Which of the following is the correct order of stages that a buyer is assumed to pass through, by the four classic response hierarchy models?

Which of the following is the correct order of stages that a buyer is assumed to pass through, by the four classic response hierarchy models?



A) cognitive stage-affective stage-behavioral stage
B) affective stage-cognitive stage-behavioral stage
C) behavioral stage-affective stage-cognitive stage
D) cognitive stage-behavioral stage-affective stage
E) affective stage-behavioral stage-cognitive stage


Answer: A

The starting point in planning marketing communications is a ________ that profiles all interactions customers in the target market may have with the company and all its products and services.

The starting point in planning marketing communications is a ________ that profiles all interactions customers in the target market may have with the company and all its products and services.



A) marketing budget
B) communications audit
C) market research program
D) publicity campaign
E) product launch


Answer:B

Which of the following elements of the marketing communications mix involves face-to-face interaction with one or more prospective purchasers for the purpose of making presentations, answering questions, and procuring orders?

Which of the following elements of the marketing communications mix involves face-to-face interaction with one or more prospective purchasers for the purpose of making presentations, answering questions, and procuring orders?



A) advertising
B) sales promotion
C) word-of-mouth marketing
D) public relations
E) personal selling


Answer:E

______ is an element of the marketing communications mix that involves people-to-people oral, written, or electronic communications that relate to the merits or experiences of purchasing or using products or services.

______ is an element of the marketing communications mix that involves people-to-people oral, written, or electronic communications that relate to the merits or experiences of purchasing or using products or services.



A) Personal selling
B) Sales promotion
C) Word-of-mouth marketing
D) Public relations
E) Advertising


Answer:C

______ is an element of the marketing communications mix that involves online activities and programs designed to engage customers or prospects and directly or indirectly raise awareness, improve image, or elicit sales of products and services.

______ is an element of the marketing communications mix that involves online activities and programs designed to engage customers or prospects and directly or indirectly raise awareness, improve image, or elicit sales of products and services.



A) Personal selling
B) Direct marketing
C) Sales promotion
D) Interactive marketing
E) Public relations


Answer:D

Which of the following elements of the marketing communication mix involves use of mail, telephone, fax, e-mail, or Internet to communicate with or solicit response or dialogue from specific customers and prospects?

Which of the following elements of the marketing communication mix involves use of mail, telephone, fax, e-mail, or Internet to communicate with or solicit response or dialogue from specific customers and prospects?



A) advertising
B) personal selling
C) direct marketing
D) public relations
E) sales promotion


Answer:C

Which of the following elements of the marketing communications mix includes a variety of programs directed internally to employees of the company or externally to consumers, other firms, the government, and media to promote or protect a company's image or its individual product communications?

Which of the following elements of the marketing communications mix includes a variety of programs directed internally to employees of the company or externally to consumers, other firms, the government, and media to promote or protect a company's image or its individual product communications?



A) direct marketing
B) public relations and publicity
C) personal selling
D) advertising
E) sales promotion


Answer:B

_____ refer to the marketing communications element that involves company-sponsored activities and programs designed to create daily or special brand-related interactions with consumers.

_____ refer to the marketing communications element that involves company-sponsored activities and programs designed to create daily or special brand-related interactions with consumers.



A) Publicity campaigns
B) Trade promotions
C) Advertisements
D) Public relations
E) Events and experiences


Answer:E

Which of the following elements of the marketing communications mix refers to any paid form of nonpersonal presentation and promotion of ideas, goods, or services by an identified sponsor via print, broadcast, network, electronic, and display media?

Which of the following elements of the marketing communications mix refers to any paid form of nonpersonal presentation and promotion of ideas, goods, or services by an identified sponsor via print, broadcast, network, electronic, and display media?



A) advertising
B) personal selling
C) sales promotion
D) direct marketing
E) public relations


Answer:A

M-commerce refers to ________.

M-commerce refers to ________.



A) conducting business using mobile channels
B) the use of mass media communications to attract customers
C) providing mobile and on-site services to customers
D) the use of a specific medium to communicate with prospects
E) using the Internet as a medium for doing business


Answer:A

Which of the following is a major threat facing the brick-and-mortar manufacturers when they add an e-commerce channel?

Which of the following is a major threat facing the brick-and-mortar manufacturers when they add an e-commerce channel?



A) It creates the possibility of a backlash from the existing intermediaries.
B) It increases the likelihood of product cannibalization.
C) Successful implementation leads to a significant increase in operational costs.
D) It significantly increases the resource requirements of the organization.
E) E-commerce channels often have low potential for attracting customers.


Answer:A

Exxon Consulting, works as an agent on behalf of business consumers to collect information on various industrial products. When faced with buying decisions, businesses can approach Exxon to obtain detailed information on the various options available to them. The company earns revenue by selling such information to various customers. Exxon Consulting can be called a(n) ________.

Exxon Consulting, works as an agent on behalf of business consumers to collect information on various industrial products. When faced with buying decisions, businesses can approach Exxon to obtain detailed information on the various options available to them. The company earns revenue by selling such information to various customers. Exxon Consulting can be called a(n) ________.



A) infomediary
B) market maker
C) customer community
D) third party arbitrator
E) informant


Answer:A

JSE Securities Exchange is the largest stock exchange in Africa. The JSE provides a market where securities can be traded freely under a regulated procedure. The company acts as an intermediary between the traders. JSE is an example of a(n) ________.

JSE Securities Exchange is the largest stock exchange in Africa. The JSE provides a market where securities can be traded freely under a regulated procedure. The company acts as an intermediary between the traders. JSE is an example of a(n) ________.



A) internal broker
B) infomediary
C) customer community
D) market maker
E) third party arbitrator


Answer:D

Which of the following is the most complete and accurate description of a pure-click company?

Which of the following is the most complete and accurate description of a pure-click company?



