Chapter 01 - Introduction to Sales Management in the Twenty-First Century

Chapter 01
Introduction to Sales Management in the Twenty-First Century
 

True / False Questions

 

1. Personal selling is the most expensive marketing communications tool that most
organizations use. 
True    False

2. The sales force is usually a firm's most direct link with the customer. 
True    False

3. A focus on relationship selling usually increases the number of vendors a company does
business with. 
True    False

4. Today it is common for sales managers to direct rather than mentor sales people. 
True    False

5. The sales manager of the future is more likely to be a coach or a team leader rather than an
authoritative figure isolated in the upper reaches of a corporate hierarchy. 
True    False

6. The building of relationships between buyers and sellers requires a much greater emphasis
on ethics than was expected with transactional exchanges. 
True    False

7. Selling skills and requirements vary due to the consistency of the buying process and
constant level of product complexity. 
True    False

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Chapter 01 - Introduction to Sales Management in the Twenty-First Century

8. The five broad categories that make up the external environment are (1) economic, (2)
social and cultural, (3) legal, political and ethical, (4) natural and (5) technical. 
True    False

9. A company's distribution system is part of its external economic environment. 

True    False

10. Antitrust laws are aimed primarily at preserving and enhancing competition among firms
in an industry. 
True    False

11. The most obvious impact of the technical environment on marketing is the ability to create
and maintain huge customer databases. 
True    False

12. Ethics is more reactive than the law. 

True    False

13. Many selling situations that involve ethical issues are not addressed by management
directives. 
True    False

14. The most effective way for management to influence the ethical performance of their
salespeople is to develop a comprehensive ethical policy. 
True    False

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15. The development of a sales program actually begins with top management's specification
of a mission statement. 
True    False

16. Mergers often take place so that the purchased companies can obtain the financial
resources necessary to realize their full potential in the marketplace. 
True    False

17. Discontinuous changes are environmental changes so different from what has been
experienced before that firms must take drastic strategic action in order to be successful. 
True    False

18. An integrated marketing strategy is one part of a firm's sales program. 

True    False

 
 

Multiple Choice Questions

 

19. Which of the following statements about sales force management is true? 

A. The sales force is the firm's most direct link to the customer
B. The statement, "The world will beat a path to your door if you build a better mousetrap,"
reflects how business operates today
C. As organizations implement the marketing concept, they soon realize how important it is to
be sales-oriented
D. Personal selling is usually less expensive than advertising
E. Sales management is no different from any other kind of management

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Chapter 01 - Introduction to Sales Management in the Twenty-First Century

20. Which of the following statements about the sales force in the 21st century is true? 
A. Sales managers will use a hands-off approach and let the professional salesperson be his or
her own boss
B. Transactional exchanges no longer occur
C. Sales management must be smart and nimble and provide technology-centered solutions to
support the sales effort
D. Salespeople make little use of the Internet because they realize the importance of the
personal touch
E. All of the above statements about the sales force in the 21st century are true

21. Sales force managers are confronted with many new issues in the 21st century including 
A. Creating more nimble sales force organization
B. Building long-term relationships with customers
C. Gaining greater commitment from salespeople
D. Leveraging available technology
E. All of the above

22. The difference between transactional selling and relationship selling is 

A. In transaction, selling buyers must pay cash
B. In relationship selling, buyers and sellers must be related
C. In transaction selling, sellers provide greater service
D. In relationship selling, sellers work to provide value to their customers
E. In transaction selling, the transaction is the beginning of a relationship

23. The movement toward relationship selling causes most firms to 

A. Increase the size of the sales force
B. Reduce the number of vendors they do business with
C. Focus on maximizing sales
D. Increase the cost of value management
E. Solicit new sources of supply rather than from existing sources

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Chapter 01 - Introduction to Sales Management in the Twenty-First Century

24. Which of the following is NOT one of the technology tools used by most salespeople? 
A. Electronic data interchange
B. Efficient consumer response systems
C. Synchronized customer solicitations
D. Customer relationship management
E. The Internet

25. In the twenty-first century, sales leaders are 

A. Controlling rather than communicate with personnel
B. Becoming a coach instead of a supervisor
C. Empowering sales managers to make decision
D. Centralizing control as bosses
E. Directing sales people to achieve the defined goals

