Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
STRATEGIC
MARKETING
MANAGEMENT
V1.6
NAXILO
EX: While Allied Insurance Company focus more on individual and corporate insurance policies,
Amana Takaful focuses on motor and third party insurance.
A company will have more than one strategy and also many options to achieve their objectives,
following is an example of Singapore Airlines vs. Easy Jet.
NAXILO Page 2
STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGEMENT
In order to have a proper strategy there should be a proper plan. A marketing plan should
include the following stages:
Strategic Marketing Plan is a complete guideline which includes objectives, strategies, tactics
and control points.
A well developed marketing plan can increase the effectiveness of the corporate plan. A good
strategic marketing plan will have a clear vision within a well defined objective armed with
strategies to achieve them. Even though marketing plan period changed in accordance to the
industry, having a marketing plan is better than not having any.
A proper strategic marketing plan will include the following steps.
Corporate Objectives
Situational Analysis
SWOT (Internal)
PEST (External)
Resources
Marketing Strategies
Segmentation/Targeting/Positioning
Ansoff’s Matrix
Marketing Mix
Boston Matrix
Shell Matrix
NAXILO Page 3
STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGEMENT
Marketing Tactics
Quarterly Targets
Sales Budgets
Product Development and Launch
Research
Implementation
Monitor
Control
Vision is the ultimate dream that the organisation expect to achieve in its long run. Rarely there
are organisations that have exceeded the dream and therefore redefine the vision again.
EX: Amazon.com‘s initial vision was “to be the world’s leading bookstore”. Once they achieved
it, they changed their vision to “Anything under the SUN”. Vision is more weight and more
qualitative.
Mission is more of a quantitative definition of the vision. It converts the vision into an
achievable format and gives a practical target.
EX: IBM put their mission statement as the best and most preferred IT partner in terms of
corporate and individual needs.
Objectives are further breakdowns of the mission for shorter periods and initial targets.
EX: “To increase the market share by 2% at the end of the year 2015.”
EXII: Clique College may have the objective “to enrol 1000 students within next 3 years.”
Objectives should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-frame, or in other
words, “SMART”.
There are several stages of the marketing plan. If we start from the beginning, corporate plan is
the organisations ultimate plan followed by marketing, human resources, finance, etc.
Therefore organisations overall planning with related to marketing can be displayed as follows:
NAXILO Page 4
STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGEMENT
CORPORATE
Human Resources
Information Technology
Sales
Finance
Logistics
Marketing
Marketing Plan 1 (Product Range A)
- A1 [promotional plan]
- A1 [branding plan]
- A2 [promotional plan]
- A2 [branding plan]
NAXILO Page 5
STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGEMENT
Product
A product can be a good service or even an idea. This is maybe to describe a physical or non-
tangible aspect which can only be felt. Whatever it is, it should be to satisfy a need.
1) Consumer Products
2) Industrial Products
NAXILO Page 6
STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGEMENT
Consumer Products
Consumer products are expected to be bought by the end user. The product is further classified
into sub groups, depending on the value, usage point or by features.
1) Convenience: Easily available, less brand loyalty, slight variance compared to competitors
and mostly the generic products.
2) Shopping: Mostly semi durable appliances such as mixers, grinders, dry irons, washing
machines, etc. This may require a guarantee, warranty, It can be payable through debit
cards and value is more important than the price.
3) Speciality: Most of the time it is a high involvement product. Decisions will be taken after
careful analysis and references, previous experience matters a lot.
Industrial Products
Industrial products are used and marketed differently than consumer products, since the target
audience have different expectations.
In marketing, we are more focused on satisfying the need, rather than selling a product.
Therefore it is important to understand the benefit you offer than the product only.
Variations may come in different forms, but the need and the benefit remains the same.
EX: Sony tries to enter all entertainment segments such as TV, Audio, Cameras, Gaming, DVD
and CD, etc.
NAXILO Page 7
STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGEMENT
-
Idea Generation
AMOUNT OF INVESTEMENT
Screening
Marketing Strategy
Business Analysis
Product Development
+
Test Marketing
Commercialization/Launch
Managing Products
A marketer has to carefully balance the product range in order to be efficient or successful.
Either;
1) Existing product can be well managed, properly branded and penetrate the market.
NAXILO Page 8
STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGEMENT
During the introduction, a small quantity is manufactured, and then these products are tested
with the actual target market. Later with corrections and amendments, you may come to the
market aggressively with minimum variants (sizes, flavours, etc.) Once the product starts to
make the profit and hits the break-even point, marketers can be very aggressive to get the
market share.
