Course Syllabus
Advertising Strategy 454
Derek D. Rucker
Winter, 2006
Instructor Information
Office: Weiboldt Hall, M268
Phone: 847-491-7113
E-mail: d-rucker@kellogg.northwestern.edu
Office hours: Tuesdays 4:30-5:30, or by appointment
Course Description
This course will provide you with a balanced overview of advertising strategy and execution. To understand the foundations of successful advertising strategy and execution the course draws upon both classic and more contemporary advertising. The course is fast paced and is structured in the spirit of an advertising campaign. Specifically, the course unfolds into a set of topics that are ordered in a manner similar to the stages of an advertising campaign. The first part of the course focuses heavily on selecting a target for advertising, developing an effective brand position, and stressing the importance of consumer insight. The second part of the course examines how to execute strategy and to evaluate advertising effectiveness. Students are expected to actively participate in class and complete case assignments.
Grades
Grades are based on a series of cases analysis as well as class participation. The grading is as follows:
Roaring Fork Beer: 10 points
Olay Daily Facials (Group): 20 points
Live Case (Group): 30 points
Final Exam Case: 30 points
Class Participation: 10 points
Total: 100 points
*Requests for revaluating a case must be accompanied by a paragraph explaining why the case should
be reexamined. This request must be provided no later than a week following the return of the case to
the class, and can result in no change (most common), an increase, or a decrease in points awarded.
Schedule of Course Topics, Readings, and Assignments
Date
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Topic
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Core Readings
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Assignment Due
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Jan. 3rd.
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Week 1: Introduction to Advertising and Targeting
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Modules 1, 2, and 3 (46-63)
Cases: 7UP, Hallmark
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Jan. 10th
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Week 2: Targeting for Growth
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Module 3 (63-114)
Cases: Norelco, JIF, W.W. Grainger
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Jan. 17th
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Week 3: Consumer Insight
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Modules 4 (115-125) and 5 (129-136)
Cases: Marlboro Man, Milk Mustache
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Roaring Fork Beer Case
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Jan. 24th
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Week 4: Insight and Brand Positioning
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Module 6 (145-156)
Cases: Miller Lite/Bud Light, Berol 226
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Jan. 31st
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Week 5: Positioning: Frame of Reference & Point of Difference
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Module 6 (156-174)
Cases: Subway, Mastercard
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Feb. 7th
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Week 6: Sustaining & Changing a Brand’s Position
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Cases: Grape-Nuts, Diner’s Club, Apple Computer, Škodka
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Olay Daily Facials Case
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Feb. 14th
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Week 7: Media Strategy
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Module 7 (214-230)
Cases: Ingersoll Cutting Tool
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Feb. 21st
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Week 8: Media & Creative Strategy
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Module 7 (230-254) and 8 (268-273)
Cases: GRPs, Moutain Dew, Vicks Cough Syrup, No Doz and Liquid Plumr
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Feb. 28th
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Week 9: Creative Strategy
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Cases: Nike/Woods, Perrier
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Live Case Due
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Mar. 7th.
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Week 10: Measuring Ad Effectiveness, Campaigns
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Module 8 (286-301)
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Final Exam Case Due March 14th
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