Thursday, 23 June 2016

S9.P1 - TOPIC 10 Marketing Communication

S9.P1 - TOPIC 10 Marketing Communication
10 Marketing Communication  
LEARNING OUTCOMES  
By the end of this topic, you should be able to:   1.   Define the concept of integrated marketing communications (IMC)            and discuss its benefits and challenges;   2.   Identify  marketing   communication    tools  and  how  each  one            contributes to IMC;   3.   Discuss how to develop a campaign for IMC; and   4.   Analyse how to evaluate an IMC programme.   INTRODUCTION   Integrated  marketing  communication    is  a  way  of  looking  at  the  whole  marketing process from the viewpoint of the customer. Kotler and Keller (2009)
  The information revolution has led to consumers being exposed to many types of  communications,   and   has  impacted   the   way   marketers   communicate   with   the  consumers.    The  audiences  that  marketers  seek,  as  well  as  the  media  and  strategies for reaching them, have become increasingly fragmented. Advertising  and   promotional   efforts  have  become  more  targeted  to  specific  audiences.  Marketers expect their promotional dollars to generate immediate sales and are  demanding more accountability from their agencies.  
Many companies are   coordinating   all their communications efforts so that they  can    send   cohesive   messages     to  their  customers.    With   the  extent   of  Internet  communication   and   the   rapid   growth   of  the   online   audience,   many   companies  are building brands with more use of digital and online media. Many advertising  agencies     have   involved     themselves   with    sales   promotion,     direct-marketing,  public relations companies and interactive agencies to better serve their clients  marketing communications needs.   The objectives of this topic is to appreciate the meaning of Integrated Marketing  Communications (IMC) and its vital tools which an efficient marketer can use in  order to strategically position his or her products very well in the ever dynamic  and competitive market. This topic will also give a comprehensive analysis of the  steps involved in developing an effective IMC programme.          

ACTIVITY 10.1           Explain   the   following   job   description   assigned   by   a   company   for   the          post of Integrated Marketing Manager:           Integrated   Marketing   Managers   are  responsible   for   helping   develop,          implement      and   measure     strategic  integrated    marketing     campaigns.          They   research   industry   trends,   social   media   or   engagement   tools   and          use them within targeted IMC campaigns. They utilise public relations,          advertising, brand management and design together to form a cohesive          marketing communications campaign.    

10.1          CONCEPTUAL DEFINITION  
Based on the examination of current literature on IMC, one of the most updated  definitions     for  integrated    marketing    communication         which    is  believed    to  embrace the essence and inherent distinctive elements of the IMC concept is by  Kliatchko     (2005):  „IMC    is  the  concept   and   process   of  strategically  managing  audience-focused,       channel-centred      and   results-driven     brand    communication  programmes over time‰.   There are four basic elements in this definition:   (a)    IMC is both a concept and a process;   (b)    IMC   requires   the   knowledge   and   skills  of   strategic   thinking   and   business         management;
(c)    IMC   is   based   on  three   essential  elements   or   pillars   audience-focused,         channel-centred and results-driven; and   (d)    IMC involves an expanded view of brand communications.   The first formal definition of IMC was developed at Northwestern University in  1989 and was used in a survey of major advertisers and advertising agencies in  the US, jointly sponsored by the American Association of Advertising Agencies  (4As), and the Association of National Advertisers.   A review of the literature indicates that this definition has been the most widely  used   and   the   most   often   cited   by   academics   and   practitioners.   This   definition  states that IMC is:     „A concept of marketing communications planning that recognises the added    value of a comprehensive plan that evaluates the strategic roles of a variety of    communication         disciplines    general       advertising,    direct   response,    sales    promotion, and public   relations  and combines these disciplines to provide    clarity, consistency, and maximum communication impact‰.   This definition stresses the need for a marketing communications with a unified  and synergistic plan that uses multiple tools of marketing communications. This  is different from traditional advertising, as IMC:   (a)    Capitalises on the strengths of each element in order to achieve maximum         communication impact;   (b)    Highlights the importance of having one communication strategy or plan as         the   unifying    element   and   the   integrative   factor  of  the  various    tools  or         disciplines employed; and   (c)    Stresses the importance of achieving greater synergy that would otherwise         be   absent   if   the   tools   were   to   be  used   independently   without   supporting         and reinforcing one another;   According      to  Kitchen,    Brignell,  Tao   and    Jones   (2004)  IMC    must    show    five  significant features. These features are:   (a)    The    main     objective    of  IMC     is  to  affect   behaviour      through     direct         communication;   (b)    The    process    starts   with   the   customer     or   prospect    and    then   works         backwards to the brand communicator;
(c)   IMC   should   use   all   forms   of   communications   and   all   sources   of   brand   or         company contacts as prospects message delivery channels;    (d)   The need for synergy is paramount with coordination helping to achieve a         strong brand image; and    (e)   IMC   requires   that   successful   marketing   communication   needs   to   build   a         relationship between the brand and the customer.   The integration in IMC covers all areas and elements as shown in Figure 10.1:                     Figure 10.1: Areas and elements of the Integration in IMC   Now, let us discuss the areas and elements one by one.    (a)   Horizontal Integration          This   occurs   across   the   marketing   mix   and   across   business   functions  ? for         example  ? production,   finance,   distribution   and   communications   should         work     together    and   the   people   involved     should    be  conscious     that  their         decisions and actions send messages to customers.    (b)   Vertical Integration          Marketing   and   communications   objectives   must   support   the   higher   level         corporate   objectives   and   corporate   missions.   Check   out   the   Hall   Of   Fame         later for more about missions.              
(c)    Internal Integration          This requires internal marketing which means keeping all members of staff         informed     and    motivated     about   any   new    developments       such   as  new         advertising    campaigns,     new    corporate  identities,   new   service   standards,         new strategic partners and so on.   (d)    External Integration          This integration requires external partners such as advertising agencies, PR         agencies,    or  event   management       companies     to  work   closely   together   to         deliver a   single seamless   solution   which means   a cohesive   and   integrated         message.  

