Solved Question Paper
Solved Question Paper
Direct Marketing: Direct marketing refers to the practice of reaching out directly to
individual customers or targeted audiences to promote products or services. It involves
personalized communication channels, such as email marketing, direct mail, telemarketing,
SMS marketing, or targeted online advertisements. The key features of direct marketing are:
1. Targeted Approach: Direct marketing focuses on specific individuals or segments based on
demographics, behaviors, or preferences.
2. Personalization: Direct marketing messages are customized and personalized to cater to
the needs or interests of individual recipients.
3. Call-to-Action: Direct marketing often includes a call-to-action, encouraging recipients to
take a specific action, such as making a purchase, filling out a form, or visiting a website.
Public Relations (PR): Public relations is a strategic communication process aimed at
building and maintaining a positive image and relationship between an organization and its
target audience. PR activities focus on managing the perception and reputation of the
organization, and they often involve:
1. Media Relations: Building relationships with journalists and media outlets to secure
positive coverage or manage crises.
2. Reputation Management: Monitoring and managing the public perception of the
organization through proactive communication and addressing any negative publicity.
3. Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging with stakeholders, such as customers, employees,
investors, and the community, to foster positive relationships and communicate the
organization's values and initiatives.
4. Publicity: Generating positive publicity through press releases, events, sponsorships, and
community outreach to enhance brand visibility and credibility.
These assumptions should be further refined and validated through market research and
ongoing monitoring to ensure the marketing plan's effectiveness.
Question Paper 2
Q1) Solve any five of the following :
a) Premium pricing refers to a pricing strategy where a product or service is priced higher
than the average market price to reflect its higher quality, exclusivity, or perceived value.
This strategy is often used by companies to position their products as luxurious, high-end, or
premium in order to attract customers who are willing to pay a premium for superior quality
or unique features.
b) Brand equity refers to the value and strength of a brand in the market. It represents the
intangible assets and reputation a brand has built over time, including consumer perceptions,
brand recognition, customer loyalty, and the overall impact of the brand on business
performance. Brand equity is a measure of a brand's influence and its ability to generate
demand, command higher prices, and differentiate itself from competitors.
c) Marketing control refers to the process of monitoring and measuring marketing activities
to ensure they are aligned with the overall marketing objectives and strategies. It involves
setting performance targets, collecting relevant data and information, analyzing marketing
metrics, and taking corrective actions to optimize marketing performance. Marketing control
helps in evaluating the effectiveness of marketing initiatives, identifying areas of
improvement, and ensuring that marketing efforts are delivering the desired results.
d) Different levels of product refer to the various layers or components of a product offering.
They can be classified into three levels:
- Core Product: This represents the fundamental benefit or problem-solving capability that
the product provides. For example, the core product of a smartphone is communication.
- Actual Product: This includes the physical attributes, features, and design of the product. It
encompasses the tangible elements that customers can see, touch, or experience. In the case
of a smartphone, the actual product includes the brand, design, display, camera, and other
hardware and software features.
- Augmented Product: This level includes additional services, warranties, after-sales support,
and customer experience associated with the product. It goes beyond the physical product
and aims to enhance customer satisfaction and differentiate the offering from competitors.
For a smartphone, the augmented product may include a warranty, customer service,
software updates, and exclusive apps.
e) The stage that is not a part of the new product development process is "Grading." The
correct stages in the new product development process are:
i) Idea generation: The process of generating new product ideas and concepts.
ii) Idea screening: Evaluating and filtering the generated ideas to determine their feasibility
and potential.
iii) Concept testing: Assessing consumer responses and feedback on the product concept to
determine its market viability.
iv) Commercialization: Introducing the new product into the market, including
manufacturing, marketing, and distribution.
f) The companies that practice online marketing into their traditional operations are classified
as "Click and mortar companies." Click and mortar companies refer to businesses that have
both an online presence and physical brick-and-mortar stores or operations. These companies
leverage the advantages of online marketing channels while also maintaining a physical
presence to cater to customers who prefer offline shopping or need in-person services.
g) The concept of a marketing channel, also known as a distribution channel, refers to the set
of intermediaries and activities involved in the movement of products or services from the
producer to the final consumer. It encompasses the various entities, such as wholesalers,
retailers, agents, and logistics providers, involved in the distribution process. The marketing
channel ensures that products are efficiently and effectively delivered to the target market,
taking into account factors like product availability, customer convenience, and cost-
effectiveness.
h) Personal selling refers to the direct, face-to-face communication and interaction between a
salesperson and a potential customer. It involves personalized sales presentations, product
demonstrations, negotiations, and relationship building to persuade customers and facilitate
the purchase decision-making process. Personal selling allows for tailored communication,
addressing customer needs and concerns, and providing detailed information to drive sales
and build customer relationships.