A) These are companies that launch a Web site without any previous existence as a firm.
B) These firms' business models are based on advertising revenue.
C) These are established companies that have an online site for selling products.
D) These companies get paid every time a user visits their Web site.
E) These companies sell online space to other Web sites and are paid for the service.


Answer:A

RX Corp. is a large manufacturer of electronic goods and sells its products through distributors and retailers. In order to keep pace with the growing use of the Internet, the company decides to start selling online. The company faces stiff opposition from its retailers as they believe that this will significantly reduce their profits. The company attempts to eliminate this resistance by offering its retailers commissions for processing and delivering orders received via the Web. This is an example of which of the following conflict resolution strategies?

RX Corp. is a large manufacturer of electronic goods and sells its products through distributors and retailers. In order to keep pace with the growing use of the Internet, the company decides to start selling online. The company faces stiff opposition from its retailers as they believe that this will significantly reduce their profits. The company attempts to eliminate this resistance by offering its retailers commissions for processing and delivering orders received via the Web. This is an example of which of the following conflict resolution strategies?



A) dual compensation
B) joint membership
C) arbitration
D) co-option
E) strategic pricing


Answer:A

General Motors' executives work for a short time in some dealerships, and some dealership owners work in GM's dealer policy department. This strategy helps the company avoid conflicts with its dealers. This is an example of the ________ strategy.

General Motors' executives work for a short time in some dealerships, and some dealership owners work in GM's dealer policy department. This strategy helps the company avoid conflicts with its dealers. This is an example of the ________ strategy.



A) employee exchange
B) dual compensation
C) joint membership
D) co-optation
E) diplomacy


Answer:A

A manufacturer wants to achieve rapid market penetration through a low-price policy. However, its dealers prefer to work with high margins and pursue short-run profitability. The major reason for this conflict is ________.

A manufacturer wants to achieve rapid market penetration through a low-price policy. However, its dealers prefer to work with high margins and pursue short-run profitability. The major reason for this conflict is ________.



A) goal incompatibility
B) unclear roles
C) ambiguous rights
D) differences in perception
E) dependence on the manufacturer


Answer:A

Alcart Solutions is a large distributor of Aldor phones in Canada. The company distributes products to various retailers in the New Brunswick province. Recently Aldor received several complaints from its retailers that their orders are not delivered on time. They also complain that Alcart offers preferential treatment to some of the other retailers in the region. This is an example of ________ conflict.

Alcart Solutions is a large distributor of Aldor phones in Canada. The company distributes products to various retailers in the New Brunswick province. Recently Aldor received several complaints from its retailers that their orders are not delivered on time. They also complain that Alcart offers preferential treatment to some of the other retailers in the region. This is an example of ________ conflict.



A) multichannel
B) horizontal
C) vertical
D) intermediate
E) parallel


Answer:C

Which of the following is a major advantage of adding more channels for selling?

Which of the following is a major advantage of adding more channels for selling?



A) It helps the company increase its market coverage.
B) It helps the company reduce its fixed costs.
C) It reduces the likelihood of channel conflict.
D) It is the best strategy for selling low-involvement consumer products.
E) It results in economies of scale.


Answer:A

In a retailer cooperative, ________.

In a retailer cooperative, ________.



A) profits are equally divided among members
B) members plan their advertising jointly
C) nonmembers cannot buy through the co-op
D) members rely on distribution programming
E) members standardize their selling practices


Answer:B

A group of small sellers take the initiative and organize a new business entity to carry on wholesaling and possibly some production. This initiative is called a(n) ________.

A group of small sellers take the initiative and organize a new business entity to carry on wholesaling and possibly some production. This initiative is called a(n) ________.



A) retailer cooperative
B) franchise organization
C) area-based cartel
D) sponsored voluntary chain
E) alternate selling channel


Answer:A

A(n) ________ VMS consists of independent firms at different levels of production and distribution, integrating their programs on a contractual basis to obtain more economies or sales impact than they could achieve alone.

A(n) ________ VMS consists of independent firms at different levels of production and distribution, integrating their programs on a contractual basis to obtain more economies or sales impact than they could achieve alone.



A) administered
B) contractual
C) corporate
D) regulated
E) referent


Answer:B

What is the major difference between a conventional marketing channel and a vertical marketing system (VMS)?

What is the major difference between a conventional marketing channel and a vertical marketing system (VMS)?



A) Elements in a conventional marketing channel act as separate businesses whereas the elements in a VMS act as a unified system.
B) A VMS has many intermediaries whereas a conventional marketing channel has a limited number of intermediaries.
C) A VMS is characterized by an independent producer whereas a conventional marketing channel is characterized by multiple producers.
D) A conventional marketing channel has elements such as retailers and wholesalers whereas these elements are not present in a VMS.
E) Producers have complete control over the other members in a conventional marketing channel whereas this control is minimal in a VMS.


Answer:A

A producer must modify its channel design and arrangements if ________.

A producer must modify its channel design and arrangements if ________.



A) consumer buying patterns change
B) the competition in the market stabilizes
C) the product is in the growth stage of its life cycle
D) the market size remains unchanged for a particular period
E) the firm's profits stabilize


Answer:A

Who will most likely be willing to pay for high-value-added channels?

Who will most likely be willing to pay for high-value-added channels?



A) early buyers of a product
B) internal customers of a company
C) small and matured buyers of an industry
D) consumers of low involvement products
E) repeat customers of a product


Answer:A

Hewlett-Packard is a highly respected brand. Many retailers want to be associated with the brand because of this reputation. What kind of power does Hewlett-Packard obtain due to this reputation?

Hewlett-Packard is a highly respected brand. Many retailers want to be associated with the brand because of this reputation. What kind of power does Hewlett-Packard obtain due to this reputation?