10.2           IMC TOOLS  
Next,   the   communication   tools   are   examined   briefly.   It   is   commonly   indicated  that there are numerous different communication tools available to a   marketer.  The tools include the following:   (a)    Advertising;   (b)    Sales promotion;   (c)    Direct marketing;   (d)    Personal selling;   (e)    Public relations;   (f)    Sponsorship;   (g)    Exhibitions;   (h)    Packaging;   (i)    Point-of-sale and merchandising;   (j)    Word of mouth;   (k)    Corporate identity; and   (l)    Website.

The wide range of marketing communication tools as listed earlier as well as  the   range   of   messages   and   audiences   make   it   imperative   for   companies   to  move towards the IMC approach in an effort to ensure clarity and credibility of  messages,       consistency     and   competitiveness.       Some    of   the  main     tools  are  explained here:    (a)   Advertising          The role of advertising in the communication mix is to inform, remind or         persuade present or potential customers of the presence of a product. With         simple   messages,   advertising   can   reach   huge   audiences   although   the   cost         may be high. It can also communicate with specific audiences.    (b)   Sales Promotion          This tool is used through contests, premium offers, free goods and services,         demonstrations,   displays   or   incentives.   It   is   used   to   accelerate   short-term         sales    by  building    brand    awareness     and   encouraging      repeat   buying.    All         these   tactics   are   intended   to   achieve  exposure   for   the   promoted   product.         Some   may   offer   the   target   audience   an  incentive   to   respond   actively.   The         International      Chamber      of  Commerce      (ICC)    defines    sales  promotion      as:         „Marketing   devices   and   techniques   which   are   used   to   make   goods   and         services   more   attractive   by   providing  some   additional   benefit,   whether   in         cash or in kind, or the expectation of such a benefit‰.           According   to   Kempf   and   Smith   (1998)   there   are   three   main   categories   of         sales promotion:          (i)    Customer   promotions   (premiums,   gifts,   prizes   and   competitions,   for                example, on the back of breakfast cereal boxes);          (ii)   Trade     promotions      (special   terms,  point-of-sale materials and free                pens, diaries, competition prizes, etc.); and          (iii)  Sales force promotions (incentive and motivation schemes).           Other promotional items include premium offers of all kinds, reduced         prices and free offers, the distribution of trading stamps, vouchers and         samples, charity-linked promotions and prize promotions of all types,         including incentive programmes.    (c)   Direct Marketing          This    is  the   method     of   selling   directly   to   the   end    buyer    from    the         manufacturer        with   no middle      man    or  intermediary     involved.    This   tool         utilises   e-mail,   mail   order,   catalogues,    direct-mail     shot,   direct-response         advertising,      door-to-door       selling,  mail     drop,    telemarketing      and    fax messages. It encourages direct responses to radio and television, in order to         reach    targeted    audiences     to  increase    sales  and    test  new    products     and         alternate marketing tactics.           Direct marketing techniques according to Olander and Sehlin (2000) can be         used to move buyers through various stages of the buying process. This is         to   get   buyers   to   visit   an   exhibition,  call   into   a   showroom   for   a   test   drive,         establish contact, etc. Direct marketing should be used on a more strategic         basis by integrating it with other marketing communication tools and in the         longer term by developing a database.           Direct   marketing    also   includes   computerised   home   shopping   (link   home         computer   with   a   store   so   that   one   can   browse   around   the   aisles,   pick   up         merchandise,       inspect    it  by   turning   it   around     on   screen,    etc.),  home         shopping networks, and miscellaneous items which include stuffers, inserts         and leaflets for house-to-house distribution.   (d)    Personal Selling          Personal selling is the sellerÊs oral face-to-face communication with one or         more   potential   customers   with   the   intention   of   closing   a   deal.   It   is   also   a         promotion via a sales pitch by a sales representative to a potential customer         or   by   a   retail   assistant   to   a   customer.   While   selling   itself   embraces   both         personal and impersonal communication, personal selling focuses on face-         to-face personal communication.           One    of  the  skills   used   in  personal     selling   is  salesmanship,      an   art  of         successfully   persuading   customers   to  buy   products   from   which   they   can         derive    suitable   benefits.   Thus,    personal    selling  is  a  communication        tool         while salesmanship is a skill largely used to implement the personal selling         effort. Personal selling may include the following:          (i)    Face-to-face sales meetings;          (ii)   Telephone sales calls;          (iii)  Video conferencing;          (iv)   Trade shows;          (v)    Exhibitions;          (vi)   Conferences;          (vii)  Seminars; and          (viii) Word of mouth.  

