Marketing Practical Project off to a “Supa Quick” start

Posted on June 05, 2018

The third-year students studying BCom Marketing Management at the University of Pretoria kicked off the 2nd quarter of the year with a big bang. For a third consecutive year, the Department of Marketing Management is partnering with Bridgestone South Africa on an exciting practical project, for which the third-year Marketing Management students are tasked to develop a brand communication plan to increase the awareness of Supa Quick fitment centres – the only accredited distributor of Bridgestone and Firestone tyres in SA.
 
The UP-Bridgestone project for 2018 was officially launched on 17 April 2018. The session started with Prof Yolanda Jordaan (HOD of the Department of Marketing Management) introducing this challenging, yet exciting, project. Ending on a motivational note, Prof Jordaan introduced the students to the people behind the marketing success of Bridgestone South Africa, namely Ms Thandeka Ngoma (Chief Marketing Officer), Dr Gerhard Heyns (Executive Manager of Consumer Sales), Ms Nthabiseng Mogane (Bridgestone Brand Manager) and Ms Kelly Fester (Public Relations & Communications Manager).
 
Students were spoiled with Bridgestone-branded goodie bags, which included Bridgestone paraphernalia, a Red Bull and Bar One for the long nights of hard work laying ahead. With introductions done and the excitement of the goodie bags fading, it was time to get down to business. The Bridgestone team took the stage and shared the Bridgestone story with the students. They explained the history of the Bridgestone brand and how it came to settle in South Africa. They further explained the relationship between Bridgestone, Firestone and Supa Quick, and spent a considerable amount of time discussing Supa Quick specifically – since Supa Quick is the focus of the practical project for 2018.
 
Ms Mogane addressed Supa Quick’s competitors, marketing activities done in the past, brand and marketing activations and digital presence. Students listened attentively to the presentation, soaking up as much as possible for the project ahead, and curiously asked a number of questions throughout the session. At the end of an exciting class, students left the venue, knowing a lot more about tyres and tyre fitment centres than they anticipated.
 
A practical project like this one provides students with the opportunity to gain practical knowledge on real-life companies, facing real-life challenges, which better equip students for the day when they join the workforce. The students are excited about the task laying ahead and look forward to working with Bridgestone South Africa on the Supa Quick brand. With three deliverables, a Bridgestone plant tour, many esteemed guest lecturers and big prizes up for grabs, this project can only get better. Watch this space for more excitement to follow!
The Bridgestone team in action
From left to right: Dr Gerhard Heyns, Ms Kelly Fester and Ms Nthabiseng Mogane
 
The Bridgestone team (front) with the Practical Project class of 2018
 
Bridgestone-branded goodie bag
 
- Author Department of Marketing Management

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