Submit Your Written Answers To The Following Questions

Submit Your Written Answers To The Following Questions By End Of Day

Submit your written answers to the following questions by End of Day, Apr 5. Your submission should be 2-3 pages double spaced. 1. You have been charged with determining how to attract more business majors to your school. Write an outline of the steps you would take, including the sampling procedures, to accomplish the task. 2. A local civic organization has asked you to give a luncheon presentation about planned obsolescence. Rather than pursuing a negative approach by talking about how businesses exploit customers through planned obsolescence, you have decided to talk about the benefits of producing products that do not last forever. Prepare a one-page outline of your presentation. 3. You are a marketing manager for Nike. Your department has come up with the idea of manufacturing a baseball bat for use in colleges around the nation. Assuming you are in the business analysis stage, write a brief analysis based on the questions in the “Business Analysis” section of chapter 11.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The process of increasing the number of business majors at a particular educational institution requires a comprehensive approach rooted in market research, strategic planning, and effective communication. Simultaneously, understanding the concept of planned obsolescence from a positive perspective offers opportunities for fostering sustainable product development. Additionally, analyzing the feasibility of launching a new product, such as a baseball bat for college markets, necessitates careful business assessment. This paper addresses each of these areas in detail.

Strategies to Attract More Business Majors

To attract more students to major in business, the first step involves defining the target population. Identifying prospective students likely to enroll, such as high school seniors interested in commerce, requires a well-structured sampling process. Stratified random sampling would be optimal, segmenting the population based on demographic variables like age, geographic location, and academic achievement, ensuring diverse representation.

Next, a representative sample must be selected. For instance, collecting data from high schools in various regions using stratified sampling ensures that recruitment efforts are inclusive and comprehensive. These data can be gathered through surveys, school visits, and informational sessions. Analyzing initial data helps identify key motivators and barriers that influence students’ decision to choose a business major.

Following data collection, targeted marketing campaigns should be designed. These campaigns can include school visits, participation in college fairs, social media outreach, and collaborations with high school teachers and counselors. It's critical to tailor messaging that highlights the benefits of majoring in business, such as career prospects, entrepreneurial opportunities, and personal development.

Monitoring and evaluation are essential. Post-campaign sampling, such as follow-up surveys or focus groups, helps measure the effectiveness of outreach efforts. Employing feedback allows for adjustments to improve engagement, ultimately increasing the number of enrolled business majors.

Benefits of Producing Products That Do Not Last Forever

The concept of producing durable products that do not succumb quickly to obsolescence offers numerous societal and environmental benefits. First, such products promote sustainability by reducing waste. When consumers purchase items designed to last longer, the frequency of disposal decreases, alleviating pressure on landfills and ecosystems.

Furthermore, durability enhances consumer trust and brand loyalty. Consumers appreciate products that provide value over time, which can translate into positive brand reputation and customer satisfaction. This approach shifts the focus from planned obsolescence, which often leads to consumer frustration and environmental harm, toward a philosophy of quality and longevity.

Economically, producing long-lasting goods can stimulate local economies through sustained product demand, maintenance, and repair services. It can also foster innovation in materials and manufacturing processes that improve durability without significantly increasing costs.

From a social perspective, durable products contribute to a circular economy where products are designed for reuse and repair, aligning with sustainable development goals. Policies encouraging manufacturers to produce longer-lasting products can also lead to regulatory incentives and consumer awareness campaigns promoting responsible consumption.

In conclusion, emphasizing the benefits of producing products that do not last forever aligns with sustainable development and consumer interests, fostering a more responsible and resilient economy.

Business Analysis of Manufacturing a Baseball Bat for Colleges

As the marketing manager at Nike considering the development of a college-targeted baseball bat, a thorough business analysis must include market demand, competitive landscape, cost analysis, and strategic fit.

Market Demand:

The initial step involves assessing the need for college baseball equipment. Data from collegiate athletic departments, sports associations, and recent participation rates provide insight into market size. The demand for specialized baseball bats at the college level is driven by existing sports programs seeking quality equipment that aligns with NCAA standards.

Target Market Identification:

Understanding the specific segments within colleges—such as athletic departments of large universities versus smaller colleges—is critical. Surveys and interviews with athletic directors and coaches can offer valuable insights into preferences for bat specifications, branding, and pricing.

Competitive Landscape:

Key competitors include established sports equipment companies like Easton, Rawlings, and Louisville Slugger. Analyzing their product offerings, pricing strategies, and market share reveals opportunities to differentiate Nike’s baseball bat with innovative features, branding, or superior performance.

Cost and Pricing Strategy:

Cost analysis involves evaluating raw materials, manufacturing processes, distribution, and marketing expenses. Economies of scale could be leveraged if production scales up, reducing per-unit costs. Pricing must balance profitability with competitive positioning—considering the price sensitivity of collegiate athletic programs.

Distribution and Promotion:

Strategic partnerships with college athletic departments and endorsements from prominent players can enhance product visibility. Distribution channels include sporting goods retailers, Nike stores, and direct sales via online platforms.

Regulatory and Quality Standards:

Ensuring compliance with NCAA and ASTM standards is essential to avoid regulatory issues. Quality assurance processes must be established to maintain consistency and safety.

Evaluation and Risk Assessment:

Potential risks include market saturation, fluctuating sports participation rates, and economic downturns. Contingency plans, such as diversification into other sports equipment or customized products, mitigate these risks.

Conclusion:

Launching a college baseball bat under Nike’s brand aligns with its core competencies of innovation and athletic performance. A detailed business analysis supports strategic decision-making regarding development and market entry. Proper implementation of market research, competitive analysis, cost management, and marketing strategies can position Nike’s product favorably in the collegiate sports equipment market.

References

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