In July 2010,Microsoft Discontinued the Kin,its Social Networking Phone,after Just

question 2

Essay

In July 2010,Microsoft discontinued the Kin,its social networking phone,after just six weeks of disappointing sales.During what step of the strategic marketing planning process would Microsoft have made the decision to stop offering the product?
Step 5-Evaluate performance using marketing metrics.
Some students might also answer "Control phase." Strictly speaking,this is a phase and not a step; however,Step 5 is the only step of the process that fits into the Control phase,so you may want to accept both as correct answers.
If you want to make this question more difficult,you can add to the question the following: What should Microsoft have done before deciding to discontinue the product? The

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Definitions:

Direct Expenses

Costs that can be directly tied to the production of specific goods or services, such as raw materials and labor.

Indirect Expenses

Costs that are not directly attributable to a specific cost object, such as a product or department, including utilities, rent, and administrative salaries.

Administrative Costs

Expenses related to the general operation of a business, including salaries of executive officers, legal and clerical work, and office supplies.

Maintenance Expenses

Costs incurred to keep an asset in working condition or to maintain its operational efficiency.