Topic 5.5 Product life cycle

What is an advantage of obsolescence to the consumer?

• Cheaper products

• Safer products

• More innovative products

• More durable products

Name one advantage of USB-C ports over USB-A ports.

• USB-C ports allow for faster data transfer speeds compared to USB-A.

• USB-C ports are only compatible with older devices.

• USB-C ports require special drivers to function.

• USB-C ports can only be used for charging, not data transfer.

Which of the following types of obsolescence will occur with the USB-A?

• I and II only

• I and III only

• II and III only

• I, II and III

At which stage of a product’s life cycle are sales consistent?

• A. Introduction

• B. Growth

• C. Maturity

• D. Decline

Planned obsolescence is used to…

• prevent radical changes in new products.

• reduce the consumption of resources.

• ensure new models of the product are sold.

• prevent products from becoming iconic.

Marco Maran’s X3 Chair is elegant, flexible, strong and manufactured using innovative technologies. The chair is widely used in restaurants due to its low price and its particular characteristics. The price is approximately US$50.

The seat and back of the chair is created by bio-injection moulding. The chair is manufactured from a clear polycarbonate called Desmopan®.

Desmopan® is a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer which has the strength of polyurethane, but the characteristics of rubber. The geometric arrangement in the structure gives the chair a distinctive look, structural strength and performance characteristics that many consumers like.

Which material is used to manufacture the X3 Chair?

• Polypropylene

• Desmopan®

• Acrylic

• Polyethylene

A company charges different prices for different models of the same product. What is the business practice the company is applying?

• Competitive pricing

• Product versioning

• Price variation

• Product generations

Which of the following describes the maturity phase in the product cycle?

• I and II only

• I and III only

• II and III only

• I, II and III

Apple has created multiple generations of their iPod, iPhone and iPad products. What is this strategy known as?

• Adaptation

• Product championing

• Chance

• Product versioning

State one relative advantage of the BIC Cristal ballpoint pen over the fountain pen.

• does not need to be refilled; the body/barrel is transparent/can see the amount of ink left; simple to use; cheaper; lightweight (no need to carry the ink bottle)

• requires frequent refilling; ink is expensive; difficult to use; heavy to carry

• needs a special type of paper; cannot be used for long writing sessions; easily leaks ink

• must be stored upright; ink dries out quickly; not suitable for everyday use