A) referent
B) functional
C) legitimate
D) coercive
E) reward


Answer:A

A manufacturer is using legitimate power when it ________.

A manufacturer is using legitimate power when it ________.



A) requests a behavior that is warranted under the selling contract
B) threatens to withdraw a resource or terminate a relationship
C) offers intermediaries an extra benefit for performing specific acts or functions
D) makes the intermediaries sell more of a particular product by offering rewards
E) sells more products by making use of its reputation in the market


Answer: A

Which of the following problems is most likely when a sales agency is used instead of company salespeople?

Which of the following problems is most likely when a sales agency is used instead of company salespeople?




A) The company will find it difficult to control the sales process.
B) They do not take title to goods or negotiate purchases or sales.
C) The value-added per sale is the lowest for sales agencies.
D) Agencies will pay less attention to customers who buy the most or in large volumes.
E) Sales agencies are often difficult to access due to strict contractual obligations.


Answer: A

Which of the following is a major disadvantage of using the Internet as a marketing channel?

Which of the following is a major disadvantage of using the Internet as a marketing channel?



A) It is less effective for complex products.
B) It lacks convenience and practicality.
C) It cannot be used to reach a wide audience.
D) It is considered expensive.
E) It causes the company to lose direct contact with customers.


Answer: A

Atburex is a furniture manufacturing company in the United States. The company provides a sixty day credit period and EMI options to customers and also offers on-site delivery and installation. These special benefits refer to which of the following service outputs?

Atburex is a furniture manufacturing company in the United States. The company provides a sixty day credit period and EMI options to customers and also offers on-site delivery and installation. These special benefits refer to which of the following service outputs?



A) good service backup
B) large product variety
C) spatial convenience
D) large lot size
E) short waiting time


Answer: A

As a service output produced by marketing channels, product variety refers to the ________.

As a service output produced by marketing channels, product variety refers to the ________.



A) units the channel permits a customer to purchase at once
B) assortment provided by the marketing channel
C) add-on services provided by the channel
D) ability of a product to provide incremental value
E) degree to which the channel makes it easy for customers to purchase a product


Answer: B

Toyota has an advantage over Lexus due to the fact that there are more Toyota dealers, which helps customers save on transportation and search costs in buying and repairing an automobile. Which of the following service outputs relates to this competitive advantage?

Toyota has an advantage over Lexus due to the fact that there are more Toyota dealers, which helps customers save on transportation and search costs in buying and repairing an automobile. Which of the following service outputs relates to this competitive advantage?



A) spatial convenience
B) service backup
C) lot size
D) waiting time
E) delivery time


Answer: A

A direct marketing channel is a ________.

A direct marketing channel is a ________.



A) one-level channel
B) two-level channel
C) zero-level channel
D) three-level channel
E) reverse-flow channel


Answer: C

Which of the following is an example of a zero-level channel?

Which of the following is an example of a zero-level channel?



A) A company takes online orders from customers and ships the products to them.
B) An organization uses a combination of direct salespeople and sales agencies to increase sales.
C) A company sells its products through wholesalers and retailers.
D) A company sells its products through chains of supermarkets and other large sellers.
E) A large company forms alliances with smaller companies to increase sales coverage.


Answer: A

Producers often shift some functions to intermediaries. Which of the following is the most significant benefit of doing this?

Producers often shift some functions to intermediaries. Which of the following is the most significant benefit of doing this?



A) It increases customer loyalty.
B) It provides the producer with greater control over operations.
C) It reduces the amount of direct customer interaction.
D) It lowers the producer's costs and prices.
E) It ensures greater information security.


Answer: D

Which of the following channel functions constitute only a backward flow?

Which of the following channel functions constitute only a backward flow?



A) movement of physical goods
B) placing orders with manufacturers
C) persuasive communication
D) storage of physical goods
E) overseeing actual transfer of ownership


Answer: B

Which of the following is the most accurate description of a value network?

Which of the following is the most accurate description of a value network?



A) A system of partnerships and alliances that a firm creates to source, augment, and deliver its offerings.
B) A system of organizations and resources involved in moving a product from supplier to customer.
C) An arrangement whereby an organization transforms inputs into finished goods.
D) A network that allows an organization take the finished products to the end-users.
E) A communication network that allows an organization to transfer information to end-customers.


Answer: A

A computer manufacturing company allows customers to place orders online, which they can later pick up from a convenient retail location. Which of the following terms best represents this practice?

A computer manufacturing company allows customers to place orders online, which they can later pick up from a convenient retail location. Which of the following terms best represents this practice?



A) channel integration
B) mass customization
C) online personalization
D) push strategy
E) internal marketing


Answer: A

Using the push strategy is most appropriate when ________.

Using the push strategy is most appropriate when ________.



A) consumers are able to perceive differences between brands
B) the product being sold is an impulse item
C) there is high brand loyalty for the product
D) the product is a high involvement purchase
E) consumers choose the brand before they go to the store


Answer: B

When is a pull strategy appropriate?

When is a pull strategy appropriate?



A) when there is low brand loyalty
B) when consumers are able to perceive differences between brands
C) when brand choice is made in the store
D) when it is a low involvement purchase
E) when the product is an impulse item


Answer: B

Spike Inc. is a sportswear manufacturer that recently launched its new line of customizable running shoes. The shoes come with a digital component that allows them to adapt to the runner's biomechanics. To promote this new product, Spike launches an advertising campaign and also ropes in a famous athlete to endorse the product. This is an example of a ________.

Spike Inc. is a sportswear manufacturer that recently launched its new line of customizable running shoes. The shoes come with a digital component that allows them to adapt to the runner's biomechanics. To promote this new product, Spike launches an advertising campaign and also ropes in a famous athlete to endorse the product. This is an example of a ________.



