After a busy start to the semester, the BCom Honours in Marketing Management students were ready for their first client challenge with a rather unique industry partner. SIMTEQ Engineering assists companies in reducing their research and development costs by replacing costly trial-and-error design and manufacturing processes with virtual simulation and analysis technology to solve challenging engineering problems.

 

The apprentice-style approach used in this honours programme requires students to solve actual challenges faced by industry partners, which is why SIMTEQ Engineering approached the Class of 2024 to develop a social media marketing (SMM) campaign, creating awareness among engineering students for SIMTEQ Engineering and its simulation technology. The project was a requirement for the Services Marketing module, facilitated by Dr Michelle C. van der Merwe.

 

Upon receiving their client brief, the students were somewhat nervous about developing a SMM campaign for such an abstract service offering. Nonetheless, the students resolved to roll up their sleeves and get creative with their campaign suggestions. On 17 April 2024, nine teams armed with innovative ideas and creative flair, presented their SMM campaigns to the SIMTEQ Engineering panel, comprising Paul Naudé (Managing Director), Zak Fourie (Senior Engineer) and Alicha-Lee Koekemoer (Marketing Executive).

“For a first client presentation, the student groups spoke extremely well and presented their ideas in a creative, yet professional manner,” said Dr Van der Merwe. She added that each pitch showcased a culmination of the students’ marketing expertise at this point in their academic careers, and their ability to apply their marketing prowess to any industry. Teams had the added benefit of learning from one another’s presentations and from the panel’s feedback.

 

After much deliberation, the SIMTEQ Engineering panel chose a winning team – The Integral Agency, with team members Colette Fourie (team leader), Katlego Kekana, Amanda Makhanya, Hope Mpyana, Namhla Phikwa, and Savannah Scoular. Although they were the first team to present, their campaign idea captured SIMTEQ’s attention from the get-go and set the bar very high. As a reward for their outstanding performance, The Integral Agency have been invited to enjoy a go-kart day with the SIMTEQ team – a thrilling adventure to celebrate their success. Teams that received a special mention were 5 Pillars Marketing, Pressure Points and Take Off Marketing.

As the students gear up for their next challenge, the stage is set for another display of brilliance and innovation.