MRK 3480 Consumer Behaviour

APPLIES TO ACADEMIC YEAR 2016/2017
Norwegian version

MRK 3480 Consumer Behaviour


Responsible for the course
Nina Ronæs

Department
Department of Marketing

Term
According to study plan

ECTS Credits
7,5

Language of instruction
Norwegian

Introduction
The course will give students an introduction to the subject consumer behaviour on a fundamental level. Emphasis is placed on the factors that control and affect the consumer's behaviour, and how the marketer can benefit from these factors. In addition, the course aims at identifying circumstances surrounding the demand for goods and services, how the same goods and services are used, and not least the decision-making process behind the purchase of a product or service.

Learning outcome
Acquired knowledge
On completion of the course, the students should be able to explain key concepts and have a basic understanding of consumer behaviour.

Acquired skills
On completion of the course, the students should be able to use different theories and models to understand the process that leads to a consumer’s choice of a product, and also the process that takes place after the purchase and what will influence future purchases. Students should be able to both understand and discuss the consequences of having depth insights into consumer behavior seen from a corporate standpoint. It is also expected that the students are able to express themselves well and communicate (and discuss) written through online discussions and assignments.

Reflection
On completion of the course students should be able to ask critical questions and reflect upon central premises and assumptions in the field of consumer behaviour.

Prerequisites
MRK 2914 Marketing, MRK 3414 marketing Management or wquivalent courses.

Compulsory reading
Books:
Schiffman, Leon G., Leslie Lazar Kanuk and Håvard Hansen. 2012. Consumer behaviour : a European outlook. 2nd ed. Financial Times Prentice Hall

Recommended reading

Course outline

  • About consumer behaviour as a field
  • Segmentation and targeting approach
  • The consumers decision making and choice models
  • The consumer as an individual with needs, personality and perception
  • How the consumers learn and use knowledge
  • Development of attitudes and strategies for change in attitudes
  • The consumers in their social context among friends, family, culture and social class.
  • Diffusion and adoption of innovations

Computer-based tools
No specified computer-based tools are required.

Learning process and workload
1) Understanding the Process
The course is conducted by a combination of lectures, group discussions and group work.

Coursework requirements
Throughout the semester there will be five (5) assignments of varying art (eg: electronic tests, discussion topics and documentation of their own research, etc.). All the assignments shall be answered in It's Learning. A more detailed presentation of the assignments will be announced on Its Learning. The assignments will be resolved individually, and judged as either approved or disapproved. When it comes to the electronical tests, it can be performed as many time you want before the deadline for conducting the test runs out.

Three (3) of five (5) work requirements must be approved to sit for the exam. Further information will be given in lectures and on “It's learning” in relation to the assignments.

2) Recommended use of hours for students
Activity
Use of hours
Participation in class and group
40
Homework / Preparation for lectures and similar
135
Work requirements including preparation
22
Exam
3
Total recommended use of hours
200

E-learning
In course delivery as online courses or evening classes, will lecturer, in collaboration with the Academic Services Network and evening studies, organize an appropriate combination of digital and class room teaching. Online students are also offered a study guide, which will help progression and overview. Total recommended amount of time for completion of the course also applies here.

Coursework requirements
In order to sit for the final written exam, students have to have three of five online assignments approved.

Examination
A three (3) hour individual written exam concludes the course.
Examination code(s)
MRK 34801 - Written exam accounts for 100 % of the final grade in the course MRK 3480 Consumer Behavior, 7.5 ECTS.

Examination support materials
No support materials are allowed for the examination.

Re-sit examination
Re-sit examination is offered every term.
Students that have not passed the coursework requirements must re-take the exercises at the next scheduled course, and must pass the three exercises.
Students that have not passed the written examination or who wish to improve their grade must re-take the examination in connection with the next scheduled examination.


Additional information