A) trade promotion
B) reverse flow
C) push strategy
D) pull strategy
E) backward flow


Answer: D

Total Beverages, a maker of fruit juices and health drinks, recently launched a new brand of packaged drinking water called AquaPure. In order to induce distributors to carry the product, Total offers all its intermediaries a free refrigerator to store bottles of AquaPure. This is an example of a ________.

Total Beverages, a maker of fruit juices and health drinks, recently launched a new brand of packaged drinking water called AquaPure. In order to induce distributors to carry the product, Total offers all its intermediaries a free refrigerator to store bottles of AquaPure. This is an example of a ________.



A) consumer promotion
B) push strategy
C) backward flow
D) reverse flow
E) pull strategy


Answer: B

A manufacturer uses the company's sales force and trade promotions to carry, promote, and sell products to end users. Which of the following strategies is this manufacturer using?

A manufacturer uses the company's sales force and trade promotions to carry, promote, and sell products to end users. Which of the following strategies is this manufacturer using?



A) personalization strategy
B) tailoring strategy
C) push strategy
D) pull strategy
E) consumer promotion strategy


Answer: C

When Johnson Controls reached beyond its climate control equipment and components business to manage integrated facilities by offering products and services that optimize energy use, it was said to be providing ________.

When Johnson Controls reached beyond its climate control equipment and components business to manage integrated facilities by offering products and services that optimize energy use, it was said to be providing ________.



A) facilitating services
B) a primary service package
C) value-augmenting services
D) service contracts
E) service warranties


Answer: C

Expensive equipment manufacturers not only install the equipment but also train the staff and undertake the maintenance and repair activities of the equipment. By doing so, they are providing ________.

Expensive equipment manufacturers not only install the equipment but also train the staff and undertake the maintenance and repair activities of the equipment. By doing so, they are providing ________.



A) payment equity
B) value-augmenting services
C) differential pricing
D) facilitating services
E) a primary service package


Answer: D

Regular maintenance and repair costs are known as ________.

Regular maintenance and repair costs are known as ________.



A) service contract costs
B) out-of-pocket costs
C) fixed costs
D) facilitating services costs
E) value-augmentation costs


Answer: B

A ________ refers to any place at which a company seeks to manage a relationship with a customer, whether through people, technology, or some combination of the two.

A ________ refers to any place at which a company seeks to manage a relationship with a customer, whether through people, technology, or some combination of the two.



A) customer-service interface
B) product-customer interface
C) tangible user interface
D) attentive user interface
E) crossing-based interface


Answer: A

According to the dynamic process model, two different types of expectations have opposite effects on perceptions of service quality. One of these is that ________.

According to the dynamic process model, two different types of expectations have opposite effects on perceptions of service quality. One of these is that ________.



A) increasing customer expectations of what the firm will deliver improve the perceptions of overall service quality
B) increasing customer expectations of what the firm will deliver decrease the perceptions of overall service quality
C) decreasing customer expectations of what the firm should deliver decrease the perceptions of overall service quality
D) decreasing customer expectations of what the firm will deliver improve the perceptions of overall service quality
E) increasing customer expectations of what the firm should deliver improve the perceptions of overall service quality


Answer: A

The zone of ________ is a range where a service dimension is deemed satisfactory, anchored by the minimum level consumers are willing to accept and the level they believe can and should be delivered.

The zone of ________ is a range where a service dimension is deemed satisfactory, anchored by the minimum level consumers are willing to accept and the level they believe can and should be delivered.



A) immunity
B) tolerance
C) reliability
D) assurance
E) flexibility


Answer: B

Leo's manager has asked him and his teammates to demonstrate caring towards customers. They are instructed to learn the customers' names, and use the customers' names while interacting with them. Repeat customers should get special attention, and the team members should remember their preferences and habits. The manager is asking the team to be ________.

Leo's manager has asked him and his teammates to demonstrate caring towards customers. They are instructed to learn the customers' names, and use the customers' names while interacting with them. Repeat customers should get special attention, and the team members should remember their preferences and habits. The manager is asking the team to be ________.



A) assuring
B) candid
C) empathetic
D) reliable
E) responsive


Answer: C

Josh gets his bike serviced at Dean's Garage even though there's another garage much closer to home. He prefers Dean's because the work is usually done quickly and the staff try to solve the issues with the bike as soon as possible. Dean's Garage excels at which of the following five determinants of service quality?

Josh gets his bike serviced at Dean's Garage even though there's another garage much closer to home. He prefers Dean's because the work is usually done quickly and the staff try to solve the issues with the bike as soon as possible. Dean's Garage excels at which of the following five determinants of service quality?



A) reliability
B) responsiveness
C) assurance
D) empathy
E) tangibles


Answer: B

The customer service representatives at G.K.'s customer service center must know as much about the products as possible, so that they can help the customers solve their difficulties without sounding hesitant or unsure of themselves. Which of the following determinants of service quality are they being asked to demonstrate?

The customer service representatives at G.K.'s customer service center must know as much about the products as possible, so that they can help the customers solve their difficulties without sounding hesitant or unsure of themselves. Which of the following determinants of service quality are they being asked to demonstrate?



A) responsiveness
B) assurance
C) empathy
D) reliability
E) tangibility


Answer: B

When Aaron went to his doctor for his annual checkup, he was asked to undergo a number of tests. Although the doctor assured Aaron that the tests were routine, Aaron thinks that the doctor is hiding a grave problem from him. What kind of a gap is apparent here?

When Aaron went to his doctor for his annual checkup, he was asked to undergo a number of tests. Although the doctor assured Aaron that the tests were routine, Aaron thinks that the doctor is hiding a grave problem from him. What kind of a gap is apparent here?



A) gap between perceived service and expected service
B) gap between service delivery and external communications
C) gap between service-quality specifications and service delivery
D) gap between management perception and service-quality specification
E) gap between consumer expectation and management perception


Answer: A

Which of the following is an example of a gap between service delivery and external communications?