The      many      types    of   personal      selling   jobs    include     sales    people,     sales  representatives,       account     executives,    agents    etc.  In   the  integrated     marketing  communication,   personal   selling   involves  communication   between   sales   people  and   individual   customers   whether   face   to  face   or   by   other   means.   It   enhances  advertising       in  complex      selling   situations     because     it  develops     relationship  marketing   which   is   the   process   of   creating,   maintaining   and   enhancing   strong  relationships with customers.            

ACTIVITY 10.2          
Personal selling has several advantages and disadvantages. Explain the          following points on advantages and disadvantages of personal selling.           Advantages:           (a)    Direct access to customers on a planned basis.           (b)    Control over presentations and approaches.           (c)    Increase      in  the   number      of   employees      that,   if  the   situation                 warrants, can be rotated into other assignments.           (d)    A   degree   of   accountability   of   the    funds   that   are   spent   on  this                 activity.           (e)    Salespeople   can   report   directly   back   on   the   success   or   failure   of                 their efforts.           Disadvantages:           (a)    A     lengthy     process    to   recruit   and    train   individuals,      and    a                 possibility of loss of control of some aspects of the marketing mix.           (b)    If there is a need to lower the marketing effort, reducing the sales                 force is a painful process.

(e)    Public Relations          Public    relations     is  the    development        of   and    maintenance        of   good         relationship      with   different    publics   which     include    employees,      investors,         suppliers,     customers,      distributors,     legislators,   regulators,     governments,         pressure   groups,   the   community,   the  media   and   even   competition.   This         IMC     tool   is  initiated  through     public   appearances,       press   releases,   event         sponsorships,   publicity   events,   speaking   engagements,   video   and   audio         news releases, newsletters, blogs, social media, press kits and other forms         of    communication.        The    objective    is  to   build    trust   and    goodwill     by         presenting   the   product,   company   or   person   in   a   positive   light.   Positive         publicity is dependent primarily on good media relations.   (f)    Sponsorship          Sponsorship   has   been   defined   as   the   provision   of   resources   by   a   sponsor         directly   to   an   individual   or   organisation   (sponsee),   to   enable   the   latter   to         pursue   some   activities   in   return   for benefits   contemplated   in   terms   of   the         sponsorÊs   promotion   strategy.   The   benefits   of   sponsorship   which   is   often         cited    are   awareness      and    image     building     of  the   brand,     product,    and         company.        Sponsorship       increasingly     provides       organisations       with    the         opportunity       to  reach    their  target   audiences     in  a  manner      that  facilitates         engagement and encourages relationship development.           Sponsorship   is   facilitated   through   event   or   activities   such   as   community         projects,   social   responsibility   campaigns,   sports   events,   music   concerts   or         cultural    programmes.        The   expectation      is  to  get  secondary     exposure     via         attribution to the sponsor during media coverage.   (g)    Website         The   website   is   something   of   a   mix   between   direct   selling   and   advertising         where      it  can   engage     in   a  dialogue    as    well   is  designed      to  generate         awareness, explain and demonstrate the product and provide information.         The   integration   of   the   website   with  other   traditional   marketing   media   is         very   important   to   the   success   of   the  website   itself.   The   presence   of   the         Internet     addresses     on   printed     materials    projects    a  modern,      up-to-date         image      for  a  company       but   the  site  must    be   continually     promoted      and         updated.

