Criteria For:

Accelerated Marketing - Level 4 3CR

Accelerated Marketing - Level 4 3CR

Program-of-Study Exam: Badge holder demonstrated an understanding of skills and knowledge needed by all marketing professionals, as well as more specialized skills and knowledge needed by sales professionals. Skills and concepts assessed focus on business law, communication skills, channel management, customer relations, economics, emotional intelligence, financial analysis, human-resources management, information management, marketing-information management, marketing, market planning, operations, professional development, pricing, product/service management, promotion, selling, and strategic management.


Business Law (BL)

Standard: Understands business's responsibility to know, abide by, and enforce laws and regulations that affect business operations and transactions

Performance Indicators:
Explain types of business ownership (BL:003, BL LAP 1) (CS)

Channel Management (CM)

Standard: Understands the concepts and processes needed to identify, select, monitor, and evaluate sales channels

Performance Indicators:
Explain the nature and scope of channel management (CM:001, CM LAP 2) (CS)
Explain the relationship between customer service and channel management (CM:002) (CS)
Explain the nature of channels of distribution (CM:003, CM LAP 1) (CS)
Describe the use of technology in the channel management function (CM:004) (CS)
Explain legal considerations in channel management (CM:005) (SP)
Describe ethical considerations in channel management (CM:006) (SP)
Coordinate channel management with other marketing activities (CM:007) (SP)
Explain the nature of channel-member relationships (CM:008) (SP)

Communication Skills (CO)

Standard: Understands the concepts, strategies, and systems used to obtain and convey ideas and information

Performance Indicators:
Employ communication styles appropriate to target audience (CO:084) (CS)
Defend ideas objectively (CO:061) (CS)
Handle telephone calls in a businesslike manner (CO:114) (CS)
Participate in group discussions (CO:053, QS LAP 29) (CS)
Utilize note-taking strategies (CO:085) (CS)
Organize information (CO:086) (CS)
Select and use appropriate graphic aids (CO:087) (CS)
Explain the nature of effective written communications (CO:016) (CS)
Select and utilize appropriate formats for professional writing (CO:088) (CS)
Edit and revise written work consistent with professional standards (CO:089) (CS)
Write professional e-mails (CO:090) (CS)
Analyze company resources to ascertain policies and procedures (CO:057) (CS)
Write business letters (CO:133) (CS)
Write informational messages (CO:039) (CS)
Write inquiries (CO:040) (CS)
Write persuasive messages (CO:031) (SP)
Prepare simple written reports (CO:094) (SP)
Write executive summaries (CO:091) (SP)

Customer Relations (CR)

Standard: Understands the techniques and strategies used to foster positive, ongoing relationships with customers

Performance Indicators:
Explain the nature of positive customer relations (CR:003, CR LAP 1) (CS)
Demonstrate a customer-service mindset (CR:004) (CS)
Reinforce service orientation through communication (CR:005) (CS)
Respond to customer inquiries (CR:006) (CS)
Adapt communication to the cultural and social differences among clients (CR:019) (CS)
Interpret business policies to customers/clients (CR:007) (CS)
Handle difficult customers (CR:009, CR LAP 3) (CS)
Handle customer/client complaints (CR:010)
Identify company’s brand promise (CR:001) (CS)
Determine ways of reinforcing the company’s image through employee performance (CR:002) (CS)
Discuss the nature of customer relationship management (CR:016, CR LAP 2) (CS)
Explain the role of ethics in customer relationship management (CR:017) (SP)
Describe the use of technology in customer relationship management (CR:018) (SP)

Economics (EC)

Standard: Understands the economic principles and concepts fundamental to business operations

