Impact of Macro-environmental Changes

Review the following list of macro-environment changes/trends. For each one, work out how it is changing and then determine whether (and how) it will impact marketing activities. As we know, there are three key aspects to an environmental scan; identify the environmental change, determine its likely impact, and how firms can turn this challenge into a market opportunity.

(Note: The first trend for has been completed for you to provide an example.)

 

ACTIVITY/TASK

Change/Trend

How Changing?

How Impact Marketing?
Types of families More diversity of families – such as couples with no kids,  blended families, marriages at later ages, increase in single households, and so on
  • Clear segment fragmentation (more and smaller segments), leading to a greater diversify of needs
  • Will lead to more opportunities for niche marketers and for firms with good customer understanding and flexibility
  • Clear identification and focus on the target market is very important
Internet/PC usage
 Use of Smart phones

Consumption of  entertainment and experience products
Power of retailers in the supply chain
Education levels
Spending power of teenagers
Attitude to the natural (green) environment
Economic development in BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, China and India)

 

QUESTIONS

  1. Start by completing the sections in the above table.
  2. Based on your assessment, which environmental trends represent a market opportunity and which ones represent significant threats for:
  • Walmart (retailers)
  • Apple (computers/phones)
  • Kellogg’s (food processors/manufacturers)
  • KFC (fast food)