Question
The ABC software company sells both to consumers and has an enterprise division that sells to businesses with a sales force that calls on prospects
The ABC software company sells both to consumers and has an enterprise division that sells to businesses with a sales force that calls on prospects and customers. They operate internationally and have sales offices in almost every country. Each country determines how much to spend on advertising and promotion. Each country also manages its own sales force for enterprise sales. They were curious as to the correlation between adverting/promotional spend and sales growth for enterprise sales. Specifically: Does increase spending on adverting and promotion really increase sales, and to what degree?
To measure this, they compared the percent of sales spent on advertising promotion versus the percent of sales growth to see if there was a correlation. They looked at several countries to compile and compare data. Further, they averaged the percentages for both variables over three years. They looked primarily at larger countries figuring it would provide the best data. Here were the results:
Country | Ave. annual % increase in sales over the last three years for enterprise sales | Ave annual % of sales spent on advertising and promotions over the last three years |
Australia | 12 | 6 |
Brazil | 9 | 10 |
Canada | 6 | 8 |
China | 11 | 3 |
England | 14 | 11 |
France | 7 | 14 |
Germany | 12 | 12 |
United States | 10 | 16 |
When the study was over, they concluded there was not any meaningful correlation.
1. Since it was relatively easy to measure the two variables, assume the data is accurate. As it relates to the concepts in your text/chapter 17, what possibly is wrong is with the analysis/approach?
2. This following question extends somewhat beyond the scope of the chapter or text, but not completely. Give it some thought and feel free to expand on any type of explanation. What was the company overlooking beyond your answers in question 1; what else could explain the lack of meaningful correlation?
3. What can you think of that may have strengthened the process used or the quality of the results? If you feel it cannot be done, explain why (There is no perfect or one right answer. The question is intended to probe the thoughts.)
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