Competencies In this project, you will demonstrate your mastery of the following competencies: Apply elements of the marketing mix to inform business decisions that support organizational objectives Determine appropriate marketing and communication distribution channels Explain how marketing decisions are made to target the consumer Scenario Chocolate Bliss started as a small, family-owned store in Seattle, Washington in 1976. While once a boutique chocolatier selling handmade “secret family recipe” chocolate bonbons, the company today has a wider variety of product offerings including boxed chocolate candies, chocolate baking products, and carob (chocolate alternative) candies and health bars. Chocolate Bliss products are sold online and in their stores to consumers and to other businesses, specifically grocery stores, throughout the Northwest. The company has maintained its “secret family recipe” brand even as it has expanded its product offerings, and today enjoys strong brand awareness in the states where it is sold. The company’s primary competitors are: Ghirardelli Chocolate Company Chocolate Bliss’s higher-price range baking products, sold to grocery stores, compete directly with Ghirardelli. Chocolate Bliss also competes with Ghirardelli for its boxed chocolate candies sold in their stores and online to consumers, and sold to grocery stores. Nestlé Chocolate Bliss’s mid-price range baking products, sold to grocery stores, compete directly with Nestlé. Rise Bar Chocolate Bliss competes with Rise Bar for its carob (chocolate alternative) products sold in their stores and online to consumers, and sold to grocery stores. Chocolate Bliss is financially healthy and has plans to expand into the midwestern United States. This expansion will include the launch of a new product. You have been with the company for a few years and have been selected to be on the team that will develop a marketing plan for the new product launch. The executives at Chocolate Bliss will use the marketing plan to make decisions about how to best use the marketing budget to ensure a successful product launch, so you need to have sound research and reasoning to support your work that will contribute to developing a marketing plan. You also realize that the marketing plan is not just about a successful product launch; it is about building the Chocolate Bliss brand and positioning the company strongly against its competitors, especially when it comes to price point. Directions Product Selection: Begin by selecting which product you want to be the basis of your entire project. Specifically, choose one of the following products: Gourmet truffles with fruit, herb, and flower extract infusions Semisweet chocolate baking chips “Healthy” carob (chocolate substitute) bars Then, based on your product selection, complete the components below, which will contribute to the development of a marketing plan. You will use the Marketing Plan Strategy Template in the What to Submit section to help structure your marketing plan submission. Persona (Target Market): Research the target market (potential buyers) for your chosen product to develop a persona. Specifically, address the following: Conduct target market research to identify key demographic and psychographic characteristics. Develop one persona that represents users of your chosen product. Use the Module Two Milestone Worksheet in your Soomo webtext to create your persona. Draft this portion of the project as part of the Module Two milestone, and after you receive feedback from your instructor, revise your persona as needed for inclusion in your project submission. Promotion: Recommend marketing communication channels for your chosen product. Specifically, address the following: Recommend two marketing communication channels for your chosen product. Briefly describe each and explain why they are appropriate based on your persona. Draft this portion of the project as part of the Module Four milestone, and after you receive feedback from your instructor, revise your marketing communication channel selections as needed for inclusion in your project submission. Price: Consider how pricing for your chosen product should be set. Specifically, address the following: Explain how one of the following is used to determine the approach to pricing for any offering. Company profitability Competitor pricing Target market price sensitivity Identify which one of the four basic pricing strategies you feel is most appropriate for your chosen product and persona from the Module Two milestone. Describe the general advantages and drawbacks of that pricing strategy. Draft this portion of the project as part of the Module Four milestone, and after you receive feedback from your instructor, revise your pricing strategy selection as needed for inclusion in your project submission. Place (Distribution Channels): Consider how decisions on distribution channels should be made. Specifically, address the following: Describe how one recent change in the marketplace (e.g., purchasing habits or social, economic, and political events) has affected distribution of products. Recommend one potential distribution channel for your chosen product and explain why it is appropriate, given your persona. Draft this portion of the project as part of the Module Five milestone, and after you receive feedback from your instructor, revise your distribution channel selection as needed for inclusion in your project submission. Product: Identify considerations for the ways in which your chosen product should be marketed. Specifically, address the following: Explain, in one to two paragraphs, how your chosen product should be marketed in relation to meeting the needs and wants of your persona (e.g., the features and benefits of your chosen product that directly address your persona’s needs and wants). Consider how a product you regularly purchase is marketed in terms of consumer needs and wants. What is the marketing message, and what other methods are used to convey the benefits of the product? Use this as a guide to describe how you would suggest marketing your chosen product to your persona. Describe, in one to two paragraphs, how bringing this product to the marketplace can help support and build the company’s brand. Describe the Chocolate Bliss brand based on the scenario. Explain how offering your chosen product is in alignment with the brand, and how bringing the product to the marketplace will help the company increase awareness of its brand. Evaluation: Identify how you would evaluate the effectiveness of the marketing plan. Keep in mind that you need to collect data on the target market and the competition. Identify two specific quantitative data-collection tools you should use and explain, in two to three paragraphs, how they can help you evaluate the marketing plan. Quantitative data comes in the form of numbers. Identify two specific qualitative data-collection tools you should use and explain, in two to three paragraphs, how they can help you evaluate the marketing plan. Qualitative data comes in the form of words and sentences. What to Submit To complete this project, you must submit the following: Template: Marketing Plan Strategy Template Submit this template as a Word