Performance Indicators:
Distinguish between economic goods and services (EC:002, EC LAP 10) (CS)
Explain the concept of economic resources (EC:003, EC LAP 14) (CS)
Describe the concepts of economics and economic activities (EC:001, EC LAP 6) (CS)
Determine economic utilities created by business and marketing activities (EC:004, EC LAP 13) (CS)
Explain the principles of supply and demand (EC:005, EC LAP 11) (CS)
Describe the functions of prices in markets (EC:006, EC LAP 12) (CS)
Explain the types of economic systems (EC:007, EC LAP 17) (CS)
Explain the concept of private enterprise (EC:009, EC LAP 15) (CS)
Identify factors affecting a business’s profit (EC:010, EC LAP 2) (CS)
Determine factors affecting business risk (EC:011, EC LAP 3) (CS)
Explain the concept of competition (EC:012, EC LAP 8) (CS)
Explain the role of business in society (EC:070, EC LAP 20) (CS)
Describe types of business activities (EC:071, EC LAP 19) (CS)
Explain the organizational design of businesses (EC:103, EC LAP 23) (SP)
Discuss the global environment in which businesses operate (EC:104, EC LAP 22) (SP)
Describe factors that affect the business environment (EC:105, EC LAP 26) (SP)
Explain the nature of business ethics (EC:106, EC LAP 21) (SP)
Explain how organizations adapt to today’s markets (EC:107, EC LAP 25) (SP)
Determine the relationship between government and business (EC:008, EC LAP 16) (CS)
Explain the concept of productivity (EC:013, EC LAP 18) (CS)
Describe the nature of taxes (EC:072) (SP)
Analyze impact of specialization/division of labor on productivity (EC:014, EC LAP 7) (SP)
Explain the concept of organized labor and business (EC:015, EC LAP 5) (SP)
Explain the impact of the law of diminishing returns (EC:023) (SP)
Describe the economic impact of inflation on business (EC:083) (SP)
Explain the concept of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (EC:017, EC LAP 1) (SP)
Discuss the impact of a nation’s unemployment rates (EC:082) (SP)
Explain the economic impact of interest-rate fluctuations (EC:084) (SP)
Determine the impact of business cycles on business activities (EC:018, EC LAP 9) (SP)
Explain the nature of global trade (EC:016, EC LAP 4) (SP)
Describe the determinants of exchange rates and their effects on the domestic economy (EC:100) (SP)
Discuss the impact of culture and social issues on global trade (EC:045, EC LAP 24) (SP)

Emotional Intelligence (EI)

Standard: Understands techniques, strategies, and systems used to foster self-understanding and enhance relationships with others

Performance Indicators:
Explain ethical considerations in providing information (EI:038) (SP)
Persuade others (EI:012, QS LAP 10) (SP)
Demonstrate negotiation skills (EI:062, EI LAP 8) (SP)
Explain the nature of stress management (EI:028) (SP)

Financial Analysis (FI)

Standard: Understands tools, strategies, and systems used to maintain, monitor, control, and plan the use of financial resources

Performance Indicators:
Describe the need for financial information (FI:579) (CS)
Explain the concept of accounting (FI:085, FI LAP 5) (CS)
Explain the role of finance in business (FI:354, FI LAP 7) (CS)
Describe the nature of cash flow statements (FI:091, FI LAP 6) (SP)
Explain the nature of balance sheets (FI:093) (SP)
Describe the nature of income statements (FI:094, FI LAP 4) (SP)
Describe the nature of budgets (FI:106, FI LAP 3) (SP)

Human Resources Management (HR)

Standard: Understands the tools, techniques, and systems that businesses use to plan, staff, lead, and organize its human resources

Performance Indicators:
Discuss the nature of human resources management (HR:410, HR LAP 35) (CS)

Information Management (NF)

Standard: Understands tools, strategies, and systems needed to access, process, maintain, evaluate, and disseminate information to assist business decision-making

Performance Indicators:
Assess information needs (NF:077) (CS)
Obtain needed information efficiently (NF:078) (CS)
Evaluate quality and source of information (NF:079) (CS)
Apply information to accomplish a task (NF:080) (CS)
Store information for future use (NF:081) (CS)
Discuss the nature of information management (NF:110, NF LAP 3) (CS)
Identify ways that technology impacts business (NF:003, NF LAP 4) (PQ)
Explain the role of information systems (NF:083) (PQ)
Discuss principles of computer systems (NF:084) (PQ)
Use basic operating system (NF:085) (PQ)
Describe the scope of the Internet (NF:086) (PQ)
Demonstrate basic e-mail functions (NF:004) (PQ)
Demonstrate personal information management/productivity applications (NF:005) (PQ)
Demonstrate basic web-search skills (NF:006) (PQ)
Demonstrate basic word processing skills (NF:007) (PQ)
Demonstrate basic presentation applications (NF:008) (PQ)
Demonstrate basic spreadsheet applications (NF:010 (PQ)
Demonstrate basic database applications (NF:009) (PQ)

