Week 1 Assignment -Research Proposal
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Instructions
Assignments Week 1 Assignment -Research Proposal
For your Marketing Plan assignment due in Week 7, you will submit a two-page
proposal outlining the topic you selected. This proposal will be the foundation for
your comprehensive 10 page marketing plan, focusing on a brand of choice. The
proposal will help you clarify and refine your approach before you begin the final
paper.
Your proposal should include the following three sections, each with a bold
heading:
1. Topic:
Identify the brand or company you have selected for your marketing plan.
Provide a brief background on the brand or company, including relevant
details such as its industry, size, market position, and any pertinent history.
2. Rationale:
Explain why this company requires a new marketing plan. Consider
whether the company is expanding into a new market, launching a new
product or service, or revising its existing marketing strategy.
Include a clear justification for why a new marketing plan is necessary. For
example, discuss the company’s current challenges or opportunities, such
as declining sales, increased competition, or shifting consumer preferences.
3. Strategy:
Define the target market for your marketing plan. Specifically, describe the
demographic (e.g., age, gender, income level, education, occupation) and
psychographic (e.g., lifestyle, values, interests, purchasing behavior)
characteristics of the audience you aim to reach. Consider factors such as
geographic location (urban vs. rural, specific regions or countries) and any
specific cultural or behavioral trends that may influence the market.
Indicate where you will source the information needed for your final paper.
List at least four specific references that will provide the research and data
necessary for developing your marketing plan. Include the specific reference
not just the name.
Reminder: The four references you list here are intended to guide the
development of your final paper and are not part of the reference page for
this assignment. The reference page for this proposal should include all the
sources used in writing the proposal itself. Be sure to format all references
according to the required citation style.
Formatting and Submission:
Ensure your proposal is formatted in APA style, with appropriate citations and
references to scholarly sources.
Write in Essay format not as an outline or bullets
Submit as a Word document
Course Objectives:
Develop a comprehensive marketing plan for a brand.
Define the process for successfully introducing a new product or service to
market.
This proposal is crucial to laying the groundwork for your detailed marketing plan, so
carefully consider your choices and approach as you prepare it.
Additional Information: Advice on Choosing a Brand
When selecting a brand for your marketing plan, it’s important to choose one that
would benefit from a fresh or revised marketing strategy. Below are some factors to
consider to ensure your selected brand is a good fit for this assignment:
1. Brand in Need of a Marketing Overhaul
Look for brands that are facing challenges such as:
Declining Sales or Market Share: A brand that has experienced stagnation or
decreased consumer demand over time could benefit from a revitalized
marketing approach.
Brand Image Issues: Brands damaged by negative publicity, poor customer
perceptions, or outdated branding may need a strategic refresh.
Competitive Pressure: A brand in a highly competitive market or an industry
experiencing new entrants or disruptive technologies may require a new
strategy to maintain or grow market share.
Due on Oct 12, 2025 11:55 PM
Changing Consumer Preferences: Brands that haven’t adapted to shifting
consumer expectations, technological advances, or new social trends might
benefit from a targeted rebranding or marketing strategy.
2. Opportunities for Market Expansion or Innovation
Consider brands that are:
Entering a New Market: A company expanding into a new geographic region,
demographic segment, or industry may need a comprehensive marketing plan
to penetrate this new market effectively.
Launching a New Product or Service: If a company introduces a new
product or service that hasn’t yet been marketed or is poorly received, this
could be an excellent opportunity to develop a fresh plan targeting the right
audience.
Diversifying its Offerings: A brand diversifying its product line or broadening
its target demographic can benefit from a well-thought-out marketing strategy
to ensure the new offering resonates with the target audience.
4. Data Availability and Research Feasibility
Finally, ensure that sufficient data and research are available for your chosen brand.
This could be through:
Publicly available reports, such as annual reports or industry analyses.
Access to reputable sources of consumer behavior data, trends, and
competitive analysis.
Case studies or examples from similar brands or companies that have faced
comparable challenges.
Choosing a brand that clearly needs a new or revised marketing strategy will allow
you to develop a relevant and actionable plan. Ensure the brand has a clearly
defined issue, opportunity, or objective that can be addressed through a
comprehensive marketing approach.
