This document outlines an assignment for a discussion on factors influencing strategy development. Students are asked to discuss three topics: 1) key factors for establishing product differentiation in the new post-recession environment, 2) whether luxury goods marketers should abandon premium pricing, and 3) how shifts in societal attitudes affect how marketers approach the customer value chain. Students must post an initial response of approximately 300 words by December 5th and comment on two peers' responses by December 9th. The assignment will be graded based on the insightfulness, originality, and understanding shown in the initial response, the quality of discussion participation, and writing mechanics.

1. Assignment 1: Discussion—Factors and Trends that Influence
Strategy Development
In this module, you will explore how businesses react to
changing economic times and the influence this has on product
and service positioning in the market place. You will also learn
about the different approaches an organization may take such as
a retrenchment approach, an investment approach, or an
ambidextrous approach to provide a foundation for opportunity
and risk in recessionary times.
Consumer spending habits have undergone dramatic and
enduring change with the slowed economy in the United States.
Using the module readings, Argosy University online library
resources, and the Internet, respond to the following:
What are the factors that are key for establishing product
differentiation in the new post-recession consumer environment
especially as it relates to economic indicators?
What is a luxury good and should marketers of luxury goods
abandon their efforts to establish premium pricing?
How do changes in societal attitudes toward companies and
products affect the way marketers of consumer goods think
about the customer value chain? Provide examples of companies
that have changed their approach to marketing in response to a
shift in consumers’ value in changing economic times.
Write your initial response in approximately 300 words. Apply
APA standards to citation of sources.
By
Saturday, December 5, 2015
, post your response to the appropriate
Discussion Area
. Through
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
, review and comment on at least two peers’ responses.
Assignment 1 Grading Criteria
Maximum Points
Initial response:

2. Was insightful, original, accurate, and timely.
Was substantive and demonstrated advanced understanding of
concepts.
Compiled/synthesized theories and concepts drawn from a
variety of sources to support statements and conclusions.
16
Discussion response and participation:
Responded to a minimum of two peers in a timely manner.
Offered points of view supported by research.
Asked challenging questions that promoted the discussion.
Drew relationships between one or more points in the
discussion.
16
Writing:
Wrote in a clear, concise, formal, and organized manner.
Responses were error free.
Information from sources, where applicable, was paraphrased
appropriately and accurately cited.
8
Total:
40