26. Alex is the new sales manager for FDP pet vitamins. He quickly recognizes his sales force
does not have a global focus. To help motivate his staff toward expanding globally he points
out 
A. Today, customers can communicate worldwide
B. There are significant growth opportunities outside the domestic market
C. Their customers are global
D. All of the above
E. None of the above

27. A sucker may be born every minute, but if your business depends on repeat business and
word-of-mouth advertising 
A. Transactional sales will work best
B. Relationship selling will conflict with ethical standards
C. High ethical standards are required
D. Sales managers will need to control all aspects of the sales process
E. Static sales strategies will work best

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28. Brenda is the newly appointed sales manager for Beta Business Products. She knows sales
force management is a dynamic process and therefore 
A. Arranges her office to facilitate leadership
B. Studies her firm's environmental circumstances including both internal and external
environments
C. Solicits business from old contacts as a first priority
D. Sells senior management on the idea of leaving the sales force alone
E. Offers bonuses to salespeople who meet their goals

29. Sales management is a multi-step interrelated process. Which step is concerned with

selecting appropriate sales personnel and designing and implementing policies and procedures
that will direct their efforts towards the desired objectives? 
A. The organizing stage of the sales program
B. The implementation stage of the sales program
C. The evaluation and control of sales force performance
D. The formulation of the strategic sales program
E. All of the above processes are involved with selecting appropriate sales personnel and
designing and implementing policies and procedures that will direct their efforts toward the
desired objectives

30. Sales management is a multi-step interrelated process. Which step is concerned with

environmental factors and attempts to organize the overall selling efforts as well as integrate
them with other elements of the firm's marketing strategy? 
A. The organizing stage of the sales program
B. The implementation stage of the sales program
C. The evaluation and control of sales force program
D. The formulation of the sales program
E. All of the above processes are concerned with environmental factors and attempt to
organize the overall selling efforts as well as integrate them with other elements of the firm's
marketing strategy

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31. Microsoft's bundling of personal computer operating systems with its Web browser is an
example of 
A. An environmental force that can constrain other organization's ability to pursue certain
marketing strategies or activities
B. Environmental variables and changes in those variables over time, helping to determine the
ultimate success or failure of marketing strategies
C. Changes in the environment creating new marketing opportunities for an organization
D. Environmental variables affected or changed by marketing activities
E. None of the above

32. Anti-obesity promotions by the government and other health organizations is an example

of 
A. An environmental force that can constrain other organization's ability to pursue certain
marketing strategies or activities
B. Environmental variables and changes in those variables over time, helping to determine the
ultimate success or failure of marketing strategies
C. Changes in the environment creating new marketing opportunities for an organization
D. Environmental variables affected or changed by marketing activities
E. None of the above

33. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) a technology allowing telephone calls using the
Internet is an example of: 
A. An environmental force that can constrain other organization's ability to pursue certain
marketing strategies or activities
B. Environmental variables and changes in those variables over time, helping to determine the
ultimate success or failure of marketing strategies
C. Changes in the environment creating new marketing opportunities for an organization
D. Environmental variables affected or changed by marketing activities
E. None of the above

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34. The increasing number of Spanish-speaking consumers in many areas of the United States
is an example of 
A. An environmental force that can constrain other organization's ability to pursue certain
marketing strategies or activities
B. Environmental variables and changes in those variables over time, helping to determine the
ultimate success or failure of marketing strategies
C. Changes in the environment creating new marketing opportunities for an organization
D. Environmental variables affected or changed by marketing activities
E. None of the above

35. Gwen, a sales manager for Delicious Diets, knows it is important to 

A. Monitor the marketing environment
B. Predict how the environment might change
C. Develop strategies for changing marketing environments
D. Create plans for the sales function suited to environmental conditions
E. All of the above

36. Which of the following is NOT part of the external environment for a manufacturer of
custom-made office furniture? 
A. A study on ergonomics by an engineering group
B. The major distributor of wood veneers it uses in making its furniture
C. The workers who craft the furniture to buyer specification
D. A railway strike
E. A competitor that makes similar-looking products with less expensive materials

