MKT 533 - Branding Strategy

This is an interesting class, but definitely targeted at those pursuing a career in marketing so would not recommend unless this is an area of interest for you.

The student above said it better than I can, but I agree wholeheartedly. The only thing I'd add is that the professor adds insult to injury in that not only is this the most pointless class I've taken at Marshall, the class project is also the longest, most tedious assignment I've had during my two years here. And he's a very tough grader.

Very confused by the strong reputation of this course and professor from past classes. This should not be an MBA level course. The subject is "branding strategy", which by Sasha's definition does not include brand management or other brand topics useful to MBAs. In reality, this is an agency client service class taught by a conceited professor who mostly loves to hear his own voice. Most of his lectures are stories or case studies of work his agency has done and all of the "daring" and "risky" moves they've made that of course turn out with the client loving them and Sasha being a genius. None of this is useful for 99% of MBAs. Somehow, Marshall continues with this course instead of a real brand management course, which most MBAs going into non-tech marketing roles will end up in. Avoid this course at all costs unless you want to work at an agency, and even then, most agencies have their own way of operating so it's still barely useful.

Professor Badame is one of the best instructors I've had in this program. Her course is a mix of phenomenal guest speakers, conceptual lectures, and case reviews. I will say it is a heavy workload for a 1.5 credit class but you'll get 3 credits worth of value out of it easily.

Professor does a great job getting interesting guest speakers, but the classes without guest speakers are hit or miss. There is also a SIGNIFICANT amount of work given it's a 1.5 unit class.

The content of the class should be interesting but it's all over shadowed by Professor Park's poor presentation. He provides frameworks and examples, but fails in supporting his claims with research. You sit in class questioning the value of what he just said. That said, the midterm grading was extremely generous and the lowest grade on the midterm was an 80/100 despite a significant chunk of the people not studying.

The class is very repetitive and really boring. But, you can have decent free time for other classes or relax. If you look for a light class without failure grade, it would be right one for you.

I love CW. He is really nice, but what I love most about this class is how light the lift is. He lets you use computers in class and the whole grade is the midterm and final, which he grades very fairly. If you need a light class, this is the one.

There are some interesting topics here for discussion, but the class is so mundane and repetitive that everyone uses this class as a study hall. Prof is terrible at engaging the class and relies on outdated videos on branding strategy as frameworks. However, the class has no homework and your entire grade sits on your midterm and final, which are graded leniently. If you're looking for an easy class you can dial into, this is it.

Branding strategy is not separated from strategy. The professor brings high profile consultants and experts almost every class as guest speakers. Super applicable stuff for anyone wanting marketing or Strategy

Sasha is a great professor. He is very engaging and enthusiastic about the material. There are occasional quizzes and few course deliverables. He brings in guest lectures almost every week. Highly recommend if you are at all interested in marketing/brand management.

Decent class, but Strauss is so passionate he makes it entertaining.

Not necessarily helpful for finance, but does a fantastic job of reviewing all the decisions involved within marketing

Just okay. A lot of material and was covered quickly/superficially. I didn't feel like I learned very much over the term. Speakers were okay, but not amazing.

An incredible amount of reading every class, especially for 1.5 unit course. 30-40 pages each class. Not very practical and speakers are hit or miss. Concepts are interesting but the class format is not ideal.

I have mixed feelings about this course. The project is asinine. The professor teaches like a Sunday preacher. Terrible shoes. Bt it does provide a lot of insight into the process behind developing a brand. Probably more interesting if you want to work for an ad agency or something.

Much of the information in this class is very intuitive, so the class can feel a bit pointless at times. However, the professor provides very interesting examples of marketing strategies in companies that have been both successful and unsuccessful. The professor is engaging and fun.