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LO1 Demonstrate the ability to map a path to purchase in a given category, including the decision making process.

BTEC RQF HNC/D ASSESSMENT BRIEF 

Course

HND Business

Academic Year

2020-21

Unit Number & Unit Title

Unit 37: Consumer Behaviour and Insight

Assignment Author

 

Assessors

 

Assignment Title

Consumer Behaviour and Insight

Date issued

10/8/20

IV Name and Date

 

Formative Submission Deadline

Summative Submission Deadline

Group

Deadline

Group

Deadline

All groups

 

All groups

 

Good Academic Practice 

DGHE considers an act of academic misconduct when a student attempts to benefit either for themselves or for another person by unfair or improper methods, regardless of it being intentional or unintentional. 

Examples include:

  • Purchasing work and presenting it as your own. 

  • Plagiarism is passing off someone else’s work as your own such as:

    • Using quotes without the use of quotation marks. 

    • Using images produced by another person without acknowledgement. 

    • Using data or ideas without acknowledgement. 

    • Copying another person’s work.

    • Getting someone to help you write parts of your submission as if it were your own.

  • Collusion is when two or more students working together without prior authorisation from the academic member of staff concerned (e.g. programme leader, lecturer etc.) to produce the same or similar piece of work and then attempting to present this entirely as their own individual submission.

It is important that you are clear about what you need to do for each assignment and how you can do it. If you are not sure about any rules regarding academic writing and referencing, guidance is available from many DGHE sources including Moodle, our Library and Study Skills Support teams and from your module leaders/personal tutor. 

ASSIGNMENT BRIEF AND GUIDANCE

Purpose of this assessment

The assessment is designed to test students’ knowledge and understanding of the consumer’s decision-making processes, from needs recognition through research, the evaluation of alternatives, and purchase and post-purchase evaluation. Is expected that students will be able to explore the underpinning theories and frameworks, and to relate these to real-world examples. An important part of marketing is to understand the processes behind how a consumer decides to purchase a product and/or service.

Scenario

You have been appointed as the new marketing associate for a company of your choice. Your line manager, the marketing manager is in the process of compiling an annual marketing report for the London strategic business unit and needs you to provide an informative overview of the trends in consumer behaviour for your target market in the consumer sector.

Task 1

The report will have to be based on one chosen organisation only. The organisation should trade in both the B2C and B2B sectors. The report must have the following:

Cover page

Executive summary

Table of contents

Introduction

Background to the organisation

Section 1: Map of ‘Path to Purchase’ of the product/service

  1. Evaluate (with a rationale for the selected product/service) the five different stages of the consumer’s decision-making process and analyse the factors that influence that process. Use a B2C context.

  2. Evaluate the black-box model of consumer behaviour. Explain how it influences consumer marketing decisions.

  3. Map out the consumer’s decision-making process for one product or service. Use a B2C context for a chosen organisation.

Section 2: Research and Data in Consumer Behaviour

  1. Compare the similarities and differences of the decision-making process (purchase decision-making) of B2C and B2B, concerning the chosen product/service.

  2. Evaluate the different market research methods that could be applied to a B2C or a B2B context. Use examples relevant to a chosen organisation.

  3. Justify how market research can influence the stages of customer/consumer’s decision- making process, supported by examples. You can use both B2C and B2B contexts. Support your answer with examples relevant to the chosen organisation.

Section 3: Influence on the decision-making process

  1. Evaluate a minimum of 2 factors that influence the decision-making process (you must include two of the following: personality, motivation, learning and perception, cultures, and sub-cultures, using the appropriate theoretical models). Illustrate your evaluation using specific examples of promotional activities of your chosen company.

Conclusion

Bibliography

Appendix One, two (where required)

This provides evidence for ALL LEARNING OUTCOMES

Word count: 2000-2500 words.

