Question 1: Discuss the positioning strategy. In your answer, discuss the forces that help a firm to develop and deploy a positioning strategy.(200 words)
Question 2: Research the below two major research firms:
- Gfk AG Nuremburg, Germany, gfk.com
- West Inc. Rockville, Md, westat.com
Discuss your findings in terms of their research services and special study capabilities. Also, discuss the ways in which such services can impact on marketing decisions. (200 words)
Question 3: Explain what goes into determining positioning effectiveness. (200 words)
Question 4: Compare and contrast the dynamics that influence the emerging, growth, and mature markets. How do they help a firm to craft a market target strategy in each? (200 words)
Question 5: Discuss the impact that IBM's collaborative innovation strategy can have on its partners, as well as on Microsoft. How can IBM's strategy affect the market? (200 words)
Question 6: Identify three problems or risks companies may encounter in collaborative relationships with suppliers. In your estimation, how can these risks be minimized? (200 words)
Question 7: Visit the website www.alliancestrategy.com and review the various presentations available through the site. Summarize what factors should be considered in making alliances between organization effective. (200 words)
Question 8: Discuss how it can be possible for Costco wholesale to perform well against competitors when it carries a burden of higher labor costs? Are there issues in this case which may be worth considering in other situations where a company faces strong low-cost, low-price competitors? (200 words)
Question 9: Discuss the emerging issue of the digital distribution channel occurring in markets in which the product can be converted to digital format. (200 words)
Question 10: Examine the Fortune Brands website (www.fortunebrands.com). Analyze and evaluate the strategic initiatives used by Fortune Brands in their strategic brand management. (200 words)
Question 11: Discuss the useful insights about brand strategy management from observing brands that have been successful over a long period of time. (200 words)
Question 12: In the late 1990s, Radio Shack initiated co-branding strategies with Compaq Computer and SPRINT. Discuss the logic of such a strategy. In your answer include the strengths and shortcomings of such a strategy. (200 words)
Question 13: Discuss the pricing implications for developed countries when competing against Chinese brands. In your answer, discuss the actions that you would recommend for China's competitors. (200 words)
Question 14: Discuss predatory pricing as a pricing strategy. What are the circumstances when you would recommend that a company adopt predatory pricing? Does predatory pricing come into play when considering ethical issues like the cost of prescription drugs and the low pricing of cigarettes in the developing world? (200 words)