OTE2601 ASSIGNMEMT 2 0RIENTATION TO TEACHING ECONOMIC AND
MANAGEMENT SCIENCE WITH COMPLETE SOLUTIONS
Assignment 2
Student nr 44074557
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QUESTION 1
The marketing plan includes everything that has to be done to convey the product or service to the
consumer or target market. Show how the following “4 Ps” instruments or steppingstones become a
necessity in making the plan work (function):
1.1 The product
We can define a product as a combination of utilities, which satisfy needs offering by the business
to the customers. When an entrepreneur start a new business the entrepreneur should, in his/her
choice of product, concentrate on consumer products. These products are immediately available for
use. There are certain aspects, which customers consider when deciding on a product, like
trademarks and packaging. The entrepreneur has to decide what product he/she wants to sell and
how.
1.2 The price
We can define the price as the amount of money the customer pays for a product. The price of a
product is closely related to the value and use the customer gains in exchange for the money
sacrificed. The price of a product is determined by taking into account, among others, the following
factors
• The running costs of the business.
• The cost price of the product.
• A realistic profit
• The competitors prices
• Demand/supply
1.3 The place
The place where the business is situated plays an important role. Customers prefer to purchase the
things they need at businesses situated close to their homes. Other reasons that contribute towards
the popularity of a business are the following:
Reasonable prices Enough parking area.
Sufficient security
Good quality products
Cleanness and neatness in and around the shop.
Is there credit facilities available?
Big variety of products.
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1.4 Promotion
We can define promotion as all the techniques used to create a demand for new products, or to
increase or maintain an established demand for known products. The main purpose of promotion is
to remind, informed or persuade customers to buy the products/services of the business.
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QUESTION 2
Every entrepreneur has certain expectations and goals when choosing a business.
2.1 What is a close corporation in business? Give one examples.
Close corporation is held by a limited number of shareholders (a shareholder is an individual or an
institution that owns one or more shares of stock in a public or a private corporation and therefore,
are legal owners of the company) and is not publicly traded.
The company is run by the shareholders and is generally exempt from many requirements of other
corporations, including having a board of directors and holding annual meetings. A closed
corporation is a company which does not raise funds from the public but instead operates with a
small number of shareholders to ensure supreme control over its functioning. Unlike a
publiclytraded company, closely held corporations do not have to observe strict corporate regulatory
norms regarding business operations and data reporting. There are special rules that are set to
govern such corporations.
Close corporations are state-specific statutory entities usually created to relax corporate formalities
in operation and to be less focused on taxation. There is some states that has no provisions for
allowing close corporations. This form of business came into being as a result of the Act on Close
Corporations Act 69 of 1984. The basic objective of this Act is to enable one person or a small group
of entrepreneurs to form a business at little cost. Under the new Companies Act of 2008, close
corporations can no longer be registered and they will be phased out over time. An example of a
close corporation is FACT BUSINESS CORPORATION CC.
2.2 You are a Grade 7 teacher leading a discussion on the different kinds of franchising.
2.2.1 What are the issues to consider when discussing about capital requirement for a franchise
• Money to commence. This is a predetermined single amount of money paid to the person
giving the right to do the business by the person wishing to do the business. It is usually handed
over at the signing of the agreement and covers the following:
- Use of the name, trademark and business knowledge
- Assistance with the location and establishment
- Initial training
• Money for establishing. This money covers the cost of the building, alterations and
improvements, and the purchase of equipment.
• Money for management and advertising. This money is usually paid weekly or monthly and is
usually a percentage of the turnover. If the management service money forms a relatively small
percentage of the turnover, it could lead to poor services by the person giving the right. Part of
the service money is used for combined advertisements.
• Money for additional services. This money is requested by some branch managers for, for
example, centralised bookkeeping systems or professional taxation services.
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2.2.2 Do you agree with the assertion that businesses fail for a number of reasons?
Substantiate on your answer by discussing the following;
Yes I do agree that businesses fail for a number of reasons
2.2.2.1 Incompetent management
Inadequate planning, for example poor choice of location, inability to manage staff efficiently, and
poor or no marketing strategy are some of the reasons for failure. Things often go wrong because
many small business managers do not have the necessary knowledge and managerial skills. [Show Less]