扫码下载APP
及时接收考试资讯及
备考信息
ACCA P3考试:Product Life Cycle (PLC)
1. The Model
Product lifespans vary by type of product. Perishable goods (e.g. fruit and vegetables) have a short lifespan. Durables (e.g. cars) have a longer lifespan. Although lifespans vary, product life cycles have common elements and follow similar stages.
2. The details
Stages | Features | Examples of Possible Strategies |
Development | High cost outlay (e.g. in research) |
European airline manufacturer investing $600 million in new plant in US (Airbus in Alabama). |
Introduction | Initial product launch, Customers unfamiliar with product, Low profitability |
Rapid skimming (high level promotion and high price), Slow penetration (low price) |
Growth | Sales volumes increase, Competitors enter market, Falling unit costs (economies of scale, learning effect, etc) |
Add value/Improve quality, Expand distribution, Reduce price, Build brand loyalty |
Maturity | Stable demand for product, Increased market competition |
Modify market/product mix, Find "spin-off" products to build on goodwill of brand |
Decline | Having reached saturation point demand falls, Decline in number of competitors |
Divest, Focus on niche market, Minimise promotion |
3. Benefits
The PLC model helps focus managers and planners on:
▍The stage of the life cycle a product has reached;
▍The remaining life of a product-the length of time the product will continue to contribute to profits; and
▍The urgency to develop new products or improve products.
4. Weaknesses
▍Only indicates where the product/market is now rather than where it will be.
▍The theory cannot be used for forecasting due to uncertain stage duration.
▍Life cycle patterns vary.
▍No allowance for products that fail during development or introduction.
▍No allowance for products that seem to be mature forever.
Copyright © 2000 - www.chinaacc.com All Rights Reserved. 北京正保会计科技有限公司 版权所有
京B2-20200959 京ICP备20012371号-7 出版物经营许可证 京公网安备 11010802044457号