Lesson Plan

• Describe key social and demographic trends that affect businesses.
• Analyse how specific trends influence product development, marketing, and human‑resource decisions.
• Evaluate strategic responses using real‑world case examples.
• Calculate the potential revenue impact of a demographic shift using basic quantitative methods.

• Projector and screen
• Whiteboard and markers
• Printed handouts of trend tables and case studies
• Worksheets for the quantitative exercise
• Laptop for presentation
• Calculator for revenue calculations

Start with a quick poll: ask students which recent social trend has most changed their own purchasing habits. Connect this to their prior knowledge of market segmentation and external influences. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to identify key trends, assess their impact on business decisions, and justify strategic responses.

1. Do‑now (5'): Students list three recent social or demographic changes they have observed; brief whole‑class share (checks prior knowledge).
2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Present key social and demographic trends using slides and the provided table; note‑taking encouraged.
3. Case study analysis (15'): In pairs, examine the Apple, Unilever, and Japan “Silver Economy” examples; identify which business decisions were affected (guided questions).
4. Quantitative activity (10'): Using supplied data, calculate the revenue change when a retailer’s target age group shifts; discuss implications.
5. Strategic response brainstorming (10'): Groups propose a strategic adjustment (product, marketing, HR) for a chosen trend and present their ideas.
6. Plenary (5'): Recap key points and collect an exit ticket – one actionable recommendation for a business facing an ageing population.

Summarise how social and demographic trends drive strategic choices across the marketing mix and HR. Collect the exit tickets to reinforce the link between analysis and recommendation. For homework, ask students to research a current trend in their community and prepare a brief report on its potential business impact.