Types of differentiation

Mod. 3 Mod. 4 Mod. 5 Mod. 6 Mod. 7 Requirements: Use judgement based on question.

How can a company gain competitive advantage through differentiation? Describe an example of a company that illustrates each type of differentiation discussed in the chapter. What is a product line? Discuss the various product line decisions marketers make and how a company can expand its product line. The “Internet of Things” – a term that refers to everyday objects being connected to the internet – is growing. Thermostats ovens cars toothbrushes and even baby clothes are connecting to the internet. Research this phenomenon and suggest five innovative product ideas connected to the Internet of Things. What is captive-product pricing? What is this pricing tactic called in the case of services? Give examples. Camel is not the only Amazon tracking or online price-tracking application. Find and describe an example of another online price-tracking tool for consumers. What other industries’ channels of distribution have been affected dramatically by online mobile and social media? Compare and contrast brokers and agents with merchant wholesalers. Discuss the major public relations tools and the roles played by the internet and social media. Find three examples of advertisements that incorporate socially responsible marketing in their messages. Some companies are criticized for exploring social issues or organizations by promoting them for their own gain. Do the examples you found do that? Explain. Describe the roles that a salesperson and the sales force perform in marketing. What are blogs and how are marketers using them to market their products and services? What advantages and disadvantages do blogs pose for marketers? Should all companies consider reducing their sales forces in favor of telemarketing? Discuss the pros and cons of this action. Discuss the four types of country industrial structures and the opportunities each offers to international marketers. Is it right for manufacturers to include product safety features that are known to save lives in countries that require them but not to include such features in countries where they are not specifically required? How can marketers respond to the criticism that marketing creates false wants and encourages materialism?