Which of the following is an example of a gap between service delivery and external communications?



A) The employees at GBL have been asked to take time to listen to customers, but they must serve them fast as well.
B) Amanda chose to shop at Alison's Fashions because the store's website offered on-the-spot alterations. However, when she did buy a dress, she had to wait a week to get it altered.
C) Customers at LUX appreciate the personalized services the salespeople offer, but do not like the store design.
D) Clearwater Spa attendants are well-trained in massage therapy and the services they offer, but customers rarely return because they don't like the attendants' impersonal service.
E) When sales dropped, Styx modernized its stores in order to retain customers, but didn't realize that the product quality was the main problem.


Answer: B

The customer service representatives at a call center have been asked to handle each call in not more than five minutes. At the same time, they have been asked to answer all customer queries in detail and provide appropriate solutions. What kind of service gap is apparent here?

The customer service representatives at a call center have been asked to handle each call in not more than five minutes. At the same time, they have been asked to answer all customer queries in detail and provide appropriate solutions. What kind of service gap is apparent here?



A) gap between perceived service and expected service
B) gap between service delivery and external communications
C) gap between service-quality specifications and service delivery
D) gap between management perception and service-quality specification
E) gap between consumer expectation and management perception


Answer: C

The customer service representatives at a call center have been asked to handle each call in not more than five minutes. A recent customer survey by the company revealed that customers appreciate it when employees take the time to answer their questions fully and listen to their grievances. What kind of service gap is apparent here?

The customer service representatives at a call center have been asked to handle each call in not more than five minutes. A recent customer survey by the company revealed that customers appreciate it when employees take the time to answer their questions fully and listen to their grievances. What kind of service gap is apparent here?



A) gap between perceived service and expected service
B) gap between service delivery and external communications
C) gap between service-quality specifications and service delivery
D) gap between management perception and service-quality specification
E) gap between consumer expectation and management perception


Answer: D

MGC Inc. organizes a company-wide picnic once a year. The organizers arranged for the best possible menu thinking that food would be a priority, but the staff were disappointed because the activities were very poorly planned. What kind of a gap is apparent here?

MGC Inc. organizes a company-wide picnic once a year. The organizers arranged for the best possible menu thinking that food would be a priority, but the staff were disappointed because the activities were very poorly planned. What kind of a gap is apparent here?



A) gap between perceived service and expected service
B) gap between service delivery and external communications
C) gap between service-quality specifications and service delivery
D) gap between management perception and service-quality specification
E) gap between consumer expectation and management perception


Answer: E

Dean recently had a BRZ broadband connection installed. However, the connection was bad and he didn't get the quality he required. He contacted BRZ about the problem, but the company did not solve his problem. Dean switched to Blue Broadband. Which of the following was the cause of Dean's switching behavior?

Dean recently had a BRZ broadband connection installed. However, the connection was bad and he didn't get the quality he required. He contacted BRZ about the problem, but the company did not solve his problem. Dean switched to Blue Broadband. Which of the following was the cause of Dean's switching behavior?



A) involuntary switching
B) competition
C) response to service failure
D) service encounter failures
E) inconvenience


Answer: C

Angela switched to a new hair stylist after getting a bad haircut from her previous stylist. This is an example of which of the following factors leading to customer switching behavior?

Angela switched to a new hair stylist after getting a bad haircut from her previous stylist. This is an example of which of the following factors leading to customer switching behavior?



A) service encounter failure
B) core service failure
C) response to service failure
D) involuntary switching
E) competition


Answer: B

Although Brenda previously used the U.S. Postal Service because it offered better prices on package shipping, she now uses only FedEx, because it gives her the facility of shipping from any FedEx Kinkos location 24 hours a day. Which of the following factors led to Brenda's customer switching behavior?

Although Brenda previously used the U.S. Postal Service because it offered better prices on package shipping, she now uses only FedEx, because it gives her the facility of shipping from any FedEx Kinkos location 24 hours a day. Which of the following factors led to Brenda's customer switching behavior?



A) inconvenience
B) pricing
C) response to service failure
D) ethical problems
E) involuntary switching


Answer: A

Customers who view a service as homogeneous ________.

Customers who view a service as homogeneous ________.



A) only patronize a preferred service provider
B) judge services on the basis of the providers
C) care less about the provider than about the price
D) pick a service provider based on functional attributes
E) opt for the service with the highest price, irrespective of quality


Answer: C

Charles Schwab's best customers are instantly directed to customer service representatives, while other customers have to wait longer. Charles Schwab is trying to ________.

Charles Schwab's best customers are instantly directed to customer service representatives, while other customers have to wait longer. Charles Schwab is trying to ________.



A) monitor its service systems
B) empower the customers
C) retain the patronage of profitable customers
D) increase consumer participation
E) standardize the service-performance process


Answer: C

Firms have decided to raise fees and lower service for those customers who barely pay their way and to coddle big spenders to retain their patronage as long as possible. This is an example of organizing customers by ________.

Firms have decided to raise fees and lower service for those customers who barely pay their way and to coddle big spenders to retain their patronage as long as possible. This is an example of organizing customers by ________.



A) retailer convenience
B) profit tiers
C) psychographic characteristics
D) social influence
E) customer preference


Answer: B

In which of the following does a customer respond to the technical quality of a service?

In which of the following does a customer respond to the technical quality of a service?



A) Sara's preferred hair stylist is some miles away, but Sara goes to him because his styles suit her looks.
B) Kathy tries out a new restaurant every week, because she likes to experience the variety.
C) Bill has gone to the same chiropractor for the past fifteen years, because he is friendly and takes the time to listen to Bill.
D) Ray avoids going to the bank as far as possible because the manager is rude and unhelpful.
E) Alex has no interest in theater, but goes often because her best friend loves plays.