Students will not be penalised for exceeding this count 

Submission Format

Task 1: BUSINESS REPORT

This should be written in a concise, formal business style using single spacing and font size 12. You are required to make use of headings, paragraphs, subsections, and illustrations as appropriate and all work must be supported with extensive, recent, and current research, using industry trends and data and referenced using the Harvard referencing system. Extensive use of in text citations is expected at this level of study. Please also provide a bibliography using the Harvard referencing system. The recommended word limit is 2,000–2,500 words, although you will not be penalised for exceeding the total word limit

The current Assignment Brief covers the following Learning Outcomes 

Grading Criteria

Learning Outcomes

Pass

Merit

Distinction

Task No.

Evidence

LO1 Demonstrate the ability to map a path to purchase in a given category, including the decision making process.

P1 Explain and analyse the stages of the consumer decision making journey for a given product/service.

P2 Explain why it is important for marketers to map a path to purchase and understand consumer decision-making.

M1 Evaluate how marketers are responding to the decision-making process. applying relevant concepts and models.

LO1, 2 & 3

D1 Critically evaluate the application of appropriate theories, concepts and models that influence and impact upon the decision-making process, supported by specific examples and contexts.

1

Report with cover page, table of contents, adequate sections on each topic, reference list

LO2 Evaluate appropriate forms of research to understand influences on the decision-making process (B2C and B2B)

P3 Compare and contrast the key differences of the decision-making process in the context of B2C and B2B, providing specific examples.

P4 Evaluate the different approaches to market research and methods of research used for understanding the decision-making process in both B2C and B2B contexts.

M2 Provide a coherent and justified evaluation of how different factors influence decision-making and buying behaviour, supported by specific examples.

 

1

Report with cover page, table of contents, adequate sections on each topic, reference list and appendices (if necessary)

LO3 Evaluate how marketers influence the different stages of the decision-making process (B2C and B2B)

P5 Evaluate how marketers can influence the different stages of the decision-making process of B2C and B2B, giving specific examples.

M3 Critically evaluate how marketers influence each stage of the decision-making process with reference to relevant methods and models applied.

 

1

Report with cover page, table of contents, adequate sections on each topic, reference list and appendices (if necessary)

Student Achievements and Assessor Feedback

Student achievement and Assessor feedback for both formative and summative submissions will be recorded within Grademark Turnitin via Moodle and will be available for students to view as notified on Turnitin. Please use exclusively the grade classification below.  

Assessment Grading Scale

Grade Classification

Numeric Value (on Grademark)

Grade Listed As

Distinction

75

D

Merit

65

M

Pass

45

P

Unclassified/ Referred

35

U

Alleged Academic Misconduct

0

SP

 

Student submission and declaration

The following declaration will be inserted in the Turnitin link for both formative and summative submissions:

‘I certify that by submitting the work for this assessment on Moodle (and via Turnitin) it is my own work and all research sources are fully acknowledged using the Harvard system of references. I certify that there are no personal or mitigating circumstances that have affected my work.’

By submitting such document, you acknowledge that your work is your own, and abides by the DGHE code of conduct, and Pearson regulations.

Please note that in case of academic malpractice DGHE reserves the right to decline to accept the work for assessment purposes, and/or conduct an investigation, which might result in an oral presentation, oral or written exam, or any other appropriate form of examination. Further information can be found in the academic integrity and misconduct policy, the assessment policy, and the student handbook.

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Short Solution

Consumer Behaviour and Insight: A Study of Vodafone

Executive Summary

Understanding consumer behaviour is essential for organisations seeking to achieve competitive advantage in increasingly dynamic markets. This report examines consumer behaviour and insight within Vodafone, a global telecommunications company operating in both B2C and B2B sectors. The report analyses the consumer decision-making journey, evaluates the black-box model of consumer behaviour, compares B2C and B2B buying behaviour, assesses market research methods, and critically examines factors influencing consumer decisions. The analysis demonstrates that consumer behaviour is complex and influenced by psychological, social, cultural, and organisational factors. The report concludes that effective market research and consumer insight enable organisations such as Vodafone to develop customer-focused marketing strategies and improve business performance.

Introduction

Consumer behaviour refers to the study of individuals, groups, or organisations and the processes they use when selecting, purchasing, using, and disposing of products and services. Understanding consumer behaviour allows marketers to identify customer needs, predict buying patterns, and design effective marketing strategies.

