Apply Project Plan ✓ Solved

Apply Project Plan

Develop a comprehensive project plan for a new product initiative, including identifying target customer groups, analyzing sales data and location opportunities, creating marketing strategies, estimating inventory needs, sourcing supplies, and planning logistics for a pilot study. The plan should outline specific operational steps, responsible persons, and timelines for each task involved in implementing the project.

Additionally, apply a communication theory by selecting a relevant theory from the textbook, providing a brief summary of that theory, and analyzing how a chosen media example (such as a movie or TV show) illustrates the theory in practice. The paper should critically evaluate the theory's application to media and support claims with empirical evidence, following APA style guidelines for formatting, citations, and references, within a 3- to 3.5-page double-spaced paper.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

In today’s dynamic food service industry, innovation and targeted marketing strategies are essential for expanding customer bases and increasing profitability. The project plan outlined here is designed to systematically develop and implement a new desert taco offering in a food truck setting, utilizing a structured operational framework and incorporating theoretical insights from communication theories to deepen understanding of media influence on consumer perceptions.

Developing the Project Plan

The project plan begins with identifying the target customer groups through data analysis and market research. The first step involves reviewing existing customer data to segment potential consumers based on demographics, purchasing behavior, and loyalty. This step is crucial as it informs the subsequent phases of targeted marketing and operational planning. The responsibility falls on the Market Research Manager to analyze customer databases, with a timeline of one week for initial insights.

Following this, the marketing team, led by the Director of Marketing, will identify the top three customer groups to focus on, considering factors like purchase volume, loyalty, and geographic location. This step is scheduled for two weeks. Meanwhile, customer preferences for new menu items will be gathered through surveys conducted by the Customer Service Representative, providing critical insights for menu development.

Simultaneously, sales data will be reviewed to pinpoint locations with peak sales potential, with the Director of Sales responsible for this analysis, also within one week. The top locations will then be selected for the pilot, and marketing materials will be created to promote the upcoming desert taco launch, coordinated by the Media Relations Manager. The marketing campaign aims to generate awareness and anticipation among target groups.

Operational planning extends to inventory management, where the Controller and Operations Manager collaborate to estimate and source the necessary ingredients. This includes sourcing suppliers, obtaining quotes, assessing storage needs, and coordinating transportation logistics—all within a timeframe of four to five weeks. These steps ensure that the supply chain can support the pilot without disruptions, setting the stage for a successful test run.

Applying Communication Theory

For the theory application, I have selected Expectancy Violations Theory (EVT), which posits that people develop expectations about others' behavior and respond based on whether those expectations are met or violated. Originally formulated by Judee K. Burgoon in 1978, EVT explores how individuals interpret unexpected behavior in social interactions and the subsequent reactions.

To illustrate this theory, the TV show "The Office" provides an excellent media example. In one episode, Michael Scott's unexpected behavior—such as his candidness or inappropriate jokes—violates office norms and colleagues’ expectations. These violations often lead to confusion, annoyance, or humor, demonstrating how expectations shape perceptions of behavior and influence interpersonal dynamics.

Applying EVT to this scenario reveals that Michael's violations disrupt the usual communication patterns but can also serve as a catalyst for humor or insight, depending on the context and relationship dynamics. The theory predicts that when violations are perceived as positive or benign, they can lead to increased intimacy or engagement. Conversely, negative violations may cause discomfort or conflict. In "The Office," Michael's behavior often falls into the latter, highlighting how expectation violations impact communication within organizational settings.

Critical Analysis and Media Connection

The theory emphasizes the importance of context and the nature of the relationship in interpreting behavior. EVT suggests that individuals maintain a set of expectations based on social norms, and deviations from these expectations are evaluated positively or negatively (Burgoon, 1978). The media example exemplifies how unexpected behavior can shift perceptions and communication dynamics, either positively or negatively.

In the context of marketing, understanding expectation violations can also inform customer interactions. For example, when service exceeds expectations, customers experience positive violations, leading to satisfaction and loyalty (Cameron & Pierce, 1994). Conversely, negative violations can harm brand perception. Media examples demonstrate that managing expectations and understanding audience perceptions are crucial for effective communication strategies.

Conclusion

The comprehensive project plan outlined combines operational steps and strategic planning with theoretical insights from EVT to enhance understanding of customer behavior and media influence. Recognizing how expectations shape perceptions provides valuable tools for designing effective marketing campaigns and managing interpersonal interactions in organizational environments. The application of EVT to media further illustrates the significance of expectation management in communication processes, both in personal and professional contexts.

References

• Burgoon, J. K. (1978). A communication model of personal space violations: explication and an initial test. Human Communication Research, 4(2), 129-142.
• Cameron, J., & Pierce, W. D. (1994). Reinforcement, reward, and intrinsic motivation: A meta-analysis. Review of Educational Research, 64(1), 3-37.
• Griffin, E. (2012). A first look at communication theory (8th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
• Heath, R. L., & Bryant, J. (2000). Human communication theory and research: Perspectives, conflict, and consensus. Routledge.
• Knapp, M. L., & Hall, J. A. (2010). Nonverbal communication in human interaction. Wadsworth Publishing.
• McCornack, S. (2010). Reflect & relate: An introduction to interpersonal communication. Bedford/St. Martin’s.
• Schramm, W. (1954). The process and effect of mass communication. University of Illinois Press.
• Sepp, K., & Campbell, N. (2011). Media influence and the theory of media effects. Journal of Communication, 61(2), 260-273.
• Sternberg, R. J., & Kling, K. C. (2008). The psychology of love. Cambridge University Press.
• Walther, J. B. (1996). Computer-mediated communication: Impersonal, interpersonal, and hyperpersonal interaction. Communications of the ACM, 39(7), 68-74.