ITPEC FE Subject A April 2025 Question 50

Source exam: ITPEC FE Subject A April 2025Topic: Management Strategy

ITPEC FE Subject A April 2025 — Question 50 of 60

The four Product Life Cycle (PLC) stages and their key signals:

StageKey characteristic
IntroductionDemand is occasional; must create new demand
GrowthMarket recognizes value; sales rise; expand product line and distribution
MaturityDemand peaks; intense competition; differentiation and cost-cutting
DeclineDemand falls; companies exit; consider alternative markets

Growth stage = market starts to understand the product's value → expand distribution channels and product line → increase in sales → requires continued investment.

Why not others:
- (a) Decline — demand decreases, companies withdraw, alternative market migration considered

- (b) Introduction — demand is occasional, key is exploiting new demand, niche market focus

- (c) Maturity — demand peaks, competition intensifies, differentiation and cost reduction become priorities

Key rule: Growth = rising sales + market expansion + investment needed. Maturity = peak demand + competition. Don't confuse them.

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