document. Your submission should be no more than 4 pages in length. Sources should be cited according to APA style. Project Rubric Criteria Exemplary (100%) Proficient (85%) Needs Improvement (55%) Not Evident (0%) Value Product Selection Clearly states the product selection from among the options provided N/A Shows progress toward proficiency, but with errors or omissions; areas for improvement may include naming a product that is an option in the project Does not attempt criterion 2 Persona (Target Market): Demographic Characteristics Exceeds proficiency in an exceptionally clear, insightful, sophisticated, or creative manner Develops a logical description of the required demographic characteristics of the target market based on information from appropriate research sources Shows progress toward proficiency, but with errors or omissions; areas for improvement may include providing more accurate or complete listings of demographic characteristics Does not attempt criterion 5 Persona (Target Market): Psychographic Characteristics Exceeds proficiency in an exceptionally clear, insightful, sophisticated, or creative manner Develops a logical description of the required psychographic characteristics of the target market based on information from appropriate research sources Shows progress toward proficiency, but with errors or omissions; areas for improvement may include providing more accurate or complete listings of psychographic characteristics Does not attempt criterion 5 Persona (Target Market): Persona Exceeds proficiency in an exceptionally clear, insightful, sophisticated, or creative manner Creates a plausible persona that includes all of the required elements Shows progress toward proficiency, but with errors or omissions; areas for improvement may include creating a more logical persona based on the research Does not attempt criterion 10 Promotion: Two Marketing Communication Channels Exceeds proficiency in an exceptionally clear, insightful, sophisticated, or creative manner Accurately describes two marketing communication channels and provides a logical explanation of why they are appropriate given the persona Shows progress toward proficiency, but with errors or omissions; areas for improvement may include providing a more accurate description of the marketing communication channels, or a more cogent explanation of why the channels are appropriate for the persona Does not attempt criterion 10 Price: Approach to Pricing Exceeds proficiency in an exceptionally clear, insightful, sophisticated, or creative manner Clearly explains one of the factors used to determine product pricing Shows progress toward proficiency, but with errors or omissions; areas for improvement may include providing a more complete explanation of the chosen factor’s influence on price Does not attempt criterion 10 Price: Pricing Strategies Exceeds proficiency in an exceptionally clear, insightful, sophisticated, or creative manner Selects a pricing strategy appropriate for the product and persona and accurately describes its advantages and drawbacks Shows progress toward proficiency, but with errors or omissions; areas for improvement may include providing a more accurate or thorough explanation of the pricing strategy, including advantages and drawbacks of the selected strategy, or providing a more cogent explanation as to why the pricing strategy is appropriate, given the persona Does not attempt criterion 10 Place (Distribution Channels): Recent Change in the Marketplace Exceeds proficiency in an exceptionally clear, insightful, sophisticated, or creative manner Clearly explains a recent change in the marketplace and how it has affected distribution of products Shows progress toward proficiency, but with errors or omissions; areas for improvement may include providing a more detailed description of the recent change or a more logical connection between the change and how it affected distribution of products Does not attempt criterion 10 Place (Distribution Channels): Distribution Channel Exceeds proficiency in an exceptionally clear, insightful, sophisticated, or creative manner Recommends a distribution channel and provides a logical explanation as to why it is appropriate for given the persona Shows progress toward proficiency, but with errors or omissions; areas for improvement may include providing a more accurate or thorough explanation of the distribution channel or a more cogent explanation of why the distribution channel is appropriate, given the persona Does not attempt criterion 10 Product: Marketed Exceeds proficiency in an exceptionally clear, insightful, sophisticated, or creative manner Clearly explains ideas for how the product should be marketed that are appropriate given the persona Shows progress toward proficiency, but with errors or omissions; areas for improvement may include providing a more thorough explanation of ideas for marketing the product or a more logical connection between the marketing ideas and the persona’s needs and wants Does not attempt criterion 5 Product: Brand Exceeds proficiency in an exceptionally clear, insightful, sophisticated, or creative manner Provides a cogent description of how the product can support and build the brand Shows progress toward proficiency, but with errors or omissions; areas for improvement may include providing a more convincing description of how the product can support and build the brand Does not attempt criterion 5 Evaluation: Quantitative Exceeds proficiency in an exceptionally clear, insightful, sophisticated, or creative manner Selects two quantitative data-collection tools and clearly explains how they can be used to evaluate the marketing plan Shows progress toward proficiency, but with errors or omissions; areas for improvement may include recommending a more appropriate tool selection or providing a more thorough description of how the data collected can be used for evaluation Does not attempt criterion 5 Evaluation: Qualitative Exceeds proficiency in an exceptionally clear, insightful, sophisticated, or creative manner Selects two qualitative data-collection tools and clearly explains how they can be used to evaluate the marketing plan Shows progress toward proficiency, but with errors or omissions; areas for improvement may include recommending a more appropriate tool selection or a more thorough description of how the data collected can be used for evaluation Does not attempt criterion 5 Articulation of Response Exceeds proficiency in an exceptionally clear, insightful, sophisticated, or creative manner Clearly conveys meaning with correct grammar, sentence structure, and spelling, demonstrating an understanding of audience and purpose Shows progress toward proficiency, but with errors in grammar, sentence structure, and spelling, negatively impacting readability Submission has critical errors in grammar, sentence structure, and spelling, preventing understanding of ideas 4 Citations and Attributions Uses citations for ideas requiring attribution, with few or no minor errors Uses citations for ideas requiring attribution, with consistent minor errors Uses citations for ideas requiring attribution, with major errors Does not use citations for ideas requiring attribution 4 Total: 100%

