That means that we will be together for about 6 weeks.
Plan is that we should then look at past exam papers for the past 6 exams and discuss them in depth.
My responsibilities will be to guide your preparations for the final exam and for the assignment work you will/are doing. Yours is to do all work given and be as open as possible so that i may know and understand where exactly you need attention.
So, 19th October 2009 it is. If you you need to start before, please do let me know. No problemo!
For more information on revision, time, fees, etc, please email saboi@marketinginzambia.com or call/SMS +260966930260
You are welcome, please do come through.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Exam Tips
TIP ONE
Always give definations, you never go wrong with this...
But when you give your defination, avoid sounding like you come straight from a text book.
In MaSCon discussions, when asked to define marketing, most students pick on the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) defination and say it as it is written. It is easy to tell that it is memorized, a thing which is greatly discouraged. On the exam, you will note have a book to make reference to, therefore when attempting to define a concept, use your own words to express your own understanding.
So instead of saying "marketing is the management process of identifying, anticipating and satisfying customer needs profitably,"
you could say,
"Marketing is about developing products that meet the needs of customers. It is a profession practiced by a number of successful blue chip organisations such as Google and Toyota because of its focus on long term relationships with stakeholders. As a result, marketing input is recognised at management level and it is considered as an investment which will yield not only retention but profits as well."
Notice that marketing has been defined but not as memorized, instead as personally understood.
You never go wrong with definations.
TIP TWO
Give answers to questions you have been asked rather than just writing all you know about a specific topic. Always remember that it is content and not quality.
Let us consider a question...
Following your appointment to the poisition of Marketing Services Manager, you have been invited by students at one of the local universities to give a presentation on appraising marketing segments for future investment consideration. Segmentation, targetting and position are highly examined topics that require a comprehensive approach with emphasis on practical application. You have been identified as one of the best individuals to address
segment appraisals and promote your company profile.
Prepare your notes.
It would not be supprising to receive an answer script that will take about the bases of segmetation (geography,demography, etc). Further, a student may
also talk about targeting and positioining.
What is sad is that the student may not have understood the question requiring them to dwell on how a segment can be assessed for potential and prospective.
Give the above question a try and send it to the MaSCon facilitator, me. Email is saboi@marketinginzambia.com.
So always answer the questions you have bene asked.
TIP THREE
Write clearly...
This is a very simple point not needing much explanation.
Examiners have hundred of scripts to mark they will not sit down to try and make sense out of your handwriting.
Write clearly...
TIP FOUR
Structure your work.
What this means is that do not just start writing from start to finish...
Break down your work under appropriate headings. Have an introduction, a body and a conclusion.
Structuring your work makes its more presentable and easy to read.
Structuring your work also includes numbering/lettering your points.
Now let us put all the points together in example.
Say you want to talk about the marketing orientation. You work may be structured as follows...
WHAT MARKETING ORIENTATION IS
Your explanation here.
BENEFITS
1.0
2.0
3.0
Remember, always structure your work.
Please email mascon@marketinginzambia.com if you have any question or contribution.
TIP FIVE.
Always give practical examples.
Not doing this is one of the reasons students fail.
You must always demonstrate your understanding of various concepts through the use of examples. These examples need not be of orgsnisations in the United Kingdom even if that is where the exam comes from. You are free to use local examples, even imaginary one...
TIP SIX
This probably had to come as tip one, but even as six its Ok.
Clearly read instructions.
Not following instructions is a passport to failing.
If the instructions, for example, are that you use a pencil for all drawings, do just that. When you use pen, you will lose some marks.
Please do not get tempted to think you are so used to exams you know the rules, they may change so always make sure you read instructions.
TIP SEVEN
Use an appropriate format.
It is recommended that if you have not been told what format to use, adopt a reprt format.
Your judgement on choice may be put to the test.
You must know when to use a memorandum, a report, a brief and other mediums.
Always use an appropriate format.
TIP SEVEN
A number of students ask, "can i draw diagrams on the exam?" The answer is yes.
You are free to use diagrams if you feel the need to do so. Just make sure you draw them correctly...
Using diagrams helps put points together that would otherwise be scattered. For example if you have to compare consumer markets to industrial markets, a
table would be the best diagram to use. One column for consumer markets and the other for industrial markets.
