discussion board 2 marketing

1. Value Proposition is the bundle of additional benefits a customer is promised  along with the benefit of the product itself.

Examples:
- Caterpillar Earth Mover: Caterpillar prides itself on consistent and reliable products that get the job done, with the additional benefits of excellent customer service and support. 
- Apple ipad: The apple ipad is more than just a convenient, portable device, it promises to have ample storage both in the device itself and in cloud, long batter life, and the processing power of a full desktop computer.
- Facebook: while the primary benefit is being able to connect with friends online, additional benefits Facebook offers is secure money transfers, games, and now even a dating app.
- McDonald Hamburger: the immediate benefit of the burger is to satisfy the customer's hunger, the bundle is that it satisfies the customer while remaining one of the cheapest options available.
- Fed Ex: along with the actual delivery, Fed Ex promises to handle packages with care and concern as well as to deliver with speed.

2. Starbucks is an excellent example of a firm that invests in the value chain model. Starbuck's inbound logistics, service, and technology development sets it apart. Starbucks advertises and pride's itself on sustainable and ethically sourced products (inbound logistics); Starbucks is renown for its customer service, calling each customer by name and remaking orders without hesitation if a mistake has been made (service), and along with sourcing sustainably as new technology comes out Starbucks seeks to use the most sustainable technology to promote environmental awareness and to do its part in taking care of the environment (technology).

3. Macro-Level External Environment

- Political/legal/Ethical: Parks are very large and very crowded, this leads to higher chances of people getting hurt or lost.  Amusement parks must consider all legal applications and insurances that may come into play in case any injuries occur.
-Sociocultural: One way that amusement parks would be affected by sociocultural elements is the fact that new movies and cult followings pop up all the time. Disney just finished adding a starwars and pandora section to their park in Orlando which has drawn in and appealed to different target crowds.
- Technological: Technology is always evolving, marketers can incorporate the use of newer technology to improve customer support, manage lines for rides, and ticket sales.
- Economic: Anytime the market goes down fewer guests will go to the park due to decreased finances (we have the same problem in the restaurant I work at); the cost of gas is also a big economic factor for marketing teams to consider.
- Natural: Florida is the state that usually gets hit hardest with hurricanes, marketers would have to factor in loss of revenue during that time as well as possible cost of any repairs. There's also the factor that less tourists come through to the parks during the colder months than in warmer, marketing teams would need to factor in how to bring people in during the winter.