Chapter 3

Dan has been directed to study the forces close to a company that affect its ability to serve its customers, such as the company, suppliers, marketing intermediaries, customer markets, competitors, and publics. In this instance, Dan has been directed to study the ________ of the company.

• macroenvironment

• microenvironment

• technological environment

• political environment

Which of the following terms is used to describe the actors and forces outside marketing that affect marketing management's ability to build and maintain successful relationships with target customers?

• marketing environment

• marketing orientation

• strategic planning

• target markets

A consumer organization in Ohio has challenged the marketing decision of a local firm alleging it to be against the larger social interest. In this instance, the firm is challenged by a(n) ________ public.

• internal

• general

• government

• citizen-action

The interrelated departments within a company that influence marketing decisions form the ________ environment.

• cultural

• economic

• company

• political

________ help companies stock and move goods from their points of origin to their destinations.

• retailers

• physical distribution firm

• marketing service agency

• resellers

________ include banks, credit companies, insurance companies, and other businesses that help insure against the risks associated with the buying and selling of goods.

• Financial intermediaries

• Physical distribution firms

• Resellers

• Wholeselers

Companies can succeed against their competitors by all of the following except ________.

• providing greater customer value and satisfaction

• better meeting the needs of target customers

• positioning their offerings strongly against competitors' offerings in the minds of consumers

• providing the same product as the competition

Maria works for Sigma Inc., a firm that helps companies target and promote their products to the right markets. Sigma is most likely a ________.

• financial intermediary

• physical distribution firm

• marketing services agency

• reseller

The economic environment consists of economic factors that affect ________.

• cultural patterns of communities

• entrepreneurial orientation of a population

• the quality of technological innovation

• consumer purchasing power

Which of the following demographic trends is the most likely cause for a rapid increase in telecommuting?

• the migration toward micropolitan and suburban areas

• the migration from rural to metropolitan areas

• the increasing number of traditional households

• the growing percentage of married couples who do not have children