When the product reaches the growth stage, marketers introduce maximum variants and sizes.
You may also develop own competitive brands to keep the competitors busy. At this stage,
either catching up with competitors or challenging them is common.
When reaching maturity, you may get rid of all ill performing brands and the successful brands
are given high priority. These brands will be heavily branded until they become top of the mind.
In the decline stage, two things can be done. That is either to re-launch or to introduce next
generation products.
NAXILO Page 9
STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGEMENT
Roger’s diffusion model represents how a customer adopts a new product from the
introduction stage to the end. As marketers, Roger’s model is a good guideline when planning
their product management.
NAXILO Page 10
STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGEMENT
Pricing Decisions
1) Customer and the market factor: Here, marketer will analyse the perception of the
customer about the product, the value that they are willing to pay for the product and
emotional aspects.
2) Cost Incurred: After considering the total expenditure and the profit margin which
customers will also accept, pricing will be decided.
Pricing Policies
There are many reasons behind pricing strategies. Pricing policies consist of factors that
influence the strategy to be chosen.
Cost Oriented
Industries such as FMCG, industrial goods, electronics are forced to cover the minimum price
and reasonable profit margin. At minimum the product should cover the fixed and variable
costs.
Demand Oriented
It is very common in general marketing.
EX: Hospitality industry, Ticketing & transportation, some seasonal food products
Competitor Oriented
The pricing is totally dependent on the market conditions and competitor strategies. These
maybe used when the market has a price war or monopoly or oligopoly conditions.
EX: OPEC maintains standard prices to keep the demand.
NAXILO Page 11
STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGEMENT
Influences on Pricing
There are many factors which influence the pricing decision. All these factors can be classified
into three sections.
2) Product Factors
Product Life Cycle (PLC) stage
Customers idea about the segmentation and positioning
Quality standard of the product
Packaging and storage requirements
NAXILO Page 12
STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGEMENT
Pricing Strategies
Pricing strategies help marketers to give a science behind their decisions. Choosing the right
strategy should also analyse the pricing policies and the influences.
1) Price Skimming
This is where above the average price is quoted for the uniqueness, innovation or due to the
strong brand image. Marketer should be careful to make sure that customers comprehend the
uniqueness or difference.
2) Penetrative Pricing
When the product is generic or does not have any uniqueness/no market demand, marketers
will have to adopt this strategy.
5) Differential Pricing
To overcome certain competitive and market challenges, differential pricing is encouraged.
6) Competitive Pricing
6.1) Discounts: Either based on the volume or the value.
6.2) Menu Pricing: Here different options are given for customers to choose from. This is a
better way to avoid brand image conflicts.
6.3) Promotional Pricing: Temporary action to overcome competitive barriers.
Managing Price
Managing price is one of the hardest decisions a marketer may have to make in his job role in
the management. The following may take place:
NAXILO Page 13
STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGEMENT
Whenever you are making a decision on the above, marketer will have to analyse the following
factors:
2) Demand Factors: When deciding on a price decision, elasticity and inelasticity of demand
should be considered.
3) Break-even point: This is considered along with the PLC to understand how the pricing
changes will backfire at the bottom-line.
NAXILO Page 14
STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGEMENT
This is where the whole process of taking the product from organisation to the consumer is
being discussed. Here, distribution management has been classified into logistics management
and retail chain management.
Distribution Methods/Channels
Direct Sales – EX: Olive Garden
Online Marketing – EX: Air Asia
Direct Marketing – EX: Insurance and Savings deposits
Tele Marketing – EX: TV
Representatives/Agents – EX: Dhiraagu
Indirect -> Retailers – EX: “Killi” in Maldives
Wholesaler -> Retailer – EX: Philips
Agents -> Wholesale -> Retail – EX: Red Bull
Distribution Strategy
There are different channels and methods identified to move a product from the organisation
to customer. All these methods are selected based on the strategic approach the organisation
expects to implement.
Intensive Distribution
In this strategy, you may try to maximise the distribution range. You may perhaps even choose
all the distribution channels.
Price of the product will be low or disposable
Suitable for low involvement products
When the visibility is high, chances of selling is higher
EX: Supari, Chocolates
Selective Distribution
Total solution is provided by the representative agent from spare parts to after sales.
EX: Home appliances, paints, motorbikes, etc.
