Life Cycle Management Analysis
In this Assignment, you will practice using critical thinking skills. You will analyze a case by
conducting research, defining problems, and making recommendations. Remember to
suspend personal bias and judgment while investigating the multiple stages of product
strategies, and life cycle management.
· Resources: Chapter 9 of Marketing: Real People, Real Choices
In recent times, a popular consumer electronics company, Apple Inc. has released a highdemand
product to the marketplace. The iPod portable MP3 player and iTunes interface
allow the user to quickly and easily purchase, download, and listen to music. As with any new
product in the marketplace, the Apple Inc. has taken steps to manage this product throughout
its marketing life cycle.
· Write a 900 word paper analyzing how the company has managed each stage
of the product life cycle of the popular MP3 player. Determine which stage of the life cycle
the product is in currently. Defend why you feel the product is in the stage you identified.
· The paper should include the following elements:
o A brief description of the product’s objectives and marketing strategies
o An analysis of the Introduction phase of the product
o An overview of how the company has managed or should manage the product
through the Growth stage
o A review of how the Maturity stage has impacted or will impact on the product
sales, profits, pricing, and marketing communication
o A prediction of the product’s decline in the marketplace
· Summarize your paper by answering the following questions: Do you agree or disagree
with how each stage has been managed? What alternative approaches to life cycle
management would you suggest?
· Include a recommendation for management of the next applicable stage of the product
life cycle.
· Format the paper according to APA guidelines.
There are faxes for this order.
