University of KwaZulu-Natal (pietermaritzburg)
Masters in Business Administration Researcher: K. Hundley, St. No.: 972129795
Informed Consent Form
Project Title
Researcher
: Strategic Marketing of MBB Consulting Services (Pmb) (Pty) Ltd.
: K. Hundley
Tel - 033 3453530 Mobile - 072 9440402
Email [email protected]
Supervisor : Prof D. Vigar-Ellis
Tel - 033 260 5899 Email [email protected] Background to the study:
The current situation in the South African industry is very different to what it was when MBB Consulting Engineers was founded 35 years ago. At that time, competition between Consulting Engineering firms was less intense, which resulted in a more constant flow of work. Presently, with the increased competition in the market place and the implementation of Black Economic Empowerment (BEE), many consulting engineering firms are finding it more challenging to maintain a steady stream of projects to ensure positive returns in the long term. This study aims to identify key marketing issues relevant to consulting engineering firms and to develop a strategic marketing plan for MBB Consulting Services.
Requirements from Respondents:
Respondents to this study will be encouraged to give the opinions on the issues covered by the interview schedule. All involvement is completely voluntary and no person shall be disadvantaged if they choose not to take part in the discussions. All respondents may choose to withdraw from the study at any stage.
It is anticipated that the external questionnaires will take less than one hour to complete and that the internal focus group, within MBB, will run for approximately two hours. No further involvement is required from the respondents.
Confidentiality:
All data collected will be regarded as confidential and respondent's names and company's names will not be made known to public. All data collected will be kept in a safe place by the researcher and will be destroyed on completion of this study.
DECLARATION
I. (fUll names of participant)
hereby confirm that I understand the contents of this document and the nature of the research project, and I consent to participating in the research project.
I understand that I am at liberty to withdraw from the project at any time, should I so desire.
SIGNATURE OF PARTICIPANT DATE
University of KwaZulu-Natal (pietermaritzburg)
Masters in Business Administration K. Hundley - 972129795
Interview Schedule - Internal Focus Group
The purpose of this focus group is to gather information pertaining to the company's internal and external environments. The focus group will be run semi formerly;
however, it is planned that the following items will be addressed:
a) External Audit
o A macro environmental analysis to expose trends, events and issues in each sub environment (PESTIE)
o An industry environment analysis to expose trends, events and issues in the industry, its clients, suppliers, competitors and other stakeholders.
b) Internal Audit
o Anassessment the companies resources and capabilities o Evaluation of:
• the mission and goals / objectives
• the current portfolio
• the current competitive strategy
• position of the companies service offerings on the product life cycle
• current clients and target markets
• current positioning ofthe companies services (Product/Market Matrix)
• current positioning strategies
• current marketing mix strategies
• current customer satisfaction
The findings from the internal and external audits will then be assessed in terms of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.
Universityof KwaZulu-Natal (pietermaritzburg)
Masters in Business Administration K. Hundley - 972129795
Interview Schedule - External Interviews
The purpose of this questionnaire is to look critically into the current macro environmental issues that influence the consulting engineering industry.
You may either type in your response to the following questions in the spaces provided or write/type your responses separately and either fax or email them to:
K. Hundley
Fax: 033 3427728
Email: [email protected]
A. Political/Legal
1. What legislation is effecting and could possibly affect the industry in the near future?
Response...
2. What steps can be taken to minimise any negative effects of the legislation and to benefit from any positive effects?
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B. Economic
1. What major developments and trends in the local and global economy have an impact on consulting engineers?
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2. What actions can be taken to respond to these developments and trends?
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C. Socio-Cultural
1. What changes are occurring in customer procurement systems?
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2. What actions can be taken to respond to these changes?
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D. Technological
1. What major changes are occurring in relevant product and service technology and how do these changes affect consulting engineers?
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2. What can consulting engIneers do to keep up to date with these relevant changes?
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E. International
1. What changes are occurring internationally in the construction industry and how do these changes affect consulting engineers locally?
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2. What can be done to respond to these changes?
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F. Environmental
1. What changes are occurring with regard to the environment?
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2. What should consulting engineers be doing to respond to these changes?
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G. Labour
1. What changes are occurrIng In terms of staff for consulting engmeenng practices?
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2. What can be done to respond to these changes?
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H. Capital
3. What changes are occurring with the financing of built environment projects?
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4. How can consulting engineers respond to these changes?
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