MG4E8      Half Unit
Principles of Marketing

This information is for the 2026/27 session.

Course convenor

Prof Amitav Chakravarti

Availability

This course is compulsory on the MSc in Marketing. This course is not available as an outside option to students on other programmes.

Requisites

Co-requisites:

Students must complete MG4E7 either before taking this course or in the same year as this course.

Course content

This course is a rigorous examination of the key analytical frameworks, technical tools, and concepts essential for building effective marketing strategy. Participants are introduced to the subject at both strategic and operational levels. This course combines LSE’s premier standing in the social sciences with cutting-edge management practices, preparing students for a marketing landscape shaped by digital transformation, evolving consumer behaviours, and emerging technologies.

Using interactive lectures, videos, hands-on exercises, and case studies, students develop a widely applicable analytical toolkit that relies on: (a) anticipating decisions that managers frequently face, (b) bringing to bear fundamental, often competing social science theories to inform these decisions, (c) knowledge about empirical generalizations, and (d) understanding moderating conditions. The course emphasizes analysing and making sense of complex real-world business situations, with attention to how data analytics and AI-powered tools are enhancing traditional marketing decision-making. Course content is refreshed continually to incorporate current research, emerging technologies, and evolving business practices.

Teaching

30 hours of lectures in the Autumn Term.

This course has a reading week in Week 6 of Autumn Term.

In its Ethics Code, LSE upholds a commitment to intellectual freedom. This means we will protect the freedom of expression of our students and staff and the right to engage in healthy debate in the classroom.

Indicative reading

  • Alex Chernev (2011), Strategic Marketing Management (6th edition), Cerebellum Press.
  • Philip Kotler and Gary Armstrong (2001), Principles of Marketing (9th edition), Prentice Hall.
  • Philip Kotler and Kevin Keller (2011), Marketing Management (14th edition), Pearson PrenticeHall.
  • Homburg, C., Kuester, S. and Krohmer, H. (2009), Marketing Management: A Contemporary Perspective, McGrawHill.
  • Jobber, D. (2010), Principles and Practice of Marketing (6th edition), McGrawHill.
  • Lambin, J-J, Chumpitaz, R. & Schuiling, I. (2007), Market-driven management: Strategic and operational marketing (2nd edition). London: Palgrave Macmillan.

Further references, especially for journal articles and HBS case studies, will be provided at the commencement of the course.

Assessment

Course participation (10%).

Short answer questions (50%).

Project (40%).

This component of assessment includes an element of group work.

For detailed assessment information, including all deadlines and timings, please see the relevant course Moodle page. Assessment timings will be available at the start of each term.


Key facts

Department: Management

Course study period: Autumn Term

Unit value: Half unit

FHEQ level: Level 7

Total students 2025/26: 94

Average class size 2025/26: 94

Controlled access 2025/26: Yes
Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Course selection videos

Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.

Personal development skills

  • Leadership
  • Self-management
  • Team working
  • Problem solving
  • Application of information skills
  • Communication
  • Application of numeracy skills
  • Commercial awareness
  • Specialist skills