Module 1: Product Management
Module 1: Product Management
• Market Research and Analysis: Identify customer needs, preferences, and market trends.
Analyze competitors and industry dynamics.
• Idea Generation and Screening: Brainstorm potential product ideas. Screen ideas to ensure
alignment with business goals and market demand.
• Concept Development: Create detailed product concepts based on selected ideas. Define the
target market, key features, and unique value propositions.
• Feasibility Study: Assess technical, financial, and operational viability. Conduct risk analysis
and resource planning.
• Strategic Roadmap Creation: Outline product milestones and timelines. Define pricing,
distribution, and marketing strategies.
• Lifecycle Management: Plan for growth, maturity, and eventual product phase-out or
replacement.
Tools:
3. Ansoff Matrix (H. Igor Ansoff and first published in the Harvard Business Review in 1957, in
an article titled "Strategies for Diversification."
• Market Penetration: Increase sales in
existing markets with current products.
• Product Development: Introduce new
products to existing markets.
• Market Development: Enter new
markets with current products.
• Diversification: Launch new products in
new markets.
1. Market-Related Factors: Market Size, Market Growth Rate, Customer Needs and Trends, Market
Segmentation, Competition and Barrier to entry
2. Category Factors: According Michael Porter (5 force Model) : Threat of New Entrants and Substitute,
Bargaining Power of Buyer and Supplier, Industry Rivalry
3. Environmental: PESTEL
Decline - Focus on niche markets- Lower prices to clear inventory- Minimize promotions-
Phase out unprofitable channels or plan for product withdrawal
Note: 1. Skimming Pricing: Setting a high price initially to maximize profits from early adopters, then
gradually lowering it over time. E.g. Mobile 2. Penetration Pricing: Setting a low initial price to quickly
attract customers and gain market share, with plans to increase prices later. E.g. streaming service
offering a low subscription price
Steps: Identify Competitors- Collect Data- Competitors strengths and weakness – Analyze customer
needs and wants- Analyze Offerings- Study Market Position-Assess Strategies-compare-take actions
Tools: SWOT, Bench marking, Porter 5 Force Model, Social Media listening
Definition The unique identity, image, and A tangible or intangible item offered to
perception associated with a company meet customer needs or desires.
or item.
Focus Focuses on the values, experience, and Focuses on the functionality, features,
emotional connection. and specifications.
Longevity Brands tend to have long-term value Products may have a limited lifecycle
and recognition. or specific market.
Emotional Brands often evoke emotions and Products are typically bought for
Connection loyalty. practical reasons.
Identity Represents the essence and personality Represents the physical characteristics
of the company or product. and quality of an item.
Examples Apple, Nike, Coca-Cola. iPhone, Air Max shoes, Coca-Cola
Classic.
1. Brand Name: The title or label under which the brand is recognized and marketed. (Nike)
2. Logo: The visual symbol, icon, or graphic representation that identifies the brand. (Apple)
3. Tagline/Slogan: A memorable phrase that conveys the brand’s promise or core message. (e.g.,
"Just Do It" for Nike)
4. Brand Voice: The tone, language, and style used in communication with customers. (e.g., Old
Spice's humorous tone).
5. Brand Colors: A specific set of colors used consistently across all brand materials. (e.g., Coca-
Cola’s red)
6. Packaging: The design and presentation of the product, which contributes to its identity and
appeal. (e.g., Amazon Prime).
7. Typography: The fonts and typographic style used in branding to create a cohesive visual
identity. (e.g., Google’s clean and modern font)
8. Jingle/Sound: A specific tune or sound associated with the brand that enhances recognition.
9. Brand Mascot: A character or figure used to represent the brand in advertising and marketing.
Brand Attributes: These are the characteristics & qualities that define how consumers perceive a brand:
(Attribute: Quality, Trustworthiness, Innovation, Reputation, Loyalty, Emotional Appeal, Sustainability,
Authenticity and Value Propositions)
(Brand Attribute Management Process: Identifying Brand Attributes- Defining the Brand Personality-
Communicating Brand Attributes- Measuring Brand Attributes- Maintaining and Evolving Attributes)
1. Individual Brand ( HUL: Bru, Close-Up, Dove, Fair & Lovely, Lifebuoy)
2. Product line Brand (Apple Phone Product line: iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone SE)
3. Corporate Brand (Encompasses the entire company and all its offerings. Microsoft, Unilever)
4. Service Brand (Built around delivering exceptional services. Uber, Airbnb, Deloitte)
5. Luxury Brand (exclusivity, premium quality, and status. Rolex, Ferrari).
6. Retail Brand (Walmart, Target, IKEA)
7. Geographic Brand (Represents a place , New York Times , Mysore Sandal)
8. Employer Brand (Focuses on the reputation of a company as a workplace. Attracts and retains
top talent. Google )
9. Family Brand (Bajaj Group , Tata Group)
10. Nonprofit Brand (UNICEF, WWF (World Wildlife Fund)
11. Global Brand (Recognized and available worldwide. McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, Samsung)
12. B2B Brand (Targets other businesses rather than individual consumers. IBM)
• Identify the brand's unique value proposition (differentiate the brand from competitors)
• Establish brand positioning (brand’s benefits and how it addresses customer needs)
• Select marketing mix strategies (Use product, price, place, and promotion)
• Execute marketing communications (social media, TV, websites, and print media)
• Monitor brand equity (Evaluate how consumers perceive and value the brand)
• Measure key performance indicators (KPIs): (Brand awareness. Brand loyalty. Market share.