TIP EIGHT
You only have 3 hours for the exam so make sure you time and discipline yourself.
Here is where the discipline comes in...
Know how much time you have to spend on each question. It is common to get carried away with a question you find easier, but this avoid.
Others say it is best to begin with section B because it is usually easier compared to section A. The reasoning is that you would then have more courage to
turn to the "tormenting" section A. There is really nothing with that, just make sure you time and disciple yourself...
TIP NINE
Avoid short cuts and be formal.
Instead of cant, use cannot, etc
If you are going to use appreviation such as PLC or NPD, write them first in full as follows
Product Life Cycle(PLC)...
You can then use PLC after having done that.
TIP TEN
Almost all questions are in themselves incomplete and as a result, always make relevant assumptions.
These assumptions could be
- who you are
- what organisation/business sector, etc.
Some questions actually make it clear that students must state whatever assumptions they make, always do so.
What is interesting about assumptions is that they are not uniform, different students may have different assumptions and marks will vary based of how good
and relevant the assumptions are.
TIP ELEVEN
Seek divine intervention.
If you are a Christian, ask Jehovah for wisdom. If you are a Muslim, seek Alah, if you are a Satanist, seek Satan, etc...
But no mirale will happen if you have not been faithful to study and prepare for the exam.
That about does it for exam tips.
What follow are just other tips relating to your studying...
Remember, you are welcome to email mascon@marketinginzambia.com for any questions/comments or whatever.
TIP TWELVE
Text books are quit expensive and in most cases students may not have all they need.
What you could then do is agree with a friend or three that each of you buy one of different types. The books could then circulate amongst yourselves.
TIP 13.
Attempt as many past exam question papers as possible. You can get some at assignments@marketinginzambia.com. It is automated so you will get them just after sending an email to that address. Submit your work and i will make it for free.
TIP 14.
Obtaining a bank draft and sending it together with other documents maybe expensive as an individual.
What you could then do is come together with two or three friends, put money together and obtain one bank draft.
You can then put money together again and send a single parcel using a courier of your choice.
TIP 15.
As much as possible, have a study partner, two or three.
What is good about this is that you will have someone to discuss with issues relating to studying face to face. This face-to-face element is the main advantage over online discussion forums which you may also use. We soon will also have one...
Your response, let it come through. Post it just here...
Always give definations, you never go wrong with this...
But when you give your defination, avoid sounding like you come straight from a text book.
In MaSCon discussions, when asked to define marketing, most students pick on the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) defination and say it as it is written. It is easy to tell that it is memorized, a thing which is greatly discouraged. On the exam, you will note have a book to make reference to, therefore when attempting to define a concept, use your own words to express your own understanding.
So instead of saying "marketing is the management process of identifying, anticipating and satisfying customer needs profitably,"
you could say,
"Marketing is about developing products that meet the needs of customers. It is a profession practiced by a number of successful blue chip organisations such as Google and Toyota because of its focus on long term relationships with stakeholders. As a result, marketing input is recognised at management level and it is considered as an investment which will yield not only retention but profits as well."
Notice that marketing has been defined but not as memorized, instead as personally understood.
You never go wrong with definations.
TIP TWO
Give answers to questions you have been asked rather than just writing all you know about a specific topic. Always remember that it is content and not quality.
Let us consider a question...
Following your appointment to the poisition of Marketing Services Manager, you have been invited by students at one of the local universities to give a presentation on appraising marketing segments for future investment consideration. Segmentation, targetting and position are highly examined topics that require a comprehensive approach with emphasis on practical application. You have been identified as one of the best individuals to address
segment appraisals and promote your company profile.
Prepare your notes.
It would not be supprising to receive an answer script that will take about the bases of segmetation (geography,demography, etc). Further, a student may
also talk about targeting and positioining.
What is sad is that the student may not have understood the question requiring them to dwell on how a segment can be assessed for potential and prospective.
Give the above question a try and send it to the MaSCon facilitator, me. Email is saboi@marketinginzambia.com.
So always answer the questions you have bene asked.
TIP THREE
Write clearly...
This is a very simple point not needing much explanation.
