(Optional) Identify current marketing trends.

Identification should include

• the definition of trend (i.e., a line of general direction or movement over time)
• the speed of changes in trends
• cultural issues influencing trends (e.g., technology, globalization of marketing, diverse ethnicities)
• current trends in marketing (e.g., social/interactive/mobile marketing, changes in demographics)
• the effects these trends may have on a business’s marketing strategy
• resources that identify emerging trends (e.g., Adweek, TechCrunch).

Process/Skill Questions:

• How do trends affect a business’s marketing strategy?
• What are some of the future expectations for retailing?
• How can a trend be used to generate awareness of a product or service?
• What socioeconomic factors help marketers predict future trends?