Industrial Products:
- Industrial products are intended for use by businesses rather than individual consumers.
- They often have a higher unit value and a longer life cycle.
- Marketing efforts are targeted towards specific industries and involve building relationships
with industrial buyers.
- Distribution channels are specialized and may involve direct sales, B2B transactions, and
partnerships with industrial distributors.
- Examples of industrial products include machinery, equipment, raw materials, and
components used in manufacturing processes.
Pull Strategy:
- Pull strategy focuses on creating consumer demand and pulling products through the
distribution channel.
- It involves building brand awareness, creating a strong brand image, and attracting
customers directly.
- The goal is to generate consumer interest and demand, leading retailers to stock and fulfill
the demand.
- Companies use advertising, public relations, social media, and other promotional tactics to
reach consumers.
- Customers are motivated to seek out and purchase the products based on brand reputation,
marketing messages, and personal preferences.
In summary, the push strategy emphasizes distribution channels and intermediaries, while the
pull strategy emphasizes building consumer demand and brand awareness. Both strategies
can be used together in a coordinated manner to maximize marketing effectiveness.
1. Direct Sales:
Consider establishing your own direct sales channels, such as company-owned retail stores
or an e-commerce website. This allows you to have complete control over the customer
experience and enables direct interaction with customers.
2. Retail Partnerships:
Collaborate with established retailers in the electronics industry to sell your products. This
can include partnerships with electronics retail chains, department stores, or specialty
electronics stores. These retail partners can showcase and sell your products to a wide
customer base.
3. Online Marketplaces:
Leverage popular online marketplaces, such as Amazon, eBay, or Alibaba, to reach a global
audience. Listing your products on these platforms provides increased visibility and access to
a large customer base already using these platforms for online shopping.
5. Value-Added Resellers:
Identify value-added resellers (VARs) who can add value to your products by offering
complementary services or bundling them with related products. VARs could include system
integrators, service providers, or specialized solution providers.
6. Corporate Sales:
Explore opportunities for corporate sales by establishing relationships with businesses that
might purchase your electronic products in large quantities. This could involve selling
directly to corporations, participating in B2B trade shows, or developing partnerships with
corporate procurement departments.
It is important to evaluate and select distribution channels based on factors such as target
market, geographical reach, cost-effectiveness, control over the customer experience, and the
capabilities of each channel partner. Regular monitoring and evaluation of channel
performance will help in making necessary adjustments and optimizing distribution
strategies.
For launching a new brand of antiseptic liquid, here are some suitable distribution channels
to consider:
1. Retail Stores:
Focus on distribution through retail stores, including supermarkets, pharmacies, convenience
stores, and health and beauty stores. These stores cater to a wide range of consumers and
provide convenient access to everyday products like antiseptic liquid.
2. Pharmacy and Drugstore Chains:
Establish partnerships with pharmacy and drugstore chains, as they have a strong presence
and credibility in the healthcare and wellness industry. These chains often have a dedicated
section for healthcare products where antiseptic liquids can be prominently displayed.
3. Online Marketplaces:
Leverage online marketplaces and e-commerce platforms to reach a wider customer base. Set
up an official website and sell directly to consumers, or partner with established online
retailers that specialize in health and wellness products. This allows for convenient ordering
and home delivery options.
4. Distributors and Wholesalers:
Collaborate with distributors and wholesalers who specialize in FMCG products. They can
help in distributing your antiseptic liquid to various retail outlets, including independent
stores and small retailers. This enables wider product availability and market penetration.
5. Medical Institutions and Healthcare Facilities:
Target medical institutions, hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities as potential
distribution channels. These institutions often have their own in-house stores or pharmacies
where antiseptic liquids can be supplied for use by medical professionals and patients.
