problem child

(redirected from question mark)
Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Medical, Legal, Acronyms, 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 ?
Although Question Mark is primarily used in the computer-based applied English, math, and science courses, Forrester has discovered another avenue for its use as a learning tool.
Electronic Tests Enhance Individualized Instruction for Vocational Students
Alec said: "I came up with the idea of having these question marks all along the shore of Port Glasgow and Langbank.
ART TURNS TIDE; Clyde installation making its mark
The question mark is certainly the tallest installation in the biennial, although it's not the largest.
Query cross the Mersey; pounds 38,000 QUESTION MARK TO HANG OVER WATERFRONT
Question Mark software makes it easy for educators and trainers to write, administer and report on assessments, tests, quizzes, exams and surveys using PCs, local area networks, the Internet and intranets.
e-business: Molyneux gets a result for Wolves
The 126 works on show--paintings, lithographs, silk screens, collages, photographs--were eclectic and uneven, but the often jarring contrasts of these different artistic spaces multiply the question marks within that other space which is the Western viewer's mindset, With the exception of Hong Hao, seen in the 1998 traveling exhibition "Inside Out: New Chinese Art," the rising stars of China's international avant-garde were conspicuously absent.
"TRANSPARENCE, OPACITE?"
His future remains a question mark, and he wouldn't have it any other way.
Prodigal son of City Ballet
Question Mark marks and analyzes answers in various test formats, including multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, word answers and free format.
Texas district exploits testing package to administer uniform math exams
Arsenal season-ticket holder Kelvin Meadows said: "By putting 'forward' with the question mark we are hoping it will provoke debate as to which way the club is going.
Fans' BoarD protest
And there's got to be a question mark over KP's ability right now - not over his ability, just mentally, how he slots back into the set-up.
Oz conqueror Arthur backs Aussies to win Ashes
Lahore, June 01, 2010 (Frontier Star): Senior Provincial Minister of Punjab Raja Riaz has pointed out that firing incident inside Jinnah Hospital was result of security lapse adding that arrival of terrorists to Jinnah Hospital to free their injured companion has put question mark on security arrangements in the city.
Attack of terrorists in Jinnah Hospital result of security lapse: Raja Riaz
LAHORE, June 01, 2010 (Balochistan Times): Senior Provincial Minister of Punjab Raja Riaz has pointed out that firing incident inside Jinnah Hospital was result of security lapse adding that arrival of terrorists to Jinnah Hospital to free their injured companion has put question mark on security arrangements in the city.
Attack of terrorists in Jinnah Hospital result of security lapse: Raja Riaz
AN ILLUMINATED 18m- high question mark is to be built on the historic Cammell Laird construction hall as a major showpiece for the Liverpool Biennial festival, the Daily Post can reveal.
Biennial showpiece will pose big question to city; Plan is great because 'it will really get under people's skin

Financial browser ?
Full browser ?