37. Which of the following statements about sales programs and performance is true? 
A. The sales manager must adapt his or her strategies to the existing environment rather than
trying to make the environment fit the strategies
B. The sales program is the one part of the marketing strategy that seldom needs changing
C. Management should not engage in planning for organizations that operate in volatile
environments because their plans would have to be revised or even scrapped frequently
D. Factors in the internal and external environment can have a strong influence on strategic
plans, but not on strategic implementation
E. Changes in an organization's marketing strategy are unlikely to have any impact on its sales
program

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38. As more and more countries reduce barriers to trade, a sales manager's _________
environment is changing rapidly. 
A. Natural
B. Technological
C. Social and cultural
D. Economic
E. Legal and political

39. The potential demand for a product within a country depends on that country's 
A. Economic growth rate
B. Unemployment rate
C. Inflation rate
D. Disposable income
E. All of the above

40. Karen is studying the potential for selling her company's products in China. As part of her
analysis, she is assessing the number, types and availability of wholesalers and retailers.
Karen is studying the country's 
A. Natural conditions
B. Technological feasibility
C. Social and cultural norms
D. Distribution structure
E. Legal and political constraints

41. Jorge finds he has lost out to his major competitor on three recent contracts. Through his
customers, he learns his competitor has cut prices and lowered financing costs. Jorge is
observing a change in his _____________ environment. 
A. Economic
B. Technological
C. Social and cultural
D. Natural
E. Legal and political

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42. Which of the following is part of the external environment for a distributor of aquariums
and everything needed to set up aquariums including tropical fish and plants? 
A. Employees who care for the fish before they are sold to retailers
B. Competitors who carry the same aquarium equipment
C. The financial resources needed to create the proper environment for breeding the fish
D. The participative organizational culture the distributor has
E. The distributor's privately-owned warehouse for storing the aquarium equipment

43. Which of the following is NOT a part of a consumer products manufacturer's external

economic environment? 
A. The existing channels of distribution in the industry
B. The number of companies competing in that industry
C. Society's beliefs about savings and spending
D. Unemployment in the area where the manufacturing plant is located
E. Nationwide inflation

44. Which of the following types of laws is most important to managers of sales programs? 
A. Real estate
B. Civil liberties
C. Consumer protection
D. Criminal
E. All are important to sales programs

45. Antitrust laws: 
A. Restrict marketing activities that would reduce competition
B. Set standards of quality for specific products
C. Allow consumers to cancel contracts signed with door-to-door salespeople within a limited
number of days after signing the contract
D. Prohibit unfair or deceptive packaging
E. Do not apply to companies that sell to the consumer market

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46. The Robinson-Patman Act deals with: 

A. Tying contracts
B. Discriminatory prices or services
C. Reciprocal dealing arrangements
D. Unfair or deceptive packaging
E. Price-fixing among competing firms

47. State _______________ laws allow consumers to cancel contracts signed with door-to-
door salespeople within a limited number of days after agreeing to such contracts. 
A. Packaging and labeling
B. Cooling-off
C. Tying agreement
D. Reciprocal dealing
E. Truth-in-lending

48. After purchasing a car from a dealership, Martin is told by the dealership that the interest
rate will be higher than what he has agreed to when he bought the car. The dealership has
probably violated ______________ laws. 
A. Packaging and labeling
B. Cooling-off
C. Tying agreement
D. Reciprocal dealing
E. Truth-in-lending

49. One of your customers suggests "I'll buy from you if you buy from me". This could be a
violation of ______________ laws. 
A. Packaging and labeling
B. Cooling-off
C. Tying agreement
D. Reciprocal dealing
E. Truth-in-lending

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Chapter 01 - Introduction to Sales Management in the Twenty-First Century

50. Which of the following statements about the legal-political environment is true? 

A. The two broad categories of laws that are particularly relevant to salespeople are Federal
Trade Commission regulations and state cooling-off laws
B. Antitrust laws have no impact on sales activities
C. The number of laws regulating personal selling and all other aspects of conducting
business have decreased dramatically over the last three decades
D. A salesperson's claim that the refrigeration unit he was selling would keep food cold even
if the electric power was off for six days could have legal consequences, but not ethical,
because the salesperson was simply trying to make a sale when he made that statement
E. Many salespeople are unaware that they assume legal obligations every time they approach
a customer

