1. At the time when the market leader for instant noodles was Nestles Maggi, the main challenger was Top Ramen’s Noodles. Applying the concepts of marketing Management, what would be your strategic plan in order to keep up the top position of Maggi.
2. Discuss the relationship between ‘Segmentation’ and ‘Positioning’. Explain the major criteria of Segmentation and Positioning. Quote sufficient examples to strengthen your answer.
3. (a) Describe in detail the stages in the Product Life Cycle.
(b) In this context, explain the challenges that a Marketing Manager has to deal while introducing a new product.
4. What do you understand by Channel of Distribution? Explain the different kinds of Channel of Distribution in detail.
5. Explain the factors affecting Pricing Decision. What are the various methods of pricing a Product? Briefly explain them. Also, differentiate between Price shadowing and Price Covering.
6. What are the essential Factors influencing Consumer behavior? Explain its significance in Marketing Management in accordance with the Technology advancements.
7. Write Short Notes on any four of the following:
(a) Price Skimming.
(b) Media Selection for Advertising
(c) Sales Promotion
(d) Product Differentiation
(e) Demand Inelastic in Business Buyer Behavior
(f) Vertical Marketing System
8. A new product is to be launched by a company at Mumbai. As a part of identifying the consumer behavior, the company intends to carry out a research process. Outline a Marketing Research Process for the company in order to establish the requirements of the consumers.
9. Case Study – Read the Case carefully and answer to the questions analytically.
Case Study on Maruthi Udyog Ltd.
Maruti Udyog L:td.MUL is the largest auto manufacturer in India. It has 70 percent share of the small car segment and 40 percent of the luxury segment. It was set up as a joint venture between the Government of India and Suzuki motors of Japan. Today the government has reduced its stake and it is a Suzuki firm. It has a vendor network of nearly 450, a third of who have ISO 9000 certification. It also has joint ventures with some of its vendors to ensure quality and timely delivery. Maruti has about 14 models to cars, vans and jeep. In the small car segment, it completes with Santro of Hyundai and Indica from the Tatas.
Maruti’s vision and mission statement are given below
Vision: To be competitive worldwide in products and services retain leadership in the country and aspire for a good market share internationally.
Mission: To sell a variety of cars- modern, high technology and fuel efficient – in the Indian and foreign markets.
The firm’s values are as follows
Growth oriented organization ready to change to meet customers demand at short notice.
Value for money for the customers.
Stakeholders’ involvement and satisfaction.
Responsible corporate citizen.
Competitive Analysis of Maruti
Maruti had a good run till 1998 when several international players challenged its supremacy . In the small car segment, Santro of Hyundai, and Indica from the Tatas pose major problems for Maruti . In the luxury segment, its Esteem faces competition from Honda City, Opel Astra , Ford Escort and Ford Ikon. Its jeep Gypsy faces competition from Mahindra& Mahindra’s jeeps, and Tata’s Sumo and Safari.
Threat of new entrants is real as the segment of middle class cars is growing rapidly, Volvo, Volkswagen and Toyota are also planning to enter the market.
To beat Maruti’s brand image, economics of scale and marketing and service network , new firms have to spend a lot of money and efforts and that could be the entry barrier.
Critical success factors of Maruti:
Suzuki technology
Economic scale of production
Strong R&D.
Timely market feedback as a result of continuous research
Large range of models.
Strong dealer network
Large service network around the country with trained technicians.
Quality programmes (Kaizan)
Design expertise
Brand equity
Provides leasing options, hire purchase schemes.
Realising the imminence of competition in 1998 , Maruti planned to have relationship marketing , with an idea of selling Maruti cars to its existing customer base and upgrading product purchase . Maruti introduced Zen Alto and Wagon R, for this purpose.
MUL has competitive advantages in the segments it operates in to counter the onslaught of competition it even reduced the price and went for volume business .MUL has maintained its competitive advantage in the following manner.
Superior Suzuki compact car technology.
Value for money
Low maintenance cost.
Reliable quality
Largest network of dealers and service centres.
large product range for various needs and pockets.
Easy availability and attractive finance schemes .
ISO certification, even for a large number of dealers.
Technology transfers to important vendors for ensuring quality supplies.
Maruti is a household’s name not only in India but in a number of countries of the west as well. With a modest beginning in 1997 when it exported 102 cars, now MUL exports to more than 30,000 cars to 74 countries. The countries include Italy, Holland and Chile; around 70 percent sales are to Europe.
Maruti looks confidently to the future with the following agenda:
Commitment to customer satisfaction/delight.
Expansion and modernization of facilities.
New model as per market demand
Model upgradation .
Market research to remain proactive in the market.
Emphasis on overseas markets
Finance for the customers.
Questions:
- Discuss the main issues narrated in the case in your own style.
- Carry out a SWOT Analysis.
- Based on the Analysis of the case, put forth your views and suggestions.