Examiners have hundred of scripts to mark they will not sit down to try and make sense out of your handwriting.
Write clearly...
TIP FOUR
Structure your work.
What this means is that do not just start writing from start to finish...
Break down your work under appropriate headings. Have an introduction, a body and a conclusion.
Structuring your work makes its more presentable and easy to read.
Structuring your work also includes numbering/lettering your points.
Now let us put all the points together in example.
Say you want to talk about the marketing orientation. You work may be structured as follows...
WHAT MARKETING ORIENTATION IS
Your explanation here.
BENEFITS
1.0
2.0
3.0
Remember, always structure your work.
Please email mascon@marketinginzambia.com if you have any question or contribution.
TIP FIVE.
Always give practical examples.
Not doing this is one of the reasons students fail.
You must always demonstrate your understanding of various concepts through the use of examples. These examples need not be of orgsnisations in the United Kingdom even if that is where the exam comes from. You are free to use local examples, even imaginary one...
TIP SIX
This probably had to come as tip one, but even as six its Ok.
Clearly read instructions.
Not following instructions is a passport to failing.
If the instructions, for example, are that you use a pencil for all drawings, do just that. When you use pen, you will lose some marks.
Please do not get tempted to think you are so used to exams you know the rules, they may change so always make sure you read instructions.
TIP SEVEN
Use an appropriate format.
It is recommended that if you have not been told what format to use, adopt a reprt format.
Your judgement on choice may be put to the test.
You must know when to use a memorandum, a report, a brief and other mediums.
Always use an appropriate format.
TIP SEVEN
A number of students ask, "can i draw diagrams on the exam?" The answer is yes.
You are free to use diagrams if you feel the need to do so. Just make sure you draw them correctly...
Using diagrams helps put points together that would otherwise be scattered. For example if you have to compare consumer markets to industrial markets, a
table would be the best diagram to use. One column for consumer markets and the other for industrial markets.
TIP EIGHT
You only have 3 hours for the exam so make sure you time and discipline yourself.
Here is where the discipline comes in...
Know how much time you have to spend on each question. It is common to get carried away with a question you find easier, but this avoid.
Others say it is best to begin with section B because it is usually easier compared to section A. The reasoning is that you would then have more courage to
turn to the "tormenting" section A. There is really nothing with that, just make sure you time and disciple yourself...
TIP NINE
Avoid short cuts and be formal.
Instead of cant, use cannot, etc
If you are going to use appreviation such as PLC or NPD, write them first in full as follows
Product Life Cycle(PLC)...
You can then use PLC after having done that.
TIP TEN
Almost all questions are in themselves incomplete and as a result, always make relevant assumptions.
These assumptions could be
- who you are
- what organisation/business sector, etc.
Some questions actually make it clear that students must state whatever assumptions they make, always do so.
What is interesting about assumptions is that they are not uniform, different students may have different assumptions and marks will vary based of how good
and relevant the assumptions are.
TIP ELEVEN
Seek divine intervention.
If you are a Christian, ask Jehovah for wisdom. If you are a Muslim, seek Alah, if you are a Satanist, seek Satan, etc...
But no mirale will happen if you have not been faithful to study and prepare for the exam.
That about does it for exam tips.
What follow are just other tips relating to your studying...
Remember, you are welcome to email mascon@marketinginzambia.com for any questions/comments or whatever.
TIP TWELVE
Text books are quit expensive and in most cases students may not have all they need.
What you could then do is agree with a friend or three that each of you buy one of different types. The books could then circulate amongst yourselves.
TIP 13.
Attempt as many past exam question papers as possible. You can get some at assignments@marketinginzambia.com. It is automated so you will get them just after sending an email to that address. Submit your work and i will make it for free.
TIP 14.
Obtaining a bank draft and sending it together with other documents maybe expensive as an individual.
What you could then do is come together with two or three friends, put money together and obtain one bank draft.
You can then put money together again and send a single parcel using a courier of your choice.
TIP 15.
As much as possible, have a study partner, two or three.
What is good about this is that you will have someone to discuss with issues relating to studying face to face. This face-to-face element is the main advantage over online discussion forums which you may also use. We soon will also have one...
Your response, let it come through. Post it just here...