51. Mike, a sales rep for a major computer software company, knows his company does not
plan to maintain updates for the software. When selling the software package to customers he
implies the company will continue to support the software. Mike could create a
________________ legal problem. 
A. Truth-in-lending
B. Breach of warranty
C. Equal employment opportunity
D. Situational ethics
E. Tying agreement

52. Equal employment opportunity legislation: 

A. Directly affects how sales managers implement their sales programs
B. Is a form of consumer protection legislation
C. Is becoming less important as the sales force is becoming more culturally diverse
D. Is a form of antitrust legislation
E. Does not apply to sales positions

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Chapter 01 - Introduction to Sales Management in the Twenty-First Century

53. A few years ago, when Internet sales took off, the major automobile manufacturers had to
decide whether they would sell directly or through their dealership network. In this situation a
change in the industry's __________________ environment created a potential change in
sales strategy. 
A. Technological
B. Social and cultural
C. Political and legal
D. Ethical
E. Natural

54. Sales force ethics is considered to be a part of the _____ environment of organizations. 

A. Economic
B. Internal
C. Legal and political
D. Personnel
E. Social and cultural

55. Which of the following statements about ethics and business is true? 

A. Two-thirds of executives surveyed about their attitude toward commercial bribery said
they considered bribes unethical and would never use them as a sales tactic
B. Written ethical policies are more harmful than helpful to the sales force because they
diminish the salesperson's ability to be flexible
C. Bribes and kickbacks are not a problem in the United States
D. Management directives do not deal with many situations that are viewed as ethical
dilemmas by the sales force
E. None of the above statements about ethics and business is true

56. The difference between a law and ethics is best described by 

A. What is ethical may not be legal
B. Laws are concerned with the development of moral standards
C. What is legal may not be ethical
D. Formal policies define what is legal and ethical for salespeople
E. Legal puffery is ethical too

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Chapter 01 - Introduction to Sales Management in the Twenty-First Century

57. In developing ethical standards for your company, you attempt to anticipate actions that
would or could be harmful to consumers or the organization. For your company, ethics is 
A. Consistent with legal standards
B. More proactive than the law
C. Responding to negative consequences of past actions
D. A formal statement of legal requirements
E. All of the above

58. John, the sales manager for a building materials company, knows the customers in one
profitable sales territory, are particularly hostile to women sales reps. John faces an ethical
dilemma primarily in the area of: 
A. Determining compensation and incentives
B. Equal treatment in hiring and promotion
C. Respect for individuals in supervisory and training programs
D. Fairness in the design of sales territories
E. Fairness in the assignment of sales territories

59. Sarah and Steve are sales reps for a major pharmaceutical company in the same
geographic area. Sarah calls on private practice physicians, while Steve calls on hospital
groups. Their sales manager would likely have an ethical dilemma in the area of: 
A. Determining compensation and incentives
B. Equal treatment in hiring and promotion
C. Respect for individuals in supervisory and training programs
D. Fairness in the design of sales territories
E. Fairness in the assignment of sales territories

60. The most effective way for sales managers to influence the ethical performance of their
salespeople is 
A. To have a formal policy
B. Provide clear guidelines
C. Communicate policies clearly
D. Lead by example
E. Punish unethical performance

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Chapter 01 - Introduction to Sales Management in the Twenty-First Century

61. Which of the following is an example of the external natural environment for a

manufacturer of metal lawn furniture? 
A. A longer than usual distribution channel due to a rail strike
B. Consumer trend toward treating gardens like another room
C. The popularity of metal lawn furniture that looks vintage rather than newly bought
D. A flood at the manufacturer's main warehouse
E. Inflationary pricing by competitors

62. After a major hurricane, a building products company rationed its supply of roofing
materials among its major customers. This is an example of 
A. Internal environmental control
B. External environmental control
C. Demarketing
D. Transactional selling
E. Discontinuous change

