Exercise 1

These are just my opinion based on what I read in the case.

1. How likely is it that you would authorize the funds required to launch the new product? (choose one)
Definitely would Even Definitely would
not authorize Chance authorize
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Like I said before, the liability of the product not working makes me reluctant to launch the product. If the a customer buys the product and it doesn't work when it needs to, then Exxel may not only lose money, but it might also lose market share and brand equity.


2. How likely is it that you would conduct additional marketing research before authorizing the funds required to launch the new product? (choose one)
Definitely Even Definitely
would not Chance would
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

I think the market has been tested, but I'm not going to rule out market testing all together.

3. How likely is it that you would conduct additional technical tests before authorizing the funds required to launch the new product? (choose one)
Definitely Even Definitely
would not Chance would
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

I would test the product randomly throughout the production process to ensure that the product is meeting the specific standards.

Let me know your opinions and thoughts.

~Kendra

Collaboration software

Hi All,

I found this software called "Employee Suggestion Box" which is being marketed as an online collaboration suite. It consists of 4 components - Idea Center, Opinion Polls, Brainstorming Forums and finally Project Center. Employees of a company can be encouraged to use this online software to bring an idea to fruition from the grassroots level. They can use the idea center module to put forth a concept (anonymous option is also available!) Management can sift through several ideas to identify the most promising ones. Opinion polls are used to generate discussion among all employees in the company regarding an idea. Brainstorming Forums are used to collect feedback and suggestions for implementing the idea and finally Project Center is used to collaboratively manage the projects that employees themselves have come up with.

Thus, management can encourage employees to create a concept, bring it to life and even actively manage its execution.

Assignment

Here are the numerical facts that I saw in the case:

"Top management has mandated that new thermostat devices must be able to achieve an actual market share of 30 percent and must be profitable."

"Projected annual profits: ............................. $0.5 million
Projected market share: ............................... 25% "

I think there is a market for the product because it states that it will be 65% more reliable. I'm not sure if there should be more testing done on the product because there is such a big liability associated with it if it doesn't work properly. Based on the numbers alone, I'm skeptical about launching.

Any thoughts?

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Test

S535.

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