6. Direct Sales to Businesses:
Explore direct sales to businesses in industries that require regular use of antiseptic liquids,
such as hospitality, food services, and manufacturing. This can involve establishing
partnerships with distributors that specialize in supplying products to these industries.
7. Specialty Stores and Health Retailers:
Consider partnering with specialty stores that focus on health and wellness products or
natural/organic stores that emphasize eco-friendly and chemical-free products. These stores
attract customers looking for specific types of antiseptic liquids that align with their
preferences or health concerns.
8. Regional and Local Distribution:
Ensure coverage in regional and local markets by establishing relationships with regional
distributors and local wholesalers. This allows for targeted distribution in specific
geographical areas, ensuring availability in local stores and communities.
Remember to evaluate and select distribution channels based on factors such as target market
reach, brand positioning, product characteristics, competitive landscape, and cost-
effectiveness. Regular monitoring and collaboration with channel partners will help in
optimizing distribution strategies and ensuring the product reaches the intended consumers
effectively.
Q4) a) Develop an Integrated marketing communication plan (IMC) for launching
Hindi Quiz show an popular Hindi Television channel. Make suitable
Assumptions
Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) Plan for Launching a Hindi Quiz Show on a
Popular Hindi Television Channel:
1. Target Audience:
Assuming the target audience for the Hindi Quiz Show includes individuals aged 18-35 who
are interested in entertainment, trivia, and the Hindi language.
2. Objectives:
- Increase awareness of the Hindi Quiz Show among the target audience.
- Generate excitement and anticipation for the show's premiere.
- Encourage viewership and engagement with the show.
- Foster brand loyalty and long-term viewership.
3. Messaging and Branding:
- Develop a compelling tagline and key messages that highlight the unique features and
excitement of the show.
- Emphasize the benefits of participation, such as entertainment, knowledge enhancement,
and the opportunity to win prizes.
- Establish a strong brand identity for the show, including a catchy name, logo, and visual
elements that resonate with the target audience.
4. Advertising:
- Utilize a mix of traditional and digital advertising channels to reach the target audience
effectively.
- TV commercials on the channel and other relevant channels to create awareness and
generate interest.
- Online display ads, video ads, and social media advertising targeting users interested in
entertainment, trivia, and Hindi content.
- Print advertisements in popular Hindi newspapers and magazines targeting the desired
demographic.
5. Public Relations:
- Organize press releases and media events to generate pre-launch buzz and coverage in
print, online, and broadcast media outlets.
- Invite key influencers and celebrities to participate in the show or attend the launch event.
- Conduct interviews and appearances by the show's host and participants on popular TV and
radio shows, as well as online platforms.
6. Digital Marketing and Social Media:
- Create an engaging website or microsite dedicated to the show, providing information,
videos, and quizzes.
- Leverage social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube) to engage with
the target audience through teasers, behind-the-scenes content, and interactive quizzes.
- Encourage user-generated content and participation by running online contests,
encouraging fans to share their favorite moments from the show, and using hashtags to create
buzz.
7. On-Air Promotions:
- Use promotional spots during commercial breaks on the channel to build anticipation and
excitement for the show.
- Run teaser campaigns highlighting key aspects of the show, such as unique rounds,
celebrity guests, or grand prizes.
- Cross-promote the show during other popular programs on the channel to maximize
viewership.
8. Events and Activations:
- Organize launch events, fan meet-ups, and live quiz competitions in key cities to engage
with the audience directly.
- Collaborate with local colleges, schools, and community centers to host quiz competitions
and generate local buzz.
9. Sponsorships and Partnerships:
- Collaborate with relevant brands and sponsors to enhance the show's visibility and offer
attractive prizes.
- Create strategic partnerships with online platforms, radio stations, and print media to cross-
promote the show and reach a wider audience.
10. Measurement and Evaluation:
- Regularly track viewership ratings, social media engagement, website traffic, and other
relevant metrics to assess the effectiveness of the IMC plan.
- Conduct surveys and gather feedback from the target audience to gauge their perception of
the show and identify areas for improvement.
Assumptions:
- Sufficient budget allocated for the marketing and promotion of the show.
- The show has a talented and charismatic host.
- The production quality and content of the show meet the expectations of the target
audience.
- A sufficient number of episodes are produced to sustain viewership over a significant
period.
