The following is a case-based assignment asking you to apply theories from the Advanced Brand Management course. Please answer the following questions in depth, structuring your answer using the numbers and letters of the questions such as 1a) and so on. You are expected to apply theories from the course curriculum and back up all your arguments/claims with references from the course literature. (Please do NOT refer to slides from the class.) Therefore, a reference list needs to be included. Apply theory from:

Beverland - 2018 - Chapter 1.pdf Beverland - 2018 - Chapter 2.pdfHolt 2004 - How Brands Become Icons (Chapter 2).pdf

Heding et al. Brand Management - chapter 2.pdf

Case You have become the brand manager of an imaginary brand called PLAYTIME. The company produces toys made of plastic for children from the age of 3-11. The toys are currently positioned as affordable and fun ranging from figures, dolls, little cars/vehicles, building blocks, to outdoor toy blasters. The brands slogan is called Your child's favorite. The product design aims for a colourful and rather basic look. The production takes place in China the leading exporter of toys. The products are distributed through multi-brand physical retail stores. In your new role as brand manager for the company, you are currently re-evaluating the brand architecture and strategy.

5) In your new role as brand manager for PLAYTIME, you want to create a brand community in order to aid co-development of new products and brand strategies. a) What distinguishes a brand community from a subculture of consumption, and from a brand public, respectively? b) What would a brand community look like in the case of PLAYTIME?