Final answer:
In developing a marketing plan, Ashley must consider uncontrollable factors such as demographic factors, place or distribution factors, and media-buying factors, which are essential for the planning of marketing strategies for assisted-living centres.
Step-by-step explanation:
As Ashley is the director of marketing for a company that operates several assisted-living centres and is in the process of developing a marketing plan, it is crucial to consider various uncontrollable factors that could impact the plan's success. Among these factors, Ashley must be sure to consider:
- Demographic factors: These include the age, income level, gender, education, and family size of the target market. Since the company operates assisted-living centres, changes in the age distribution and retirement rates will significantly affect the demand for services.
- Place or distribution factors: The accessibility and convenience of the assisted-living centres can influence the decision-making process of potential residents and their families. For example, centres located in areas with higher populations of seniors may have higher demand.
- Media-buying factors: These pertain to the selection and cost of media channels used for advertising. Changes in media consumption patterns, like the rise of digital media over traditional forms, can greatly influence how and where marketing messages should be distributed.
Although inventory factors can be crucial components of a business plan, they are generally considered controllable factors since the company can directly influence its stock levels. Hence, they may not be categorized as uncontrollable in the context of external market forces.