Table 10.1 explains the main applications and specification of IMC tools.  

Table 10.1: Main Applications and Specification of IMC Tools               IMC Tools                Applications                     Specification           Advertising           Non-personal                    Brand awareness                                One-way                         Brand image                                Paid                            Encourages a response           Sales promotion       Short term                      Facilitate the buying                                Encourages an immediate           decision                                  response           Direct marketing      Direct and two-way              Enabling dialogue with                                Data based                        customer                                Using wide range of             Product and services                                  media                           customisation           Personal selling      Face-to-face                    Dominant tool for B2B and                                  communication                   special products in B2C                                The most effective and          Brand message                                  expensive MC                    personalisation           Public relations      Create and control brand        Formal channel of                                  news                            communication with                                No media spending                 society specially in crisis                                The most credible MC              management                                                                Reinforcement and                                                                  modification of brand                                                                  image           Packaging             Containing product              Brand identity                                  information                     reinforcement                                Free medium                     Delivering the last brand                                                                  message           Events and            Create, sponsor or              Active involvement of          sponsorship             participate in celebration,     customers                                  contests and trade fairs      Brand public                                                                  announcement and                                                                  reinforcement           Customer service      Managing brand-customer         Customer retention                                  interactive relationship      Customer satisfaction                                CompanyÊs attitude and                                  behaviour toward                                  customer        Source: Ekhlassi, A., Maghsoodi, V., &  Mehrmanesh, S. (2012). Determining the  integrated marketing communication tools for different stages of customer relationship in      digital era. International Journal of Information and Electronics Engineering,  2(5),                                            761765

10.3   1.     Collect a weekÊs worth of direct mail that comes to your mailbox.         Analyse   how   personalised   it   is.  Prepare   an   oral   presentation   to         your class that sets up a continuum of personalisation for your set         of   direct  mail   pieces.   In  other  words,    which    one   is  the  most         personalised,     which    one   is  the least   personalised,     and   where         would you put the other pieces in between?   2.     Take several issues of a magazine or newspaper and take all of the         direct    response    advertisements       and   separate    them    into   two         categories:          (a)    First,   one   that   represents   good  examples   of   direct   response                messages.          (b)    Second, one that you consider to be weaker.          Write an analysis of each group of these ads, explaining how the         good ones differ from the weaker ones.   3.     Find    the  websites    of  three  companies     (get  the   addresses    from         product      packages     and    in   brand    messages).      Contact    these         companies      with    an  inquiry    or  complaint     using   the   response         instructions on each of their websites and keep track of:          (a)    How long it takes each company to respond?          (b)    Rate   each   response    on   how    personal   it  is  (was  response               personalised or a stock message?).          (c)    Record to what extent your question was answered or your                complaint addressed.          (d)    Record    to  what    extent  company      made    an  effort  find   out                more about you.

SELF-CHECK 10.1          
Indicate whether the following statement is right or wrong concerning          IMC.                                            Statement                                        Yes or No              
Vertical integration requires a marketing information system to               collect and share relevant data across different departments.               IMC      avoids   duplications    and   takes  advantage     of  synergy               among      promotional    tools   and   develop   more    efficient  and               effective marketing communications.               External integration requires the keeping of all staff informed               and    motivated     about   any    new    developments      from   new               advertisements,      to  new    corporate    identities,  new    service               standards, new strategic partners and so on.               Internal integration requires external partners to work closely               together to deliver a cohesive and integrated message.               In IMC, personal selling plays the role of the interpersonal arm;               it   involves     communication       between     sales   people     and               individual customers.               IMC highlights the importance of having many communication               strategies   or   plan   as   the   unifying   element   and   the   integrative               factor of the various tools or disciplines employed.               IMC stresses the importance of achieving greater synergy that               would otherwise be absent if the tools were to be used               independently without supporting     and    reinforcing    one               another.

