Which of the following elements is NOT one of the four Ps of the marketing mix?

The concept of the marketing mix is foundational in marketing strategies, traditionally encapsulated by the four Ps: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. Each of these elements plays a crucial role in guiding businesses on how to effectively bring their products or services to market and to meet customer needs.

The correct choice is the term "People," which is not part of the original four Ps framework. While "People" does hold significance in modern marketing discussions—particularly in service marketing, where customer experience and interactions are paramount—it was not one of the original categories identified by marketing theorists in the 1960s. This concept is often expanded in contemporary frameworks, such as the seven Ps, where "People" becomes one of the additional elements alongside Process and Physical evidence, reflecting the evolution of marketing strategies to adapt to various industries and customer interactions.

In summary, "People" is not included in the four Ps of the marketing mix, emphasizing that while the concept is relevant and important in certain contexts, it does not belong to the original framework established for understanding and implementing marketing strategies.