B2B Marketing Project - I really don't know where to start?

[CJ S]

I am in a general marketing class and I have to do a B2B Marketing Project. Here is what the professor gave us:

The Task
An international power transformer manufacturing company is interested in entering the American market. The company is conducting a preliminary market survey for Power Distribution Transformers in the U.S. market. As a marketing manager, you have been given the responsibility to conduct the study using secondary sources. Based on your analysis the company will decide its next strategy. The company expects you to provide the following information. You must provide enough information in each section so that company can formulate its strategy. Each section must be reported separately. This is a typical B2B marketing project.

1.Demand and Market: Estimate the demand for power distribution transformers in the U.S. A starting point of this analysis could be to determine the NAICS product or industry category code (is NAICS 33531 too broad?) and then search for information on the web and other sources. Describe target market for power distribution transformers and estimate its size (number and money value) and growth. It is possible that you may be able to get a directory/list of the buying companies with addresses and contact information. If you get such information provide it in the Appendix.
2.Market Segmentation: The study may call for a segmentation of the market. Describe how you would segment the market. Define the characteristics of each segment. Possible bases for segmentation may be as follows: type of institution (e.g., residential, retail or industrial market), voltage, value, price, type of transformers (e.g., dry vs. liquid/oil), and usage. Explain how segmentation may help your company in strategy formulation. Be as specific as possible. Your segmentation may call for a possible positioning strategy for different types of transformers. If applicable suggest a positioning strategy.
3.Competition: The industry requires high level of investment because of the value and the size of the product. Competition may be oligopolistic in nature, i.e., only a few companies dominate the market. With globalization, it is changing and the industry is becoming perfectly competitive. Be as detailed as possible in explaining competition.
4.Marketing Mix: Determine the marketing mix for the company. Explain each of the four Ps. Discuss product design and attribute, pricing, promotion and distribution. If needed, suggest separate marketing mix for each segment identified. Your positioning strategy may require separate marketing mix for each segment. Since this is a B2B project the characteristics and the delivery of the mix could be different from the consumer market.
5.Marketing Environment: Explain how the environment affects the marketing of the product. Specifically, identify those forces and factors that may directly affect the demand or the marketing of the product. Consider economic, demographic, technological, legal/political and social/cultural factors affecting the industry. Discuss how each of them affects the market.

I have NO idea where to start, what to do, anything. PLEASE, if someone could help direct me in the right direction I would be grateful.

[Bitterplane055]

Seems pretty straightforward...I recommend googling each segment and learning what they mean..then just provide examples...its seems like they want you to create a focus test group..possibly surveys etc..but you must segment them..into pricing...or type..and then ofcourse demographic...email me if you need more help.

[rickie L]

I think we might have posted enough info on http://wrlyman.com to help you.