NAXILO Page 15
STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGEMENT
Exclusive Distribution
When the product is of high value, then exclusive distribution is encouraged.
Products will be of up market and high valued.
High involvement products (EX: Housing, Vehicles, etc.)
Packaging will be given high priority
If the product is specialised, (EX: Consultancy, Media selling) this method can be used.
Channel conflicts can happen when 2 or more channels overlap or when one channel is been
made cut by another.
Strategies
Product Factors
Seasonality – EX: Cashew nuts
Rate of turnover – EX: A house for lifetime
Product Life Cycle (PLC) – EX: Some softwares have a short life span.
Perishable: If the goods are not durable, distribution method should be changed.
Image of the product should suit the packaging and distribution.
Franchising
Franchising is the easiest way to expand business overseas and gain exposure with least
investment. Brand name and training will be provided by the Franchisee.
NAXILO Page 16
STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGEMENT
1) Target Audience
2) Consistent Message
3) Right Promotional Tools and Channels
Promotional Mix
Advertising
Personal Selling
Direct Marketing
Public Relations
Exhibitions
Packaging
Posters and Flyers
Hoardings and Danglers
Internet and Social Media
Point Of Sales (POS) Materials
NAXILO Page 17
STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGEMENT
Promotional Campaigns
Promotional campaigns are in nature aggressive, short term and win-win for customers as well
as the organisation. This may run through up to 3 months.
Promotional Campaigns may require lot of effort from marketers in terms of critical thinking
and implementation.
EX: Clique College will be launching first Herriot Watt Marketing Batch in Jan 2013. Make a
campaign plan to promote the event.
After deciding to go for a promotion, marketers come out with a promotional plan which is
represented through GANT CHART.
These promotions are done in 3 ways:
1) Burst Campaign
2) Drip Campaign
3) Mixed Campaign
When creating a promotional campaign, a marketer must consider the following factors.
1) How much does the campaign cover in terms of target audience
2) Cost of promotion (marketers have to mind per head cost, return on investment as
additional customers, etc.)
3) It can either use attack, defence or protective strategy
NAXILO Page 18
STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGEMENT
Purpose of branding
Brand Loyalty
When a brand repeatedly satisfies a customer and if it has been marketed through proper
advertising, branding comes into action. Brand Loyalty is when a customer naturally tends to
purchase a product and to buy it repeatedly.
EX: A normal Starbucks customer visits 6 times per month while a loyal customer visits 16 times
per month; meaning higher frequency of purchase.
Brand Value
NAXILO Page 19
STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGEMENT
Brand Erosion
Due to different reasons, brands get diluted or disappear from the market.
1) Private Branding
EX: TESCO starting their own range of products
2) Brand Forgery
Some brands have many plagiarisers which will ruin the original brand.
EX: BOSS vs. BOOS
6) Grey Marketing
This happens when the marketing activities are unclear and difficult to gain confidence in
the public.
Building Brands
This is a long term expensive task which requires lot of commitments, plans and long term
vision. Branding can be done in 3 ways.
NAXILO Page 20
STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGEMENT
2) Range Branding
This is where one company has different ranges for different products. This helps the
organisation to concentrate more on each product separately.
EX: Companies such as Unilever, Proctor & Gamble (P&G) and Coca-Cola use this method. It
makes it difficult for competitors as it covers all gaps in the market.
Developing Brands
This is a difficult management decision to make and have to consider many aspects of it.
1) Analysing the effect of the existing brand is very important as it may ruin the current brand
image
2) Compatibility and suitability for the global operation. Name, colour, symbols should not
make issues in the global standard. Certain brands may have ethnic issues such as the cross
in the Anchor label in Middle East.
3) Potential Growth Ability: Having the expansion facility both horizontally and vertically will
give the opportunity in the long run.
NAXILO Page 21
STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGEMENT
The main difference between a product and a service is intangibility. Apart from that, there are
other differences such as inseparability, heterogeneity, perishability and lack of ownership.
Intangibility:
No brand, difficult to sample, low entry barriers, no patents
Inseparability:
Restrictions in mass production, produced and used at the same time, service receiver
also have a part in the service.
Depends on the employee that cant distribute it like a product
Heterogeneity:
Naturally service level varies, quality control and standardisation is very difficult
Perishability:
Spoilage, time sensitivity and usage of unused capacity is not possible
Lack of Ownership:
Customers cannot own the service, it is only a rent
NAXILO Page 22
STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGEMENT
Service Quality
Service quality is analysed by marketers to measure the standard of service. Measuring quality
correctly is very important in the customers’ point of view. There can be many reasons for a
service to not reach the expected standard. This is explained by the gap model.
