Several factors that influence the emergence of competitors in an industry include: a) minimum efficiency scale to market size;

b) consumer loyalty to certain brands;

c) competitor's access to inputs, production techniques of goods/services and distribution network;

d) the steepness of the learning curve that competitors have to go through.

The Questions is: 1. In the Mineral Water Industry, do you agree with the statement that factors b) and c) play less role in determining whether or not a potential competitor enters the mineral water industry. Explain with some references according to Industry and Competitive Analysis.

2. In a technology-intensive Industry, such as the Smartphone Industry, do you agree with the statement that the main factors hindering the entry of new competitors are factors a) and c)? Explain with some references according to Industry and Competitive Analysis.