The Integrated Marketing Communications Process

Discuss how online marketing could provide competitive advantages in the industry you analyzed in question A.

In today's multi-media world driven by computer and Internet technologies, communications has changed drastically. Today's communications landscape is a multitude of media and tools wherein messages can be communicated in real time, making message reception and sending occur almost simultaneously, within a period of seconds or even milliseconds. Thus, the communications landscape has become a dynamic realm wherein people from different parts of the world can communicate and share information instantaneously. It is in this context that integrated marketing communications thrives and flourishes in the fields of marketing studies and strategic planning today. Integrated marketing communications (IMC) is the synergistic combination of different media and communication tools, developing a marketing program that aims to reach target consumers most effectively and efficiently. It involves development of different marketing strategies such as advertising campaigns, public relations, and sales promotion, among many others.

a. Employing the MIS Integrative Framework (posted on blackboard for this Session Assignment), what is the primary business focus/driver of WNZ Media (i.e. operational excellence, customer intimacy, product/service innovation) and why did you make this choice?

3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of not requiring personal information form customers for participating in the ExtraCare program?

* Though integrated marketing communications is further than just an advertising movement, the bulk of marketing dollars is used up on the creation and division of advertisements. Therefore, the greater proportion of the research budget is also exhausted on these elements of the campaign. The researched elements can be applied once the marketing pieces have been tested: letterhead, logistics, customer service training etc. to complete the IMC cycle

Although outsourcing is a beneficial option, it actually depends on the practice’s health, size, performance and revenue cycle management (RCM). For many practices it might be wise to retain their billing in-house. Nevertheless, those who choose a billing partner experience the following benefits:

Q3.In your opinion, is your company good at marketing? Explain your answer with a few examples.

Another benefit of hiring experts is their access to better furniture options. Office design professionals have extensive connections and have easy access to deals and discounted furniture. This will help save money in the long run, allowing your company to have the newest, ergonomically designed furniture without the costly price tag.

Q#1 Marketing has been described as being both an "art" and a "science." Discuss the differences and similarities between these two marketing thrusts. Provide your theoretical response and a "real-life" example where you have seen both processes work effectively at creating customer value and loyalty

“One of the most talked about ideas in marketing during the 1990s was the notion of integrated marketing communications (IMC). And while marketing managers still clearly feel that it is a valuable concept and one that will play an increasingly important role in their companies, there is unfortunately a great deal of evidence to suggest that truly integrated marketing communications is the exception rather than a rule”

Several facts are changing in today’s marketing communications. Owing to the growing numbers of alternative communication media and promotion, marketing communication does not just primarily focus on advertising and promotion. Organizations and entrepreneurs begin moving toward the process of integrated marketing communication (IMC), which has emerged as a new concept and the major communication development in marketing in the 21th century. More and more companies adopt IMC to convey a consistent message about their brand and products to derive competitive advantage and brand value. In addition, IMC has developed into a beneficial strategy for companies to reach more customers as well as build good customer relationships. Smith et al.

Integrated Marketing Communications is about understanding the consumer and their needs. Marketing is not only about advertising what can you give to your customers but how can you cater their needs. Customers are very cautious with what you can give to them. This is the proposition of “What’s in it for me?

Originating in the early 1990s, the concept of Integrated Marketing Communications (hereafter referred to as IMC) remains highly contested and unstable. According to Oxford Dictionary (2015), a concept is “an abstract idea” or “a plan or intention.” IMC falls into both categories as a theoretical definition for some and a plan of action for others. Equivalently, its value is difficult to assess, as its range of definitions, confusion over implementation, and lack of empirical studies prohibit grounded judgments. Even vocal proponents of IMC, such as Don E. Schultz and Philip J. Kitchen (1997, p.8), acknowledge that there is not “any consistent or mutually agreed upon definition, description, or process to identify what is IMC and what it is not.” In fact, their study demonstrates that only some advertising agencies affirm Schultz and Kitchen’s definition of IMC, highlighting ambiguity among practitioners as well as academics. Jerry Kliatchko (2008) agrees, considering the definition and concept as a still developing topic of research. More recently, Mabel Zvobgo and T.C. Melewar (2011, p.2), state almost identically to Schultz and Kitchen (1997), “There appears to be no mutually agreed upon definition, description, or process to identify what is IMC and what is not.” Similarly, Fill (2013) discusses the lack of “universal definition.” Fill (2013) also outlines five interpretations of the IMC concept: Harmonisation, Planning, Perspective, Portfolio, and Relational. To remain

IMC (Integrated Marketing Communication) is the most effective methods of reaching the minds of customers and build up long term customer relationships. This report will evaluate the IMC campaigns of McDonalds and the effectiveness of them under the LMC model. Since McDonald is a well recognized brand, the effectiveness of IMC methods they use could make a strong impact on customers minds. There is no definite IMC model and the strategies are defined through various viewpoints. The success of different models need to be evaluated separately so that the pros and cons can be provided for the developments. This report will finally provide some recommendations for the developments of LMC of McDonalds which would be beneficial for them.

Since the beginning of mass production and the globalization of economic activity, marketing has continued to develop to an extent that it has gained a predominant role in the modern business environment. This is mainly because marketing helps the organization to establish a link with its customers since it's geared towards satisfying the needs and wants of both parties through the exchange process. In addition to being human activity, marketing basically involves various initiatives like product development, communication, research, promotion, and pricing. As a result of its predominant role in the modern business environment, the manager needs to gain thorough knowledge of marketing in order to conduct their functions in effective ways.