Marketing

Introduction

Business organisations share an exchanging relationship with customers when it comes to marketing concept. Every strategy that is being devised for the same is successful only when acceptance level at consumer end is high. Hence, marketing planning is performed with help of marketing mix tool which is based on 8 elements or 8Ps that is product, price, place, promotion, people, process, physical evidence and partnerships. This assessment is based on Testra Corporation Limited and the application of marketing mix tool on its strategies. A broad insight will be gained regarding the described elements and their contribution to successful product cycle.

1.1 Company

Telstra Corporation Limited is a business organisation based in Australia and it is functioning in telecommunications industry. Founded in 1975, the company was originally a part of government's telecommunications department that is Telecom Australia. But currently the organisation is a private sector undertaking and present CEO of Telstra is Andy Penn. Basically, the process of conversion from a public sector company to private sector was quite complex when considering the case of Telstra. The process of conversion took place in three stages. Government sold one third of its shares in separate phases that is T1, T2 and T3 which finally resulted in completely private ownership at the end.

Illustration 1: Logo of Telstra

Rapid growth in technology and digitalisation of world, industrial dynamics are changing. Telstra is facing and fighting tough competition in the Australian markets. About 17.2 million mobile services are provided by this company with the majority customer share in its hand. Telstra aims to create development in country by devising strategies that are quality oriented and focus on generating employment opportunities. The mission and vision of Telstra is to take actions which provide overall development rather than individual benefits.

1.2 Product and Location

Headquarter of Telstra is situated in Melbourne, Australia. Major products and services that are provided by the company are telecommunications lines, mobiles, broadbandservices, voice calling facilities and several entertainment products. Services like satellite internet, dial up networks, ADSL internet, subscription television and online music services, blogging network and active mobile network services are additional products and benefits of Telstra (Purpose & values,2017). The organization aims to fulfil its corporate social responsibility which involves a caring attitude towards both employees as well as customers. This organisation has developed a nationalised broadband network for Australia and also major broadband services are also provided by Telstra only.

1.3 Consumer

There are four operational segments of Telstra Corporation Limited. These include Telstra Retail, Global Enterprise and Services, Telstra Operations and Telstra Wholesale segment. The diversity in products and services helps the business organisations to grow and earn huge profits. As people come to know that commodities that are given by a company are good in quality and affordable, their tendency to make purchase from this particular firm will increase. This organisation Telstra has consumers in about 22 countries. With 7 million customers that are engaged solely in Australia, the company has become a powerful multinational (Our company,2017). In 2016, this organisation has contributed large amounts of revenue to the GDP of country which implies that customers are inclined for investing in Telstra.

The consumers that opt for broadband services of Telstra are from almost all age groups. But major consumption is of young adults and office professionals. From multinational professionals to college students, people use Telstra's broadband services for accessing internet.

Illustration 2: Current market share

Analysis

2.1 Product

The essence of functioning for a business organisation is caught by its products and services. Being the first element of marketing mix tool, commodities are like lifelines of business operations. Telstra has products and services in which mobile, broadband and internet services are growing briskly. Company has been involved in developing communications network within the country so that efficient connectivity is established (Jain, 2013). Since, internet services and voice calling facilities are not present in the physical form but can only be experienced; company's responsibility towards making it consistent increases. Broadband services are used for accessing internet by generally a group of individuals. Competitors like Vodafone, Virgin Mobile and Optus are also generating similar competent services and products. Henceforth, Telstra is devising digital technology marketing tools which will help in reducing the competition.

Illustration 3: A broadband device

2.2 Price

Company's broadband services are planned and segregated into various categories. It becomes easier for the customers to choose a particular plan according to their needs and requirements. Availability of such options brings certain advantages to the organisation (Sharma and Lambert, 2013). Purchasers also have the convenience of selecting nature of service that is either a broadband or landlines internet. Large area of application with little monetary investments is a plus point for Telstra. This firm also provides discounts and offers to regular customers which help in fighting competition in the long run.