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Which Marketing program are you studying?
Are you studying the Zambia Institute of Marketing (ZIM) program, or any other marketing program such as under ICM, LCCI? Please do come through, we would like to know you and assist you in your studies as well. Or indeed you could assist someone...
Please do come through if you are studying any other marketing program. We would like to know you and learn how best we can assist each other.
Please do come through if you are studying any other marketing program. We would like to know you and learn how best we can assist each other.
Studying at a College/University?
Which one?
How are the fees? Are they fair, high or cheap? Is it worth it, compared to the service you get?
Share your experience but please do not mention names of individuals.
What is it that you expect of your college and its agent(lecturer) attending to you?
Please do speak out your mind.
I/We are listening...
How are the fees? Are they fair, high or cheap? Is it worth it, compared to the service you get?
Share your experience but please do not mention names of individuals.
What is it that you expect of your college and its agent(lecturer) attending to you?
Please do speak out your mind.
I/We are listening...
Marketing Planning - Last Attempts, Get it this time.
Yap, the syllabus is changing...
The same applies to Marketing Communication...
Check cimvirtualinstitute.com for more info.
Pass the next few sittings. Get all the help you need here and also when we meet in person.
So which areas do you need asistance? Post them here.
All in all do not underestimatre the value to attempting past exam questions and other like tests. Send a blank email to assignments@marketinginzambia.com to get some. I will mark your work for free and propose to meet you face to face and discuss your progress.
Take note of the following relating to Marketing Planning;
You must
- be able to conduct an analysis on a situation relating to either, or both, the environment and the organisation.
- have a working knowledge of the different analysis tools, knowing the details of each and when its use is appropriate
- always come up with SMART and comprehensive objectives. This is very important
- appreciate the limitations of information given. That is why you are allowed to make and state what assumptions you make.
- Understand strategy and the background of the ones you propose. Examples include branding, positioning, product development and market development(developing an intermediary system, for example)
- be aware of the different ways in which a budget is set, including the strengths and limitations of each.
- understand the importance of implementation and be able to specify what must be done to translate plans into actual programs. This for example includes teaming and contracting of external service suppliers. You must be able to set a time frame indicating when and what will be done, and probably by who. Yes, the Gannt chart.
- be able to explain how you know that objectives have been met and reccomend corrective measures when plans do not go as set.
Those are the main areas in which you will be examined in Marketing Planning.
So, attempt those questions and let us get working, not so much time remaining...
The same applies to Marketing Communication...
Check cimvirtualinstitute.com for more info.
Pass the next few sittings. Get all the help you need here and also when we meet in person.
So which areas do you need asistance? Post them here.
All in all do not underestimatre the value to attempting past exam questions and other like tests. Send a blank email to assignments@marketinginzambia.com to get some. I will mark your work for free and propose to meet you face to face and discuss your progress.
Take note of the following relating to Marketing Planning;
You must
- be able to conduct an analysis on a situation relating to either, or both, the environment and the organisation.
- have a working knowledge of the different analysis tools, knowing the details of each and when its use is appropriate
- always come up with SMART and comprehensive objectives. This is very important
- appreciate the limitations of information given. That is why you are allowed to make and state what assumptions you make.
- Understand strategy and the background of the ones you propose. Examples include branding, positioning, product development and market development(developing an intermediary system, for example)
- be aware of the different ways in which a budget is set, including the strengths and limitations of each.
- understand the importance of implementation and be able to specify what must be done to translate plans into actual programs. This for example includes teaming and contracting of external service suppliers. You must be able to set a time frame indicating when and what will be done, and probably by who. Yes, the Gannt chart.
- be able to explain how you know that objectives have been met and reccomend corrective measures when plans do not go as set.
Those are the main areas in which you will be examined in Marketing Planning.
So, attempt those questions and let us get working, not so much time remaining...
FREE Assessment
Get a free assessment of your grasp on your knowledge marketing concepts and their respective application.
It is simple and here is how it works.
1. Recieve a set of questions.
2. Attempt the questions.
3. Submit your script.
4. I will then schedule you a meeting for you to collect your marked scripts and also for us to discuss your work. This will be an opportunity for us to meet face to face.