- Legal and regulatory requirements related to game shows and broadcasting are fulfilled.
d) Public Relations:
- Conduct media launches and press events to create awareness and generate positive
coverage in relevant publications, blogs, and online news portals.
- Position the electric scooters as a solution to India's air pollution and traffic congestion
problems.
e) Local Partnerships:
- Form partnerships with local dealerships and distributors to ensure wide availability of the
electric scooters across major cities and towns.
- Collaborate with electric charging station providers to establish a network of charging
stations, addressing the range anxiety concern.
f) Promotions and Incentives:
- Offer attractive pricing options, financing plans, or subsidies to incentivize customers to
choose electric scooters over conventional petrol-powered scooters.
- Run promotional campaigns, such as limited-time discounts, referral programs, or free
accessories with every purchase.
g) Events and Test Drives:
- Organize test drive events at popular public spaces, shopping malls, and colleges to allow
potential customers to experience the electric scooters firsthand.
- Participate in relevant trade shows, exhibitions, and sustainability-focused events to
showcase the electric scooters to a wider audience.
7. Measurement and Evaluation:
- Define key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of the marketing plan,
such as website traffic, social media engagement, lead generation, sales volume, and
customer satisfaction.
- Regularly track and analyze data from web analytics tools, social media insights, customer
surveys, and sales reports to assess the effectiveness of marketing efforts.
8. Budget Allocation:
Allocate a budget for each marketing activity, ensuring a balance between online marketing,
offline promotions, and partnerships.
9. Timeline and Implementation:
Create a timeline for the implementation of marketing activities, considering the product
launch date, production capacity, and seasonal demand for scooters.
10. Risk Assessment and Contingency Plans:
Identify potential risks and challenges, such as changes in government policies, battery
technology advancements, or competitive pricing. Develop contingency plans to address
these risks and adapt marketing strategies accordingly.
Assumptions:
- The electric scooters meet all the necessary safety and regulatory standards in India.
- The charging infrastructure for electric vehicles continues to expand across the country.
- The electric scooters are competitively priced compared to petrol-powered scooters.
- The company has a strong manufacturing and supply chain network in place to meet the
demand for electric scooters.
Question Paper 3
e) A New Product:
A new product is a product that is introduced to the market for the first time or significantly
differs from existing products in terms of features, benefits, or target audience.
g) The concept of marketing channel refers to the set of organizations involved in the process
of making a product or service available to consumers. It includes manufacturers,
wholesalers, retailers, and other intermediaries that help in the distribution and delivery of
products from the producer to the end consumer.
h) Marketing Audit:
A marketing audit is a systematic examination and evaluation of a company's marketing
environment, objectives, strategies, and activities. It helps identify strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities, and threats related to the company's marketing efforts. The audit assesses
various marketing aspects, including market segmentation, target audience, marketing
communications, pricing, distribution channels, and competitive analysis. The purpose of a
marketing audit is to provide insights and recommendations for improving the effectiveness
and efficiency of the company's marketing activities.
1. Idea Generation: The first stage where new product ideas are generated through various
sources such as customer feedback, market research, brainstorming, and internal innovation
programs.
2. Idea Screening: The evaluation and selection of the most promising ideas based on criteria
such as market potential, feasibility, profitability, and alignment with the company's goals
and resources.
3. Concept Development and Testing: The development of detailed product concepts and
testing them with the target market to gather feedback, assess consumer interest, and refine
the product idea.
4. Business Analysis: Conducting a detailed analysis of the product's potential market, target
customers, competition, pricing, costs, and financial viability. This stage helps determine if
the product is economically feasible.
5. Product Development: The actual development and creation of the product, including
design, engineering, prototyping, and testing. This stage involves turning the product concept
into a physical or tangible form.
6. Market Testing: Introducing the product in a limited market or specific geographic area to
assess its acceptance, customer response, and gather feedback for further improvements.
7. Commercialization: The full-scale launch and introduction of the product into the market.
This stage involves marketing activities, distribution, production, and setting up customer
support systems to ensure a successful market entry.
8. Post-launch Evaluation: Continuously monitoring the product's performance, gathering
customer feedback, and making necessary adjustments or improvements based on market
response and changing customer needs.
Note: The specific stages and their order may vary depending on the company's approach
and the nature of the product being developed.