Analysis Paper Assignment Instructions For Marketing Simulat

Analysis Paper Assignment Instructionsmarketing Simulation Spring 2018

These instructions will tell you how to complete the analysis paper associated with the MarketShare simulation. Use the following prompts to create a comprehensive analysis detailing your marketing simulation experience. See page 4 of these instructions for formatting instructions. Basic Information: You have engaged in six live rounds of the MarketShare simulation. You were placed in a dynamic, simulated but highly realistic business environment in the packaged goods industry.

You took the role of a brand manager in an OTC (over-the-counter) cold medicine group of your firm. Throughout the exercise, you used what you have learned about marketing, from product design and pricing to advertising and selling. While this paper reflects your experience with the simulation, you were given the opportunity to solicit input from others, either in or out of class. You will then write a paper as follows: Title Page: Title of your paper, your name, class, instructor, date

Paper For Above instruction

The analysis paper should provide an in-depth reflection and evaluation of your experience with the MarketShare simulation, structured into four main sections: Introduction, Describe, Examine, and Articulate Learning. Each section requires comprehensive discussion and critical thinking, grounded in marketing principles and personal insights derived from the simulation.

Section 1: Introduction

Begin with an overview of the simulation, describing your understanding of its structure and objectives. Explain how you approached the simulated environment and the strategic mindset you adopted. This section sets the context for your subsequent analysis and should introduce the reader to your initial perceptions and plans for the simulation.

Section 2: Describe

This section involves an objective recounting of your experience. Discuss the specific decisions you made during the simulation and the reasoning behind those choices. Reflect on the factors influencing your marketing decisions—such as market conditions, consumer behavior, competitor actions, and internal company resources. Indicate whether you collaborated with others or worked independently. Describe which elements of the simulation you prioritized—whether pricing, promotion, distribution, or product development—and explain why. Include information sources like textbooks, simulation reports, websites, and other resources that guided your decision-making. Address any unforeseen issues that impacted your performance, such as technical difficulties, learning curve challenges, or limited time.

Section 3: Examine

This critical analysis explores your learning outcomes in terms of marketing knowledge and skills.

Learning Outcome 1: Marketing Knowledge

Identify and elaborate on marketing concepts that became clear through the simulation, such as market research, consumer segmentation, positioning, or marketing mix strategies. Discuss which concepts were most useful in helping you achieve your goals. Reflect on whether you adapted your approach as new information emerged or experiences accumulated. Analyze how textbook knowledge translated into practical application, and reflect on the value of experiential learning through simulation. Consider how these insights can be applied in real-world contexts or future coursework, and discuss any challenges faced in bridging theory and practice. Share your initial expectations and how your experience compared with these expectations. Finally, connect your simulation insights with domestic and international marketing principles relevant to your academic or professional pursuits.

Learning Outcome 2: Marketing Skills

Describe your primary goals at the start of the simulation, and how these evolved. Discuss whether you succeeded in attaining your objectives, and identify the skills that contributed to your success—such as analytical skills, consumer behavior understanding, promotional crafting, or strategic planning. Reflect on how your existing skills helped meet your goals and describe any new skills or knowledge gained, including how you adapted strategies or assumed new roles. If you encountered obstacles, explain how they prompted you to revise your approach. Consider what additional knowledge or skills would have enhanced your performance. Evaluate the difficulty of the exercise and whether you collaborated with others. Conclude with reflections on how this experience increased your motivation for marketing, influenced your educational or career trajectory, and the steps you plan to take for continued learning in marketing.

Other Thoughts

Share any additional insights, such as increased enthusiasm for marketing, influence on future career plans, or new competencies acquired. Discuss your commitment to ongoing development and how this experience has shaped your perspective on marketing’s role in business and your personal growth.

Section 4: Articulate Learning

Summarize your overall learning experience, emphasizing key lessons learned from the simulation. Reflect on how doing the project helped you internalize marketing concepts better than passive learning methods. Explain why these lessons are significant for your career or academic future. Consider whether you would approach the simulation differently if given another chance, and suggest improvements to the project or process. This reflection should encapsulate the value gained from the experiential learning process and how it prepares you for real-world marketing challenges.

Formatting and Submission Guidelines

The paper must follow these specifications: use Times New Roman font, 12-point for body text, 14-point for headings; double-space throughout; approximately 2,500 words (about 10 ½ pages of content), excluding the title page and references. An additional page or so will include the Works Cited section in APA format, listing at least five credible references. The paper should be well-organized, clear, and free of grammatical errors. Review your document via the campus Writing Center or online resources, and ensure proper citations to avoid plagiarism. All work must reflect your own ideas and effort; collaboration on the writing is not permitted for individual grading.

Adhere strictly to the APA format for references and citations, and ensure your submission aligns with academic integrity standards. If in doubt, cite sources—failure to do so can result in severe penalties. For questions, contact your instructor prior to submission.

Note: This detailed analysis will be evaluated based on content depth, critical thinking, application of marketing concepts, clarity of writing, and adherence to formatting standards. A thoughtful, comprehensive approach will demonstrate mastery of the simulation's lessons and their relevance to your academic and professional growth.

References

  • Kotler, P., & Keller, K. L. (2016). Marketing Management (15th ed.). Pearson.
  • Armstrong, G., & Kotler, P. (2017). Marketing (12th ed.). Pearson.
  • Simkin, L., & Dibb, S. (2017). Marketing's Mixology: A Review & Reassessment. Journal of Marketing, 81(2), 1–19.
  • Clow, K. E., & Baack, D. (2018). Integrated Advertising, Promotion, and Marketing Communications (8th ed.). Pearson.
  • Cravens, D. W., & Piercy, N. F. (2013). Strategic Marketing (10th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.