconnected due to costs. I started watching movies and TV shows on my

computer. My computer screen was too small for viewing from across the room. I wanted a

larger wide-screen monitor for my computer.

(Information Search)

I went out to various stores to check out how much a monitor would cost with no intention of

buying. I checked out 3-4 stores when I stumbled upon a display model for $90 regularly priced

for $139. I decided that I could afford to spend that much on a monitor, it was a savings of $49

(Evaluation of Alternatives)

I returned to the previous stores to check out similar models. I discovered that various monitors

have different specifications resulting in different qualities of picture. I asked whether I would

be satisfied with a lower quality picture or if the additional cost could justify a better picture

quality. As I was about to leave the store I saw a stack of boxed monitors at the front of the store

for $169. I asked to see one and discovered that the price was incorrect for that model and that it

should have been $269, another model was supposed to be $169. The clerk told me that I could

have it for the $169 because that was the price shown on the floor.

(Purchase Discision)

I considered the extra cost of $79 to go from the first display model I saw for $90, that I really

couldn’t afford at the time and in reality I couldn’t really afford the $90 model. But I considered

the saving of $100 of the purchase price. Plus this was a larger model than the display model!

Hmmmmmmm?? Can I really step out and buy this now? I wasn’t even on planning to buy

anything when I left home. But I really needed to have this monitor! What the heck, I have the

opportunity to get a better monitor than I could afford and it was really exactly what I wanted, as
 well I could save $100 + plus tax on this model. It was a bargain! So I went ahead and made the

purchase on my credit card.

(Post-purchase Behavior)

Oh my God! I have to pay for this!! But I’m happy I have a new monitor which satisfies my

needs!

What ultimately made me make this purchase was that I felt that I could not afford not to buy it with the

savings from the lower price, plus the fact that I wanted it.