January 7th

Introduction

  • Professor is a second-year adjunct at Northeastern University.

  • Graduated from graduate school of business in 1998; attended Bentley University in 1991.

  • Passionate about teaching and helping students understand the discipline of marketing.

Career Background

  • Professional experience spans 35 years, focusing on coaching and mentoring.

  • Left Bose Corporation two years ago to pursue teaching and consulting business.

  • Extensive experience across various industries: restaurant, retail, consumer electronics, high-tech, automotive, and consulting.

  • Admits to having a weakness in digital marketing, emphasizing the need to learn continuously.

Teaching Philosophy

  • Models an engaging and participatory classroom environment.

  • Encourages students (aged 18-23) to be active participants in discussions, overcoming anxieties related to public speaking.

  • Established objective: To help students find their voice and confidence in a safe classroom setting.

  • Highlights importance of marketing as the voice of the consumer within corporations.

Perspectives on Marketing

  • Defines marketing beyond creativity and advertising.

  • Identifies key functions of marketing including:

    • Target Audience: Understanding who they are trying to reach.

    • Customer Attraction: Techniques to attract and persuade consumers towards a product.

    • Storytelling and Emotion: Importance of emotional connection in marketing communications; reference to an Uber holiday ad.

    • Profitability and Business Viability: Marketers must understand costs, revenues, and how marketing contributes to profitability and corporate value.

Key Components of Marketing

  • Understanding customer preferences drives marketing efforts.

  • Emphasizes the necessity of demographic data (e.g., income, age, hobbies) and psychographics (e.g., emotions, preferences) in shaping marketing strategies.

  • Introduces the concept of segmentation, targeting, and positioning (STP) for effectively reaching and engaging desired consumer groups.

Marketing as a Discipline

  • Defines marketing as a science that applies across various sectors (e.g., B2B, B2C).

  • Illustrates the importance of frameworks in marketing decision-making.

  • Identifies four P's of marketing: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion, which are foundational to developing marketing strategies.

Class Structure and Expectations

  • Class sessions focus on discussion rather than lecture.

  • Engages students with regular participation to foster critical thinking.

  • Introduces experiential learning through case studies and potential guest speakers.

Course Components

Overview of Course Materials
  • Emphasis placed on coursework that includes a thorough review of marketing theories, consumer behavior, strategic planning, and marketing analytics.

  • Primary textbook:

    • Marketing: An Introduction (16th edition by Gary Armstrong, Bill Cutler); mentions minor updates from previous editions.

  • Financial expectations: Renting the textbook is appropriate for student needs.

Assignments and Grading
  • Total available points in the course is approximately 464.

  • Breakdown of course evaluation:

    • Quizzes: 5 quizzes + a final exam (20 points each).

    • Homework: 13 assignments worth 5 points each.

    • Marketing research experience (MRE) participation required for completion.

  • Importance of attendance and engaged participation for full credit.

    • Attendance is monitored and allows for graded participation on an individual basis.

    • Participation in class discussions aids grading significantly.

  • Marketing simulation game introduces practical application of marketing principles and includes team-based and individual performance evaluations.

Ethical and Practical Implications of Marketing

  • Discusses the necessity of ethical behavior and ongoing self-awareness for successful marketing practices.

  • Highlights the significance of networking and relationship-building in achieving high levels of performance at work, beyond grades.

Final Course Thoughts

  • Encourages students to view grades as less critical than the experience, skills, and networking opportunities they gain during their education.

  • Final remarks stress maintaining a healthy perspective on academic performance, sustaining student engagement, and preparing effectively for participation in the business world.