Studying? Read these 10 top tips to help you pass

It’s tough getting through assignments and exams. But it’s worth it for the CIM qualifications you get at the end of all your hard work. Wouldn’t it be good to get some top tips from people who really know what it takes to study effectively and pass? London’s Student Support Group has helped 20,000 marketing students over the last 22 years. Here are their top ten tips to help you get qualified.

CIM Examiners grade your assignments and exams based on a set of key principles, adapted by CIM subject and study level. These tips match what the CIM Examiner expects, with what you need to do to meet these expectations.  

For more subject-specific advice take a look at the Senior Examiner reports on our Learning Zone.

1. Interpretation of the assignment task brief/exam question

Respond to the command (action) words in the brief/question, for example:

1. describe
2. illustrate
3. critically evaluate etc.

 You can get a fact sheet on command words from

2. Clear, coherent answers, complete answers in logical order

Using the command words (above) to:

1. create a draft structure for each assignment section/exam answer
2. answer the whole brief/question, and nothing but the brief/question!

You can download our guide ‘Mastering command words across the levels’ here.

3. Concepts and underpinning theory      

Using the structure above:

1. spot the topic(s) required – these are listed for each subject in the syllabus document
2. select appropriate marketing theory from textbooks, journals, online learning materials etc.
3. consider which concept, theory, model, framework checklist(s) to use
4. be selective and do NOT brain-dump. Do not write everything you know or can remember about a subject regardless of whether it helps you meet the brief/answer the question or not!

4. Application to context provided

Based on the theory (above) contextualise:

1. apply the theory using relevant examples to the context (setting) of the question, for example, small local company or large multi-national etc.
2. provide appropriate insight for the context/scenario in the brief/question
3. refer to examples from the case study (if appropriate)

5. Evaluation techniques

Based on the theory and context (above) evaluate:

1. provide the “so what”, e.g. say what’s good and what’s not, be sure to explain why
2. identify suggested areas for improvement
3. describe the available options
4. recommend solutions and justify your choice(s)
5. provide examples of good practice to amplify/reinforce

The importance of Evaluation varies by CIM study level, as below - It is interesting to note that although the amount of Application is constant, the amount of Theory reduces and the importance of Evaluation increases as you move up the levels.

6. Time management

Make a plan to get the job done up to standard in the available time:

1. complete all tasks/questions
2. allocate time according to % in the mark scheme provided
3. do your assignment research - collect references/examples
4. allow for reading, thinking and checking time
5. use your tutor - submit a draft assignment or mock exam and respond fully to their feedback

7. Format and presentation

Present your work professionally:

1. follow the format instructions (report format is the default if not told otherwise)
2. use Harvard citing and referencing (assignment)
3. use appendices (only when instructed)
4. stick to page count/word count/PowerPoint slide limits

8. Use of wider reading       

Demonstrate your interest/expertise in marketing by using a mixture of academic; commercial; industry; online & offline sources:

1. academic textbooks & journals
2. trade press including marketing media websites
3. industry specific & Government publications
4. CIM website and Examiner reports
5. mainstream press, TV, radio, podcasts, webinars etc.

9. Creativity  

Don’t slavishly repeat theory:

1. adapt the theory to suit the situation, be selective
2. always give fair credit to the original author in an assignment (use proper citing & referencing)
3. propose creative solutions, use your experience
4. use annotated models, diagrams, flow charts to make your point(s)
5. remember to justify all choices/recommendations made

10. Are you ready to ‘practice’ marketing?          

Would you employ you? – Are you ready to be qualified and working in this great profession? Prove it by following the advice above, find your own style, brand 'me'!

Think and write like a marketer, always consider:

1. what’s in it for the customer?
2. what’s in it for the organisation serving that customer?
3. how will your approach create/deliver a competitive advantage?

You can call the Student Support Group helpline on 01784 463057which is free for CIM members in the Greater London region. SSG also provide a range of help with assignments and exams, fees apply to some services. Contact caroline@studentsupportgroup.co.uk or call 01784 463057 for details.