In a typical product life cycle, which stage directly follows Introduction?

• A. Growth
• B. Shakeout
• C. Maturity
• D. Decline

Answer: (A)

The concept being tested is the sequence of stages in the product life cycle. After a product is launched, sales are typically low as the market is being educated and the product is gaining awareness. The next phase is Growth, where awareness spreads, demand increases rapidly, and sales rise significantly as the market adopts the product. Profits often improve during this phase due to increasing volumes and more efficient production.

Shakeout is generally associated with a later phase when competition intensifies, or with the transition toward Maturity. Maturity comes after Growth, and Decline occurs after Maturity as demand falls.

So, the stage that directly follows Introduction is Growth.