1. A fundamental role of inventory is facilitating supply and demand. Apple must balance an adequate supply of components and products with customer demand (often difficult to forecast). Was Tim Cook’s decision to switch to a centralized inventory appropriate? Should any changes be made to Apple’s inventory model? Is a shortage in supply a risk worth taking?

At which stage would you introduce your product to the market at large? a. development stage b. market testing stage c. commercialization stage d. ideation stage

1. the political environment in india has proven to be critical to company performance for both pepsico and coca-cola india. what specific aspects of the political environment have played key roles? could these effects have been anticipated prior to market entry? if not, could developments in the political arena have been handled better by each company? 2. timing of entry into the indian market brought different results for pepsico and coca-cola india. what benefits or disadvantages accrued as a result of earlier or later market entry? 3. the indian market is enormous in terms of population and geography. how have the two companies responded to the sheer scale of operations in india in terms of product policies, promotional activities, pricing policies, and distribution arrangements? 4. “global localization” (glocalization) is a policy that both companies have implemented successfully. give examples for each company from the case.

Brian has been working for a few years now and has saved a substantial amount of money. he now wants to invest 50 percent of his savings in a bank account where it will be locked for three years and gain interest. which type of bank account should brian open? a. savings account b. money market account c. checking account d. certificate of deposit