EXPECTED SERVICE
CUSTOMERS
GAP5
GAP1
PERCEIVED SERVICE
SERVICE DELIVERY
GAP4
GAP3
SERVICE QUALITY EXTERNAL
SPECIFICATIONS COMMUNICATIONS TO
CUSTOMERS
GAP2
MANAGEMENT
PERCEPTION ON
ORGANISATION
CUSTOMER
EXPECTATIONS
NAXILO Page 23
STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGEMENT
Gap model is used to find out the difference in the service expectations in accordance to the
views of customer and organisation. It also analyses gaps within the organisation.
SERVQUAL is an analytical system used by marketers to analyse the service quality. In this all
the factors of a service industry is divided into 5 sectors;
1) Tangibles
2) Reliability
3) Responsiveness
4) Assurance
5) Empathy
When studying SERVQUAL, all aspects of service will be analysed with the above 5 factors, the
main disadvantage is that expected level in each criteria may vary from person-to-person.
In Not for Profit sector, also called as the third sector, the main purpose is different to what
public sector does (“Electoral Mandate”) and what private sector does (making profit). Third
sector satisfies those who have a need but neither of the other parties is interested to satisfy.
EX: Blue Cross is a society which comes forward to control cruelty towards animals. There are
governmental and private sector N4P organisations. National Lottery in UK is a government
formed N4P; while Bill Gates Foundation is an example for private.
NAXILO Page 24
STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGEMENT
Marketing information has become a key priority as rest of the planning is totally dependent on
the information.
Situation Analysis
Here, we analyse what happens inside the organisation, as well as what happens in the outer
environment. Therefore it is analysed in two areas.
1) Internal Environment (Micro Environment)
2) External Environment (Macro Environment)
In the external environment, marketers are more concerned about financial difficulties,
developing trends in customers and other relevant factors.
Porter identified the competition is really not coming from only direct competitors.
EX: Pepsi is not the real competitor of Coca-Cola, but instead it is water.
Therefore Porter analysed 5 areas which could be competitive for a product.
1) Direct Competitors
NAXILO Page 25
STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGEMENT
5) Threat of substitutes:
Instead of choosing a chocolate, a customer may choose an ice cream. Therefore, the
product range has to be fought against as well.
1) Using an organisation of your choice briefly describe porters five forces theory
model and explain how it can be used as a basis for investigating industry
competition.
Corporate Plans – Set according to the company vision, mission and objectives analyses
financial aspects, shareholder perspectives brand equity and qualitative measures.
Regional Plans – This is where organisation gives priority, for the regional advantages.
EX: Asian region for manufacturing and European region for service and research.
International Corporate Plans – Each country or SBU is considered with a unique plan. By
default, this should be in line with regional and corporate plan.
EX: Marketing Plan, Sales Plan
Contingency Plans - are used to recover when the original plans are not in time.
EX: In case of a Tsunami, to divert production to an unaffected stable area.
B) Identify and briefly describe the various types of plans that the strategic
marketer is likely to come across when working in a multinational company.
NAXILO Page 26
STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGEMENT
Segmentation
Main purpose of segmentation is to differentiate the company from the rest of players. If
successfully segmented, target market should not have a second thought or confusion
regarding the choice. When you segment successfully you should be able to:
Understand the customers: Pizza Hut realises the need of having spicy menus in the Asian
markets.
Helping in Planning: Harley Club and Ferrari Club know exactly what their customers want
Targeting
When targeting a market, strategic marketers may have to look into the following:
3) Ability to cross spend: A Philips TV buyer may choose to buy a Philips Home Theatre and
DVD.
4) Growth Potential: Villa College utilises their resources into segments such as diving
schools, Islamic studies, psychology
NAXILO Page 27
STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGEMENT
Positioning
Commonly used techniques are positioning maps and perceptual maps. The positioning is done
in the consumers mind. Therefore it requires lot of effort and money apart from time.
Multiple objectives – EX: A purchaser might consider quality factors, cost, profit, etc.
Many people and departments are involved – EX: For a purchasing of raw material
shipment, marketing, finance, logistics, procurement, senior management may be
involved.
Value of purchase will be very high and repeated – EX: Annual text book purchasing
from the government.
