Case Study 1: Ethical and Social Responsibilities in Marketing in the African Context

Course Content
Introduction to Marketing – Week 1
Principles of Marketing introduces students to the core concepts and strategies that are fundamental in today's ever-evolving business world. This course emphasizes the importance of understanding and applying key marketing principles to establish and maintain long-term customer relationships, and to effectively communicate value to target audiences. Students will engage with the processes involved in identifying target markets, developing a marketing mix, and analysing market opportunities and challenges.
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The Marketing Environment
Macro and micro environmental factors The marketing environment encompasses all external factors that influence an organization's marketing decisions and actions. These factors can be broadly categorized into macro and micro environmental factors. Each has a direct or indirect impact on the company's ability to serve its customers and achieve its objectives. Understanding these elements helps businesses adapt, strategize, and capitalize on prevailing market conditions.
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Market Research & Information Systems
Market research and information systems play a pivotal role in helping organizations understand their audience, make informed decisions, and stay ahead in an increasingly competitive business environment. These tools provide valuable insights into market dynamics, customer behavior, and emerging trends.
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Consumer Behavior – Week 2
Consumer behavior refers to the selection, purchase, and consumption of goods and services to meet consumer needs. By understanding why consumers make certain decisions, marketers can develop more effective strategies to target their audience. Factors influencing consumer behavior can be broadly categorized into psychological, social, and cultural factors.
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Market Segmentation, Targeting, and Positioning
The Market segmentation, targeting, and positioning (STP) process is a strategic approach used by marketers to identify distinct market segments, select specific target markets, and craft a unique positioning strategy. Together, these elements form the foundation of a company's marketing strategy, ensuring that products or services meet the specific needs of the intended audience.
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Product: Concepts, Strategies, and Life Cycle
In the marketing mix, the product is the tangible (or intangible in the case of services) offering that a company provides to its customers. Understanding the product, its strategies, and its life cycle is crucial for marketers to ensure continued relevance in the market and sustainable growth.
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Pricing Strategies and Decisions – Week 3
Pricing is one of the most crucial elements of the marketing mix, directly impacting revenue, profitability, market share, and even brand perception. Establishing the right price for a product or service is a blend of art and science, and it's influenced by various internal and external factors.
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Promotion: Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC)
Promotion, a fundamental element of the marketing mix, ensures that consumers are informed, educated, persuaded, and reminded about a brand, its products, or services. Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) is a concept that embodies the blend of all promotional tools into a seamless program designed to maximize the impact on consumers at minimal cost.
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Digital Marketing and E-commerce – Week 4
In the modern digital age, the way we market products and make purchases has been revolutionized by the rise of digital marketing and e-commerce. Understanding these realms is essential for businesses aiming to stay competitive in today's market.
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Global Marketing
In a world that is increasingly interconnected, businesses are seeking to tap into the global market to expand their reach, diversify their portfolio, and increase their profitability. Global marketing is the process of conceptualizing and then conveying a final product or service worldwide with the hopes of reaching the international marketing community.
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Ethical and Social Responsibilities in Marketing
In the age of digitalization and consumer empowerment, businesses are under greater scrutiny for their marketing practices. Ethical and social responsibilities in marketing are not just about adhering to legal regulations; they're about aligning business practices with the values, morals, and expectations of stakeholders and the broader society.
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Branding and Brand Equity – Week 5
In a world saturated with products and services, distinguishing oneself can be a daunting task for businesses. This is where branding, and the resultant brand equity, play a pivotal role. They offer a beacon of identity in the crowded marketplace and ensure a product or service doesn't just remain a commodity.
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Services Marketing
In an era dominated by the service industry, understanding the nuances of services marketing is crucial for businesses to thrive. Unlike tangible products, services are intangible, making their marketing inherently different and challenging. This uniqueness requires a distinct approach to ensure customer satisfaction and loyalty.
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BUSA 330 Principles of Marketing
About Lesson

Background:

In recent years, the African market has seen a surge in the number of new businesses, both local and international. One of the most notable entrants is the mobile phone brand, “AfriMobile.”

The Challenge:

AfriMobile entered the African market with the promise of affordable smartphones tailored to the African demographic. However, they faced significant challenges:

  1. A majority of the components for their phones were sourced from conflict regions, leading to concerns about the ethical implications associated with “conflict minerals.”
  2. Their marketing campaigns heavily featured non-African models, leading to accusations of not being representative or inclusive of the local demographic.
  3. There were reports of the company collecting and selling user data without explicit consent, raising privacy concerns.

Actions Taken:

  1. Code of Ethics: AfriMobile developed a strict code of ethics and ensured that all employees, especially those in the marketing division, underwent rigorous training.
  2. Stakeholder Engagement: The company organized town halls in major African cities to understand the concerns and expectations of the local demographic.
  3. Transparency: AfriMobile revamped its supply chain, ensuring that all components were ethically sourced, and provided transparent reports about their sourcing and production.
  4. Localization of Marketing Campaigns: They restructured their marketing campaign to better represent the local demographic, hiring local models and influencers.
  5. Consumer Privacy: AfriMobile introduced clear terms and conditions about data usage and ensured that users had the option to opt-out.

Outcome:

AfriMobile saw a significant boost in its sales after these changes. Their commitment to ethical and social responsibilities not only improved their brand image but also resonated with the local consumer base, building trust and loyalty.

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