63. Many firms use environmental scanning to assess their external environment.

Environmental scanning should be used to 
A. Respond to current crises
B. Identify future threats and opportunities
C. Determine personnel performance
D. Allocate financial resources
E. Assist with service delivery

64. When developing the sales program for her university, Yesenia recognized in the short
run, her program 
A. Must fit within the organizational situation and limitations
B. Should push the envelope of institutional selling
C. Must include an analysis of long-term threats
D. Should emphasize possibilities rather than current conditions
E. Should maximize short run revenues

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65. Dominique, the new national sales manager is learning about the internal organizational
environment in her company. She will learn about all of the following EXCEPT 
A. Human resources
B. Financial resources
C. Service capabilities
D. Social and cultural environment
E. Research and development activities

66. Brendan is a new sales rep and is learning about his company's corporate culture. He will
try to learn about the company's 
A. Financial condition
B. Service capabilities
C. History
D. Research and development efforts
E. Technological capacity

67. Much of what drives ethical behavior in sales organizations is the overall culture of the
firm and 
A. Service capabilities
B. Technological support
C. Supply chain management strategies
D. The tone set by upper management
E. The external environment

68. Which of the following questions addresses the internal organizational issue of supply
chain capabilities? 
A. Can we afford to do this?
B. Will we meet Wal-Mart's delivery deadline?
C. What will senior management think?
D. When will the new product line be developed?
E. All of the above are supply chain capability questions

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69. Discontinuous changes force companies to 

A. Lower their prices
B. Take drastic strategies in order to be successful
C. Expand long-term research and development capabilities
D. Implement an integrated sales strategy into the corporate culture
E. Move from relationship to transactional selling

 
 

Short Answer Questions

 

70. Briefly discuss the three "new-age" themes of sales management in the 21st century. 

 
 

71. What technologies, other than the Internet, are being widely used in sales force
communication? 

 
 

72. The sales management process involves what three interrelated sets of decisions or
processes? 

 
 

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73. What are the three categories of laws that are particularly relevant to sales programs? 

 
 

74. Equal employment opportunity laws make it unlawful to discriminate against a person in

hiring or promotion based on what factors? 

 
 

75. How is ethics different from laws? 

 
 

76. What are the major demographic trends in the United States affecting selling? 

 
 

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77. What two sets of ethical dilemmas are of particular concern to sales managers? 

 
 

78. What is the most effective way for management to influence the ethical performance of
their salespeople? 

 
 

79. What is demarketing? 

 
 

80. What six variables make up a firm's internal organizational environment? 

 
 

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81. Discuss the issues forcing sales organizations to reinvent themselves in the 21st century. 

 
 

82. How is sales leadership different from sales management? 

 
 

83. Assume you are the sales manager for your college or university (at universities sales
management is often part of admissions, recruitment and development departments). Describe
existing or plausible changes in the school's external environment including at least one
possible change for each of the five categories of external factors. 

 
 

84. How are changes in technology affecting salespeople and sales management? 

 
 

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85. Assume you are the sales manager for your college or university (at universities sales
management is often part of admissions, recruitment and development departments). You are
asked to assess the school's internal organizational environment. What will you do? 

 
 

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Chapter 01 Introduction to Sales Management in the Twenty-First Century

Answer Key
 

True / False Questions

 

1. (p. 3) Personal selling is the most expensive marketing communications tool that most
organizations use. 
TRUE

2. (p. 3) The sales force is usually a firm's most direct link with the customer. 
TRUE

3. (p. 4) A focus on relationship selling usually increases the number of vendors a company
does business with. 
FALSE

4. (p. 7) Today it is common for sales managers to direct rather than mentor sales people. 
FALSE

5. (p. 7) The sales manager of the future is more likely to be a coach or a team leader rather
than an authoritative figure isolated in the upper reaches of a corporate hierarchy. 
TRUE

6. (p. 8) The building of relationships between buyers and sellers requires a much greater
emphasis on ethics than was expected with transactional exchanges. 
TRUE

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Chapter 01 - Introduction to Sales Management in the Twenty-First Century

7. (p. 10) Selling skills and requirements vary due to the consistency of the buying process and
constant level of product complexity. 
FALSE

8. (p. 12) The five broad categories that make up the external environment are (1) economic, (2)
social and cultural, (3) legal, political and ethical, (4) natural and (5) technical. 
TRUE

9. (p. 13) A company's distribution system is part of its external economic environment. 

