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BUSI1241: Marketing Strategy in Practice

Please ensure you check the module availability box for each module outline, as not all modules will run in each academic year. Each module description relates to the year indicated in the module availability box, and this may change from year to year, due to, for example: changing staff expertise, disciplinary developments, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Current modules are subject to change in light of the ongoing disruption caused by Covid-19.

Type Tied
Level 1
Credits 20
Availability Available in 2023/24
Module Cap None.
Location Durham
Department Management and Marketing

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • BUSI1131 Marketing Principles

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • Provide a learning environment which gives students an understanding of how marketing decisions are made in practice and possible responses to the consequences of those decisions
  • consolidate and extend students understanding of marketing strategy and planning in theory
  • develop skills of critical reflection relating to their own and others decision-making within a team environment.

Content

  • The processes of marketing strategy and planning
  • Analysis of competitive markets
  • Evaluation and selection of target markets
  • Achievement of competitive positioning in the marketplace
  • Branding decisions
  • Selection of appropriate marketing tactical actions
  • The role of market research to support decision-making
  • Reflecting on decisions
  • Team working roles.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • Understand marketing strategy and planning in an applied context
  • Understand the importance of evidence and information to marketing decision-making.

Subject-specific Skills:

  • Work effectively as a team to make appropriate marketing planning decisions
  • Identify and utilise relevant information to support decisions
  • Identify the impact of tactical actions on marketing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
  • Reflect on the outcomes of those decisions and identify corrective tactical actions.

Key Skills:

  • Team-based collaborative working
  • Co-operative learning
  • Planning, organising and time management
  • Problem-solving
  • Presentation skills
  • Communication skills both oral and written
  • Commercial awareness
  • Critical reflection.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • The foundation of the module is participation in a time-based, online simulation exercise designed to consolidate and develop students understanding of applied marketing strategy and tactics. Each week, students will develop their theoretical understanding of marketing strategy then work together in small teams to manage competing brands within a specific product market applying marketing knowledge and concepts in a practical environment.
  • In this simulated real-time environment, students will learn to understand the customer, analyse the market structure and competition, set marketing strategy, implement tactical marketing decisions and ultimately, compete with other teams to win market share. Through immersion in a virtual professional setting, students will be able to appreciate how theory relates to practice and how to apply it effectively. In addition, they will be required to reflect on the consequences of their decisions and decision-making processes both individually and in teams. This will include active exploration and reflection on team-working, through the use of Belbins Team Roles.
  • Teaching and Learning will be grounded in lectures and workshops delivered in the interactive, TEAL environment.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Lecture (blended learning) 10Weekly2 hours20Yes
Workshop8 Weekly1 hour8 
Individual and group prep work172 
Total200 

Summative Assessment

Component: Individual AssignmentComponent Weighting: 100%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Individual report3500 words100Same

Formative Assessment

Each week, teams enter their marketing decisions and receive (automated) feedback on the impact of their decisions - including competitive performance in relation to other teams in the simulation. A summary document on all decisions is available at the end of the simulation. Tutor and peer feedback will be available in the timetabled sessions. In addition, informal feedback on each groups performance will be provided by the tutor each week during the teaching and learning sessions.

More information

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