Subject background 5

Internal audit

Distibution channel

Benchmark

business process against competitors

competitive position

business practice -> mission

Consider company-specific critical factors

External audit

Conduct new market research

Examine market trends

Other analyses

Financial information

consider profit margins

Product life cycles

Organizational issues

attraction of talented marketers

integration of sales and marketing operations

Strategic plans

Objectives for each business unit

grow market share

introduce new
products

increase profitability

Target markets

types of customers

product areas

geographical areas

Key elements of the marketing mix

features and benefits

pricing

advertising and promotional plans

the distribution channels

A selling plan

targets for areas and offices

development of relationships with the distribution network

merchandising materials

information systems for monitoring sales

roles and responsibilities of the sales force

the billing procedures and accounting mechanisms

A risk assessment

creation of 'plan B'

strength/weakness analysis

opportunities/threats analysis

SWOT analysis

One overriding aim - to develop the brand