You are expected to participate in the weekly classroom discussion with relevant, purposeful and reflective thought. Each week you will have 2 discussion questions.

Your initial posts should be substantive and show a comprehension of the assignment and the material being discussed. The original post should approximate 300 to 400 words.

You are also required to respond/comment on one of your fellow-classmates' initial post. It is important that you are respectful and courteous at all times, any responses found inappropriate by the instructor will be promptly removed and you will be notified.

Discussion Question 1:

"Understanding Customer Wants and Needs and PEST Analysis" Please respond to the following:

1. Argue whether or not you believe that health care marketers must understand customers and their perceptions of product offerings in order to effectively monitor prowess at addressing and satisfying customer wants and needs. Provide an example of your argument in action to support your rationale.

2. Assess the value and importance of a PEST Analysis as a tool for mentoring and evaluating the macroenvironment. Provide at least two (2) specific examples of PEST Analysis that apply within a health care organization with which you are familiar.

Discussion Question 2:

"Michael Porter's Five Forces Model" Please respond to the following:

1. Examine the key reasons why intense competition and rivalry characterize the health care industry. Suggest one (1) example to support your rationale.

2. Appraise the value and importance of Michael Porter's Five Forces Model as a tool for facilitating the understanding and addressing of the competition within the health care industry. Provide at least two (2) specific examples of Michael Porter's Five Forces Model that apply within a health care organization with which you are familiar.