problem child


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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 ?
Common sense tells us it's experienced teachers who should deal with the problem child.
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Billy is a problem child who has continued being a problem child into adulthood, and is now roaming with gangs.
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The entire staff waved goodbye not to a problem child, but one that needed a lot of extra love and attention.
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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.
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A teacher gets into hot water with colleagues after one of them hits a problem child.
No Swede success
He acquired Rasheed Wallace, a problem child with the Portland Trail Blazers, at the February trade deadline.
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On April 12 The Western Mail carried an article headed "Coercion will not be enough" which dealt with a problem child in Cardiff.
Erehwemos

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