Answer: A

Susanna wanted to check out a new salon in her locality, so she decided to go for a hair styling session. She was very happy with the way her stylist connected and related with her concerns. She is judging the service based on its ________.

Susanna wanted to check out a new salon in her locality, so she decided to go for a hair styling session. She was very happy with the way her stylist connected and related with her concerns. She is judging the service based on its ________.



A) promotional marketing
B) functional quality
C) technical quality
D) search qualities
E) external marketing


Answer: B

Often, a service problem arises from a customer's lack of understanding or ineptitude. Which of the following can help to minimize customer failures?

Often, a service problem arises from a customer's lack of understanding or ineptitude. Which of the following can help to minimize customer failures?



A) giving customers exclusive primary service packages
B) redesigning processes to simplify service encounters
C) using differential pricing and shared services
D) minimizing service intangibility
E) working with more customers at the same time


Answer: B

Customers today want separate prices for each service element and they also want the right to select the elements they want. The customers are said to be pressing for ________.

Customers today want separate prices for each service element and they also want the right to select the elements they want. The customers are said to be pressing for ________.



A) complementary services
B) perishable services
C) variable services
D) unbundled services
E) shared services


Answer: D

Which of the following is an example of a complementary service?

Which of the following is an example of a complementary service?



A) Big department stores usually hire extra staff to handle the rush during the holiday season.
B) The Caesar Park Hotel generally caters to business customers during the week, but has now decided to promote minivacation weekends for non-business customers as well.
C) More paramedics are on hand to assist physicians during times when emergency admissions are highest.
D) AXA Bank set up automated teller machines so that its customers could avoid standing in line.
E) Chesterton College hires part-time teachers when enrollment goes up.


Answer: D

Cocktail lounges in restaurants are examples of ________.

Cocktail lounges in restaurants are examples of ________.



A) differential pricing
B) cultivating nonpeak demand
C) complementary services
D) reservation systems
E) shared services


Answer: C

The Caesar Park Hotel generally caters to business customers during the week, but has now decided to promote minivacation weekends for non-business customers as well. What is the Caesar Park Hotel trying to do?

The Caesar Park Hotel generally caters to business customers during the week, but has now decided to promote minivacation weekends for non-business customers as well. What is the Caesar Park Hotel trying to do?



A) It is implementing premium pricing.
B) It is trying to cultivate nonpeak demand.
C) It is promoting complementary services.
D) It is putting reservation systems in place.
E) It is implementing differential pricing.


Answer: B

In which of the following cases is a service provider trying to increase non-peak demand?

In which of the following cases is a service provider trying to increase non-peak demand?



A) A fine dining restaurant is promoting a breakfast service in addition to its popular lunch and dinner options.
B) An upscale restaurant has a cocktail lounge where customers can wait until a table is ready.
C) AXA Bank set up automated teller machines so that its customers could avoid standing in line.
D) Chesterton College hired part-time teachers as enrollment increased significantly.
E) Big department stores usually hire extra staff to handle the rush during the holiday season.


Answer: A

When a theater sells matinee movie tickets at low prices, it aims to shift some demand from the peak to the off-peak period. What is the strategy that the theater is said to be adopting?

When a theater sells matinee movie tickets at low prices, it aims to shift some demand from the peak to the off-peak period. What is the strategy that the theater is said to be adopting?



A) It is providing complementary services.
B) It is increasing peak-time efficiency.
C) It is using linear pricing.
D) It is using differential pricing.
E) It is sharing services.


Answer: D

Jake had an appointment at the doctor's, but couldn't make it on time because he was caught in traffic. By the time he reached the doctor's office, the doctor had already begun with the next patient. This illustrates the ________ of services.

Jake had an appointment at the doctor's, but couldn't make it on time because he was caught in traffic. By the time he reached the doctor's office, the doctor had already begun with the next patient. This illustrates the ________ of services.



A) variability
B) heterogeneity
C) perishability
D) intangibility
E) homogeneity


Answer: C

In order to map out the service process, the points of customer contact, and the evidence of service from the customer's point of view, service firms should develop a ________.

In order to map out the service process, the points of customer contact, and the evidence of service from the customer's point of view, service firms should develop a ________.



A) marketing plan
B) service floor plan
C) Gantt chart
D) business plan
E) service blueprint


Answer: E

Which of the following steps will help service firms to increase their quality control?

Which of the following steps will help service firms to increase their quality control?



A) standardizing the service-performance process
B) providing complementary services to customers
C) giving personnel authority in handling situations
D) adopting differential pricing
E) cultivating nonpeak demand


Answer: A

Which of the following is true regarding services?

Which of the following is true regarding services?



A) Services are typically produced, stored, and then consumed.
B) Services are generally low in experience and credence qualities.
C) Service providers develop similar marketing programs for personal services and business services.
D) There is less risk associated with the purchase of services than with the purchase of goods.
E) Provider-client interaction is a special feature of services marketing.


Answer: E

BRZ Shoes positions itself as a young, adventurous brand. Its logo and brand communication try to give consumers a feeling of excitement and bravery. These ads appeal to the ________ dimension of brand experience.

BRZ Shoes positions itself as a young, adventurous brand. Its logo and brand communication try to give consumers a feeling of excitement and bravery. These ads appeal to the ________ dimension of brand experience.



A) sensory
B) affective
C) behavioral
D) intellectual
E) social


Answer: B

Which of the following is true for services?

Which of the following is true for services?



A) All services are people-based, while goods are equipment-based.
B) Service providers can be both for-profit or nonprofit.
C) All service companies follow the same process to deliver their services.
D) The client's presence is a hindrance during the service delivery process.
E) Service providers develop similar marketing programs for personal services and business services.


Answer: B

A flight with complementary drinks is an example of a ________.