10.3          ADVANTAGES AND CHALLENGES   As   the   strategic   coordination   of   marketing   communication   mix   elements   is   to  afford     an   organisation     a   clear,   consistent,    impactful     and    result-driven  communications about its brand and corporate image in the eyes of its customers  and other stakeholders, integrated marketing communication has its advantages  and disadvantages. Some of the main points are indicated in the next subtopic.   10.3.1           Advantages   The following are some advantages of integrated marketing communications or  IMC:   (a)    The   strategic   integration   of   the   various   communication   functions   would         avoid duplications and take advantage of synergy among promotional tools         and develop more efficient and effective marketing communications.   (b)    By   stretching   messages   across   several   communications   tools,   IMC   creates         more avenues for customers to become aware, aroused, and ultimately, to         make a purchase.   (c)    IMC   also   makes   messages   more   consistent   and   therefore   more   credible.         This   reduces   risk   in   the   mind   of  the   buyer   which,   in   turn,   shortens   the         search process and helps to dictate the outcome of brand comparisons.   (d)    A unified message has more impact than a disjointed myriad of messages.         In a busy world, a consistent, consolidated and clear message has a better         chance   to   compete   with   a   hundred   commercial   messages   which   bombard         customers every day.   (e)    Carefully    linked   messages     help   buyers   move     comfortably     through    the         stages    of  their  buying    process    by  giving    timely    reminders,    updated         information and special offers.   (f)    Consistent   images   and   relevant,   useful,   messages   help   nurture   long-term         relationships     with   customers.     Here,    customer     databases    can   identify         precisely   which   customers   need   what  information   when   throughout   their         whole buying life.                        
(g)   IMC saves money as it eliminates duplication in areas such as graphics and         photography        since   they    can   be   shared    and   used    in  say,   advertising,         exhibitions and sales literature. Agency fees are reduced by using a single         agency   for   all   communications.   When  there   are   several   agencies,   time   is         saved when meetings bring all the agencies together  for briefings, creative         sessions, tactical or strategic planning.    10.3.2           Challenges   Despite   its   many   benefits,   integrated  marketing   communications,   or   IMC,   has  certain     limitations    and    challenges.    Several    factors    have    been   identified    as  challenges   of   the   integration   process, both   of   internal   and   external   nature.   The  internal factors include the lack of management understanding of the benefits of  IMC,   the   present   organisational   structure,   the   battle   between   departments   for  supremacy, the fear of budget and staff reduction and lack of expertise in IMC.   Some of the challenges are explained briefly here:    (a)   Practitioners      and    academics      have    noted     the   difficulty   of   effectively         implementing         IMC.    Defining     exactly    what    IMC     is  has   already    been         difficult.     For    example,      merely     coordinating      messages       so   that    all         promotional   efforts   speak   in   unity   and   harmony   do   not   fully   capture   the         meaning of IMC.    (b)   Changing        the   organisation     to   accommodate        the   integrated     approach         challenges   the   control   structure   of   organisations.   Some   structures   isolate         managers,       communications        and   data   from   each    other,  for  example,     the         separation   of   the   corporate   communication,   marketing,   sales   and   public         relations departments.    (c)   IMC may restrict creativity to fit into the overall marketing communications         strategy. The joy of creativity may be stifled and the creative challenge may         be greater but may ultimately be more satisfying when operating within an         integrated creative brief.    (d)   Different   time   horizons   need   to   be   addressed.   Time   horizon   is  estimated         length   of   time   for   a   campaign   or   plan  to   complete.   For   example,   a   longer         term campaign to nurture the brand may conflict with a shorter term sales         promotions campaign to boost quarterly sales. The two objectives must be         accommodated within an overall IMC plan.
(e)   The lack of expertise in the IMC discipline due to the tradition or practice in        single   discipline   agencies.   There   appear  to   be   very   few   people   who   have        real experience of all the marketing  communications disciplines. This lack        of know-how is then compounded by a lack of commitment.          

