1.
The product life cycle:
Correct Answer
A. Describes the stages a new product idea goes through from beginning to end.
Explanation
The product life cycle is a concept that describes the stages a new product idea goes through from its introduction to the market until its decline or discontinuation. It encompasses five major stages: introduction, growth, maturity, saturation, and decline. This concept applies more to individual brands rather than categories or types of products. Furthermore, the product life cycle demonstrates that sales and profits of a product tend to move together over time.
2.
As a product moves into the market maturity stage of the product life cycle:
Correct Answer
A. Consumers tend to view products as being more similar.
Explanation
In the market maturity stage of the product life cycle, consumers tend to view products as being more similar. This is because by this stage, most competitors have entered the market and have developed similar products to meet the needs of the target market. As a result, consumers perceive less differentiation between products and may base their purchasing decisions on factors such as price, brand reputation, or convenience. This shift in consumer perception highlights the need for companies to differentiate their products through effective marketing strategies to maintain a competitive edge.
3.
When thinking about the product life cycle, a good manager knows that:
Correct Answer
D. A product that is mature in one market may be in the growth stage in another international market.
Explanation
A product that is mature in one market may be in the growth stage in another international market because different markets have different levels of demand and adoption rates. While a product may have reached its peak and started to decline in one market, it may still be experiencing growth and gaining market share in another market where it is relatively new. This highlights the importance of considering international expansion as a strategy to extend the life cycle of a product and maximize its profitability.
4.
It is easy for marketing managers to predict how long a product or brand will stay in each stage of the product life cycle.
Correct Answer
B. False.
Explanation
Marketing managers cannot accurately predict how long a product or brand will stay in each stage of the product life cycle. The duration of each stage can vary depending on various factors such as market conditions, competition, consumer preferences, and technological advancements. While marketing managers can make educated guesses based on market research and historical data, there are too many variables involved to make precise predictions. Therefore, the statement is false.
5.
Which statement is true about a product in the sales decline stage of the product life cycle?
Correct Answer
B. A declining product may still be profitable for some time so a gradual pHase-out may be appropriate.
Explanation
In the sales decline stage of the product life cycle, a product's sales are decreasing. However, it doesn't necessarily mean that the product is no longer profitable. It may still generate profits for some time before becoming unprofitable. Therefore, instead of immediately phasing out the product, a gradual phase-out may be more appropriate. This allows the company to continue benefiting from the product's profitability while also preparing for its eventual discontinuation.
6.
Which of the following statements about the commercialization stage of the new-product development process is FALSE?
Correct Answer
A. A firm should always rollout the product to the entire target market at one time.
Explanation
The correct answer is that a firm should always rollout the product to the entire target market at one time. This statement is false because there are different strategies for product rollout, such as phased rollout or regional rollout, depending on the company's resources, market conditions, and target audience. Rolling out a product to the entire target market at once may not be feasible or effective in some cases.
7.
National Family Opinion (NFO) contacts several hundred members of its consumer panel and provides them with a printed description of a new chewing gum and its package. Consumers are then given a survey containing several multiple-choice questions about their attitudes toward the new product, based on what they read in the description. The final survey question asks consumers to indicate the likelihood that they would purchase the product. NFO seems to be conducting a:
Correct Answer
B. Concept test.
Explanation
The correct answer is concept test because NFO is presenting a description of a new chewing gum and its package to consumers and asking them multiple-choice questions about their attitudes toward the product based on the description. This type of test is typically done to gather feedback and assess consumer interest and acceptance of a new concept or idea before it is fully developed or launched in the market.
8.
Testing of new product concepts in a group of a targeted segment of the market is called
Correct Answer
B. Concept testing
Explanation
Concept testing refers to the process of evaluating new product concepts or ideas within a specific group or segment of the market. This involves gathering feedback, opinions, and reactions from potential consumers to determine the viability and potential success of the concept. By conducting concept testing, companies can gain insights into consumer preferences, identify areas for improvement, and make informed decisions about whether to proceed with the development and launch of a new product. It helps in reducing the risk of failure and ensuring that the final product meets the needs and expectations of the target market.
9.
What is a ‘branded house’?
Correct Answer
D. A single master brand which spans a set of sub-brands
Explanation
A branded house refers to a single master brand that encompasses a group of sub-brands. In this branding strategy, the parent brand is prominent and all the sub-brands are linked to it. The sub-brands benefit from the reputation and recognition of the master brand, creating a cohesive and unified brand identity. This approach allows for consistent messaging and a clear brand hierarchy, making it easier for consumers to associate the sub-brands with the parent brand.
10.
Why do many advertisements contain a pack shot?
Correct Answer
A. It is to help customers to recognize the packaging and remember the message of the advert.
Explanation
Many advertisements contain a pack shot to help customers recognize the packaging and remember the message of the advert. By including an image of the product's packaging, it creates a visual association in the minds of the customers, making it easier for them to identify the product later on. Additionally, seeing the packaging reinforces the message of the advert, ensuring that customers remember both the product and the advertisement itself. This helps to increase brand recognition and recall, ultimately leading to potential sales.