4.2 Discussion: Research-based Peer Alternative Response to 3.3(Attached Peers work to provide review)

1. You will need to do appropriate research on the industry and category so that you understand them in order to make an educated analysis and recommendation for this section of the consultants report. It is important to start out with a thorough understanding of the category and industry. You should not rely on the original writers research and description of the industry.
2. You will provide a 250- to 350-word review to your peer as a post in the discussion forum. Your review must provide a different or alternative perspective, interpretation, conclusion, and/or recommendation for at least one (1) of the four (4) elements noted in the assignment (these should be the 4 titled sections from the , based on your personal objective analysis of the category using credible sources. You do not need to have an alternative for all four elements of the assignment, but your alternative may involve more than one element since many of them are related.
3. You will not discuss the original writers analysis or recommendation; all of your comments must be focused on your objective interpretation and analysis. You must have a distinctly different perspective and/or recommendation in your alternative response. In other words, you are looking at the same scenario in the same industry and/or category, but you are coming to a different conclusion such that any form of I agree in your review is not an option.
4. You must cite at least two credible sources that were not used by the original writer to support your interpretation and recommendation.
5. Cite your work per current APA standards, however, indenting of the references is not required due to the discussion board format.  (See )

4.3 Discussion: Research-based Marketing Plan Initial Proposal – Pricing, Promotion, and Distribution Channels

1. Construct a proposal to  U.S. based micro loan provider . of 1000 words (+/- 50 words) using at least four credible and objective sources not provided as resources in the course in your analysis, plus at least one source provided in the course reading list.
2. Use the titles in the to create six sections for this part of the consultants report:
   1. Analysis of Current Pricing Models in the Market
   2. Analysis of Current Promotional Models in the Market
   3. Analysis of Current Distribution Models in the Market
   4. Recommended Pricing Strategy for  U.S. based micro loan provider .
   5. Recommended Promotional Strategy for  U.S. based micro loan provider .
   6. Recommended Distribution Strategy for  U.S. based micro loan provider .
3. The first three sections require significant quantitative data and will be used to support the three recommendation sections. These analysis sections should provide a solid overview of existing competition with enough specifics from primary competitors to demonstrate a mastery of the market. You will not need to detail every competitor in the market; you should focus on those competitors which will be closest to  U.S. based micro loan provider . in the positioning matrix and/or those who hold the largest market shares.
4. You do not need to necessarily use a different strategy than the competition in any of the three recommendation sections, but your recommendations must provide a logical and substantially strong argument for why your set of tactics will be successful. Going head-to-head is very difficult so your combination of tactics must meet the standard that it has a high likelihood of success. You should be creative and use the most current methods and trends to establish differentiation for your target customers.
5. Cite your work per current APA standards, however, indenting of the references is not required due to the discussion board format.  (See )

4.4 Assignment: Research-based Marketing Plan Final Proposal – Product Development and Market Demand( U.S. based micro loan provider )

1. This is your revised final draft of the product development and market demand section of your consultants report. It is based on what you posted in the  and on your peers comments and response posted in the .(2.3, 3.2 are attached)
2. Your revised final report must integrate your peers alternative analysis or recommendation as an alternative perspective as part of your final report. You must either accept your peers perspective as a replacement to your initial proposal based on adequate credible theory and current marketing practice to accept it or you must provide adequate credible theory and current marketing practice to reject it. If you accept it as the correct analysis or recommendation, then the peer alternative will become the primary focus of your final paper, and your original analysis and/or recommendation will be noted as an alternative perspective that you have rebutted through cited research. If you do not accept the alternative, then you only need to discuss it as an alternative and provide objective and qualified reasons to reject it.
3. Use the titles in the to provide structure for the following four elements in your consultants report: 
   1. Product Development
      1. Key differentiating characteristics of the offering
      2. Analysis of demand in the market
   2. Market Segment Demand
      1. Quantitative data used to determine projected demand
      2. Methodology used to determine demand
4. The body of your paper (i.e. excluding title page, graphics, appendices, and references page) must be 1300 words (+/- 50 words). In the event that your peer did not provide feedback, your length must be 1000 words (+/- 0 words) and you will not be penalized for not including the missing feedback.
5. You must use, cite, and reference at least five credible sources not provided in the course documents, plus at least one source provided in the course documents.
6. Your paper must be submitted as a Word document.
7. Your paper must be formatted to current APA standards including title page, body of the paper, citations, headings, graphics, appendices, and references page.  (See )