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...