Strategy and Plans

Marketing Models Matching Challenge

Discussion Exercises, Games and Quizzes, Introductory Concepts, Member Activities, Strategy and Plans

In this activity, students receive seven blank diagrams of core marketing models (Ansoff Matrix, BCG Growth‑Share Matrix, Product Life Cycle, etc.) along with a shuffled Word Bank of key terms. Their task is to correctly place each term into its corresponding model, reinforcing their understanding of each framework’s structure and purpose. A great fun activity/game for reinforcing key terms and connections between marketing models.

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The Success of T.J. Maxx Case Study

Case Study, Consumer Behavior, Member Activities, Places and Channels, Services/CRM, Strategy and Plans, video

In this case study, students discover how the now global retailer T.J. Maxx transformed off-price retailing into an engaging treasure hunt experience. This case provides students with practical insights into strategic branding, consumer behavior, and supply chain innovation – all within the evolving dynamics of retail in today’s landscape. The written case study is supported by a 10 minute detailed case study video.

The Success of T.J. Maxx Case Study Review the Teaching Activity

Let’s Play Shark Tank

Experiments, Marketing Environment, Marketing Mix, Member Activities, New Product Process, Role Plays, Strategy and Plans

This task is designed as a hands-on activity where students play the role of entrepreneur pitching a new product idea – like the TV show Shark Tank – helpful task for evaluating new products, matching target market needs to the marketing mix – all with a fun, engaging and interactive activity.

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Classic Case Study: Old Spice Brand Repositioning

Case Study, Consumer Behavior, Digital Marketing, Free Activities, Products and Brands, Promotion, Segmentation and Positioning, Strategy and Plans, video

This case study examines Old Spice’s classic 2010 brand repositioning, in which the long-established men’s grooming brand released a video ad titled ‘The Man Your Man Could Smell Like.’ The commercial quickly became a pop-culture phenomenon, not only boosting Old Spice’s sales and market share but also redefining how companies could successfully reposition a well-established (and even dated) brand.

Classic Case Study: Old Spice Brand Repositioning Review the Teaching Activity

Burger King’s Whopper Detour Case Study

Case Study, Consumer Behavior, Digital Marketing, Free Activities, Places and Channels, Products and Brands, Strategy and Plans

This case examines the Whopper Detour campaign for Burger King. This innovative and very successful campaign was built around a fun and playful digital-driven approach using geofencing on their mobile app. It is another classic case study that your students should review. Includes a short case study video.

Burger King’s Whopper Detour Case Study Review the Teaching Activity

The Success of Walmart Case Study

Case Study, Ethics, Free Activities, Marketing Environment, Places and Channels, Pricing, Services/CRM, Strategy and Plans

This Walmart case study offers students a real-world example of cost leadership and successful retail strategy. By reviewing its Everyday Low Pricing, economies of scale, and efficient logistics management, students will gain insights into this competitive strategy. A great exercise for delving into the reasons for Walmart’s dominance in a highly competitive market sector.

The Success of Walmart Case Study Review the Teaching Activity

Starbucks Third Place Positioning – Still Relevant?

Case Study, Consumer Behavior, Marketing Environment, Marketing Mix, Member Activities, Services/CRM, Strategy and Plans

This Starbucks case study focuses on their longstanding “third place” concept, which has been a key component of their success and differentiation. However, your students will need to assess whether this “third place” offering remains a viable strategy in today’s marketing environment, considering trends like remote work, increased competition, cost of living concerns, and shifting consumer expectations.

Starbucks Third Place Positioning – Still Relevant? Review the Teaching Activity

Bud Light Returns to their Traditional Positioning

Decisions and Mini-Cases, Member Activities, Products and Brands, Segmentation and Positioning, Strategy and Plans

This activity is centered on Bud Light’s Superbowl TV ad in 2025. This ad signaled a return to their traditional brand image and target market, following the consumer backlash they received in 2023 for straying too far away from their established brand positioning and loyal customer base.

Bud Light Returns to their Traditional Positioning Review the Teaching Activity

Addressing the Challenges Facing Starbucks

Case Study, Consumer Behavior, Free Activities, Marketing Environment, Services/CRM, Strategy and Plans, video

In this mini case study, students explore the strategic challenges facing Starbucks, including its drift away from its core brand identity and its “third place” experience. Due to its expansion and diverse product offerings, Starbucks strengths have transformed into potential weaknesses. Students will review how operational inefficiencies, market pressures, and changing consumer behaviors have impacted the brand, and assess whether the proposed strategic changes will be effective. NOTE: This activity can also be run as a video case study, with an optional detailed video to show students.

Addressing the Challenges Facing Starbucks Review the Teaching Activity

SWOT Analysis Unscramble Challenge

Analysis and Metrics, Games and Quizzes, Member Activities, Strategy and Plans

This activity challenges students to reorganize a mixed-up SWOT analysis for the hypothetical snack brand, Crunchy Delights. Each SWOT category contains 5 correct items and 5 misplaced items that should be in other boxes in the matrix. Students need to review the SWOT and identify the correct placements and relocate the incorrect ones. Designed as a fun activity for students to better understand the SWOT matrix and its components.

SWOT Analysis Unscramble Challenge Review the Teaching Activity

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