Buying patterns are set – EX: When resorts are buying food items, they have limited but
trusted, selected suppliers.
Organisational factors – EX: Apple may deal with selected suppliers, since Samsung
copied their technology.
NAXILO Page 28
STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGEMENT
Using a company of your choice explain how strategic marketers can approach
new business opportunities successfully.
P.s. students can use analytical methods such as SWOT or PESTEL
Marketing environmental analysis is given high priority when analysing and making strategic
marketing plans. Having a clear idea on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats
gives marketers the opportunity to look into hidden factor and also for future developments.
External environmental analysis helps the organisation to prepare well in advance for
uncontrollable factors such as PESTEL factors. Having a clear vision, understanding and in-depth
knowledge may make the marketing plan more synergetic and realistic.
Fuel Supplies Maldives (FSM) is a well known organisation in Maldives for supplying of fuels. It
is a government owned entity which is responsible for social welfare and also for profit making.
When FSM is doing strategic planning they may use environmental analysis in many different
ways to make it more appealing and realistic.
By understanding their strengths and weaknesses they may decide on the competing strategy.
As they are the market leader they may use this strength to capitalise on the market share.
They may often miss the weakness as the focus is more on opportunities. FSM may have
difficulty in being flexible, and turn around will be slower than the competition due to
bureaucracy.
FSM may find different opportunities in the market and as the flexibility is the problem they
may plan well in advance. They may approach upcoming resorts and airports with a better
proposal.
As Maldives is highly affected from global warming, fuel consumption may be considered as a
social responsibility. Therefore FSM can take precautions and develop a green attitude.
Around the globe solar energy, wind power, turbine energy is more appreciated than fuel
energy. Therefore FSM may include a contingency plan if alternatives are encouraged.
Technological developments may force to bring changes in the product. Therefore future
techno aspects will be analysed by FSM such as 98% octane petrol.
NAXILO Page 29
STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGEMENT
Economical factors such as exchange rates and environmental factors such as Somalia Piracy
may happen anytime. Analysing the environment helps the organisation to keep a healthy
margin of profit and insure while transporting, etc.
As mentioned above an organisation can make their marketing efforts and plans much
successful by analysing the environment. Also, it gives additional point of view and dimensions
that haven’t been thought of to the planning process.
NAXILO Page 30
STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGEMENT
Marketing Information System (MIS) is a supporting tool for decision making. To make better
decisions MIS should have better information. To get accurate outcomes, information should
be up to date, error free and sufficient.
MIS is sophisticated software which has the ability to connect database management systems,
search engines and other relevant materials. MIS consists of 4 components which coordinate
with each other through a logical mathematical system
- Political
- Strategic Internal Marketing - Economical
- Tactical Document Intelligence - Social
- Functional s - Technological
- Planning - Environmental
- Implementation Marketing Marketing - Legal
& Control Analysis - Pressure group
Research
- Competitor
- Customer
- Supplier
Feedback
Utilising MIS
MIS is used to filter loyal customers and to implement CRM strategies towards them.
EX: Emirates Airlines offers skywards, free mileage flying for frequent flyers.
It helps the company to decide future business trends and to come up with proper plans.
EX: Emirates came up with a joint venture to Qantas (Australian Airline) seeing the growth
potential in the eastern world.
NAXILO Page 31
STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGEMENT
It helps to understand the hidden reasons behind a customer’s thinking process and it
notices the factors that may be ignored by a manager.
EX: Emirates have state-of-the-art entertainment system I C E which offers something for
everyone.
Marketing Research
Marketing research is the systematic gathering, recording and analysing of data about problems
relating to the marketing of goods and services. Marketing Research is carried out in two ways:
1) The Pilot phase- This is where when you research the data that is already available.
Therefore it is also called as Secondary research/Exploratory research. Since it is convenient,
it is also called as desk research.
2) Primary Phase: Here, an in-depth research is being conducted with fresh objectives and
probably in the field (maybe in a laboratory, where real business takes place)
1) Set Objectives
2) Define Research problems
3) Assess the value of the research
4) Construct a research proposal
5) Specify data collection method
6) Specify techniques of measurement
7) Select the sample
8) Data Collection
9) Analysis of result
10) Present in a final report
NAXILO Page 32
STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGEMENT
Problems in a research
Marketing research can be misleading or can become useless due to following reasons:
2) Cost: To get a better result, sufficient sample size is a mandatory factor. When sample is too
small, it may not reflect the population. This often happens when the budget is not enough
to conduct a proper research.
