module specification

This module provides an introduction to the study of the marketing and communications.  It outlines the fundamental principles, concepts and techniques which are essential to understanding marketing as a philosophy of business in different environments.  It provides students with the opportunity to explore contemporary marketing theories and approaches and the body of knowledge required for marketing decision making.

The module aims and learning outcomes have been designed to meet the QAA benchmark statements which expect students to be able to demonstrate a range of cognitive, intellectual and interpersonal skills. The module will deal with a range of theoretical and practical techniques and tools used in marketing and communications.  In particular, knowledge of the marketing concept, business environment, marketing information system and research, buyer behaviour, market segmentation, targeting, positioning, International marketing, e-marketing and the introduction to the marketing mix of products and services.

-The evolution of marketing economies: marketing concept, it propositions and alternative business philosophies
-The European Marketing Environment
-Consumer Behaviour
-Business Marketing and Business to Consumer Marketing
-Marketing Planning
-Marketing Information Systems and Research
- Marketing Strategy & Segmentation
-Targeting & Positioning
-International Marketing
-E-Marketing
-Introduction to the Marketing Mix

The module will be delivered over a 15 week period and consists of 1.5 hours lectures and 1.5 hours seminar each week.  Exception is week 7, which is designated activity week.  There are two assessment components to be completed by week 15. The weekly lectures will focus on key theories, concepts models and frameworks of the principles of marketing and their application to real life situations in the context of European/UK and Global environments.

The seminars will focus on discussions, debates, questions and answer sessions to build on the topics covered in the lectures.  The emphasis will be on group activities and preparation for, case study analysis and the development of individual and group communications and presentational skills.  Students will be required to gather and evaluate information from various sources and relate contemporary issues to their knowledge of the marketing discipline and profession.

Activity week 7 will be based around subject groups and different course cohorts taking the module.  These activities will include; business games, marketing and communication simulation packages and off campus visits. Guest speakers will be invited from industry and the professional bodies to give master classes and to discuss career opportunity and prospects with students.

The facilities of Web Learn will be used as part of a blended learning approach by providing students with support information and as a resource to support independent learning.  Students will be encouraged to undertake wider reading of academic journal articles and the business press and to demonstrate these in seminar discussion, debates and in their assessments. This module also requires students to reflect upon their experiences and record their skills development as part of their PDP.

On completion of this unit the student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an awareness of marketing and communications definitions, theories, concepts and tools in so far as they affect business organisations
2. Demonstrate the ability to seek, handle and interpret key economic, social, cultural, technological, political, environmental and behavioural data which underpin marketing and communications practices in a variety of organisations.
3. Develop a conceptual and analytical approach to dealing with marketing and communications problems as they arise within the business organisation
4. Develop general and academic communications skills including writing, oral presentation and interpersonal and IT skills
5. Identify the key players in the marketing & communications industries and their importance in career
6. Development & entrepreneurship.

The assessment strategy consists of three components.  These are designed to test students’ ability to meet the module’s learning outcomes through their engagement and participation in lectures and seminar activities.  These assessment components are:
-Learning reflection 20%
-A group presentation and written report weighing 30%
-Individual coursework report  weighing 50%

Learning reflection in the form a 500-700 words account of student’s learning in the first 6 weeks of taking the module.  This task due in week 7 should include students experience on their course, the feedback they have received in their module and their own reflection on formative feedback.  This weighs 20% of module marks

Group presentation and written report
Groups of 4 students will be required to work weekly in the seminars on selected case studies from their recommended textbook and to give oral presentation for 15 minutes, as well as submit of a written report on the case study.  These presentation and report writing will commence in week 8 and run as a rolling presentation from weeks 8-13.   The cases will be closely linked to the marketing topics covered in the lecture.  Each team presentation will address a specific marketing and communications challenge.  In the presentation, each team of students will be required to provide a summary of the main points and provide answers to the case study questions.  This weighs 10% of the module marks.  The group written report should also provide full answers to the questions in the case study and the main points dealt with in the oral presentation.  The written report should be 1,500 words limit and weighs 20% of the module marks.   The learning outcomes assessed for this assessment component are 1- 5.

Individual piece of work/test
This individual assessment component requires students and apply their knowledge of general marketing definitions, theories, concepts and tools covered in the course of the module. This written exercise/test to take place in week 15.  This assessment component weighs 50% of the marks.  It is last item of assessment and the learning outcomes tested for this assessment component are 1-5.

- Brassington F and Pettitt S., (2012) Essentials of Marketing.  3th edition Prentice Hall
- Brassington F and Pettitt S., (2006) Principles of Marketing.  4th edition Prentice Hall
-Jobber D., (2009) Principles and Practices of Marketing, 6th edition McGraw Hill
-Kotler P., Armstrong G, Wong V, Saunders J, and Burkwood (2010) Principles of Marketing, 5th European Edition Pearson/Prentice Hall

Academic Journals
European Journal of Marketing
Journal of Services Marketing
Journal of Marketing
Journal of Consumer Marketing
International Journal of Retail and Distribution Management
Journal of Product and Brand Management

Key websites
Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)
http://www.cim.co.uk
Marketing stable of magazines                
http://www.haynet.co.uk

Professional Magazine
Marketing Week
Marketing
PR
Campaign
Admap

Marketing Research Reports
Keynote
Mintel Marketing Intelligence
Euromonitor

Newspapers & Magazines (Marketing pages)
The Times
Financial Times
The Guardian
Independent
Wall Street Journal Europe
European Business
Economist