What did you learn about teams, yourself, and marketing?

Before taking marketing (Comm 296), I’ve never considered to do marketing. But after taking this course with Tamar, I realized that marketing is actually really fun and practical. I think it’s the most useful one so far…. (that we can actually apply it to the reality). I also learned the importance of collaboration and teamwork. While we were doing the group assignments, me and my team members always assigned tasks to each of us long before the due date so we’d have enough time to proof-read and make any correction. I think this is the best and most efficient way of doing this project.

What skills did to enhance or develop, if any?

I definitely enhanced my research skills. My group was doing WestJet and we did so many research on that company. I also improved my communication skills in that now I can deliver my thoughts more easily and effectively.

What would you do differently next time?

Next time, I will definitely try to speak more.

Thank you Tamar! You are such a great prof~ Because of you and your interesting lectures, I start to like marketing even more! I really admire your abandon work experience and your passion towards marketing.

Thanks again!

I was reading the blogs today and one article caught my attention.

Volvo Struggles in Questionable Chinese Business Market

It says that the Chinese dealers in China reported the wrong sales just to get bonus in 2011. And once those dealers got the money, they then sold the cars in 2012 (the report showed a 11% drop in sales in 2012).

Moreover, the image that Volvo tries to convey is different from the image perceived by Chinese consumers. The author in the above blog criticized the way Volvo’s cars were being evaluated in 2012 Taipei Auto Show, that the dealers used some “dolled up models” and moose to advertise the cars, which downgraded Volvo’s image. However, I think this is just the way those shows are. In Taiwan, when we talk about those auto shows, or those 3C product shows, there are always many “dolled up models” (because that’s the way to attract more people, at least in TW I think). However, it sure is a significant issue If Volvo still wants to be treated as a higher-end product, it needs to find a way to re-position itself from Chinese consumers.

Dolled up Models and moose in 2012 Taipei Auto Show

Volvo is having a vertical channel conflict in its supply chain (between the China dealer chain and Volvo) because both are seeking for different goals. (China dealers wanted to boost sales (so they could get bonus) and Volvo wanted to maximize the firm’s profit). If Volvo wants to solve this dilemma, it needs to try to establish a goal that is attractive and attainable to both parties.

Every time when we talk about this company, Coca Cola, we immediately think of Coke.

However, as people become more concerned about obesity and health-related issues, many would pause and think before they open the coke.

According to this article, With Soda Volume Down, Coca-Cola Pushes Teas And Low-Cal Drinks, there is a slowdown in China and Europe’s sales. Moreover, I believe the soda drinks industry has reached its maturity stage in the PLC cycle. All products look alike (they are all sodas), it’s mainly those big brands that are competing against each other (e.g. Coke and Pepsi, 7up, etc). Demand for such drinks is not increasing either (the article above mentioned that sales in US is pretty saturated). In order to further generate sales, the company would either have to think of ways to stead sales from its competitors or create a new product line or brand.

I think Coca Cola has successfully developed a few product lines such as water (Dasani) and tea. A recent news reveals that Bad News for Big Soda: U.S. Water Consumption Passes Cola. This new trend of health awareness has led people to purchase more healthier drinks such as water! Having said that, Coca-Cola company bought Dasani and tries to capture the whole beverage market (water, coke/ diet coke, tea, and some other energy boosting drinks).

In addition, I was looking at Coca-Cola’s Company Website for Taiwan and was surprised to find out that one of the popular drinks – “shuang jian mei cha” is actually under this company!

“Shuang jian mei cha” is a drink that emphasizes on weight control and metabolism. It’s a tea consisted of several healthy ingredients (e.g. green tea, rice) and 100% natural. While launching this product, Coca-Cola is able to capture those health-conscious consumers.