OTE2601
ASSIGNMENT 2:17 JULY 2023
UNIQUE NUMBER:________
NAME:___________________________________________________________________________
Student Number:__________________________________________________________________
QUESTION 1
1.1 South Africa has a diverse population with a varied level of skills. The country is in a transitional
state, and educational reforms are still an ongoing process. The levels of skills in South Africa are
divided into three broad categories; the unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled workforce.
The unskilled workforce in South Africa refers to people who do not have any formal education
beyond primary school. These individuals lack specialized training or specific skills to perform any
job. They are often employed in labor-intensive tasks such as agriculture, mining, construction, or
domestic services. This group of workers is the largest in South Africa, and it holds a significant
portion of the unemployment rate.
The semi-skilled workforce refers to individuals who have some level of formal education, but their
skills are not sufficient to complete a job that requires a specialized skill set. In most cases, these
workers have not completed secondary school and rely on on-the-job training to acquire their skills.
They often hold jobs in the manufacturing sector, service industries, and construction sites.
Apprenticeships and entry-level positions provide the necessary training for these workers to
advance in their careers.
The skilled workforce refers to individuals who have specialized education and training beyond
secondary school. These individuals have acquired technical skills, knowledge, and expertise to
perform specific job functions. They are well-trained, productive, and efficient in their work. The
skilled workforce holds positions in high-paying jobs such as engineers, doctors, architects, and
lawyers. South Africa's skilled workforce is relatively small compared to the other demographics;
however, it has the potential to drive the economy towards growth and development.
The skills level of the South African population is a critical factor in the country's productivity and the
overall economy. The country faces a significant skills gap, which has adversely affected its ability to
meet the needs of its inhabitants. The lack of skilled workers results in the country having to import
skilled labor, which increases the cost of doing business. It also causes the unemployment rate to
rise, as the unskilled and semi-skilled populations struggle to find work.
Efforts are being made to bridge the skills gap in South Africa. The government has implemented
numerous programs to provide skills training and education to the unskilled and semi-skilled
populations. The Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system offer vocational
Page 1 of 8
, education and training to people who do not have access to formal education. These programs
provide on-the-job training, apprenticeships, and internships to deliver practical skills and
knowledge.
South Africa also has a strong higher education system, which offers specialized training to the
country's skilled workforce. The universities and technical colleges offer courses in engineering,
medicine, law, finance, and other fields. The government is actively encouraging students to take up
science and technology courses to meet the demands of the current job market.
In conclusion, the levels of skills training in South Africa range from the unskilled, semi-skilled, and
skilled workforce. The lack of skilled workers causes a significant skills gap in the country, resulting in
higher unemployment rates and increased business costs. The government is taking steps to close
this gap by providing skills training and education to the unskilled and semi-skilled populations.
South Africa's strong higher education system provides specialized training for the country's skilled
workforce, which is essential for the economy's growth and development.
1.2 The 4 P instruments, also known as the marketing mix, are traditional elements that make a
marketing plan functional. These steppingstones are essential in conveying the product or service to
the consumer and ensuring its success in the target market. Let's elaborate on each of these
instruments:
1. Product: The first steppingstone is the product itself. This includes everything that the company
offers to meet the needs and wants of the target market. It involves product design, features, quality,
packaging, branding, and any unique selling propositions. In the marketing plan, the product should
be clearly defined, highlighting its unique benefits and positioning in the market.
2. Price: The second steppingstone is the price at which the product or service will be sold to the
target market. It involves determining the right pricing strategy that aligns with the perceived value
of the product, taking into consideration factors such as production costs, competition, and the
willingness of customers to pay. The marketing plan should outline the pricing strategy, whether it's
penetrating the market with low prices or positioning the product as premium, and details on any
promotional pricing or discounts.
3. Promotion: The third steppingstone focuses on the promotional activities used to communicate
the value proposition of the product or service to the target market. It includes various marketing
communication tools such as advertising, sales promotion, public relations, direct marketing, and
digital marketing. The marketing plan should outline the promotion strategy, identifying the key
messages, target audience, media channels, and timelines for executing each promotional activity.
