1. Based on the business philosophies of Amar Bose, how do you think the Bose Corporation goes about analyzing its competition?
2. Which of the text’s three approaches to marketing strategy best describes Bose’s approach?
3. Using the Michael Porter and Treacy and Wiersema frameworks presented in the text, which basic competitive marketing strategies does Bose pursue?
4. What is Bose’s competitive position in its industry? Do its marketing strategies match this position?
5. In your opinion, is Bose a customer-centric company?
6. What will happen when Amar Bose leaves the company?

Recently, Forrester Research announced the results of its semiannual survey ranking consumer electronics and personal computer companies on consumer trust. Based on a poll of more than 4,700 customers as to their opinions of 22 of the bestknown consumer technology brands, the company drew this conclusion:
“Americans’ trust in consumer technology companies is eroding.”
Why is consumer trust important? Forrester vice president Ted Schadler answers that question this way:
“Trust is a powerful way to measure a brand’s value and its ability to command a premium price or drive consumers into a higher-profit direct channel. A decline in trust causes brand erosion and pricedriven purchase decisions, which in turn correlates with low market growth.”