3) Safety: Often people suspect that their information will be misused. Therefore they may
avoid the research or give false information.
EX: When a middle class individual is asked regarding his life standards, answers tend to be
exaggerated.
4) Time Factor: Certain research requires time to gather and analyse information. When the
time is limited, high tendency for shortcuts and convenience samples. This may give a
wrong answer to research problem.
Secondary Research
Secondary research is also called desk research, pilot research, desk research, etc. It is the first
phase of the research where already available information is being analysed and interpreted.
Mostly it is available for free, or can be bought at a very reasonable price.
EX: Customer panel research which can be bought for few dollars. This may have all the
information regarding TV channels, programmes and audience viewing rate.
NAXILO Page 33
STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGEMENT
Most common secondary research sources are publications by the organisation; annual reports,
invoice and delivery reports. Others include government publications, statistics, and ministry
publications. Internet and websites, magazines and newspapers can also be classified as other
sources.
Secondary research is conducted first, because it gives an idea in advance to the raw data
collection. It also helps to find customers for sampling and research, and at times to eliminate
the need of research.
EX: When Coca-Cola was having a sales drop for the first time, their sales figures being taken
over by Pepsi. They were then forced to make extreme measures, where they played sweet
cola campaign, which was inspired within the organisation itself.
2) Relationship Marketing: This is where customers and the company work as partners in the
business, which is very common in B2B marketing. At times it is applied in B2C as well.
EX: The relationship between Open University of Malaysia and Villa College.
EXII: Marble Hotel issues a loyalty card for the frequent customers.
3) Internal Marketing: It values the staff and their career and personal developments, as well
as their rights.
NAXILO Page 34
STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGEMENT
4) Direct Marketing: This helps to maintain one-to-one relationships with customers. This may
use all the possible media available.
5) Electronic Marketing
6) Customers: Rather than looking at the customer in one point of view organisations started
to value different perspectives.
Emirates group have a ship filled with food items, medicines and necessities to cater in
disastrous situations.
ODEL, a leading clothing chain in Sri Lanka runs a CSR campaign called embark to provide
shelter for stray dogs.
When it is a CSR programme it should be different from what the company markets and they
should take the ownership of the project.
Is CSR Necessary?
Since organisations are profit motivated, it is often questioned whether a CSR is necessary.
It is necessary because business is conducted in the society; therefore organisation is
responsible for their well being.
Is the organisation supposed to undertake social welfare and address broader issues? In
long term sustainability, businesses benefit from CSR.
NAXILO Page 35
STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGEMENT
Will the business get powerful in the society? Since business employs skilled and capable
staff, why not address these issues?
What if the competitor spends that money for promotions and product improvements? This
may look profitable in short-term, but by the time competitors realise social issues, CSR will
come in handy.
Internal Marketing
Until recently, employees or whoever works very closely within the organisation’s parameters
were considered as secondary. Only after many practical implications they started recognising
internal staff as well.
Any activity which is more like marketing which motivates employees to work towards
organisations goals is concerned as internal marketing.
EX: Segmenting them in different categories, hard working, loyal, smart, etc.
EXV: Company organised events, staff together, inter departmental tournaments and
recreational activities
At the same time, there can be negative motives towards internal marketing, due to cost, time
and low engagement levels from staff.
NAXILO Page 36
STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGEMENT
Internet
Social Networks
Search Engines
PayPal
Wire Transfer
Email Campaigns
Viral Marketing
E-forums and blogs
Interactive media such as interactive TV, Skype & chat forums
Internet marketing, also known as online marketing is used in 5 ways commonly known as
online marketing’s “5S”:
Sell – To a global market
Serve – To provide additional information or service
Save – By reducing traditional methods of advertising
Speak – One-to-One
Sizzle – Impress visitors by a grand website
At the same time, E-marketing has a few unique characteristics. This is studied under “6Is”
Interactivity
Intelligence
Individuality
Integration
Industry restructuring – Inventing new distribution channels
Independence of location
NAXILO Page 37
STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGEMENT
Capabilities of E-marketing
Connectivity
Cost
Technical Staff
Technical Faults
Viruses and Hackers
Legal Issues
Spam
Intellectual property
New Media
Due to the growth in virtual media, there are few new media, which are now dominating the
market.
Email marketing campaigns
Viral marketing, also known as word of mouse, where one individual share one event to
their friend
Wireless marketing/mobile marketing
Interactive television: A good media for instant feedback, used in voting, product search,
banking and gambling.