Customer satisfaction. Use surveys, focus groups, and analytics)
Brand Dilution: Overextending a brand by launching too many unrelated products can dilute its identity,
reducing consumer loyalty and confusing the market.
7.
Types:
• Descriptive: Clearly describes the product or service (e.g., General Electric, American Airlines).
• Acronyms: Abbreviations of longer names (e.g., IBM, UPS).
• Invented (e.g., Google).
• Founder-Based (e.g., Ford, Walt Disney).
• Geographical (e.g., New York Times, California Pizza Kitchen).
• Metaphorical: Uses metaphors or symbols to convey the brand's essence (e.g., Red Bull, Nike).
• Blanket Family Name: TATA
• Individual ( HUL: Bru, Close-Up, Dove, Fair & Lovely, Lifebuoy)
2.8 Kepferer Brand Identity Prizm Model
Brand Identity refers to the distinct set of characteristics, elements, and attributes that define and
differentiate a brand in the minds of consumers. It encompasses everything the brand does to
communicate its essence, values, and purpose. Brand identity is how a company wants its audience to
perceive it, and it plays a crucial role in shaping consumer perceptions and experiences.
The Kepferer Brand Identity Prism is a model developed by Jean-Noël Kapferer to help define and
analyze the different facets of a brand's identity.
1. Physique (External ): Refers to the physical characteristics of the brand, such as logos, colors,
product design, packaging, and other tangible aspects. Example: The red and white color
scheme of Coca-Cola.
5. Reflection (External): Represents how the brand wants its customers to perceive themselves
when they use the brand or product. Example: Audi reflects sophistication and success for its
customers
6. Self-Image (Internal Dimention): Refers to how the consumers perceive themselves when they
interact with the brand. Example: A consumer of Apple may perceive themselves as modern,
tech-savvy, and innovative.
Hence Brand Identity helps business to maintain: Differentiation, Consistency, Emotional Connection,
Trust and Credibility, Recognition and Recall
MODULE 3: BRAND EQUITY
Brand equity refers to the value a brand holds in the minds of consumers based on their perception,
recognition, and experiences with the brand. Strong brand equity leads to customer loyalty, premium
pricing, and competitive advantage.
3.1 Sources Of Brand Equity/Auker Brand Equity Model/Methods of Measuring Brand Equity
David Aaker’s Brand Equity Model, also known as the Five Asset Model, outlines the key elements
that contribute to brand equity. It focuses on how different components build value for both the brand
and its customers.
1. Brand Awareness
2. Brand Associations (The attributes, qualities, or emotions consumers link to the brand)
4. Brand Loyalty (The degree of consumer attachment and preference for the brand over
competitors). Loyal customers often exhibit: 1. Repeat purchases. 2.Positive word-of-mouth.
5. Proprietary Assets (Patents, Trademarks, Unique brand elements like logos or jingles)
3.2 Four Steps of Strong Brand Building/ Customer-Based Brand Equity (CBBE)
The 4 Steps of Strong Brand Building
are derived from the Customer-Based
Brand Equity (CBBE) model by Kevin
Keller.
2. Endorsed Brands: Sub-brands are supported by a parent brand, but each has its own unique identity.
The parent brand provides credibility, but the sub-brands can stand alone. (TATA Steel, TCS, TATA
Motors, TATA Tea)
3. Freestanding (House of Brands): The company owns multiple brands that operate independently,
with little or no connection to the parent brand. Each brand has its own identity, target audience, and
marketing strategy. ( HUL: Bru, Close-Up, Dove, Fair & Lovely, Lifebuoy)
(Extra: Levels Of Brand Architecture: Product Branding-Line Branding- Range Branding- Umbrella
Branding- Source Branding- Endorsement Branding- Corporate Branding)
• Vertical Line Extension: Introducing new products within the same product category but
differing in terms of price, quality, or features (e.g., luxury vs. economy). (Dove Shampoo, Dove
Deodorant, and Dove Body Lotion.)
• Horizontal Line Extension: Launching products in different categories that are still related to
the parent brand’s image (Nike- apparels{ T-shirts, jackets} and sports equipment <balls, bags>).
(Advantages: Leverage Existing Brand Equity , Faster Acceptance, Cost Efficiency. Disadvantages:
Confusion and Delusion)
Brand stretching is a broader concept that involves extending a brand into entirely new product
categories, often in unrelated markets. OR creating complementary products for its main products. For
example, Nike, a sports brand, creates various equipment, wears, and other sport-related products
that complement each other. Types:
• Functional Stretch: Moving into a new category where the brand’s functional benefits are still
relevant (e.g., moving from food products to beverages).