A flight with complementary drinks is an example of a ________.



A) major service with accompanying minor goods and services
B) pure service
C) pure tangible good
D) tangible good with accompanying services
E) hybrid


Answer: A

To which of the following categories of services does a cell phone belong?

To which of the following categories of services does a cell phone belong?



A) major service with accompanying minor services
B) major service with accompanying minor goods
C) pure service
D) pure tangible good
E) tangible good with accompanying services


Answer: E

Which of the following is a characteristic of a service?

Which of the following is a characteristic of a service?



A) It is essentially tangible.
B) It does not result in the ownership of anything.
C) Its production is majorly tied to a physical product.
D) Services are typically produced and consumed at different times.
E) A client's presence is not required for rendering a service.


Answer: B

Which of the following strategies should be adopted by marketers during a recession?

Which of the following strategies should be adopted by marketers during a recession?



A) increase investment on marketing existing products
B) focus on expanding the customer base and not on the retention of existing customers
C) focus primarily on price reductions and discounts
D) concentrate on communicating the brand value and product quality to consumers
E) stick to the budget allocations adopted during the preceding years


Answer: D

An alternate way to increase sales volume is to expand the number of users. This can be done by ________.

An alternate way to increase sales volume is to expand the number of users. This can be done by ________.



A) having consumers use the product on more occasions
B) having consumers use more of the product on each occasion
C) having consumers use the product in new ways
D) remaining in the current market segment
E) attracting competitors' customers


Answer: E

One of the ways to change the course of a brand is to modify the product. Under product modification, ________ adds size, weight, materials, supplements, and accessories that expand the product's performance, versatility, safety, or convenience.

One of the ways to change the course of a brand is to modify the product. Under product modification, ________ adds size, weight, materials, supplements, and accessories that expand the product's performance, versatility, safety, or convenience.



A) feature improvement
B) quality improvement
C) style improvement
D) size improvement
E) technological improvement


Answer: A

Campbell Soups is a newly established company that specializes in preparing healthy but tasty food for children under the age of 5. It is incurring huge productions costs, nonexistent profits, and slow sales growth. The company is in the ________ phase of its life cycle.

Campbell Soups is a newly established company that specializes in preparing healthy but tasty food for children under the age of 5. It is incurring huge productions costs, nonexistent profits, and slow sales growth. The company is in the ________ phase of its life cycle.



A) stagnancy
B) introduction
C) maturity
D) decline
E) growth


Answer: B

A firm that is based in France designs jewelry and takes custom orders from around the world. They do not design more than 15 pieces of jewelry in a year and ensure that each design uses unique stones and is different from the other. Such nichemanship is an example of ________ specialist role.

A firm that is based in France designs jewelry and takes custom orders from around the world. They do not design more than 15 pieces of jewelry in a year and ensure that each design uses unique stones and is different from the other. Such nichemanship is an example of ________ specialist role.



A) customer-size
B) product
C) product-feature
D) job-shop
E) quality-price


Answer: D

A job-shop specialist ________.

A job-shop specialist ________.



A) sells only in a certain locality, region, or area of the world
B) customizes its products for individual customers
C) operates at the low- or high-quality ends of the market
D) offers one or more services not available from other firms
E) specializes in serving only one channel of distribution


Answer: B

A market nicher is considered to be a(n) ________ specialist if the firm specializes in producing a certain type of product or product feature such as, Rent-a-Wreck, that rents only "beat-up" cars.

A market nicher is considered to be a(n) ________ specialist if the firm specializes in producing a certain type of product or product feature such as, Rent-a-Wreck, that rents only "beat-up" cars.



A) end-user
B) vertical-level
C) customer-size
D) channel
E) product-feature


Answer: E

Newman Inc. is a company that manufactures saddles specifically for horses that race in derbies in the U.S. and the UK. Within this context the firm is exhibiting the role of a ________ specialist.

Newman Inc. is a company that manufactures saddles specifically for horses that race in derbies in the U.S. and the UK. Within this context the firm is exhibiting the role of a ________ specialist.



A) vertical-level
B) customer-size
C) product-line
D) job-shop
E) service


Answer: C

The key idea in successful nichemanship is specialization. Which of the following specialists would most closely be identified with the characterization of being an organization that limits its selling to one customer?

The key idea in successful nichemanship is specialization. Which of the following specialists would most closely be identified with the characterization of being an organization that limits its selling to one customer?



A) end-user specialist
B) vertical-level specialist
C) customer-size specialist
D) specific-customer specialist
E) quality-price specialist


Answer: D

Which of the following is true about market-nichers?

Which of the following is true about market-nichers?



A) They are market followers in small markets.
B) They tend to have high manufacturing costs.
C) Their return on investment exceeds that in larger markets.
D) A nicher achieves high volume as against a mass marketer that achieves high margin.
E) They usually experience long-term losses.


Answer: C

As a(n) ________, BurgerJacks, a fast food chain selling low-price burgers, has differentiated on location by setting up base in the Middle East, a market which the current leader of the industry McDonalds has yet not exploited.

As a(n) ________, BurgerJacks, a fast food chain selling low-price burgers, has differentiated on location by setting up base in the Middle East, a market which the current leader of the industry McDonalds has yet not exploited.



A) cloner
B) imitator
C) counterfeiter
D) adapter
E) innovator


Answer: B

In his article, "Innovative Imitation", Theodore Levitt argues that ________.

In his article, "Innovative Imitation", Theodore Levitt argues that ________.



A) imitation is wrong and should be punished
B) product imitation might be as profitable as product innovation
C) innovation is not possible without substantial imitation
D) innovation cannot begin unless dissatisfaction with imitation occurs
E) imitation should be against the law because of the intellectual property decision involved


Answer: B

A(n) ________ is another name for identifying shifts in market segments that are causing gaps to develop, then rushing in to fill the gaps and developing them into strong segments.