ACTIVITY 10.4          List of IMC Tools:          (a)    Advertising;          (b)    Personal Selling;          (c)    Internet advertising;          (d)    Brochures;          (e)    Direct mail;          (f)    Coupons (with special offers);          (g)    In-store displays;          (h)    Telemarketing (phone);          (i)    Local letterbox drops; and          (j)    Discounts or sales promotions.          Questions:         Using the list give, select the most appropriate IMC mix for:          (a)    A new hairdresser in a busy shopping mall.          (b)    A large firm introducing a new line of cereals.          (c)    A charity launching its national campaign.          (d)    A multinational 5-star hotel on the beach, starting to offer business                conference services.          (e)    A budget airline company offering free tickets to families during          school long holidays.

ACTIVITY 10.5           Answer   the   following   questions   after   reading   the   text   given   which   is          adapted from Print Power, at http://www.printpower.eu.           An   effective   marketing   campaign   works   best   when   print   is   used   with          other     media     as   one   element     of   an   integrated     solution.    Adding          magazines        to  a   mix    of   television    and    Internet    increases    brand          favourability by 44 per cent and purchase intention by 15 per cent. The          combination of online and newspapers also increases effectiveness, with          brand   engagement   26   per   cent   higher   than   using   just   print   or   online          media.   Print   media   can   now   offer   quick   and   simple   ways   to   access          digital    content     using   „bridging      technologies‰      such   as   QR    codes,          Augmented   Reality   and   near-field   communication.   These   innovations          form a bridge between print media and a brandÊs online space, inviting          consumer reaction, feedback and purchase, all via a smartphone. Such          innovations       increase    the   effectiveness     of  print   media,     as  well   as          enhances the consumer experience.           Newspapers         are  still  the  number      one   medium      for  shaping     public          opinion. Their credibility, knowledge, values and information-gathering          skills remain a formidable force on the high street, and with titles now          separated   into   sections   with   more   lifestyle   content,   their   potential   for          brands     has   increased     further    online     and   offline.   Add    Print,  Add          Power,   has   never   been   so   apt.   But   the   success   of   newspapers   largely          boils down to a single truth: they are effective in shaping opinion. They          possess   a   large   amount   of   power   when   it   comes   to   public   perception.          Used well, that power can completely transform your brand.           Questions:           (a)    How       would     you    explain    the   research     finding    that   adding                 magazines       to  a  mix   of  television   and    Internet   increases    brand                 favourability by 44 per cent and purchase intention by 15 per cent?           (b)    How   would   you   elaborate   the   finding   that   the   combination   of                 online     and     newspapers       increases     effectiveness,    with     brand                 engagement 26 per cent higher than using just print or online?           (c)    What do you understand by „bridging technologies‰?           (d)    Identify     and    discuss    the   reasons    for   the   significant    role  of                 newspaper as a communication tool.  

10.4           DEVELOPING IMC PROGRAMME   In order to achieve better results from the use of IMC, the following guide may  be used and taken into consideration when designing the message.   Let    us  examine     the   steps  involved     in  developing     an   IMC    programme       or  campaign.   (a)    Identify the Target Audience          The   marketing   communicator   must   have   a   clear   target   audience   in   mind.         The   audience   may   be   potential   buyers   or   current   users;   those   who   make         buying decisions or those who influence it.   (b)    Specify Communication Objectives          After the target audience is identified, a decision must be reached on what         the   communication      should   accomplish.   Marketers   must   know   where   the         target audience now stands and what AIDA stage it needs to be moved to.         The   purpose   of   marketing   communication   is   to   move   the   customer   along         these stages and ultimately to achieve final purchase.   (c)    Set the Budget          Determining the ideal amount for the budget is difficult because there is no         precise   way   to   measure   the   exact   results   of   spending   promotion   dollars.         However, several methods can be used to set the promotion budget such as         percentage     of   sales  budgeting,     comparative     parity,   objective   and    task         budgeting, and all-you-can-afford budgeting.   (d)    Select the Right Promotional Tools          The combination of the five basic IMC tools, advertising, personal selling,         sales promotion, public relations and direct marketing can be specified. An         analytical    approach     and    experience   are    important     to  make    the   right         decision.   Many   factors   provide   direction   for   selection   of   the   appropriate         mix.   (e)    Schedule the Campaign          Determine     the   most   effective   timing    of  the  campaign.     The    campaign         schedule     describes    the   order    in  which     each   communication        tool  is         introduced and the frequency of its use during the campaign.  
Choosing       the   correct    marketing     communications        tools   for   a  particular  promotional      task   is  largely  influenced   by   a  number     of  factors  such   as  the  following:   (a)    Business missions;   (b)    Business objectives;   (c)    Marketing objectives; and   (d)    Promotional objectives.   However, in todayÊs marketing communication world, computers can carry out  matching       consumer      characteristics   with     media     databases     very    rapidly.  Promotional budgets can also be evaluated for a variety of different mixes.   Generally, a media mix includes radio, television, print and online channels. The  media     mix   is  the  total  amount   of  marketing    communication       that  an  agency,  marketing communication company or media buyer has budgeted for a specific  communication        strategy   and    media    plan.  Media    mix    refers  to  the  various  advertising channels through which a company communicates with its audience  in   order   to  fulfil  a  campaign   as  outlined   in  the  media    plan.  For   any  given  communication         campaign,     the   best  media      mix   depends      greatly   on   the  demographics of the target market.     10.5          MONITORING, EVALUATION AND                  CONTROL   It   is  vital  for  firms  to  determine    how     well  the   marketing     communication  programme   meets   the   objectives;   how  and   why   the   promotion   programme   is  performing;   if   there   are   deviations   from  the   plans   or   whether   there   is   need   for  modification.   Monitoring,      evaluation    and   control   is designed     to  provide    managers      with  continued feedback concerning the effectiveness of the promotional programme.  This feedback can be used as input into the planning process.                    