Mastering the Art of Online Learning: Your Guide to Acing Online Courses

Introduction

In recent years, the popularity of online courses has skyrocketed, offering learners the flexibility to acquire new skills and knowledge from the comfort of their homes. However, succeeding in online courses requires a different approach compared to traditional classroom settings. To help you make the most of your online learning experience, this article presents essential strategies and tips to ace your online courses.

1. Set Clear Goals and Plan Ahead

Before embarking on an online course, establish clear goals and objectives. Determine what you hope to achieve by the end of the course and break down your goals into manageable milestones. Create a study schedule that aligns with your other commitments, ensuring you allocate dedicated time for coursework, assignments, and revision.

2. Create a Productive Study Environment

Establishing a conducive study environment is crucial for online learning success. Find a quiet, well-lit space where you can concentrate without distractions. Remove any potential interruptions, such as notifications from social media or email. Organize your study materials and have a reliable internet connection to ensure seamless access to course materials.

3. Actively Engage in the Course

Active participation is key to mastering online courses. Engage with course materials, including videos, readings, and interactive components. Take comprehensive notes, highlighting key concepts and ideas. Participate in discussion boards, forums, and virtual meetings to interact with instructors and peers, fostering a sense of community and enhancing your understanding of the subject matter.

4. Manage Your Time Effectively

Online courses offer flexibility, but it’s essential to manage your time wisely to avoid falling behind. Create a detailed schedule, allocating specific time slots for coursework, assignments, and studying. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable segments to prevent procrastination. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and dedicate focused time to each one, ensuring consistent progress throughout the course.

5. Develop Effective Communication Skills

Online courses often rely on written communication, making it crucial to hone your skills in this area. Be concise and clear in your written responses, paying attention to grammar and spelling. Actively participate in discussions, asking thoughtful questions and providing constructive feedback to your peers. Regularly check your course emails and notifications, ensuring you stay updated with any important announcements or changes.

6. Utilize Available Resources

Take full advantage of the resources provided by your online course platform and instructors. Familiarize yourself with the learning management system (LMS) and explore its features. Access supplementary materials, such as textbooks, lecture slides, and external resources recommended by instructors. Utilize online libraries, research databases, and tutorial services to deepen your understanding of the subject matter.

7. Stay Motivated and Engaged

Maintaining motivation throughout an online course can be challenging, particularly when faced with competing priorities or a lack of face-to-face interaction. Set short-term goals and reward yourself upon their completion. Connect with fellow learners through virtual study groups or online forums to foster a sense of camaraderie. Regularly remind yourself of the benefits and personal growth associated with completing the course successfully.

8. Seek Support and Clarification

Don’t hesitate to seek support or clarification when needed. Reach out to your instructors for guidance or clarification on course material. Utilize online discussion forums to ask questions or engage in collaborative problem-solving. Leverage the support services provided by your course platform or institution, such as technical support or academic advising.

Conclusion

Online courses present unique opportunities for self-paced learning and personal growth. By setting clear goals, creating a productive study environment, actively engaging with course materials, and managing your time effectively, you can maximize your chances of acing online courses. Remember to stay motivated, seek support when needed, and make the most of the available resources. Embrace the flexibility and adaptability of online learning to achieve your educational goals.