AMB340 Marketing Service Experiences


To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.


Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Gardens Point, Internal

Unit code:AMB340
Credit points:12
Pre-requisite:(AMB240 or AMB140) and AMB201
Equivalent:AMX340
Coordinators:Thusi Lavan | thusyanthy.lavan@qut.edu.au
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.

Overview

This unit uses the core characteristics of service experiences as a framework to explore strategies for the marketing of services domestically and internationally. Services marketing is an important growth area and students need to understand how services marketing principles apply to the real world. This will be achieved by examining the application of marketing concepts, models and tools in services using case studies and practical experiences. Service quality management and the pervading influence of technology are critical topics that differentiate this unit within the marketing program.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

  1. Identify the distinguishing characteristics of services and apply this knowledge to extended marketing mix decisions.
  2. Demonstrate knowledge of consumer decision-making processes in needs and demands for services and outline implications for marketing strategy.
  3. Analyse and evaluate services marketing strategies critically.
  4. Explain the influence of customer service on service satisfaction and methods of interpreting consumer perceptions of service quality.

Content

Students will gain an understanding of the distinctive approach required for planning and implementing services marketing strategy in services organisations. Topics include key areas such as understanding services, customer behaviour in service settings, managing customer relationships, strategic issues in services marketing, and challenges for senior management.


QUT Business Capabilities (Undergraduate)

The content and assessment in this unit are aligned to a selection of the following set of QUT Business Capabilities, also known as Assurance of Learning Goals (AoLs). Developing these capabilities will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT and equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in your chosen career.

Knowledge and Technological Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines
1.2 Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.

Higher Order Thinking (HO)
2.1 Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice
2.2 Exercise independent judgment and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.

Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts
3.2 Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.

Teamwork and Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection, responsibility and accountability in relation to own learning and professional practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across diverse purposes and contexts

Social, Ethical and Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.

Learning Approaches

Topics are discussed and debated in tutorials by way of group activities based on contemporary services marketing theory and issues. Assessments are designed to test understanding of core theoretical principles and the student's ability to apply those principles in real world settings. A major element of assessment involves students in a critical appraisal of the marketing activities of service firms and how these affect them as customers.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:

  • Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
  • Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary
  • Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
  • Indirect: to the whole class

Assessment

Overview

Students may be required to attend campus or an assessment centre for the purposes of assessment, regardless of the attendance mode for the unit. 

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Mid-semester Exam

Students will complete a series of questions in a take-home exam that tests their knowledge and application of services marketing concepts, frameworks and theories covered in classes from Week 1 to 6 inclusive. The focus of this exam is the student's ability to understand and apply critical service concepts. 

Formative or Summative: Formative and summative

Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1, 1.2), HO (2.1, 2.2)

Weight: 40
Length: 24 hour take-home exam
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 7
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4

Assessment: Service Audit

Students will audit the services marketing mix of the organisation, identify strategic opportunities to improve organisational efficiency and effectiveness, and recommend three short-term actions for the organisation to implement. This report is designed to help students better understand how services marketing theories and real-world strategic implementation work together. Instructions will be provided on Canvas and in class.

Formative or Summative: Summative

Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.2), HO (2.1, 2.2), PC (3.1)

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Weight: 60
Length: 3,000 words
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 13
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

Resource Materials

Prescribed text(s)

Wirtz, J. (2023). Essentials of Services Marketing (4th Edition). Pearson, Australia.

Risk Assessment Statement

There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with lectures or tutorials in this unit. You should, however, familiarise yourself with evacuation procedures operating in the buildings in which you attend classes and take the time to

view the Emergency video.

Standards/Competencies

This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.

QUT Business Capabilities (Undergraduate)

HO (2.1): Critical Analysis

Relates to: ULO3, ULO4, Mid-semester Exam, Service Audit

HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making

Relates to: ULO4, Mid-semester Exam, Service Audit

KS (1.1): Discipline Knowledge

Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Mid-semester Exam

KS (1.2): Technical and Technological Skills

Relates to: ULO1, Mid-semester Exam, Service Audit

PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)

Relates to: ULO4, Service Audit

Course Learning Outcomes

This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.

BS05 Bachelor of Business

  1. Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Mid-semester Exam
  2. Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
    Relates to: ULO1, Mid-semester Exam, Service Audit
  3. Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
    Relates to: ULO3, ULO4, Mid-semester Exam, Service Audit
  4. Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
    Relates to: ULO4, Mid-semester Exam, Service Audit
  5. Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
    Relates to: ULO4, Service Audit

BS06 Bachelor of Business

  1. Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Mid-semester Exam
  2. Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
    Relates to: ULO1, Mid-semester Exam, Service Audit
  3. Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
    Relates to: Mid-semester Exam, Service Audit
  4. Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
    Relates to: Mid-semester Exam, Service Audit
  5. Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
    Relates to: Service Audit

BS08 Bachelor of Business - International

  1. Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Mid-semester Exam
  2. Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
    Relates to: ULO1, Mid-semester Exam, Service Audit
  3. Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
    Relates to: Mid-semester Exam, Service Audit
  4. Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
    Relates to: Mid-semester Exam, Service Audit
  5. Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
    Relates to: Service Audit