The integrated marketing communication model portrays the development of a  marketing   programme   which   requires   an   in-depth   analysis   of   the   market.   This  analysis     may    make     extensive    use   of  marketing      research    as  an   input    which  provides   the   basis   for   the   development   of   marketing   strategies.   As   this   plan  serves   as   the   guide   to   follow   in   achieving   marketing   goals,   each   of   the   steps  requires a detailed analysis. When the detailed analysis has been completed and  objectives have been established, each of the marketing mixes must contribute to  a comprehensive integrated marketing programme.   Table 10.2 indicates programme elements that can be measured and correlated to  tactical and strategic goals.                    

Table 10.2: Measuring IMC        
IMC Component                                    
Elements to Measure  
Marketing                      
Message reach and adoption, brand awareness or recall.   communication  
Public relations              
Media     coverage    analysis,   advertising    value   equivalents,  impressions      (or  exposures)     by  media     type,  tonality   of  coverage,   influence   of   spokespeople,   prominence   of   brand vs. competitors.    Marketing or sales              Response   rates,    number    of   inquiries,  number   of  qualified   promotion: Advertising,         leads   from    respondents,    customer    acquisition   costs  (total   events, direct mail,            number   of   new   customers   or   marketing   costs),   increase   in   e-mail marketing                average sales price.    Employee  Employee surveys,    sales    of  companies products     to   communication  employees, recommendations to friends and family.    Source: Woods, J. A. (2014), Measuring integrated marketing communication from start                   to finish. JW Bulletin . Retrieved from http://www.iabc.com

