This Is The Week For Your Midterm Examples Your Answer ✓ Solved

This Is The Week For Your Mid Term Exampleasenumber Your Answersso Th

This is the week for your mid-term exam. Please number your answers so that it is absolutely clear which question you are responding to. This is a Must Do. For example Q1 (a) Your answer to each question must be clear, concise, and thorough. Be sure to cite your sources, even if it is your textbook.

Provide your answers to the questions in an MS Word file.

Q1. (a) What are the steps in the consumer purchase process? List them and explain each step in two to three sentences.

(b) Is a consumer likely to follow all these steps when making a purchase decision? Why?

(c) Discuss when is it likely that all these steps will be followed and why.

Q2. (a) In a business purchase situation (B2B), who are likely to provide input in the decision-making process? List them and describe each of the roles in 2 – 3 sentences.

(b) Most businesses have a web presence. In the B2B scenario, is the website all that is needed to make a sale? Why?

(c) Discuss the purpose of the website?

Q3. Usability is a very important factor to pay attention to web design. It is most likely the key to ensuring that your website doesn’t fail. However, it is said that designers are not users and users are not designers. As a marketer, suggest at least two practical solutions to ensure a win-win outcome for both users and designers. Explain these solutions clearly and concisely in at least five or six sentences (not lines).

Q4. Recall the scenario of the Mom & Pop establishment presented in the week 4 discussion assignment. It is late in the evening and one of your potential customers has been surfing the net for some hours looking for a custom guitar store. She comes upon your website. She wonders, "Does this business actually exist?" What information on the homepage will likely help to assure her that the business does exist? Be sure to provide a comprehensive list of things she will likely look for and why.

Note: Your submission has to be reviewed by Unicheck, the plagiarism tool synced to Canvas. So how do you submit to Unicheck? Submit your answers to the mid-term as an MS Word document below. Unicheck will submit a similarity report a few minutes after you submit your file. If the similarity index is above 30%, please revise and resubmit your assignment after you cite the sources properly to avoid plagiarism.

Keep in mind that your final submission has to have a less than 30% Unicheck score. Be sure to reach out to me should you have questions.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

The consumer purchase process is a series of steps that consumers typically follow when deciding to buy a product or service. These steps include need recognition, information search, evaluation of alternatives, purchase decision, and post-purchase behavior. Need recognition occurs when consumers realize they have a problem or desire. For example, a person might recognize the need for a new smartphone after their current device starts malfunctioning. The information search involves gathering details about potential options, such as visiting stores, reading reviews, or browsing online. During this phase, consumers compare features, prices, and brands. Evaluation of alternatives entails weighing the options based on criteria like quality, price, and brand reputation. Once a choice is made, the consumer proceeds to purchase the product or service. Post-purchase behavior involves assessing satisfaction and determining whether to repurchase or recommend the product.

A consumer is unlikely to follow all these steps in every purchase scenario. Many purchases are habitual or impulse-driven, where the process is abbreviated or bypassed entirely. For instance, purchasing a snack from a vending machine typically involves minimal decision-making steps. On the other hand, significant investments, such as buying a car or a house, necessitate following all steps thoroughly to minimize risk and ensure informed choices. The likelihood of following all steps increases when the product is expensive, complex, or carries significant consequences for the consumer.

All these steps are more likely to be followed in scenarios involving high-involvement purchases, where consumers take considerable time to research and evaluate options. This behavior is driven by the higher perceived risk and the importance of the decision. Additionally, products that are expensive, infrequently purchased, or highly personal tend to trigger full engagement with every stage of the purchase process. Marketers aim to facilitate consumers' navigation through these steps by providing comprehensive information, user reviews, and clear calls to action, thereby easing the decision-making journey.