4. Place: The fourth steppingstone involves determining the distribution channels and locations
where the product or service will be made available to the target market. It includes decisions about
the right distribution channels, such as direct sales, wholesalers, retailers, or online platforms, as well
Page 2 of 8
ASSIGNMENT 2:17 JULY 2023
UNIQUE NUMBER:________
NAME:___________________________________________________________________________
Student Number:__________________________________________________________________
QUESTION 1
1.1 South Africa has a diverse population with a varied level of skills. The country is in a transitional
state, and educational reforms are still an ongoing process. The levels of skills in South Africa are
divided into three broad categories; the unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled workforce.
The unskilled workforce in South Africa refers to people who do not have any formal education
beyond primary school. These individuals lack specialized training or specific skills to perform any
job. They are often employed in labor-intensive tasks such as agriculture, mining, construction, or
domestic services. This group of workers is the largest in South Africa, and it holds a significant
portion of the unemployment rate.
The semi-skilled workforce refers to individuals who have some level of formal education, but their
skills are not sufficient to complete a job that requires a specialized skill set. In most cases, these
workers have not completed secondary school and rely on on-the-job training to acquire their skills.
They often hold jobs in the manufacturing sector, service industries, and construction sites.
Apprenticeships and entry-level positions provide the necessary training for these workers to
advance in their careers.
The skilled workforce refers to individuals who have specialized education and training beyond
secondary school. These individuals have acquired technical skills, knowledge, and expertise to
perform specific job functions. They are well-trained, productive, and efficient in their work. The
skilled workforce holds positions in high-paying jobs such as engineers, doctors, architects, and
lawyers. South Africa's skilled workforce is relatively small compared to the other demographics;
however, it has the potential to drive the economy towards growth and development.
The skills level of the South African population is a critical factor in the country's productivity and the
overall economy. The country faces a significant skills gap, which has adversely affected its ability to
meet the needs of its inhabitants. The lack of skilled workers results in the country having to import
skilled labor, which increases the cost of doing business. It also causes the unemployment rate to
rise, as the unskilled and semi-skilled populations struggle to find work.
Efforts are being made to bridge the skills gap in South Africa. The government has implemented
numerous programs to provide skills training and education to the unskilled and semi-skilled
populations. The Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system offer vocational
Page 1 of 8
, education and training to people who do not have access to formal education. These programs
provide on-the-job training, apprenticeships, and internships to deliver practical skills and
knowledge.
South Africa also has a strong higher education system, which offers specialized training to the
country's skilled workforce. The universities and technical colleges offer courses in engineering,
medicine, law, finance, and other fields. The government is actively encouraging students to take up
science and technology courses to meet the demands of the current job market.
In conclusion, the levels of skills training in South Africa range from the unskilled, semi-skilled, and
skilled workforce. The lack of skilled workers causes a significant skills gap in the country, resulting in
higher unemployment rates and increased business costs. The government is taking steps to close
this gap by providing skills training and education to the unskilled and semi-skilled populations.
South Africa's strong higher education system provides specialized training for the country's skilled
workforce, which is essential for the economy's growth and development.
1.2 The 4 P instruments, also known as the marketing mix, are traditional elements that make a
marketing plan functional. These steppingstones are essential in conveying the product or service to
the consumer and ensuring its success in the target market. Let's elaborate on each of these
instruments:
1. Product: The first steppingstone is the product itself. This includes everything that the company
offers to meet the needs and wants of the target market. It involves product design, features, quality,
packaging, branding, and any unique selling propositions. In the marketing plan, the product should
be clearly defined, highlighting its unique benefits and positioning in the market.
2. Price: The second steppingstone is the price at which the product or service will be sold to the
target market. It involves determining the right pricing strategy that aligns with the perceived value
of the product, taking into consideration factors such as production costs, competition, and the
willingness of customers to pay. The marketing plan should outline the pricing strategy, whether it's
penetrating the market with low prices or positioning the product as premium, and details on any
promotional pricing or discounts.
3. Promotion: The third steppingstone focuses on the promotional activities used to communicate
the value proposition of the product or service to the target market. It includes various marketing
communication tools such as advertising, sales promotion, public relations, direct marketing, and
digital marketing. The marketing plan should outline the promotion strategy, identifying the key
messages, target audience, media channels, and timelines for executing each promotional activity.
4. Place: The fourth steppingstone involves determining the distribution channels and locations
where the product or service will be made available to the target market. It includes decisions about
the right distribution channels, such as direct sales, wholesalers, retailers, or online platforms, as well
Page 2 of 8