It will be pointed out to you your weak points so that you know them and make personal(suggestions) on how to improve.
It is hoped that with such an activity we will be of assistance to each other and that we will again interface.
Ready? Yes? Great! Send a blank email to assignments@marketinginzambia.com. Immediately the questions will be sent to your account. It is automated. The response email will either be in your inbox or bulk mail folder.
Please do come through with any questions or contributions you may have. You can also call/SMS me on +260966930260
It is simple and here is how it works.
1. Recieve a set of questions.
2. Attempt the questions.
3. Submit your script.
4. I will then schedule you a meeting for you to collect your marked scripts and also for us to discuss your work. This will be an opportunity for us to meet face to face.
It will be pointed out to you your weak points so that you know them and make personal(suggestions) on how to improve.
It is hoped that with such an activity we will be of assistance to each other and that we will again interface.
Ready? Yes? Great! Send a blank email to assignments@marketinginzambia.com. Immediately the questions will be sent to your account. It is automated. The response email will either be in your inbox or bulk mail folder.
Please do come through with any questions or contributions you may have. You can also call/SMS me on +260966930260
Why this blog?
Simple, to be able to share thoughts and ideas specifically relating to the study of marketing as an entire course or a subject.
Expect
- "Answers" to questions
- Analysis of exam given scenarios
- Advice on how to attempt questions
- Referal to face to face interfaces
- and much more...
Please share with me what you have on mind?
And please do join me...
Let us develop a hud of networking and knowledge sharing. Then we will convert this into a discussion forum.
You are welcome. Now please join...
Expect
- "Answers" to questions
- Analysis of exam given scenarios
- Advice on how to attempt questions
- Referal to face to face interfaces
- and much more...
Please share with me what you have on mind?
And please do join me...
Let us develop a hud of networking and knowledge sharing. Then we will convert this into a discussion forum.
You are welcome. Now please join...
FREE Marketing Study Guide (Book)
Next month, October 2009, I will be through with writing my Marketing Study Guide Book. I will be giving the book away FREE.
Target audience include students studying marketing (whole course or individual subjects) under the following examination bodies
- CIM (Marketing Essentials, Marketing Planning, Marketing Communications, Assessing the Marketing Environment)
- ZIM
- ICM
- Zambia Institute of Banking
- CAVENDISH Zambia
I have taken time to study the syllabai for the above and also look at a number of their respective past exam papers. With this background, i have only included information that is relevant to what you need to know and pass the exams.
The book has been written to allow for continous improvement and addition of content. The second edition must be ready during the course of next year(2010).
If you would like to have a copy of the book, please let me know and one will reach you once i am finished.
Target audience include students studying marketing (whole course or individual subjects) under the following examination bodies
- CIM (Marketing Essentials, Marketing Planning, Marketing Communications, Assessing the Marketing Environment)
- ZIM
- ICM
- Zambia Institute of Banking
- CAVENDISH Zambia
I have taken time to study the syllabai for the above and also look at a number of their respective past exam papers. With this background, i have only included information that is relevant to what you need to know and pass the exams.
The book has been written to allow for continous improvement and addition of content. The second edition must be ready during the course of next year(2010).
If you would like to have a copy of the book, please let me know and one will reach you once i am finished.
Thoughts and Suggestions to Marketing Students
During the time i was a student of marketing at college(and time i was studying myself) i made a number of mistakes which i would not like others to make. Thus, i here share my thoughts and make suggestions on the wise things you may need to do.
1. Affiliate yourself with a professional institution. Here in Zambia, it is adviced that you join the Zambia Institute of Marketing.
The first reason for is because it is now by law that you join. There are inadeqacies in the ZIM Act but those are not the focus here.
Affiliation is a demonstration of ones willingness to interact with others of like mind and profession and thus a desire to interact, gain insight and add the value of knowledge to the organisation.
But warning, do not expect too much. In fact, it is most likely that you will get very little. The argument though is that you create the value. You think so?
2. Identify an area or more of marketing which interests you. In my case, one of them is communication. With this background i developed myself to be able to develop a number of communication interfaces such as websites, email and SMS application programs and interactive CD's. Having said that, add Product Development and management to my list of interests.
