CRM 103 – Introduction to Marketing

About Course
Welcome to the World of Marketing!
This course is your gateway to mastering the art and science of marketing, the cornerstone of every successful business. Whether you aspire to build a career in marketing, launch your own brand, or enhance your strategic decision-making skills, this course will equip you with the tools and insights to thrive in today’s competitive marketplace.
You’ll dive deep into core marketing concepts, including market research, segmentation, and targeting. Explore the marketing mix, learn how to craft compelling strategies for pricing, promotion, and distribution, and understand the growing importance of digital marketing in reaching and engaging audiences. Real-world case studies will bring theory to life, helping you connect classroom knowledge to practical applications.
By the end of the course, you’ll be able to design and implement effective marketing strategies, analyze market trends, and create value for customers while driving business success. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this course provides a solid foundation and prepares you to excel in the dynamic world of marketing.
Key Learning Outcomes:
- Master the fundamentals of marketing and the principles of the marketing mix.
- Learn to analyze market environments, identify opportunities, and evaluate competitors.
- Develop customer-focused strategies through segmentation, targeting, and positioning.
- Understand the impact of digital transformation and advanced tools like AI in marketing.
- Gain practical skills in creating and managing promotional campaigns, pricing strategies, and brand development.
* This course is part of the Global Business Management Diploma (GBM).
Course Content
Chapter 1: Introduction to Marketing
1.1 What is Marketing?
1.2 Marketing as a Business Philosophy
1.3 Creating Customer Value and Satisfaction
1.4 An Overview of the Marketing Mix
1.5 Criticism of the Marketing Mix
Chapter 2: Strategic Marketing: An Overview
2.1 Corporate and Marketing Plans
2.2 Corporate Planning
2.3 Marketing Plans: Strategy or Tactics?
2.4 Why Does Planning Matter?
2.5 Barriers to Successful Planning
2.6 The Structure of a Strategic Marketing Plan
Summary of Chapter 2: Key Takeaways
Chapter 3: Environmental Factors
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Macro-Environmental Analysis
3.3 Industry Analysis
3.4 Competitor Analysis
Summary of Chapter 3: Key Takeaways
Chapter 4: Marketing Research
4.1 Marketing Information Systems
4.2 Importance of Marketing Research
4.3 Types of Marketing Research
Summary of Chapter 4: Key Takeaways
Chapter 5: Segmentation
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Why Segment?
5.3 The Segmentation Process
Summary of Chapter 5: Key Takeaways
Chapter 6: Products, New Product Development, and Innovation
6.1 What is a Product?
6.2 Components of a Product Offering
6.3 The Service Element
6.4 Uses and Limitations of the Product Life Cycle
Summary of Chapter 6: Key Takeaways
Chapter 7: Price and Pricing Strategy
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Pricing from an Economic/Accounting Viewpoint
7.3 Pricing Objectives
7.4 Pricing Strategies
Summary of Chapter 7: Key Takeaways
Chapter 8: Promotion
8.1 The Communications Mix
8.2 Integrated Marketing Communications
8.3 The Communications Process
Summary of Chapter 8: Key Takeaways
Chapter 9: Place
9.1 Distribution Channels
9.2 Marketing Channels Add Value
9.3 Types of Middlemen
9.4 Distribution Strategies
Summary of Chapter 9: Key Takeaways
Chapter 10: Analyzing Competitors and Competitive Advantage
10.1 What is Competitive Intelligence?
10.2 The Competitive Intelligence Cycle
10.3 Strategy Formulation: An Overview
10.4 Competitive Advantage
Summary of Chapter 10: Key Takeaways
Chapter 11: Targeting, Positioning, and Brand Strategy
11.1 Introduction
11.2 Evaluating Market Segments
11.3 Strategic Alignment of Assets and Competencies (Targeting)
11.4 Positioning
Summary of Chapter 11: Key Takeaways
Chapter 12: Brand Equity and Valuation
12.1 What is Brand Equity?
12.2 Brand Valuation
12.3 Strategic Brand Management
Summary of Chapter 12: Key Takeaways
Chapter 13: Advanced Topics in Marketing
13.1 Digital Marketing
13.2 Artificial Intelligence in Marketing
13.3 Marketing Automation
Summary of Chapter 13: Key Takeaways
Chapter 14: Ethical Issues and Future Trends in Marketing
14.1 Ethical Issues in Marketing
14.2 Future Trends in Marketing
Summary of Chapter 14: Key Takeaways
FINAL EXAM
FINAL EXAM