Illustration 4: A monthly plan for broadband

2.3 Place

The channels that are involved in taking manufactured product and generated service from company to customers are known as the distribution channels. These have to be strong and efficient enough in meeting customer demands on time so that brand reputation is not damaged. Place element of marketing mix consists of this concept (George, 2015). Optical fibre communication system has been opted by Telstra for distribution of broadband services across the country. The retail segment of the company is a one stop solution for the customers. They can resolve their queries and complaints and can even make new purchases at these points. Other distribution channels include exclusive options for brand loyal customers. Telstra also holds about 100 franchises in Australia.

2.4 Promotion

Brand recognition is attained when excessive promotion strategies are adhered to product development and market acquisition plans. Promotion includes sales management, advertising and developing public relations (Srinivasan, Rutz and Pauwels, 2016). The techniques that can be opted for enhancing this element of marketing mix are television commercials, radio advertisements, print media that is newspapers, magazines, posters, banners, etc. Sponsorships and campaigning is also a part of promotional strategies of Telstra. The company has sales function that looks after promotion of products and services. Broadband services are broadcasted using web banners and online campaigns. The purpose behind marketing is served when effective public relations are developed with the help of proposed promotional strategies. Business organisations consider this plan as a way to get connected with audiences and potential consumers (Kucuk, 2017).

2.5 Processes

Traditional marketing mix principle had only four elements that were discussed earlier. These consecutive components are considered as part of extended marketing mix. Process is a collective informative assessment that describes systems and techniques which are involved in production of commodities. Telstra's entire service generation is based on technical equipment and digital software. These are a part of production system which is monitored by computerised network which is established in internal environment of the company (Hwang and Thomadsen, 2015). For example, broadband services are generated with help of an exchange system that consists of modem, routers, web servers, an internal telephone exchange, etc. This process is resulted in the form of fulfilment of customer request that is desired web result. Basically, broadband is the medium through which internet can be accessed.

2.6 Physical Evidence

The existence of a product or service is guaranteed with help of physical evidence. Businesses develop certain commodities that cannot be judged by customers without experiencing. Telecommunications networks and services are purchased on this though process. A certain amount of risk is related in such situations at buyer side (Vemanna and Rao, 2016). Hence, this element was introduced in marketing mix structure so that consumers will be safeguarded from frauds and illegal practises that often originate in highly competitive markets. For instance, Telstra has proper documentation and recording system that provides a physical evidence for purchase of their services by particular consumers. The copy of this evidence is handled to consumers also so that legal complications do not arise. Manipulation of consumers doesn't take place when physical evidence is provided by companies (Wasan and Tripathi, 2014).

2.7 People

Market structure keeps on fluctuating because of changes in demands and requirements of consumers. People who are related to particular product and service are to be considered before implementing any strategy. Employees, shareholders, customers, suppliers and producers are the people that are related when a commodity or service is considered in a business organisation. Telstra provides effective training to its employees and workforce because maximum percentage of its working staff is directly involved with customers. This makes them more responsible for handling public relations. Handling complaints and feedbacks is effective when care and attention is received by workforce and customers simultaneously (Lee and et. al., 2014). Telstra holds an internal competitive advantage because of its strategic approach towards its internal environment. Moreover, positive attitudes towards negative feedbacks and complaints shall be adapted by leaders and managers so that good corporate culture is initiated.

2.8 Partnerships

This component of marketing mix intends towards generating responsibility towards partnerships. Often business organisations become so profit oriented that they do not want to share their successes and privileges with partners and shareholders. This creates a drift between internal functioning which results in breaking of bonds and agreements (Suárez and Estevez, 2016). Therefore, decision making must be based on improving and maintaining productivity and quality of organisation. Both customers and partners of Telstra are quite satisfied by the quality and quantity of services that are being generated. Moreover, several entertainment products like subscribed television, online music streaming, etc. have received positive feedbacks and appreciations. Benefits of such strategies are realised by partners in the form of profits and by customers in the form of satisfaction.

Recommendations

3.1 Product

Telstra has been advancing in the field of communications and entertainment. In order to maintain its growth and development, several products and services can be upgraded. Business organisations turn into brands when their commodities get a touch of uniqueness and excellence. Although this organisation has been functioning with corporate social responsibility of making a cleaner, greener and sustainable working environment, there are certain attributes that need to be developed. Market development strategies can be designed for business expansion in foreign countries mostly the developing ones (Huang and Sarigöllü, 2014). Such places can be explored where resources are cheap and demands are high. Technology is the demand of hour. If Telstra plans to develop a technically advanced mobile phone and launches it to highly demanding markets of countries like India, China, Dubai then huge profits can be incurred.