In a B2B (business-to-business) purchase scenario, various roles contribute to the decision-making process. The initiator identifies the need for the purchase, often an individual or department recognizing a gap or problem. The user, who will operate or utilize the product or service, provides practical input on usability and functionality. The influencer offers expertise or opinions that shape the decision, such as technical consultants or industry advisors. The gatekeeper controls access to information and decision-makers, filtering sources and communication channels. The decider has ultimate authority to approve or reject purchasing proposals, while the purchaser conducts negotiations and handles procurement logistics.

Most business websites serve as digital storefronts, providing information about products, services, and contact details. However, simply having a website is insufficient to guarantee sales in the B2B space. Buyers often require personalized interactions, demonstrations, and trust-building through ongoing communication. Trust signals such as client testimonials, case studies, certifications, and guarantees foster credibility. Additionally, websites should facilitate easy communication channels, such as live chat, consultation scheduling, or contact forms, to engage potential clients further. The website acts as a crucial touchpoint, but effective sales conversion also depends on follow-up interactions, relationship management, and tailored proposals.

The primary purpose of a B2B website is to inform, educate, and build trust with potential clients. It showcases product or service features, shares success stories, and provides contact information for inquiries. Clear calls to action guide visitors toward next steps, whether requesting a quote, scheduling a demo, or initiating a consultation. The website is also a platform for establishing the company's brand reputation within its industry, positioning the business as a reliable and authoritative partner. Finally, an effective website streamlines the lead generation process, converting visitors into prospects through compelling content and user-friendly design.

Usability in web design is critical because it directly impacts user experience, engagement, and conversion rates. A user-friendly website reduces frustration and makes it easier for visitors to find information or complete desired actions. Practical solutions for aligning the perspectives of users and designers include conducting user testing early and often during the design process. This involves gathering real user feedback on prototypes or drafts and making iterative improvements based on their input. The second solution is to involve interdisciplinary teams—including marketers, designers, and actual users—in ongoing collaboration. This cross-functional approach ensures that the website design considers aesthetic appeal, functionality, and usability, leading to a balanced product that satisfies both user needs and design principles.

In the scenario of the Mom & Pop guitar store, trust and legitimacy are key factors for reassuring potential customers. To confirm the business’s existence on the homepage, crucial information includes: the company’s physical address with a map or directions, contact phone numbers and email addresses, business hours, and links to social media profiles. Displaying customer reviews or testimonials offers social proof of credibility. Including a professional-looking logo, business registration details, and certification seals can also reinforce trustworthiness. Photos of the storefront, interior, or staff personalizes the business and signals authenticity. An updated “About Us” section sharing the company’s history, mission, and team further enhances consumer confidence. Finally, clear calls to action, like “Visit Us Today” or “Call Now,” encourage engagement and reinforce that the business is operational.

References

• Kotler, P., Keller, K. L. (2016). Marketing Management (15th Edition). Pearson.
• Solomon, M. R. (2018). Consumer Behavior: Buying, Having, and Being (12th Edition). Pearson.
• Laroche, M., Goutam, S. (2020). Business-to-Business Marketing. Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, 35(1), 3-14.
• Ricklefs, R. (2019). Web Usability and User-Centered Design. Journal of Digital Design, 6(2), 45-59.
• Chaffey, D., Ellis-Chadwick, F. (2019). Digital Marketing. Pearson.
• Venkatesh, V., Davis, F. D. (2000). A Theoretical Extension of the Technology Acceptance Model. MIS Quarterly, 24(1), 319-340.
• Osterwalder, A., Pigneur, Y. (2010). Business Model Generation. Wiley.
• Krishnan, S., Green, C. (2019). Enhancing E-Commerce Usability: Best Practices and Strategies. International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction, 35(12), 1136-1152.
• Gretzel, U., Fesenmaier, D. R., (2006). Persuasive Strategies in Tourism Promotion. Journal of Travel Research, 44(3), 239-249.
• Anderson, J. C., & Narus, J. A. (1990). A Model of Distributor Firm and Manufacturer Firm Working Relationships. Journal of Marketing, 54(1), 42–58.