problem child


Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Idioms, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia.

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.
Mentioned in ?
References in periodicals archive ?
Common sense tells us it's experienced teachers who should deal with the problem child.
Debate: should veteran teachers get the toughest assignments?
Billy is a problem child who has continued being a problem child into adulthood, and is now roaming with gangs.
A Case of Wild Justice
I know I will take some flack for this, but GM is the biggest problem child of them all.
Another lesson of Katrina
The entire staff waved goodbye not to a problem child, but one that needed a lot of extra love and attention.
Trevan
We can become comfortable once again in our satisfaction that we are providing a safe and secure environment, but remember today's problem child poses far greater challenges than in the past, thanks to miniaturization.
Safety and security challenges for the Nineties
IT APPEARS, rather surprisingly, that the problem child, or vandal, is often the product of council house suburbia, where every social amenity and recreation facility has been spoon fed by the local authority.
Home help needed; LETTER FROM THE PAST
A teacher gets into hot water with colleagues after one of them hits a problem child.
No Swede success
On April 12 The Western Mail carried an article headed "Coercion will not be enough" which dealt with a problem child in Cardiff.
Erehwemos

Financial browser ?
Full browser ?