NAXILO Page 38
STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGEMENT
There are micro enterprises (less than 10 employees), Small enterprises (10-49 employees),
Medium sized enterprises (50-249) and Large organisations (250+ employees). Depending on
these types, strategies may change significantly. Also, on average only 5% of SMEs become
successful enough to become a large organisation.
NAXILO Page 39
STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGEMENT
Developments in SMEs
Exporting/Importing
Direct Marketing
EX: Resort Supplies in Maldives purchase products around the world on behalf of the resort
Entrepreneul Marketing
There are a considerable amount of SMEs who are willing to take the challenge when there is
an opportunity, while critics and experts forecast different ideas about it. They are willing to
learn on the way and they consider expert opinions to minimise the obstacles.
Entrepreneurs will be very committed, hard working and they adapt and learn fast to survive.
At times they end up in a disaster but it is only a learning curve.
Through entrepreneul marketing, businesses have learned to include the following into any
organisation culture:
NAXILO Page 40
STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGEMENT
Flexibility:
EX: Classic Travel in Sri Lanka launched only 7 years back, have gained 1/6 of the market
share by offering photo studios, 24/7 helpline and 24/7 , 365 ticketing facilities
Knowledge:
Product knowledge and industry knowledge is a must for success.
EX: Resort operators in Maldives make sure they reach 70% occupancy throughout the
year by using the marketing and customer preferable knowledge.
Organisational Structure
Large organisations will have a different culture to SMEs. At the same time these structures will
be deciding the output of the efficiency and decision making.
NAXILO Page 41
STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGEMENT
Auditing the marketing mix is a process of re evaluating the 4 functions of the marketing mix. In
this section, priority is given on checklist basis.
Product Checklist
1) Market Share
2) Consumer likes and dislikes
3) Historical sales trends
4) Seasonality
5) Capacity and the usage
6) Return on Investment
7) Product definition and benefits
8) Product Life Cycle
Price Checklist
1) Are pricing objectives appropriate?
2) Price and other 3ps
3) Stage of PLC, competitor pricing and customers response to the price
4) Discount, differentiated pricing and their effects on profit margin
5) Is there any requirement for price promotion?
Place Checklist
1) Does the product reach the consumer as expected?
2) Is the distribution cost included in the price?
3) Manufacturers control over the distributional channel
4) Strengths and weaknesses in distributional channel
5) Market coverage
Promotional Checklist
Promotional activities are audited in 2 ways:
1) Overall promotional audit: Here we analyse all the possible options and functions together
In this way, we try to audit the following:
a) What is the overall promotional objective (Is it for rebranding/increase sale/survive)
NAXILO Page 42
STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGEMENT
b) Is it realistic? Is it happening?
c) Do these promotional activities:
I) Create Awareness?
Awareness can be tested through recall tests. At times, recognition tests are also
used.
II) Do they affect the attitude?
To check the attitude, we may use attitude tests and in-depth research.
III) Generate Action?
Response or action can easily be monitored via sales or via activity.
Personal Selling
Personal selling is a very expensive and time consuming promotional method. Therefore it
should be audited carefully. It can be measured through:
Sales Promotions
1) Increase in sales
2) Number of new customers attracted
3) Preventing competition
Marketing research is conducted with the motive of collecting first hand data. Therefore
research has to be done very accurately and with a proper plan. This helps to minimise time
wastage, error and other resources. In general, a research or plan process will have the
following steps:
1) Set Objectives
Here, we analyse what we expect to find out and set targets and goals.
NAXILO Page 43
STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGEMENT
8) Data Collection
Here, the research team will go in the field and physically get involved in research. This is the
execution stage.
You are the marketing manager for a small shoe manufacturer that employs 20 people. Owner
of the business wishes to order to new overseas markets. Write a short report detailing various
options that should be considered and recommended and justify your required option.
Born globals and franchisers along with joint venture are dominating the international market.
Large organisations such as Wal-Mart, Starbucks, KFC, General Motors & Electrics, P&G are
invading domestic and rural market, where the survival and existence of SMEs itself is a
challenge.
NAXILO Page 44
STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGEMENT
Being given the scenario, SMEs are forced to come with innovative solutions and to expand
business globally through different means other than franchising, joint ventures or buy outs.
Therefore, SMEs have adopted the following options to enter the international marketing arena.
