Problem Child

In growth share matrices, the quadrant representing companies, especially subsidies, that require large cash injections but have low market shares, and therefore usually operate at a loss or with little profit. These companies are normally growing rapidly (hence the need for cash) but represent new markets, products, or brands. Problem children represent an initial stage in growth share matrices; they have the potential to become stars or cash cows, but also to become dogs, depending on how the relevant markets grow. Analysts carefully evaluate problem children to determine whether or not they should be divested. A problem child is also called a question mark. See also: Marketing, Portfolio analysis.

problem child

see BOSTON MATRIX.

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References in periodicals archive

She adds that instructors at Lyles have started using Question Mark for other subjects on the state exam, including English.

Texas district exploits testing package to administer uniform math exams

HOW IT COULD LOOK: A mock-up of the Wirral question mark

Query cross the Mersey; pounds 38,000 QUESTION MARK TO HANG OVER WATERFRONT

Working with welders who built boats on the river, Alec also recruited a group of unemployed and retired Inverclyde folk to create a series of question marks - an important motif in George's work.

ART TURNS TIDE; Clyde installation making its mark

It doesn't appear on all questions: ones with a wh- word don't need it, just as in English 'Who is it' can only be a question (although we use a question mark anyway).

Syriac double dot: identified as world's earliest question mark

The question mark will be switched on on Thursday, September 14, as part of the launch of the Biennial and will cost pounds 5,000 to power.

Biennial showpiece will pose big question to city; Plan is great because 'it will really get under people's skin

He insists question marks over the form and fitness of Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney make it almost impossible for them to go all the way.

Football: Doubt of reach

"There's a big question mark over him physically," he said.

TIGER IS OVER THE PINE BARRIER

Arthur also said that there was a question mark over the bowling of spinner Nathan Hauritz, and predicted Ben Hilfenhaus, Mitchell Johnson and Peter Siddle to be the Australian seamers, with Shane Watson as support, for the first Test.

Oz conqueror Arthur backs Aussies to win Ashes

A SINGLE question mark on a set of medical notes could have saved the life of a young diabetic, an inquest heard.

Insulin could have saved girl

"The question mark today about Rooney is will he be fit enough to play and compete at the very top level because physically at the moment nobody knows as he has not played much for his club.

ROO 'HAS TO PROVE FITNESS'

ISLAMABAD, January 31, 2011 (Frontier Star): Many deadlines of the Zero-Point Interchange completion have passed but its completion is still a question mark. It has been irritating the commuters for so long.

Traffic blockage on Zero-Point Interchange irks masses

Melbourne, Oct 11 (ANI): Continiuing his pre-Ashes mind battle, Ricky Ponting has said that there is "a big question mark" over Kevin Pietersen, and predicted England will be nervous about touring Australia this summer.

Ponting raises 'big question mark' on Pietersen's form ahead of Ashes