TRUE

10. (p. 14) Antitrust laws are aimed primarily at preserving and enhancing competition among
firms in an industry. 
TRUE

11. (p. 16) The most obvious impact of the technical environment on marketing is the ability to
create and maintain huge customer databases. 
FALSE

12. (p. 17) Ethics is more reactive than the law. 

FALSE

13. (p. 17) Many selling situations that involve ethical issues are not addressed by management
directives. 
TRUE

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14. (p. 18) The most effective way for management to influence the ethical performance of their
salespeople is to develop a comprehensive ethical policy. 
FALSE

15. (p. 20) The development of a sales program actually begins with top management's

specification of a mission statement. 
TRUE

16. (p. 21) Mergers often take place so that the purchased companies can obtain the financial
resources necessary to realize their full potential in the marketplace. 
TRUE

17. (p. 22) Discontinuous changes are environmental changes so different from what has been
experienced before that firms must take drastic strategic action in order to be successful. 
TRUE

18. (p. 22) An integrated marketing strategy is one part of a firm's sales program. 

FALSE

 
 

Multiple Choice Questions

 

19. (p. 3) Which of the following statements about sales force management is true? 

A. The sales force is the firm's most direct link to the customer
B. The statement, "The world will beat a path to your door if you build a better mousetrap,"
reflects how business operates today
C. As organizations implement the marketing concept, they soon realize how important it is to
be sales-oriented
D. Personal selling is usually less expensive than advertising
E. Sales management is no different from any other kind of management

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Chapter 01 - Introduction to Sales Management in the Twenty-First Century

20. (p. 4) Which of the following statements about the sales force in the 21st century is true? 
A. Sales managers will use a hands-off approach and let the professional salesperson be his or
her own boss
B. Transactional exchanges no longer occur
C. Sales management must be smart and nimble and provide technology-centered solutions to
support the sales effort
D. Salespeople make little use of the Internet because they realize the importance of the
personal touch
E. All of the above statements about the sales force in the 21st century are true

21. (p. 4) Sales force managers are confronted with many new issues in the 21st century
including 
A. Creating more nimble sales force organization
B. Building long-term relationships with customers
C. Gaining greater commitment from salespeople
D. Leveraging available technology
E. All of the above

22. (p. 4) The difference between transactional selling and relationship selling is 

A. In transaction, selling buyers must pay cash
B. In relationship selling, buyers and sellers must be related
C. In transaction selling, sellers provide greater service
D. In relationship selling, sellers work to provide value to their customers
E. In transaction selling, the transaction is the beginning of a relationship

23. (p. 4) The movement toward relationship selling causes most firms to 

A. Increase the size of the sales force
B. Reduce the number of vendors they do business with
C. Focus on maximizing sales
D. Increase the cost of value management
E. Solicit new sources of supply rather than from existing sources

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Chapter 01 - Introduction to Sales Management in the Twenty-First Century

24. (p. 6) Which of the following is NOT one of the technology tools used by most
salespeople? 
A. Electronic data interchange
B. Efficient consumer response systems
C. Synchronized customer solicitations
D. Customer relationship management
E. The Internet

25. (p. 7) In the twenty-first century, sales leaders are 

A. Controlling rather than communicate with personnel
B. Becoming a coach instead of a supervisor
C. Empowering sales managers to make decision
D. Centralizing control as bosses
E. Directing sales people to achieve the defined goals

26. (p. 8) Alex is the new sales manager for FDP pet vitamins. He quickly recognizes his sales
force does not have a global focus. To help motivate his staff toward expanding globally he
points out 
A. Today, customers can communicate worldwide
B. There are significant growth opportunities outside the domestic market
C. Their customers are global
D. All of the above
E. None of the above

27. (p. 8) A sucker may be born every minute, but if your business depends on repeat business
and word-of-mouth advertising 
A. Transactional sales will work best
B. Relationship selling will conflict with ethical standards
C. High ethical standards are required
D. Sales managers will need to control all aspects of the sales process
E. Static sales strategies will work best

