Discussion Board

Discussion 1:
Good Will in Price Bidding:
Sometimes, a bidder on a work contract may bid lower than what would maximize his/her profit from the contract and the reason for that is to create goodwill (to increase expected future business from the buyer). How would you value the goodwill that is obtained in this way?

Guided Response:
Think about an example that pertains to you. If there is expected goodwill would you be prepared to bid lower to get a contract? Explain your reasons. In 300 words or more, please, provide your response to the above discussion question. Respond substantively to at least two of your classmates’ postings. Substantive responses use theory, research, and experience or examples to support ideas and further the class knowledge on the discussion topic.

Discussion 2:
New Product Introduction:
Bayer Schering Pharma AG, Germany owns the Alka-Seltzer, which was launched in 1931 and was meant for relief of minor aches, pains, inflammation, fever, headache, heartburn, sour stomach, indigestion, and hangovers. The Alka-Seltzer Plus was a spin-off of the original medicine, meant to relieve colds and flu.

The company has recently introduced a new and improved Alka-Seltzer Plus, as described in the TV ad: “The Cold Truth”, (please, watch the ad listed in the Required Readings)

The ad shows that Alka-Seltzer Plus fights cough, body aches, runny nose, sneezing and fever, just like Vicks NyQuil does, but it also now can fight congestion, unlike NyQuil.

Explain how the new Alka-Seltzer Plus has been quality- and price-positioned in an existing market. In your opinion, has Bayer positioned their product appropriately in the market for cold and flu symptoms relief products? Would you advise Bayer to use a skimming or a penetration pricing strategy? Explain your reasoning.

How do you think Proctor and Gamble, the company who produces Vicks NyQuil,would respond to the ad?

Guided Response: 
In 300 words or more, please, provide your response to the above discussion question. If Bayer is currently making normal profits on most of the products in its product line, but is making pure profits on its new Alka-Seltzer Plus with decongestant, what should Bayer do to increase its profits? Respond substantively to at least two of your classmates’ postings. Substantive responses use theory, research, and experience or examples to support ideas and further the class knowledge on the discussion topic.