Explanation should include
- the traditional elements (i.e., product, price, place, promotion, and people) of the marketing mix
- the ways these elements are interrelated to get products from producer to consumer.
Explanation should emphasize the concept that the mix should be tailored to a well-defined target market and decisions that follow will be directed toward that target market. Consideration should also be given to planning and personality as they relate to the elements of the marketing mix.
Process/Skill Questions:
- Traditionally, professionals refer to product, price, place, and promotion as the four "Ps" of marketing. Why do some believe there should be five "Ps"—to include people as the fifth "P" in the marketing mix?
- What role does the marketing mix play in the marketing concept?
- How do the five elements of the traditional marketing mix interconnect (e.g., product and place, price and promotion)?
- Is any one element of the marketing mix more important than the others? Why, or why not?
- How is the marketing mix used to reach a target market?
- What role does profit play in the marketing mix?
- How does the marketing mix influence consumer behavior?