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28. (p. 9) Brenda is the newly appointed sales manager for Beta Business Products. She knows
sales force management is a dynamic process and therefore 
A. Arranges her office to facilitate leadership
B. Studies her firm's environmental circumstances including both internal and external
environments
C. Solicits business from old contacts as a first priority
D. Sells senior management on the idea of leaving the sales force alone
E. Offers bonuses to salespeople who meet their goals

29. (p. 10) Sales management is a multi-step interrelated process. Which step is concerned with

selecting appropriate sales personnel and designing and implementing policies and procedures
that will direct their efforts towards the desired objectives? 
A. The organizing stage of the sales program
B. The implementation stage of the sales program
C. The evaluation and control of sales force performance
D. The formulation of the strategic sales program
E. All of the above processes are involved with selecting appropriate sales personnel and
designing and implementing policies and procedures that will direct their efforts toward the
desired objectives

30. (p. 10) Sales management is a multi-step interrelated process. Which step is concerned with

environmental factors and attempts to organize the overall selling efforts as well as integrate
them with other elements of the firm's marketing strategy? 
A. The organizing stage of the sales program
B. The implementation stage of the sales program
C. The evaluation and control of sales force program
D. The formulation of the sales program
E. All of the above processes are concerned with environmental factors and attempt to
organize the overall selling efforts as well as integrate them with other elements of the firm's
marketing strategy

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31. (p. 11) Microsoft's bundling of personal computer operating systems with its Web browser
is an example of 
A. An environmental force that can constrain other organization's ability to pursue certain
marketing strategies or activities
B. Environmental variables and changes in those variables over time, helping to determine the
ultimate success or failure of marketing strategies
C. Changes in the environment creating new marketing opportunities for an organization
D. Environmental variables affected or changed by marketing activities
E. None of the above

32. (p. 12) Anti-obesity promotions by the government and other health organizations is an

example of 
A. An environmental force that can constrain other organization's ability to pursue certain
marketing strategies or activities
B. Environmental variables and changes in those variables over time, helping to determine the
ultimate success or failure of marketing strategies
C. Changes in the environment creating new marketing opportunities for an organization
D. Environmental variables affected or changed by marketing activities
E. None of the above

33. (p. 12) Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) a technology allowing telephone calls using the
Internet is an example of: 
A. An environmental force that can constrain other organization's ability to pursue certain
marketing strategies or activities
B. Environmental variables and changes in those variables over time, helping to determine the
ultimate success or failure of marketing strategies
C. Changes in the environment creating new marketing opportunities for an organization
D. Environmental variables affected or changed by marketing activities
E. None of the above

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34. (p. 11) The increasing number of Spanish-speaking consumers in many areas of the United

States is an example of 
A. An environmental force that can constrain other organization's ability to pursue certain
marketing strategies or activities
B. Environmental variables and changes in those variables over time, helping to determine the
ultimate success or failure of marketing strategies
C. Changes in the environment creating new marketing opportunities for an organization
D. Environmental variables affected or changed by marketing activities
E. None of the above

35. (p. 12) Gwen, a sales manager for Delicious Diets, knows it is important to 

A. Monitor the marketing environment
B. Predict how the environment might change
C. Develop strategies for changing marketing environments
D. Create plans for the sales function suited to environmental conditions
E. All of the above

36. (p. 13) Which of the following is NOT part of the external environment for a manufacturer
of custom-made office furniture? 
A. A study on ergonomics by an engineering group
B. The major distributor of wood veneers it uses in making its furniture
C. The workers who craft the furniture to buyer specification
D. A railway strike
E. A competitor that makes similar-looking products with less expensive materials

37. (p. 12) Which of the following statements about sales programs and performance is true? 
A. The sales manager must adapt his or her strategies to the existing environment rather than
trying to make the environment fit the strategies
B. The sales program is the one part of the marketing strategy that seldom needs changing
C. Management should not engage in planning for organizations that operate in volatile
environments because their plans would have to be revised or even scrapped frequently
D. Factors in the internal and external environment can have a strong influence on strategic
plans, but not on strategic implementation
E. Changes in an organization's marketing strategy are unlikely to have any impact on its sales
program