How about you? It is important for students to identify an area that interests you. You may then begin to work around themes of that area.
3. Be flexible.
If communication is what interests you the most, it does not mean that communication is all you need to invest time and energies in. As a marketer, you need to be flexible to be able to engage in other areas.
This point of flexibility implies open mindedness, willingness to sit and listen to a presentation even by individuals you know are nothing close to what they say.
4. Monitor the activities of organisations in the areas that interest you. If you are a fan of the Aviation industry, take time to learn more about organisations such as Zambezi Airways and Kenya Airways.
This will help you have a contextual understanding of the industry. You may even become so good that people may begin asking you for advice. Wow, you are a consultant!
5. Continously develop yourself, you never go wrong with this. You will become much more relevant and in a better position to take up opportunities and challenges.
Get to know more of what is called Continous Professional Development (CPD). Self development can be achieved in a number of ways. Some of these include doing both short and long courses, attending seminars, participating in projects, no matter how small.
6. Have confidence in yourself. It is sad to hear one say, "ah, i am just a student..." students, given the opportunity can do so much, even better than those practicing. Have confidence in the program you are doing, in yourself and in what you can do. As you do so, always leave from for improvement and never show that you are better than another, instead,
do what you have to do and always seek to work with others without any prejudices.
7. Never thow away important literature. Who knows, you may become a tutor one of these fine days. And whilst you may begin to gather more information, you probably will also need your old notes which you wrote up yourself and which you better understand. Believe me, i wish i had some of the material i threw away. Please do not make the same mistake.
8. Network. Make friends and ensure you keep them, you may just never know who will help you with what in future. And usually, it is the old friends that come through...
It is sad to note how many make teh mistake of abandoning friends when they leave college, or university, especially when they get a job. It is even sadder when they lose that job and begin to try to make amends with the old friends who would also have moved on. Network, and be genuine about it.
9. Always seek avenues for practice. Experience is what a number of organisations ask for, even when at times it is not necessary. I have a friend who finished ACCA when he was about 21,22. The company that recruited him had no vacancy but created a poistion for him. In less than 3 years, he was semi-seniour auditor.
But not all of us will come across objective and professional recruiting companies. And even if they are there, experience is still important.
So, volunteer to do some jobs in your community, and even at small organisations. It could even be just that of a clerk, taking down notes of what goes in and out of the organisation, it does not matter. It is experience. Write articles, develop a blog, etc. Ideas are limitless. Avenues to experience.
Thats it.
I hope that above 9 points are of value and insight. Please feel free to ask questions and make contributions, even deductions.
Yes?
1. Affiliate yourself with a professional institution. Here in Zambia, it is adviced that you join the Zambia Institute of Marketing.
The first reason for is because it is now by law that you join. There are inadeqacies in the ZIM Act but those are not the focus here.
Affiliation is a demonstration of ones willingness to interact with others of like mind and profession and thus a desire to interact, gain insight and add the value of knowledge to the organisation.
But warning, do not expect too much. In fact, it is most likely that you will get very little. The argument though is that you create the value. You think so?
2. Identify an area or more of marketing which interests you. In my case, one of them is communication. With this background i developed myself to be able to develop a number of communication interfaces such as websites, email and SMS application programs and interactive CD's. Having said that, add Product Development and management to my list of interests.
How about you? It is important for students to identify an area that interests you. You may then begin to work around themes of that area.
3. Be flexible.
If communication is what interests you the most, it does not mean that communication is all you need to invest time and energies in. As a marketer, you need to be flexible to be able to engage in other areas.
This point of flexibility implies open mindedness, willingness to sit and listen to a presentation even by individuals you know are nothing close to what they say.
4. Monitor the activities of organisations in the areas that interest you. If you are a fan of the Aviation industry, take time to learn more about organisations such as Zambezi Airways and Kenya Airways.
This will help you have a contextual understanding of the industry. You may even become so good that people may begin asking you for advice. Wow, you are a consultant!
5. Continously develop yourself, you never go wrong with this. You will become much more relevant and in a better position to take up opportunities and challenges.
Get to know more of what is called Continous Professional Development (CPD). Self development can be achieved in a number of ways. Some of these include doing both short and long courses, attending seminars, participating in projects, no matter how small.
