PROGRAMME: MBA

MODULE: MBA MARKETING MANAGEMENT

ASSIGNMENT GUIDELINES
Dear Student
Listed below are assignment guidelines:
The assignment consists of 4 questions, all of which must be answered.
All the questions require appropriate research and critical responses. In general, students need
to analyse each question carefully in order to ascertain exactly what is required. Students must
then respond to these requirements in a logical and coherent manner, taking care to
acknowledge all sources of information and ensuring that the question has been answered.
Question 1 PESTL environment analysis
This question requires an analysis of the PESTL environment of Toyota. Students should begin
with a brief outline of the acronym and what the individual letters represent.
The discussion should then centre on the Political, Economic, Social, Technological and legal
factors that are applicable to Toyota in terms of the information supplied in the caselet
(Breakthrough Marketing). The analysis should be from a marketing perspective, i.e. the factors
that have an impact or have the potential to impact on Toyota and its marketing efforts.
This is a 25 mark question so care should be taken to present a thorough analysis.
Question 2 SWOT Analysis and suggested strategies
This question has two parts to it. First, an analysis of the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities
and Threats (SWOT analysis) of Toyota is required. The caselet may have limited information in
this regard and additional information will have to be obtained. Students are advised to present
the analysis in the form of a table (as opposed to a narrative) with succinct but understandable
points presented under each of the categories.
The table could be as follows:
Strengths

Opportunities

Weaknesses

Threats


Students must remember that the SWOT analysis needs to be comprehensive.
The second part of this question requires that appropriate marketing strategies be suggested
/recommended as a result of some of the variables involved. Remember that the strengths and
weaknesses represent internal variables and the opportunities and threats constitute external
variables. The suggested strategies should be explained and justified.
It is important that your answer in question two is consistent with the analysis in question one.

Question 3 Defense strategies
In all probability, competition will be listed as a threat in the SWOT analysis. This question
requires an explanation of each of the six defense strategies Toyota could employ in order to
counter the threat(s) of competitors.
Information on these strategies can be obtained, in the first instance, from the prescribed
textbook (Kotler and Keller). There must be an explanation of each strategy and an indication of
its appropriateness in countering competitive threats.




Question 4 Analysis of automobile industry in SA
This question requires that Porters Five-Force model be utilized to analyse the car industry in
South Africa. Students should begin with a brief explanation of the five forces as envisaged by
Porter and then analyse the industry using these five forces.
The model is used to analyse the competitive nature of an industry.
This is a 25 mark question so care should be taken to present a thorough analysis.

Students should ensure that they adhere to the specified formatting guidelines and the word
limit. A minimum of eight sources of information must be utilised and these should not all be
electronic.

I take the opportunity to wish you well with your studies.
Any questions can be directed to the below contact person

Mr Osman Seedat
031-3044626
studentsupport@regent.ac.za