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38. (p. 12) As more and more countries reduce barriers to trade, a sales manager's _________
environment is changing rapidly. 
A. Natural
B. Technological
C. Social and cultural
D. Economic
E. Legal and political

39. (p. 12) The potential demand for a product within a country depends on that country's 
A. Economic growth rate
B. Unemployment rate
C. Inflation rate
D. Disposable income
E. All of the above

40. (p. 13) Karen is studying the potential for selling her company's products in China. As part
of her analysis, she is assessing the number, types and availability of wholesalers and
retailers. Karen is studying the country's 
A. Natural conditions
B. Technological feasibility
C. Social and cultural norms
D. Distribution structure
E. Legal and political constraints

41. (p. 13) Jorge finds he has lost out to his major competitor on three recent contracts. Through
his customers, he learns his competitor has cut prices and lowered financing costs. Jorge is
observing a change in his _____________ environment. 
A. Economic
B. Technological
C. Social and cultural
D. Natural
E. Legal and political

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42. (p. 13) Which of the following is part of the external environment for a distributor of

aquariums and everything needed to set up aquariums including tropical fish and plants? 
A. Employees who care for the fish before they are sold to retailers
B. Competitors who carry the same aquarium equipment
C. The financial resources needed to create the proper environment for breeding the fish
D. The participative organizational culture the distributor has
E. The distributor's privately-owned warehouse for storing the aquarium equipment

43. (p. 12-13) Which of the following is NOT a part of a consumer products manufacturer's

external economic environment? 
A. The existing channels of distribution in the industry
B. The number of companies competing in that industry
C. Society's beliefs about savings and spending
D. Unemployment in the area where the manufacturing plant is located
E. Nationwide inflation

44. (p. 14) Which of the following types of laws is most important to managers of sales

programs? 
A. Real estate
B. Civil liberties
C. Consumer protection
D. Criminal
E. All are important to sales programs

45. (p. 14) Antitrust laws: 
A. Restrict marketing activities that would reduce competition
B. Set standards of quality for specific products
C. Allow consumers to cancel contracts signed with door-to-door salespeople within a limited
number of days after signing the contract
D. Prohibit unfair or deceptive packaging
E. Do not apply to companies that sell to the consumer market

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46. (p. 15) The Robinson-Patman Act deals with: 

A. Tying contracts
B. Discriminatory prices or services
C. Reciprocal dealing arrangements
D. Unfair or deceptive packaging
E. Price-fixing among competing firms

47. (p. 15) State _______________ laws allow consumers to cancel contracts signed with door-
to-door salespeople within a limited number of days after agreeing to such contracts. 
A. Packaging and labeling
B. Cooling-off
C. Tying agreement
D. Reciprocal dealing
E. Truth-in-lending

48. (p. 15) After purchasing a car from a dealership, Martin is told by the dealership that the
interest rate will be higher than what he has agreed to when he bought the car. The dealership
has probably violated ______________ laws. 
A. Packaging and labeling
B. Cooling-off
C. Tying agreement
D. Reciprocal dealing
E. Truth-in-lending

49. (p. 15) One of your customers suggests "I'll buy from you if you buy from me". This could
be a violation of ______________ laws. 
A. Packaging and labeling
B. Cooling-off
C. Tying agreement
D. Reciprocal dealing
E. Truth-in-lending

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50. (p. 14) Which of the following statements about the legal-political environment is true? 

A. The two broad categories of laws that are particularly relevant to salespeople are Federal
Trade Commission regulations and state cooling-off laws
B. Antitrust laws have no impact on sales activities
C. The number of laws regulating personal selling and all other aspects of conducting
business have decreased dramatically over the last three decades
D. A salesperson's claim that the refrigeration unit he was selling would keep food cold even
if the electric power was off for six days could have legal consequences, but not ethical,
because the salesperson was simply trying to make a sale when he made that statement
E. Many salespeople are unaware that they assume legal obligations every time they approach
a customer

51. (p. 14) Mike, a sales rep for a major computer software company, knows his company does
not plan to maintain updates for the software. When selling the software package to customers
he implies the company will continue to support the software. Mike could create a
________________ legal problem. 
A. