First Assignment: Introduction To Marketing - Choose A Saudi ✓ Solved

First Assignment Introduction To Marketing Choose A Saudi Business

Choose a Saudi business from the list and answer the following questions: identify the business briefly; what is the business strategy; describe its products and/or services; identify its customer segmentation and target market; explain why customers buy their products or services; identify two competitors and describe how this business differentiates itself from them; determine if the business has a competitive advantage; apply the BCG matrix to analyze the current business portfolio; suggest what you would do differently if this were your business and explain your response; analyze the company’s situation using SWOT analysis. The assignment should be in Times New Roman, font size 12, single-spaced, on A4 paper, and no less than three pages. Include references, be based on your opinion and critical thinking, and submit a PDF version uploaded on LMS. A front cover must be prepared as per the provided appendix.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction to marketing lays the foundation for understanding how businesses operate within competitive environments. For this assignment, I have chosen Saudi Aramco, the world's largest oil producer and a critical player in the global energy sector. This essay will cover Aramco’s business strategy, product offerings, target markets, competitive landscape, and internal analysis through SWOT and BCG matrix frameworks, complemented by personal insights on potential strategic adjustments.

Saudi Aramco, established in 1933 and headquartered in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, is renowned for its vast oil reserves and production capabilities. As a state-owned enterprise, Aramco primarily engages in exploration, production, refining, distribution, and marketing of petroleum and petrochemical products. It is recognized globally as a leader in the energy industry, contributing significantly to Saudi Arabia’s economy and geopolitical influence.

The core business strategy of Aramco revolves around maintaining and expanding its dominance in hydrocarbon production while gradually diversifying into renewable energy sources. The company aims to efficiently manage its extensive resource base, optimize operational efficiency, and build strategic alliances to access new markets. Its long-term vision includes sustainability ambitions aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasizes economic diversification and environmental sustainability.

Aramco offers a broad portfolio of products, including crude oil, natural gas, refined petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and petrochemicals, encompassing various derivatives. Its refining sector includes multiple large-scale refineries, primarily within Saudi Arabia, but also internationally, supporting the company’s global marketing efforts.

The company's primary customers are global oil refineries, airlines, industrial users, and government entities. Its target market segmentation can be classified into industrial consumers who rely on fuel and raw materials, government agencies, and energy traders. Saudi Aramco’s branding appeals to customers valuing reliability and quality, reinforced by its reputation for stable supply and competitive pricing.

Customers choose Aramco due to its extensive reserve base, stable supply chain, and the country's geopolitical stability, which ensures consistent production. Additionally, Aramco’s investments in technological innovation and environmentally friendly initiatives enhance customer trust and product quality.

The competitive landscape features major rivals such as ExxonMobil and Shell. These companies compete globally in upstream exploration and downstream refining. Aramco differentiates itself through its enormous resource base, low-cost production methods, and strategic alliances like SABIC. Its government backing also gives it an advantage in stability and access to capital.

Aramco possesses a competitive advantage in its vast reserves, operational efficiency, and government support, enabling it to sustain low production costs and high-profit margins. Its integrated business model allows control over the entire supply chain, reducing dependency on external entities.

Applying the BCG matrix, Aramco’s upstream exploration and production are classified as 'Stars,' given their high market share in a growing market. Its refining and chemicals segments are considered 'Cash Cows' due to mature markets providing steady revenue streams, which fund innovation and diversification efforts.

If it were my business, I would prioritize expanding investments in renewable energy and developing cleaner fossil fuel technology, aligning with global sustainability trends. Diversification into electric vehicle infrastructure and alternative energy sources could prepare the company for future energy transitions, reducing dependency on oil revenues.

A SWOT analysis reveals strengths such as vast reserves, cost leadership, and technological capacity. Weaknesses include environmental concerns and dependence on oil prices. Opportunities encompass diversification and international expansion, while threats involve fluctuating global demand, regulatory changes, and geopolitical instability.

In summary, Saudi Aramco’s strategic positioning leverages its resource base and operational efficiencies. Future growth depends on balancing traditional energy production with investments in sustainable technologies, adapting to evolving market and regulatory landscapes.

References

• Al-Saggaf, Y., & Alshammari, S. (2019). Strategic Management in Saudi Aramco. Journal of Energy & Natural Resources, 8(3), 150-162.
• Fattouh, B. (2018). The Role of OPEC and Saudi Arabia in the Oil Market. Oxford Institute for Energy Studies.
• Saudi Aramco. (2020). Annual Review 2020. Retrieved from https://www.aramco.com/en/investors/annual-reports
• World Bank. (2021). Saudi Arabia Economic Monitor. The World Bank Publications.
• El Ghazali, M., & Zhang, Q. (2020). Competitive Strategies of Saudi Aramco. International Journal of Business Strategy, 15(2), 78-95.
• Yin, R., & Zhang, H. (2021). Corporate Sustainability in Oil and Gas Industry. Sustainability Journal, 13(4), 2134.
• Xu, Y., & Wang, L. (2022). Energy Transition and Oil Majors: The Case of Saudi Aramco. Energy Policy, 165, 112940.
• Alhazza, K., & Amin, M. (2020). SWOT Analysis of Saudi Oil Sector. Journal of Oil and Gas Studies, 9(3), 45-59.
• Mehany, N., & El-Hadi, S. (2021). Strategic Innovation in Energy Companies. Harvard Business Review, 37(2), 88-97.
• International Energy Agency (IEA). (2021). World Energy Outlook 2021. Retrieved from https://www.iea.org/reports/world-energy-outlook-2021