Introduction: From Submission to Reflection
This was more than just a marketing module. It was a milestone.
My first MBA assignment, and the first piece of academic writing I’ve submitted since completing my PhD thesis in July 2013. I mean i’ve written plenty of research journal articles but this was an assignment!
A lot has changed in that time — in life, in leadership, and in learning. So when the results for my Marketing assignments came in, it wasn’t just about the grade. It was about confidence, reawakening academic discipline, and realising how theory can sharpen practical instinct.
Group Podcast: Let It Dough vs. Starbucks
🎧 Grade: 68 (Merit)
“Very good job… great podcast voice!”
This group podcast compared two real-world businesses — Let It Dough, an independent allergen-friendly bakery, and Starbucks, a corporate giant. Both faced declining footfall but responded with very different strategies.
We used AIDA, SWOT, and Porter’s Five Forces to unpack their approaches and suggest improvements, bringing marketing theory into a real-world conversation format.
Feedback Highlights:
- ✅ Strengths: Clear issue identification, good presentation flow, strong narrative.
- ⚠️ Areas for Growth: “Frameworks were a bit too generic and practitioner-focused.”
“More academic depth and evidence would strengthen your recommendations.”
This helped me realise that the jump from professional instinct to academic distinction requires deeper theoretical application, not just applied common sense.
Individual Assignment: Marketing Strategy for Glucoregulate
📄 Grade: 70 (Distinction)
In my solo assignment, I developed a marketing strategy for Glucoregulate, a premium supplement targeting blood sugar and metabolic health. I analysed the macro/micro environment and applied models like PESTLE, STP, AIDA, and Ansoff’s Matrix to create a holistic digital strategy.
Feedback Highlights:
- ✅ Strengths: “Well-written, strong understanding of market context.”
“Feasible, creative recommendations grounded in theory.” - ⚠️ Areas for Growth: “Expected more theoretical discussion around value capture and pharmaceutical marketing.”
This was especially helpful — I focused a lot on execution but less on value theory, which would have given the plan more academic punch.
What I’ve Learned:
💡 1. Academic rigour matters.
Even great ideas need scholarly scaffolding — not just models, but frameworks and literature that challenge and inform.
💡 2. Practitioner experience is powerful — but it needs translation.
I brought a lot of real-world insight, but I’ve learned to connect it better with academic perspectives.
💡 3. Feedback is fuel.
Not everything needs to be perfect the first time. What matters is progression — and this was a solid start.
Conclusion: Rebooting My Academic Voice
Submitting these assignments wasn’t just about learning marketing. It was about rediscovering my academic self — twelve years after submitting my PhD.
In many ways, this first module was a reboot: finding my voice again in a structured, evaluative space. And while the grades reflect a strong start, the real win was knowing I can still write, reflect, and grow — with both rigour and relevance.
📌 To anyone returning to study after a long time — you’ve got this. And to those navigating the theory-practice bridge in professional life, let’s keep sharing the journey.