1) Exporting
Exporting is quite a traditional method, but comes handy when you are more focused on
domestic market and when you need to sell the excess production. A shoe manufacturer may
have excess quantity in certain designs and some models considered as very slow moving. This
can be used for bulk exporting.
3) Direct Marketing
Direct Marketing using each channels and websites, SMEs can reach the world quite easily. But
for a shoe manufacturer, this might not work effectively when logistic charges are added.
Nice marketing would be much appropriate since it gives the opportunity to build a global
customer base, choose skimming prices and most of all to develop an own global brand which
may increase the brand equity over the time and to introduce sub products in future.
NAXILO Page 45
STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGEMENT
Organisational Stands
Organisations enter to the business scenario in different context with high investment and
innovative product.
EX: SONY launching Play Station 2 (PS2) to reach the market leader position.
At the same time, some companies will have an innovative product, but with less investment to
become the first in the market.
EX: Even though Panasonic were the first to introduce 3D technology to the market, SONY
capitalised on it through promotions.
1) Market Leader
Market Leader should be innovative, so that they can be in the forefront of the competition.
They should do fortification to keep competition activities at minimum. Confrontation should
be done by using aggressive and by getting into price wars, harassments through pressurising
the distribution channels and criticising competition.
2) Market Follower
Market Follower may benchmark the market leader, but can gain advantages through superior
service, flexibility and by overcoming the short falls of market leader’s products, even though
they cannot boast by saying the leader or innovator can easily gain market share from the need
created by the leader and superior distribution systems. Brand loyalty will be less, but sales
growth will be easier.
3) Market Nichers
Market nichers focus on limited amount of customers, while enjoying higher profit rates and
provide unique services, which others seem to ignore. This is not possible if there is no
uniqueness or talent.
NAXILO Page 46
STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGEMENT
FOCUS
1) Cost Leadership
When organisations are quite large, then the investment is high and organisations have the
opportunity to manufacture in large scale, and thereby achieve economies of scale. This way
organisation does not have to compromise that quality, at the same time, any excess
production can be exported to international markets. Organisation should be careful to
communicate correctly, that the product is value for money, and not a low quality product. Cost
Leadership is possible by large organisations and at anytime a competitor might go lower than
you to challenge.
2) Differentiation
This is suitable for innovative and organisations with Unique Selling Propositions (USP). This
means organisations should have an advantage, which the competitors cannot match. This way,
organisations can sell even at a higher price, with a reasonable margin.
EX: While others are focused on inbound and outbound tourism, Virgin group initiated space
tourism.
NAXILO Page 47
STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGEMENT
3) Focus
Focus strategy is more towards niche market, and will be focused on few clients, but specialised
total solutions.
EX: Rolex watches, Intel processors, etc.
Poorly Focused or
differentiated
with no cost
leadership
Porter’s Profitability Curve clearly represents how a cost leader and a differentiator gains bigger
market shares. By gaining more customers, they gain a higher Return On Investment (ROI).
Focus strategy may not entertain many clients, but will enjoy higher profits, and therefore
higher ROI.
A remarkable portion from the advertising budget is now being allocated for social marketing.
Social and virtual marketing have given the opportunity to have a say for SMEs and therefore,
despite the size of the organisation, everyone favours this.
NAXILO Page 48
STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGEMENT
Using social networks have a high probability of going negative if not managed properly. One
negative comment may reach a million audiences in no time. Marketers tend to exploit social
networking through the following areas:
2) Brand Building
To bring the brand to customers’ proximity was a challenging task and many companies had
only TV, press and radio to reach households. Through organising communities, by interest
groups, circulating hot topics within the group may help brand building.
4) Internal communication
Communications within the employees of different departments, levels, have been reduced to
one single platform. This is also a way to discriminate differences and unite.
QUESTION: ???
Outline McKinsey’s Seven S’s model and explain with examples how it can be used
to analyse the internal environment of an organisation.
NAXILO Page 49
STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGEMENT
McKinsey’s model was initially introduced for strategy selection, but now it is used as an
internal environment auditing tool. The steps identified by McKinsey can cover all aspects of
internal marketing.
Structure: Represents how the chain of command and reporting works with expansions and
new products, structure may require changes.
Strategy: This analyses the internal management strategy, which may be autocratic or
democratic. It also covers the strategy to unite the team.
Staff:
Skills: What are the training and development programmes, how best the talents are used and
are the right skills in the right designations.
Shared Values: On what basis the organisation promotes, builds reputation and sustains
business ethics.
NAXILO Page 50