(a) As explained in class, including the 1st "development" stage, there are five (5) stages in a product's life cycle. The stages are, in sequence: development; introduction; growth; maturity; and; decline.

(i) In which stage is the daily profit at its peak, at least in theory? (1 mark)

(ii) In details, explain why for your choice of answer in (a)(i) (4 marks)

(iii) As explained in class, NOT including the "development" stage, which main advertising objective should be used for each of the remaining four stages of the product life cycle? (4 marks)

(iv) As explained in class, which one of the symbols used in the Boston Consulting Group could be applied to the introduction stage (1 mark)

(v) As explained in class, which one of the symbols used in the Boston Consulting Group could be applied to the decline stage (1 mark)

(b) As explained in class, why should one of the communication methods under the promotional mix not be "digital media" but "digital marketing"? (2 marks)

(c) In the determination of a consumer product as to whether it is a "shopping product" or a "specialty product", should we find ourselves not being able to use the common factors to making the decisions (such as information needed; time and effort spent on the search; price factor; and frequency of purchase relevant to the product), which is the one possible handle that might help us break the tie even though it may not be applicable to all situations? (1 mark)

(d) As explained in class, there are three (3) distinct levels/layers/components in a product. They are the core level, the physical level and the augmented level.

(i) State the company and product of choice in your final project in the answer sheet and identify the product's core benefit for its customers, both the tangible benefit and the intangible benefit. (3 marks... 1.5 mark each)

(ii) Again, based on the company and product of choice in your final project, should you be in the shoes of the VP of marketing for the company, how would you design the added values of the product at the augmented level? (3 marks)