MGT301 Principles of Marketing GDB no 2 fall January 2011-2012

[Vuhelper]

Total Marks 20
Starting Date Saturday, January 14, 2012
Closing Date Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Status Closed
Question/Description
Discussion Question:


Telecom sector in Pakistan has flourished tremendously in last few years. According to one school of thought, it gives benefit to the companies only and general public is not getting any extra ordinary benefit out of it. They argue that only few people get jobs in telecom companies as the system is automated and these companies require few people to handle operations. Moreover, these companies offer cheap call and SMS rates due to which youth of Pakistan wastes most of their time in sending messages and late night long calls. Now it has become our social dilemma that rather than putting energies and prestigious time in fruitful and productive activities, youth is wasting time in these useless and sometimes unethical activities.

In contradictory, there is another school of thought who argues that it is not the responsibility of telecom companies but the government, who should intervene and take notice of these outcomes if it is actually happening. They argue that offering of affordable rates is the result of advancement of technology and competition which can positively be used for both social and business purposes. Masses can get advantage of being connected with others in lower prices. Since, as our society can not afford high prices due to high inflation rates and low income patterns, so it is good to offer such pricing strategy to this society. Youth can use this facility positively by connecting with fellows about the study purposes and professional matters. They can subscribe themselves on useful services offered by telecom companies and get advantages out of it.

Requirement:

Think as a marketing analyst and discuss, are telecom companies in Pakistan practicing societal marketing concept? Support your choice with arguments in either case.

Important Instructions:

1. Your discussion must be based on logical facts.
2. Your comments on the topic should not exceed 500 words.
3. The GDB will remain open for 5 working days/ 120 hours.
4. Do not copy or exchange your answer with other students. Two identical / copied comments will be marked Zero (0) and may damage your grade in the course.
5. Obnoxious or ignoble answer should be strictly avoided.
6. Questions / queries related to the content of the GDB, which may be posted by the students on MDB or via e-mail, will not be replied till the due date of GDB is over.

Ø For Detailed Instructions please see the GDB Announcement

[Vuhelper]

Companies are not considering social marketing in their marketing mix, just because government legislation is not there. It does not mean that companies can market every kind of package and every kind of sms rates and should not see the long run disadvantages of the packages and rates they are giving to the customers. Because these packages are so cheap and affordable, students and youngsters are wasting much time and effort in chatting and having all night talks with just for no reason and even some people are doing un ethical things. Rather than taking these effects into account, companies are offering more cheaper and affordable packages just to acquire the market share and have a competitive advantage, companies are causing so much damage to the future of the young people by driving them in to the unethical, unproductive and time wasting activities. Companies have to evaluate and monitor the long range consequences of the packages and services they are offering in the market, and they should be held responsible if their products and services are causing damage to the society at large.