By noting that distribution is the 'poor cousin' of the marketing mix I have highlighted how important it is at a strategic level and as part of the integrated marketing mix. The theme of the strategic importance of distribution is carried over into the identification of some of the factors that determine distribution channels. Also identified is the difference between distribution and logistics.

Marketing channels and logistics

The Pearson Education Marketing podcasts have been recorded by Paul Cowell, Marketing Academic and Professional. These podcasts cover many of the topics you will find in a typical Principles of Marketing course and Paul talks about current news stories of relevance, interviews marketing practitioners and students about their experiences and illustrates how the theory of marketing is actually used in the real World. New podcasts will be made available for download weekly during term time, beginning 29th September 2008.

Education

Training

Language Courses

Higher Education

K-12

Educational Technology

This is a straightforward Podcast that reviews environmental analysis (AUDIT) and how it impacts on the strategic direction an organisation might take. Essentially it is about; Where are we now? Where do we want to be? How are we going to get there? The Podcast finishes with an example of how a strategy has to change in the light of changing environmental circumstances.

Strategic Marketing

This is an interesting Podcast in the sense that the interviewee, Nicola Shann was able to illustrate the effectiveness of exhibitions as a communication tool and e-mail as an effective method of direct marketing. Be aware of the specialist nature of the exhibition - Nicola does briefly explain it at the beginning of the Podcast. It was for Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council to highlight 'Beacon Status' which they were recently awarded. Nicola interviews explains how the exhibition benefitted both her organisation and the visitors and how effective e-mail is as a DM tool, she does briefly link it to advertising as well but the major communication tool for the event was e-mail.

Direct marketing and exhibitions

This Podcast illustrates the link between personal selling, building relationships with customers and CRM. The point is made that training manuals and textbook theory does not necessarily work and that sometimes gut instinct is better at building customer relationships than following a fixed pattern.

Personal selling and sales management

As with other podcasts that discuss communications this is rather a short one but nevertheless one, which highlights the use of sales promotion as a tactical rather than strategic tool. 
However the possibility that sales promotion could become more of a strategic tool is raised and a point that is worth debating and discussing.

Sales promotion

The thrust of this podcast is to ensure students clearly understand the difference and relationship between advertising and media. Also, by implication the value an growth of new media in terms of communication. Furthermore students are reminded of the use of advertising to meet strategic objectives.

Marketing channels and logistics

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