Market Share and Distribution: A Generalization, a Speculation, and Some Implications

In this paper we review evidence of a generalized convex cross-sectional relationship between retail distribution and unit market share, i.e., large-share brands have more share points per percentage of distribution than small-share brands. The dynamics and structure of distribution and share can help explain many phenomena in marketing, including this convex shape: (1) market share is both a cause and an effect of distribution, and (2) in the typical convenience goods distribution system there are a few large outlets that stock many brands and numerous smaller outlets that stock the leading brands only. Generally, the observed cross-sectional “curve” relating distribution and share will reflect the retailers\u27 stocking decisions, not the incremental effect of distribution on share. However, a logically consistent model of share based on (1) and (2), when combined with the assumption of low search loyalty, results in customers being willing to switch from preferred to available brands. A further consequence is that the marginal effect of weighted distribution on share is likely to be increasing, i.e., result in convex curves relating distribution and share for a given brand. In some cases, and for some measures of distribution, these convex curves have been observed in time-series data for brands that failed and lost distribution over a relatively short period of time. The implication is that marketers should monitor distribution carefully, as it is the result of combined effects of brand preference, loyalty, and “push” programs. With a better understanding of the market share/distribution relationship, managers should be in a better position to forecast marketplace results for a given level of distribution

Early CRT monitoring using time-domain optical coherence tomography does not add to visual acuity for predicting visual loss in patients with central retinal vein occlusion treated with intravitreal ranibizumab:A secondary analysis of trial data

Our primary purpose was to assess the clinical (predictive) validity of central retinal thickness (CRT) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 1 week and 1 month after starting treatment with ranibizumab for central retinal vein occlusion. The authors also assessed detectability of response to treatment

Work in Progress - Designing for Economic Empowerment in Nicaragua

Faculty and students in several disciplines at four institutions in the United States and Nicaragua are collaborating on technology entrepreneurship education for economic empowerment in Esteli, Nicaragua. The project aims to demonstrate a new paradigm for development that is rooted in education. The effort will focus on design and delivery of new curriculum for collaborative, interdisciplinary product development. To demonstrate the curriculum, the effort will launch cross-cultural student teams to identify and develop markets, partners, and technology for entrepreneurial ventures in Nicaragua, utilizing Nicaraguan materials and skills. The envisioned long term goal is local economic empowerment and a sound, collaborative process for technology innovation and product development that is both replicable and transferable. The proposed program includes six sequential phases; phase one is complete and phase two is in progress. This paper discusses the goals, results, and assessment of the first two phases in the context of the ongoing project

Using Cash-To-Cash To Benchmark Service Industry Performance

The cash-to-cash (C2C) metric is a measurement tool which may be used to bridge the management of firms and functions in a supply chain.  C2C can be used by management to improve firm liquidity position and overall firm value.  Measuring C2C also offers a consistent measure across time, helps to identify the greatest leverage points and opportunities for improvement, serves as a means to set goals for improvement within the supply chain, and can help to optimize the entire supply chain, instead of sub-optimizing individual portions.  In this study, the authors illustrate the calculation of cash-to-cash, investigate changes in C2C between product and service industries to identify key differences, review and discuss key leverage points of C2C, and provide insights for today’s service industry managers to understand the C2C metric from both accounting and supply chain management perspectives.  Data in this study can also be used for benchmarking purposes