Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2025-2026

Module BUSI4G915: Marketing Strategy and Tactics

Department: Management and Marketing

BUSI4G915: Marketing Strategy and Tactics

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2025/2026 Module Cap None.
Tied to N5K609
Tied to N2R201
Tied to N5R201

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To provide a comprehensive introduction to issues in marketing tactics.
  • To provide a comprehensive introduction to issues in marketing strategy
  • To equip students with the advanced conceptual and practical skills needed to successfully develop a marketing programme that involves developing a marketing strategy and designing associated marketing tactics.

Content

  • The role of marketing in organisations.
  • Marketing performance evaluation.
  • Segmentation, targeting and positioning.
  • Developing a marketing strategy.
  • Designing marketing tactics (the 4 Ps).

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Have an advanced understanding and critical appreciation of the conceptual models that underpin the marketing process.
  • Have a critical appreciation of the complex nature of strategic marketing decisions and potential barriers to their implementation.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Be able to critically evaluate a marketing strategy.
  • Be able to develop a suitable marketing strategy.
Key Skills:
  • Effective written and oral communication skills
  • Planning, organising and time management skills
  • Problem solving and analytical skills
  • The ability to use initiative
  • Advanced computer literacy skills
  • Group work skills.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Learning outcomes will be met through a combination of taught lectures, seminars, group work and discussion, supported by guided reading.
  • The summative assessment of the module, by individual written report, is designed to test student knowledge and understanding of the subject-matter and their ability to apply it in marketing practices. The report covers the key topics of marketing faced by a real-world organisation.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 10 Weekly 2 hours 20
Seminars 4 Fortnightly 1 hour 4
Preparation and Reading 126
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Written report Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Report 2500 words 100%

Formative Assessment:

Group presentations. In addition, seminar exercises will be used to give students an opportunity to explore, discuss, critique and apply the key topics in practice. Individual formative quizzes at the end of each lecture to allow students familiarise themselves with the exam format and to help students revise the lecture content. The quizzes will be open after the lecture take place, and allow students a week to complete at their own pace.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University