• Emotional Stretch: Moving into a category where the brand’s emotional appeal resonates with
customers in a new context (e.g., moving from a beauty brand to a fashion brand). (e.g., Amul
Shrikhand, Amul Ghee, Amul Butter Milk).
(Adv: Brand Visibility, Revenue, Max brand potential. Dis: Overstretching and Dilution)
Types of Brand Leveraging: 1. Brand Extension, 2. Co-Branding(Nike and Apple = Nike+), 3. Brand 4.
Licensing, 5. Brand Partnerships (Amazon and Whole Foods), 6. Brand Stretching
Benefits: Faster Market Acceptance, Reduced Costs, Cross-Promotion Opportunities, Increased Brand
Loyalty
Factors Influencing Brand Loyalty: Product Quality, Customer Satisfaction, Emotional Connection,
Rewards, Brand Image and Reputation, Perceived Value
Strategies: House of Brands (Independent Brands), Branded House (Unified Brand) and Hybrid Strategy
A well-structured brand portfolio allows a company to maximize brand equity, ensure market coverage,
and risk diversification. At the Same time it may lead to Brand dilution and complexity.
3.8 Making A Brand Strong: Clear Brand Identity, Marketing/Promotion, Strong Emotional
Connection, Deliver High-Quality Products/Services, Strong Brand Positioning, Brand Awareness and
Visibility, Brand Leverage, Extension , Stretching , Brand equity etc
Brand Positioning Process: 1. Identify Target Audience 2. Analyze Competitors 3. Define Unique Value
Proposition (UVP) 4. Determine Brand Differentiation 5. Establish Brand Positioning Statement 6.
Communicate the Positioning 7. Monitor and Adjust Positioning
Definition The brand is positioned too narrowly, The brand is positioned too vaguely, with
causing it to be associated with just no clear or strong identity in the
one attribute or perception. consumer’s mind.
Risk May alienate other customer segments May confuse or fail to attract a specific
and limit brand appeal. audience due to a lack of differentiation.
Brand Appeal Narrow, may limit growth Broad, but lacks focus and may fail to
opportunities. create strong connections.
Example of Tata Nano (Positioned solely as the Maruti Suzuki (Earlier position as an
Indian Brand "cheap car," limiting its appeal to affordable, basic car brand, but lacked a
budget-conscious consumers.) strong identity beyond that.)
Reasons for Brand Repositioning: Change in Consumer Preferences, Increased Competition, Market
Expansion, Product Improvements, Brand Decline, Mergers or Acquisitions, Cultural or Societal Shifts,
Error in Positioning.
Steps in Brand Repositioning: Assess Current Position- Understand Target Market Analyze Competitors-
Redefine Brand’s Unique Value Proposition -Adjust Brand Messaging and Visual Identity-Communicate
the Change-Monitor and Measure
Types: Corporate, Product, Price, Target Market, Attribute or Benefit, Cultural and Geographic
Repositioning
4.4 Differentiation
Brand Differentiation is the process of distinguishing a brand from its competitors by highlighting
unique characteristics, features, or qualities that make it stand out in the marketplace. It helps create
a distinctive identity that attracts consumers and builds brand loyalty.
2. Composite Co-Branding: Two or more brands are combined to create a new product. Example:
Nike x Apple – Collaboration on wearable tech like the Apple Watch Nike+.
Benefits: Increased Brand Awareness, Shared Resources, Enhanced Brand Credibility, Access to
New Markets, Improved Customer Loyalty, Innovation and Differentiation, Increased Sales and
Profits, Competitive Advantage, Synergy, risk sharing
4.7 Licensing : Licensing is a business arrangement where a brand owner allows another party
(licensee) to use its brand, trademark, or intellectual property in exchange for royalties or a fee. It helps
extend the brand’s reach into new markets or product categories without incurring the risks of
developing the products themselves. Example: Mercedes-Benz licensing its logo for use on
merchandise like bags and accessories.
1. Brand Inventory (brand assets - logos, messaging, products, packaging, and advertising)
2. Brand Exploratory (Gather consumer insights through surveys, interviews, or focus groups )
4. Internal Brand Assessment (Evaluate how employees and stakeholders perceive the brand)
5. Brand Performance Metrics (KPIs such as sales, market share, brand loyalty, and awareness)
6. Consumer Perception
7. Brand Positioning
Key Elements of Internal Branding: Brand Education, Employee Engagement, Brand Culture,
Leadership Involvement, Employee Empowerment, Internal Communication, Brand Training and
Development, Recognition and Reward and Brand Advocacy
4. Brand Assets
5. Revenue Contribution
Types of Brand Valuation:
1. Cost-Based Valuation (costs incurred to create the brand, including marketing, ads)
3. Income-Based Valuation (potential revenue that the brand can generate over time)
4. Relief-from-Royalty Method (Calculates brand value by estimating the royalties that would be
saved if the brand were owned, rather than licensed)
6. Brand Strength Index (BSI) Method (evaluates the strength of a brand using metrics such as
market position, competitive performance, and customer loyalty)
Objectives: Brand Awareness, Engagement, Persuasion, Customer Retention and Information Sharing