A(n) ________ is another name for identifying shifts in market segments that are causing gaps to develop, then rushing in to fill the gaps and developing them into strong segments.



A) frontal attack strategy
B) flanking strategy
C) encircling strategy
D) counteroffensive strategy
E) bypass strategy


Answer: B

Pepsodent launched a new product that could whiten teeth, fight decay, and maintain fresh breath. Observing that Pepsodent did not focus on the dental sensitivity aspect, Colgate introduced a toothpaste which did all of the above and also protected sensitive teeth. This is an example of a(n) ________ attack.

Pepsodent launched a new product that could whiten teeth, fight decay, and maintain fresh breath. Observing that Pepsodent did not focus on the dental sensitivity aspect, Colgate introduced a toothpaste which did all of the above and also protected sensitive teeth. This is an example of a(n) ________ attack.



A) frontal
B) flank
C) guerrilla
D) encirclement
E) bypass


Answer: B

Epic Inc., a firm that produces chairs for offices, uses comparative advertising to inform the consumers that its products offer the same features and quality as the competitor's. This is an example of a(n) ________ attack.

Epic Inc., a firm that produces chairs for offices, uses comparative advertising to inform the consumers that its products offer the same features and quality as the competitor's. This is an example of a(n) ________ attack.



A) guerilla
B) frontal
C) encirclement
D) bypass
E) flank


Answer: B

When "petroleum" companies such as BP sought to recast themselves as "energy" companies, increasing their research into the oil, coal, nuclear, hydroelectric, and chemical industries, these companies were employing a ________ strategy.

When "petroleum" companies such as BP sought to recast themselves as "energy" companies, increasing their research into the oil, coal, nuclear, hydroelectric, and chemical industries, these companies were employing a ________ strategy.



A) preemptive defense
B) counteroffensive defense
C) mobile defense
D) flank defense
E) contraction defense


Answer: C

A marketing manager has planned a strategy that will require the organization to erect outposts to protect its weak front-running brands. In this ________ defense, the outposts will be central to the organization's new competitive strategy.

A marketing manager has planned a strategy that will require the organization to erect outposts to protect its weak front-running brands. In this ________ defense, the outposts will be central to the organization's new competitive strategy.



A) position
B) flank
C) preemptive
D) counteroffensive
E) mobile


Answer: B

Which of the following is true about proactive marketing?

Which of the following is true about proactive marketing?



A) A company needs creative anticipation to see the writing on the wall.
B) Proactive companies create new offers to serve unmet and unknown consumer needs.
C) Proactive companies refrain from practicing uncertainty management.
D) A company needs responsive anticipation to devise innovative solutions.
E) Companies are winners when they are extremely risk-averse.


Answer: B

Sony is an unusual market leader. It gives its customers new products that they have never asked for (e.g., Walkmans, VCRs, video cameras, CDs). This makes Sony a(n) ________ firm.

Sony is an unusual market leader. It gives its customers new products that they have never asked for (e.g., Walkmans, VCRs, video cameras, CDs). This makes Sony a(n) ________ firm.



A) market-driven
B) market-driving
C) operations-driven
D) vision-driven
E) virtually-driven


Answer: B

Clorox runs ads stressing the many benefits of its bleach, such as how it eliminates kitchen odors, in order to generate additional opportunities to use the brand in the same basic way. This is an attempt to ________.

Clorox runs ads stressing the many benefits of its bleach, such as how it eliminates kitchen odors, in order to generate additional opportunities to use the brand in the same basic way. This is an attempt to ________.



A) increase the amount of consumption
B) increase the level of consumption
C) increase the perception of consumption
D) increase the frequency of consumption
E) increase the emotional implications of consumption


Answer: D

Oliver, a company that produces different types of olive oil, launched a promotional campaign focusing on the alternative uses of olive oil. What strategy is the company implementing to expand its total market demand?

Oliver, a company that produces different types of olive oil, launched a promotional campaign focusing on the alternative uses of olive oil. What strategy is the company implementing to expand its total market demand?



A) using the new-market segment strategy to attract new customers
B) improving the current level of product performance
C) advertising new and different applications of the brand
D) protecting its market share
E) using the market-penetration strategy to attract new customers


Answer: C

Which of the following marketing strategies requires either identifying additional opportunities to use the brand in the same basic way or identifying completely new and different ways to use the brand?

Which of the following marketing strategies requires either identifying additional opportunities to use the brand in the same basic way or identifying completely new and different ways to use the brand?



A) increasing the amount of consumption
B) decreasing the level of consumption
C) increasing dedication to consumption
D) increasing product innovation
E) increasing frequency of consumption


Answer: E

Trendz Inc. is a leading brand of fashion clothing and accessories based in Houston. After gaining a strong foothold in the U.S., the company wants to foray into foreign markets. The management at Trends knows that people residing in other countries are likely to have different tastes and preferences, so they may have to redesign some of their offerings. Which of the following strategies is Trendz using?

Trendz Inc. is a leading brand of fashion clothing and accessories based in Houston. After gaining a strong foothold in the U.S., the company wants to foray into foreign markets. The management at Trends knows that people residing in other countries are likely to have different tastes and preferences, so they may have to redesign some of their offerings. Which of the following strategies is Trendz using?



A) market-penetration strategy
B) outsourcing strategy
C) geographic-expansion strategy
D) product differentiation strategy
E) ethnocentric strategy


Answer: C

The ________ has the largest market share and usually shows the way to other firms in price changes, new-product introductions, distribution coverage, and promotional intensity.

The ________ has the largest market share and usually shows the way to other firms in price changes, new-product introductions, distribution coverage, and promotional intensity.



A) market challenger
B) market entrant
C) market follower
D) market nicher
E) market leader


Answer: E