3.2 Price

Foreign exchange plays a major role in economic development of a country. Australia is emerging as a global giant in various industries. The idea of business expansion can only be successful when appropriate pricing strategies are adopted. Telstra can opt for designing a strategy that collectively combines broadband plans with maximum benefits and applies it to smartphone prices (Our company,2017). This deadly combination will attract customers because of their perception as a money saving plan. People will push their limits and compromise with specifications up to certain limits when they are getting huge benefits over internet. The basic reason behind this level of craziness is growing demand of broadband services. Every individual wants to stay connected and cannot think of their survival without this technology.

3.3 Place

Aforementioned blend of product and services can be turned down if efficient distribution channels and techniques are not utilised by the company. Marketing strategy are best implemented with help of correct choice of distributors with appropriate mediums (Jain, 2013). Telstra already has cost effective options of optical fibres but several wireless mediums like satellites and broadband lines can also be established for better coverage. Although satellites are quite costly, the profits that are retrieved through this distribution channel are commendable. Hence, it is recommended that Telstra must develop new places which will enhance business expansion in foreign countries.

3.4 Promotion

Public relations is the essence of impressive promotional tactics. Enterprises have entered a world of severe competition. From advertising to sales enhancement, all activities must be carried out in such a way that competitors do not get sustainable advantage. Technology is the most important resource for Testra. The company can develop its promotional strategies by involving in global events as a sponsor. In addition to this, digital technology can be used for communicating the marketing message of company to customers (Sharma and Lambert, 2013). Testra can be omnipresent with help of social media communities. These are digital platforms that enhance promotional planning and improve market position of products and services. The final proposed tactic should be informative and attractive so that customer attention can be grabbed.

3.5 Processes

Service generation cannot be possible if processes and systems which are involved in production are not efficient. Equipment is the most important component of a technical company. If software is updated regularly, customers will not face any issue during their usage period. Moreover, quality of products and services that are being generated will be strengthened (George, 2015). Testra must not take steps which are not in favour of profit margins of the company. The enhancements that are planned must be cost effective and appropriate enough to maximise profits. Buyers must feel that their purchase is a form of investment for their own benefits. This attribute can be developed only when effective processes are formulated.

3.6 Physical Evidence

The position of actually witnessing or experiencing a service by a buyer is grabbed when companies provide a physical evidence. For example: Regulatory body of Australia in telecommunication network handling has devised certain rules and regulations that have to be followed by every company dealing in this sector. Customers can gain trust regarding services only when organisation is able to produce certain proofs (Srinivasan, Rutz and Pauwels, 2016). These can be authorisation certificates, legal documents, etc. Telstra can recognise the needs and impact current physical evidences are having on consumer purchase decisions. Moreover, an identification analysis can be performed for accessing future opportunities that are being generated. These techniques will enhance the marketing strategy of Testra.

3.7 People

Employees are service generators of any functioning enterprise. Their attitudes and behaviour towards organisation plays a significant role in production of services and commodities. Testra can reinforce its labourers and employees by introducing incentives and appraisal systems in its organisational structure. Corporate governance involves ethical engagement of the company. The major contemporary issue of biasness and unethical practises can be resolved with help of transparency in leadership. Appraisal systems help in managing people related to a product cycle efficiently and results in increasing productivity. Overall strategic development is managed (Srinivasan, Rutz and Pauwels, 2016).

3.8 Partnerships

Though it is advisable for business organisations to run individually but partnerships are a way in which innovative strategies can be formed. When people with diverse skill set are working together, then new areas of development are easily explored. It also helps in managing work pressures very well. Testra can involve in fruitful partnerships with their shareholders and create new joint ventures. New products and service lines can be launched by company without involvement of huge risks. Moreover, product and quality of services are improved when companies are engaged in partnerships.

Conclusion

Marketing is an integral part of every business's development schedule. The techniques and strategies that are formed for enhancing marketing concepts are technological aid, theories and principles, etc. Organisations use marketing mix tool in preparing strategies so that no flaws are left undetected. There are some recommendations provided in this report which can be used by Testra to develop its marketing s

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