1099-1468/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=083f303f2ef1fa3282ed72b86a56b91026b531c1 "Managerial and Decision Economics")
RICHARD W. SHAW is Senior Lecturer in Economics at the University of Stirling. He was previously a Lecturer in Economics at the University of Stirling (1969–1975) and, prior to that. Lecturer in Economics at the University of Leeds (1964–1969).
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Article
Product strategy and size of firm in the UK fertilizer market
Article first published online: 6 JAN 2012
DOI: 10.1002/mde.4090030410
Copyright © 1982 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Additional Information
How to Cite
Shaw, R. W. (1982), Product strategy and size of firm in the UK fertilizer market. Manage. Decis. Econ., 3: 233–243. doi: 10.1002/mde.4090030410
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RICHARD W. SHAW is Senior Lecturer in Economics at the University of Stirling. He was previously a Lecturer in Economics at the University of Stirling (1969–1975) and, prior to that. Lecturer in Economics at the University of Leeds (1964–1969).
Publication History
- Issue published online: 6 JAN 2012
- Article first published online: 6 JAN 2012
- Abstract
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Abstract
The paper analyses three aspects of product strategy: the size of product range offered, the extent and type of product differentiation and product matching, and the role of new product innovation in firms' competitive strategies. In essence the paper is concerned with competitive behaviour where the product is treated as a variable. Three conclusions emerged. First, there was no significant correlation between the size of product range offered and the size of firm. Second, while the three main oligopolists almost always tried to differentiate their products the competitive fringe showed a strong tendency to match the major firms' products. Third, new product competition was a persistent feature of oligopolistic rivalry, though the competitive fringe was required to stimulate some developments.