A Short Case GAZELLE...OR TURTLE? Summit Software, Inc., recently celebrated its fifth year of business. Jim Mueller, the proprietor, started the software manufacturing and distribution company when he was still working as a professor at the local college, but now he enjoys being in the fast-paced technology industry. Growth and expansion were easy for Jim, thanks to his knowledge, his contacts, and the pool of readily available workers from which to choose. The company that originated in his den now occupies a nice space close to downtown. Going into the sixth year, Jim continues to serve the same target market with customer support and lengthy projects. He acknowledges that technological advancements and new clientele are in the immediate future. All of the current and forecasted work leaves Jim and his three employees with little time to spend on administrative duties-let alone new accounts. Jim also realizes that the company needs its own upgrades to continue its rate of success and to stay competitive. Looking at Summit's financials and the amount of work necessary to maintain the business, he's not sure where to go from here. Following is a snapshot of Jim's annual sales since inception: Year 1 $112,000 Year 2 $195,000 Year 3 $250,000 Year 4 $335,000 Year 5 $487,000 QUESTIONS 1. Is Summit Software a gazelle? Support your answer. 2. What problems may Jim face by owning such a fast-growing business? Explain. QU

Principles Of Marketing
17th Edition
ISBN:9780134492513
Author:Kotler, Philip, Armstrong, Gary (gary M.)
Publisher:Kotler, Philip, Armstrong, Gary (gary M.)
Chapter1: Marketing: Creating Customer Value And Engagement
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1.1DQ
icon
Related questions
Question
A Short Case
GAZELLE...OR TURTLE?
Summit Software, Inc., recently celebrated its fifth year of business. Jim Mueller, the proprietor, started the software
manufacturing and distribution company when he was still working as a professor at the local college, but now he enjoys
being in the fast-paced technology industry. Growth and expansion were easy for Jim, thanks to his knowledge, his
contacts, and the pool of readily available workers from which to choose. The company that originated in his den now
occupies a nice space close to downtown.
Going into the sixth year, Jim continues to serve the same target market with customer support and lengthy projects. He
acknowledges that technological advancements and new clientele are in the immediate future. All of the current and
forecasted work leaves Jim and his three employees with little time to spend on administrative duties-let alone new
accounts. Jim also realizes that the company needs its own upgrades to continue its rate of success and to stay
competitive. Looking at Summit's financials and the amount of work necessary to maintain the business, he's not sure
where to go from here. Following is a snapshot of Jim's annual sales since inception:
Year 1 $112,000
Year 2 $195,000
Year 3 $250,000
Year 4 $335,000
Year 5 $487,000
QUESTIONS
1. Is Summit Software a gazelle? Support your answer.
2. What problems may Jim face by owning such a fast-growing business? Explain.
3. Are gazelles more important to the economy than traditional growth businesses? Why or why not?
4. Discuss 2 recommendations that Summit Software can do to sustain its growth and expansion?
Transcribed Image Text:A Short Case GAZELLE...OR TURTLE? Summit Software, Inc., recently celebrated its fifth year of business. Jim Mueller, the proprietor, started the software manufacturing and distribution company when he was still working as a professor at the local college, but now he enjoys being in the fast-paced technology industry. Growth and expansion were easy for Jim, thanks to his knowledge, his contacts, and the pool of readily available workers from which to choose. The company that originated in his den now occupies a nice space close to downtown. Going into the sixth year, Jim continues to serve the same target market with customer support and lengthy projects. He acknowledges that technological advancements and new clientele are in the immediate future. All of the current and forecasted work leaves Jim and his three employees with little time to spend on administrative duties-let alone new accounts. Jim also realizes that the company needs its own upgrades to continue its rate of success and to stay competitive. Looking at Summit's financials and the amount of work necessary to maintain the business, he's not sure where to go from here. Following is a snapshot of Jim's annual sales since inception: Year 1 $112,000 Year 2 $195,000 Year 3 $250,000 Year 4 $335,000 Year 5 $487,000 QUESTIONS 1. Is Summit Software a gazelle? Support your answer. 2. What problems may Jim face by owning such a fast-growing business? Explain. 3. Are gazelles more important to the economy than traditional growth businesses? Why or why not? 4. Discuss 2 recommendations that Summit Software can do to sustain its growth and expansion?
Expert Solution
steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

Blurred answer
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Principles Of Marketing
Principles Of Marketing
Marketing
ISBN:
9780134492513
Author:
Kotler, Philip, Armstrong, Gary (gary M.)
Publisher:
Pearson Higher Education,
Marketing
Marketing
Marketing
ISBN:
9781259924040
Author:
Roger A. Kerin, Steven W. Hartley
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
Foundations of Business (MindTap Course List)
Foundations of Business (MindTap Course List)
Marketing
ISBN:
9781337386920
Author:
William M. Pride, Robert J. Hughes, Jack R. Kapoor
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Marketing: An Introduction (13th Edition)
Marketing: An Introduction (13th Edition)
Marketing
ISBN:
9780134149530
Author:
Gary Armstrong, Philip Kotler
Publisher:
PEARSON
MKTG 12:STUDENT ED.-TEXT
MKTG 12:STUDENT ED.-TEXT
Marketing
ISBN:
9781337407595
Author:
Lamb
Publisher:
Cengage
Contemporary Marketing
Contemporary Marketing
Marketing
ISBN:
9780357033777
Author:
Louis E. Boone, David L. Kurtz
Publisher:
Cengage Learning