Market Planning (MP)

Standard: Understands the concepts and strategies utilized to determine and target marketing strategies to a select audience

Performance Indicators:
Explain the concept of marketing strategies (MP:001, MP LAP 2) (CS)
Explain the concept of market and market identification (MP:003, MP LAP 3) (CS)
Explain the nature of marketing plans (MP:007, MP LAP 1) (SP)
Explain the role of situation analysis in the marketing planning process (MP:008) (SP)
Explain the nature of sales forecasts (MP:013) (SP)

Marketing (MK)

Standard: Understands the tools, techniques, and systems that businesses use to create exchanges and satisfy organizational objectives

Performance Indicators:
Explain marketing and its importance in a global economy (MK:001, MK LAP 4) (CS)
Describe marketing functions and related activities (MK:002, MK LAP 1) (CS)
Explain factors that influence customer/client/business buying behavior (MK:014, MK LAP 6) (SP)
Demonstrate connections between company actions and results (e.g., influencing consumer buying behavior, gaining market share, etc.) (MK:019, MK LAP 3) (SP)

Marketing-Information Management (NF)

Standard: Understands tools, strategies, and systems needed to access, process, maintain, evaluate, and disseminate information to assist business decision-making

Performance Indicators:
Describe the need for marketing data (IM:012, IM LAP 12) (CS)
Identify data monitored for marketing decision making (IM:184, IM LAP 11) (SP)
Explain the nature and scope of the marketing information management function (IM:001, IM LAP 2) (SP)
Explain the role of ethics in marketing-information management (IM:025) (SP)
Describe the use of technology in the marketing-information management function (IM:183) (SP)
Describe the regulation of marketing-information management (IM:419) (SP)
Explain the nature of marketing research (IM:010, IM LAP 5) (SP)
Discuss the nature of marketing research problems/issues (IM:282, IM LAP 13) (SP)
Describe methods used to design marketing research studies (i.e., descriptive, exploratory, and causal) (IM:284, IM LAP 14) (SP)
Describe options businesses use to obtain marketing-research data (i.e., primary and secondary research) (IM:281, IM LAP 15) (SP)
Discuss the nature of sampling plans (i.e., who, how many, how chosen) (IM:285, IM LAP 16) (SP)
Describe data-collection methods (e.g., observations, mail, telephone, Internet, discussion groups, interviews, scanners) (IM:289) (SP)
Explain characteristics of effective data-collection instruments (IM:418) (SP)
Describe types of scales (including rating scales such as Likert scales, semantic differential scales, behavior intention scales; and ranking scales such as paired comparison, forced choice, and comparative scale) (IM:286) (SP)
Explain techniques for processing marketing data (IM:062) (SP)
Explain the use of descriptive statistics in marketing decision making (IM:191) (SP)
Identify sources of error in a research project (e.g., response errors, interviewer errors, non-response errors, sample design) (IM:292) (SP)
Evaluate questionnaire design (e.g., types of questions, question wording, routing, sequencing, length, layout) (IM:293) (SP)
Assess appropriateness of marketing research for problem/issue (e.g., research methods, sources of information, timeliness of information, etc.) (IM:428) (SP)

Operations (OP)

Standard: Understands the processes and systems implemented to monitor, plan, and control the day-to-day activities required for continued business functioning

Performance Indicators:
Explain the nature of operations (OP:189, OP LAP 3) (CS)
Describe health and safety regulations in business (OP:004) (PQ)
Report noncompliance with business health and safety regulations (OP:005) (PQ)
Follow instructions for use of equipment, tools, and machinery (OP:006) (PQ)
Follow safety precautions (OP:007) (PQ)
Maintain a safe work environment (OP:008) (CS)
Explain procedures for handling accidents (OP:009) (CS)
Handle and report emergency situations (OP:010) (CS)
Explain routine security precautions (OP:013) (CS)
Follow established security procedures/policies (OP:152) (CS)
Protect company information and intangibles (OP:153) (CS)
Explain the nature and scope of purchasing (OP:015, OP LAP 2) (CS)
Place orders/reorders (OP:016) (CS)
Maintain inventory of supplies (OP:031) (CS)
Explain the concept of production (OP:017,OP LAP 4) (CS)