This report evaluates consumer behaviour within Vodafone by examining the customer decision-making process, consumer influences, and market research approaches used to support marketing decisions.

Background to Vodafone

Vodafone Group plc is one of the world`s largest telecommunications companies, providing mobile communications, broadband, digital services, cloud solutions, and Internet of Things technologies. The company serves individual consumers through mobile and broadband services while simultaneously offering telecommunications and digital solutions to businesses and corporate clients.

Vodafone operates in numerous countries and competes in highly competitive telecommunications markets where customer insight is essential for business success.

Section 1: Path to Purchase

Rationale for Selected Product

The selected product for analysis is Vodafone`s mobile phone contract service. This service was chosen because it represents a major B2C offering involving extensive consumer decision-making and significant customer involvement.

The Five Stages of the Consumer Decision-Making Process

Need Recognition

The decision-making process begins when consumers recognise a need. For example, an individual may realise that their existing mobile contract is expensive, their phone no longer meets their requirements, or they require faster internet connectivity.

Marketers stimulate need recognition through advertising campaigns highlighting product benefits and technological innovations.

Information Search

Once consumers identify a need, they seek information regarding available alternatives. Customers may visit Vodafone`s website, compare prices online, read customer reviews, or seek recommendations from friends and family.

Digital channels have significantly transformed information search behaviour, with consumers increasingly relying on online reviews and social media.

Evaluation of Alternatives

Consumers compare Vodafone with competitors such as EE, O2, and Three. Factors commonly considered include pricing, network coverage, handset availability, customer service quality, and contract flexibility.

According to Kotler and Keller (2020), consumers evaluate alternatives based on attributes that they perceive as most important.

Purchase Decision

Following evaluation, consumers select their preferred provider. Promotional incentives, discounts, financing options, and sales interactions may influence the final decision.

Vodafone frequently offers exclusive handset deals and discounts to encourage purchases.

Post-Purchase Behaviour

Consumer evaluation continues after purchase. Customer satisfaction influences future purchasing decisions, customer loyalty, and word-of-mouth recommendations.

Positive experiences encourage contract renewals, whereas dissatisfaction may result in customer switching behaviour.

Importance of Mapping the Path to Purchase

Marketers must understand the path to purchase because it enables organisations to identify customer touchpoints and improve customer experiences throughout the purchasing journey.

Mapping the customer journey helps Vodafone optimise marketing communications, personalise customer interactions, improve service delivery, and increase customer retention.

Evaluation of the Black-Box Model of Consumer Behaviour

The black-box model proposes that marketing stimuli and environmental influences enter the consumer`s "black box", where psychological processes determine purchasing behaviour.

Marketing Stimuli

Marketing stimuli include price, promotion, product features, and distribution channels.

Environmental Stimuli

Economic conditions, technological developments, cultural trends, and social influences affect consumer responses.

Consumer Characteristics

Consumer characteristics such as attitudes, personality, motivation, lifestyle, and perceptions influence how marketing messages are interpreted.

The black-box model assists Vodafone by explaining why consumers respond differently to identical marketing campaigns. However, critics argue that the model oversimplifies complex psychological processes and does not fully capture modern digital consumer behaviour.

Path to Purchase Map for Vodafone Mobile Contract

Need Recognition → Information Search → Evaluation of Alternatives → Purchase Decision → Usage Experience → Customer Satisfaction/Dissatisfaction → Loyalty or Switching Behaviour

Because it clearly shows both B2C and B2B consumer behaviour in one platform, making it ideal for analysis.

It explains how external marketing influences internal thoughts before a buying decision is made.

Through recommendations, reviews, pricing strategies, and personalised advertising.

B2C is usually emotional and fast, while B2B is structured and based on business needs.

Leah

Really clear breakdown of consumer behaviour models. Helped me understand the black box theory properly.

United Kingdom

★★★★★
Peter

The Amazon example made everything easier to connect to real life business situations.

United Kingdom

★★★★★
Sarah

Good structure and easy to follow. The decision-making stages finally make sense now.

United Kingdom

★★★★★
George

Useful report style. The FAQs at the end actually helped me revise quickly before my exam.

United Kingdom

★★★★★