6. Have confidence in yourself. It is sad to hear one say, "ah, i am just a student..." students, given the opportunity can do so much, even better than those practicing. Have confidence in the program you are doing, in yourself and in what you can do. As you do so, always leave from for improvement and never show that you are better than another, instead,
do what you have to do and always seek to work with others without any prejudices.
7. Never thow away important literature. Who knows, you may become a tutor one of these fine days. And whilst you may begin to gather more information, you probably will also need your old notes which you wrote up yourself and which you better understand. Believe me, i wish i had some of the material i threw away. Please do not make the same mistake.
8. Network. Make friends and ensure you keep them, you may just never know who will help you with what in future. And usually, it is the old friends that come through...
It is sad to note how many make teh mistake of abandoning friends when they leave college, or university, especially when they get a job. It is even sadder when they lose that job and begin to try to make amends with the old friends who would also have moved on. Network, and be genuine about it.
9. Always seek avenues for practice. Experience is what a number of organisations ask for, even when at times it is not necessary. I have a friend who finished ACCA when he was about 21,22. The company that recruited him had no vacancy but created a poistion for him. In less than 3 years, he was semi-seniour auditor.
But not all of us will come across objective and professional recruiting companies. And even if they are there, experience is still important.
So, volunteer to do some jobs in your community, and even at small organisations. It could even be just that of a clerk, taking down notes of what goes in and out of the organisation, it does not matter. It is experience. Write articles, develop a blog, etc. Ideas are limitless. Avenues to experience.
Thats it.
I hope that above 9 points are of value and insight. Please feel free to ask questions and make contributions, even deductions.
Yes?
Marketing in Practice/Research and Information
So Marketing in Practice is no more. Well, by title yes but not by content. Some of the topics that were in that subject are now in the "new" one, Marketing Research and Information. This subject is still there at Diploma level both the approach is different.
In the subject Marketing Research and Information, areas in which you will be examined are mainly
- Research/Brief writing
- Data collection methodologies. On this one, focus is mainly going to the justification of your selected tool.
- Sampling
- Analysis and reporting
The assignments for submission in December 2009 are out, three in total.
Let us begin discussing the assignments next week.
In the subject Marketing Research and Information, areas in which you will be examined are mainly
- Research/Brief writing
- Data collection methodologies. On this one, focus is mainly going to the justification of your selected tool.
- Sampling
- Analysis and reporting
The assignments for submission in December 2009 are out, three in total.
Let us begin discussing the assignments next week.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Welcome!
Thank you for coming through.
Every 1-2 weeks i will add content relevant towards your marketing study.
We will be analyzing marketing exam type questions and identifying key success areas which every student needs to know.
Periodically, i would like to meet with you on a one to one basis to share thoughts on both exams and practice topics.
I invite you to join this blog and contribute as effectively as you can. You will benefit from the post and so will some one else benefit from you input. Networking is important not only in our social lives but also our professional engagements.
To enjoy the study of marketing and appreciate its place in business, one needs to be able to translate theory into actual practice. This may begin with you - how you present yourself and interact with others. As one who has been assisting others in their marketing exams for years, i would like to interact with you that together we may share ideas, experiences and tips of how best to make it through exams and also be successful in practice.
If you need to correspond, please feel free to email me, call or SMS. My number is +260 96 6930260.
My email address is saboi@marketinginzambia.com.
Every 1-2 weeks i will add content relevant towards your marketing study.
We will be analyzing marketing exam type questions and identifying key success areas which every student needs to know.
Periodically, i would like to meet with you on a one to one basis to share thoughts on both exams and practice topics.
I invite you to join this blog and contribute as effectively as you can. You will benefit from the post and so will some one else benefit from you input. Networking is important not only in our social lives but also our professional engagements.
To enjoy the study of marketing and appreciate its place in business, one needs to be able to translate theory into actual practice. This may begin with you - how you present yourself and interact with others. As one who has been assisting others in their marketing exams for years, i would like to interact with you that together we may share ideas, experiences and tips of how best to make it through exams and also be successful in practice.
If you need to correspond, please feel free to email me, call or SMS. My number is +260 96 6930260.
My email address is saboi@marketinginzambia.com.
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