Pricing (PI)

Standard: Understands concepts and strategies utilized in determining and adjusting prices to maximize return and meet customers' perceptions of value

Performance Indicators:
Explain the nature and scope of the pricing function (PI:001, PI LAP 2) (SP)
Describe the role of business ethics in pricing (PI:015) (SP)
Explain the use of technology in the pricing function (PI:016) (SP)
Explain legal considerations for pricing (PI:017) (SP)
Explain factors affecting pricing decisions (PI:002, PI LAP 3) (SP)

Product/Service Management (PM)

Standard: Understands the concepts and processes needed to obtain, develop, maintain, and improve a product or service mix in response to market opportunities

Performance Indicators:
Explain the nature and scope of the product/service management function (PM:001, PM LAP 17) (SP)
Identify the impact of product life cycles on marketing decisions (PM:024 PM LAP 18) (SP)
Describe the use of technology in the product/service management function (PM:039) (SP)
Explain business ethics in product/service management (PM:040) (SP)
Describe the uses of grades and standards in marketing (PM:019, PM LAP 8) (CS)
Explain warranties and guarantees (PM:020, PM LAP 4) (CS)
Identify consumer protection provisions of appropriate agencies (PM:017) (SP)
Explain the concept of product mix (PM:003, PM LAP 3) (SP)
Describe factors used by marketers to position products/services (PM:042) (SP)
Explain the nature of product/service branding (PM:021, PM LAP 6) (SP)
Explain the nature of corporate branding (PM:206) (SP)
Identify methods/techniques to generate a product idea (PM:127, PM LAP 11) (SP)
Generate product ideas (PM:128) (SP)
Describe the nature of product bundling (PM:041) (SP)
Describe factors used by businesses to position corporate brands (PM:207) (SP)

Professional Development (PD)

Standard: Understands concepts, tools, and strategies used to explore, obtain, and develop in a business career

Performance Indicators:
Set personal goals (PD:018; QS LAP 22, PD LAP 16) (CS)
Explain the need for innovation skills (PD:126) (CS)
Make decisions (PD:017; QS LAP 2, PD LAP 10) (CS)
Demonstrate problem-solving skills (PD:077; QS LAP 26, PD LAP 17) (CS)
Assess personal interests and skills needed for success in business (PD:013) (PQ)
Analyze employer expectations in the business environment (PD:020) (PQ)
Explain the rights of workers (PD:021) (PQ)
Identify sources of career information (PD:022) (CS)
Identify tentative occupational interest (PD:023) (CS)
Explain employment opportunities in business (PD:025, PD LAP 15) (CS)
Utilize job-search strategies (PD:026) (PQ)
Complete a job application (PD:027) (PQ)
Interview for a job (PD:028) (PQ)
Write a follow-up letter after job interviews (PD:029) (CS)
Write a letter of application (PD:030) (CS)
Prepare a résumé (PD:031) (CS)
Describe techniques for obtaining work experience (e.g., volunteer activities, internships, etc.) (PD:032) (PQ)
Explain the need for ongoing education as a worker (PD:033) (PQ)
Explain possible advancement patterns for jobs (PD:034) (PQ)
Explain employment opportunities in marketing (PD:024) (CS)
Use time-management skills (PD:019, PD LAP 1) (SP)
Demonstrate appropriate creativity (PD:012) (SP)

Promotion (PR)

Standard: Understands the concepts and strategies needed to communicate information about products, services, images, and/or ideas to achieve a desired outcome

