Assignment:
The Discussion Board (DB) is part of the core of online learning. Classroom discussion in an online environment requires the active participation of students and the instructor to create robust interaction and dialogue. Every student is expected to create an original response to the open-ended DB question as well as engage in dialogue by responding to posts created by others throughout the week. At the end of each unit, DB participation will be assessed based on both level of engagement and the quality of the contribution to the discussion.
At a minimum, each student will be expected to post an original and thoughtful response to the DB question and contribute to the weekly dialogue by responding to at least two other posts from students. The first contribution must be posted before midnight (Central Time) on Wednesday of each week. Two additional responses are required after Wednesday of each week. Students are highly encouraged to engage on the Discussion Board early and often, as that is the primary way the university tracks class attendance and participation.
The purpose of the Discussion Board is to allow students to learn through sharing ideas and experiences as they relate to course content and the DB question. Because it is not possible to engage in two-way dialogue after a conversation has ended, no posts to the DB will be accepted after the end of each week.
This week we begin to focus on the marketing mix, and marketing mix planning begins with developing an offer that brings value to customers. At the heart of this offer is your product/service.
Using the product/service chosen in Unit 1 and the marketing strategy you developed in Unit 2 complete the following:
• Identify the type of product/service (convenience, shopping, specialty, unsought), and explain in your own words what marketing considerations need to be made for your product/service based on this product classification.
• Determine the most important decisions you will make in developing your product/service compared to your competition (product attributes, branding, packaging, labeling, product support services). Explain how this supports your marketing strategy.
Please respond to at least two other student postings by addressing the following:
• Do you agree with the product classification? Why or why not?
• Analyze how the product/service attributes identified by the student can differentiate the product/service from competition.
Your replies to at least two other student posts must be submitted by Sunday. Each post should be 1 paragraph in length (or at least 75 words)