ACTIVITY 10.6          
Read the cases given and answer the subsequent questions. Choose just          one   case   and   brainstorm   in   your   group   a   good   advertising   strategy          (creative and media) and look also at the bigger picture and determine          how the other components of the  marketing communications mix will          be useful in finding a solution for the case that you have chosen.           The Case          High Five bread was once a very popular bakery brand but it has fallen          due to a certain incident. The factory at Nilai was raided and the Health          Ministry   team   issued   a   warning   to  the   operator   for   operating   under          unhygienic   conditions   under   Section   11   of   the   Food   Act   1983.   It   was          also   found    to  be  employing      illegal  workers    and   using   cooking    oil          without a halal certification. The raid at Stanson Bakery Sdn Bhd, which          produces the High Five bread, revealed that the factory floor was dirty,          some workers were found working without gloves or aprons, while the          factory was badly-lit and poorly-ventilated. The factory's management          volunteered to close down for two weeks after the raid. The brand has          not   received   any   meaningful   marketing   communications   support   for          several years.           The Task          The task is to reintroduce the brand to the market and get it into the top          bakery in Malaysia. When preparing a case solution it is expected that          you   conduct   additional   secondary   research.   Good   factual   information          will enhance the quality of the analysis and the recommendation. Here          is a guideline for your discussion and oral or written report.           The Guide          Follow this guide to engage in your discussion.           (a)    Identifying Problem                 Identify   the   problem,   not   symptoms,   in   a   clear,   concise   manner.                 Do    not  state  the   problem    as   choosing    between     a  number     of                 alternative    strategies.    The   problem     should     pose   a   question                 searching for a solution.           (b)    Situation Analysis                 Conduct SWOT analysis. Typically, strengths and weaknesses are                 internal in nature while opportunities and threats are external in                 nature.                   (c)    Alternatives          Identify   a   series   of   alternatives   that   could   resolve   the   problem.         Make     sure    that  issues    such  as    segmentation      and    targeting,         positioning,     and    the  pros    and   cons    of  each    alternative    are         discussed.   (d)    Recommendation          Make   a   specific   recommendation   to   resolve   the   problem.   Proper        justification   must   accompany   the   recommendation   and   company         objectives, marketing objectives, and the resources of the company         must be considered.   (e)    Summary Plan          Being   concise   as   possible   while   providing   proper   detail   on   the         various   components   of   the   marketing   communications   mix   you         are recommending, provide details about the following:          (i)    Marketing objectives;          (ii)  Marketing communications objectives;          (iii)  Target market profile;          (iv)   Positioning strategy statement;          (v)   Marketing communications mix;          (vi)   Timeline for activities; and          (vii)  Budget allocation for recommended activities.                                        Source: Adapted from Course Hero (n.d.)  The       objective   of  this  topic   is  to appreciate    the   meaning     of  Integrated       Marketing      Communications       (IMC)    and   its  vital  tools  which   an   efficient       marketer can use in order to strategically position its products in the dynamic       and competitive market. This topic also gives a comprehensive analysis of the       steps involved in developing an effective IMC programme.     Based       on  the  examination     of  current   literature  on   IMC,   one  of  the  most       updated   definitions   for   integrated   marketing   communication   is   IMC   as   the       concept    and   process   of  strategically  managing     audience-focused,      channel-       centred and results-driven brand communication programmes over time.     The       choice  of  the  marketing     promotional     tool  is  largely  influenced   by   a       number of factors such as business missions, business objectives, marketing       objectives, promotional objectives and choice of correct while the best media       mix    for  any    given   communication        campaign     depends     greatly   on   the       demographics of the target market.     It   is   vital   for   firms   to   determine  how   well   the   marketing   communication       programme        is  meeting    the   objectives;   how     and   why     the  promotion       programme is performing; if there are deviations from the plans or whether       there is need for modification. Monitoring, evaluation and control is designed       to provide managers with continued feedback concerning the effectiveness of       the   promotional   programme.   This   feedback   can   be   used   as   input   into   the       planning process.     Corporate identity                              Personal selling     Direct marketing                                Point-of-sale     IMC                                             Sponsorship     Packaging                                            

TOPIC 10    INTERGRATED MARKETING COMMUNICATION
Ekhlassi,    A.,   Maghsoodi,      V.,  &    Mehrmanesh,        S.  (2012).   Determining      the         Integrated     Marketing      Communication        Tools    for   Different    Stages    of         Customer Relationship in Digital Era, International Journal of Information        and Electronics Engineering,        2(5), 761765.   Im_cases. (2015). Retrieved from https://www.coursehero.com/file/4235898/         imcases/   Kempf, D. S., & Smith, R. E. (1998). Consumer processing of product trial and the         influence of prior advertising: A structural modelling approach. Journal of        Marketing Research, 35 (8), 325338.   Kitchen, P. J., Brignell, J., Tao, L., & Jones, G. S. (2004). The emergence of IMC: A         theoretical perspective.Journal of Advertising Research, 44 (1), 1930.   Kliatchko,     J.  G.  (2005).  Towards      a  new   definition    of  integrated    marketing         communications (IMC). International Journal of Advertising, 24(1), 734.   Kotler,   P.,   &   Keller,   K.   L.   (2009). Marketing   management .   Upper   Saddle   River,         NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall. Chicago.   Olander,      C.,   Sehlin,   S.   (2000).  The     use   and    integration     of   marketing         communication   tools   in   business-to-business   firms:   Case   studies   of   three         Swedish          firms.       Retrieved         from         http://epubl.ltu.se/1404-         5508/2000/112/LTU-SHU-EX-00112-SE.pdf   Woods, J. A. (2014), Measuring integrated marketing communication from start         to finish. JW Bulletin . Retrieved from http://www.iabc.com

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