Performance Indicators:
Explain the role of promotion as a marketing function (PR:001, PR LAP 2) (CS)
Explain the types of promotion (PR:002, PR LAP 4) (CS)
Identify the elements of the promotional mix (PR:003, PR LAP 1) (SP)
Describe the use of business ethics in promotion (PR:099) (SP)
Describe the use of technology in the promotion function (PR:100) (SP)
Describe the regulation of promotion (PR:101) (SP)
Explain types of advertising media (PR:007, PR LAP 3) (SP)
Describe word of mouth channels used to communicate with targeted audiences (PR:247) (SP)
Explain the nature of direct marketing channels (PR:089) (SP)
Identify communications channels used in sales promotion (PR:249) (SP)
Explain communications channels used in public-relations activities (PR:250) (SP)
Explain the components of advertisements (PR:014) (SP)
Explain the importance of coordinating elements in advertisements (PR:251) (SP)
Identify types of public-relations activities (PR:252) (SP)
Discuss internal and external audiences for public-relations activities (PR:253) (SP)
Explain how businesses can use trade-show/exposition participation to communicate with targeted audiences (PR:254)
Explain considerations used to evaluate whether to participate in trade shows/expositions (PR:255) (SP)
Explain the nature of a promotional plan (PR:073) (SP)
Coordinate activities in the promotional mix (PR:076) (SP)

Selling (SE)

Standard: Understands the concepts and actions needed to determine client needs and wants and respond through planned, personalized communication that influences purchase decisions and enhances future business opportunities

Performance Indicators:
Explain the nature and scope of the selling function (SE:017, SE LAP 117) (CS)
Explain the role of customer service as a component of selling relationships (SE:076, SE LAP 130) (CS)
Explain key factors in building a clientele (SE:828, SE LAP 115) (SP)
Explain company selling policies (SE:932 SE LAP 121) (CS)
Explain business ethics in selling (SE:106, SE LAP 129) (SP)
Describe the use of technology in the selling function (SE:107) (SP)
Describe the nature of selling regulations (SE:108) (SP)
Acquire product information for use in selling (SE:062) (CS)
Analyze product information to identify product features and benefits (SE:109, SE LAP 113) (SP)
Explain the selling process (SE:048, SE LAP 126) (CS)
Establish relationship with client/customer (SE:110) (CS)
Determine customer/client needs (SE:111 ) (CS)
Recommend specific product (SE:114, SE LAP 111) (CS)
Calculate miscellaneous charges (SE:116) (CS)
Process special orders (SE:009) (CS)
Process telephone orders (SE:835) (CS)
Explain the impact of sales cycles (SE:380) (SP)
Differentiate between consumer and organizational buying behavior (SE:112) (SP)
Identify emerging trends for use in selling (SE:404) (SP)
Discuss motivational theories that impact buying behavior (SE:359) (SP)
Prospect for customers (SE:001) (SP)
Qualify customers/clients (SE:400) (SP)
Conduct pre-visit research (e.g., customer’s markets/products, customer’s competitors, and competitors’ offerings) (SE:369) (SP)
Book appointments with prospective clients (SE:366) (SP)
Prepare sales presentation (SE:067) (SP)
Create a presentation software package to support sales presentation (SE:119) (SP)
Address needs of individual personalities (SE:810, SE LAP 112) (SP)
Determine customer’s buying motives for use in selling (SE:883, SE LAP 109) (SP)
Facilitate customer/client buying decisions (SE:811, SE LAP 108) (SP)
Assess customer/client needs (SE:113) (SP)
Demonstrate product (SE:893, SE LAP 103) (SP)
Prescribe solution to customer/client needs (SE:115) (SP)
Convert customer/client objections into selling points (SE:874, SE LAP 100) (SP)
Close the sale (SE:895, SE LAP 107) (SP)
Demonstrate suggestion selling (SE:875, SE LAP 110) (SP)
Negotiate sales terms (SE:392) (SP)
Maintain sales standards (SE:387) (SP)
Sell good/service/idea to individuals (SE:046) (SP)
Sell good/service/idea to groups (SE:073) (SP)
Process sales documentation (SE:117) (SP)

Strategic Management (SM)

Standard: Understands tools, techniques, and systems that affect a business's ability to plan, control, and organize an organization/department

Performance Indicators:
Explain the concept of management (SM:001, SM LAP 3) (CS)