Products and Brands

In-Class Experiments: Product Design

Consumer Behavior, Discussion Exercises, Experiments, Marketing Mix, Member Activities, New Product Process, Products and Brands

This task is designed to engage your students with a series of interactive product design trade-offs. They will need to choose between competing offers – creating a series of in-class experiments. It is helpful exercise for determining the power and ideal structure for product mix design decisions to drive and influence consumer behavior. It also works as a great in-class discussion tool and even an ice-breaker exercise.

In-Class Experiments: Product Design 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

Classic Case Study: McDonalds Happy Meals

Case Study, Consumer Behavior, Ethics, Member Activities, New Product Process, Products and Brands, Promotion, Segmentation and Positioning

This McDonald’s case study reviews their iconic and enduring Happy Meal offering. The case explores a variety of marketing concepts with a particular focus on family decision making, product bundling, brand associations, ethical considerations, and the ability to offer multiple benefits to deliver consumer value. Although it is a relatively simple product, its continued and significant market success is undeniable, making it a classic and important case study for your students.

Classic Case Study: McDonalds Happy Meals Review the Teaching Activity

Classic Case Study: Snickers You’re Not You When You’re Hungry

Case Study, Consumer Behavior, Member Activities, Products and Brands, Promotion, Segmentation and Positioning

This activity focuses on the Snickers “You’re Not You When You’re Hungry” campaign as a mini case study. Students will explore the campaign’s creative use of humor and the role of classical conditioning in creating brand associations through the integration of cohesive IMC strategy.

Classic Case Study: Snickers You’re Not You When You’re Hungry Review the Teaching Activity

Classic Case Study: The KFC FCK Campaign

Case Study, Member Activities, Places and Channels, Products and Brands, Promotion, video

This video-based activity explores KFC’s innovative response to a 2018 supply chain crisis in the UK, which led to widespread restaurant closures due to a lack of chicken. Instead of opting for a defensive approach, KFC launched the bold “FCK” campaign, a humorous and self-deprecating apology that turned a potential PR disaster into a masterclass in brand recovery. Students will analyze the campaign’s elements, its impact on KFC’s brand image, and lessons in crisis communication.

Classic Case Study: The KFC FCK Campaign Review the Teaching Activity

Is DEI a Brand Management Issue?

Consumer Behavior, Discussion Exercises, Member Activities, Products and Brands, Role Plays, Social, Strategy and Plans

This activity challenges students to evaluate whether a pet food company should limit its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts to internal operations or actively promote them as part of its brand identity, by considering the potential risks, rewards, and alignment with target market preferences. Students will analyze arguments presented in a manager’s meeting and weigh the pros and cons before making a recommendation.

Is DEI a Brand Management Issue? Review the Teaching Activity

Jaguar Rebranding and Repositioning Case Study

Case Study, Consumer Behavior, Free Activities, Marketing Environment, New Product Process, Products and Brands, Segmentation and Positioning, Strategy and Plans

This case study examines the challenges of brand repositioning using Jaguar’s 2024 strategy. Students will analyze key marketing decisions, including the promotional video and their concept car launch. The case encourages critical thinking about creative messaging, brand management, strategy, DEI issues, and the risks of targeting new consumers while potentially alienating loyal customers.

Jaguar Rebranding and Repositioning Case Study Review the Teaching Activity

Experts in Positioning: Cigarette Brands

Discussion Exercises, Member Activities, Products and Brands, Segmentation and Positioning

While smoking may be going out of fashion and cigarette advertising has been banned in many parts of the world, cigarette brands do provide marketers with an excellent introduction to how to position a brand in a cluttered and competitive market. This is primarily a visual-based activity for students and a great opportunity to learn more about positioning.

Experts in Positioning: Cigarette Brands Review the Teaching Activity

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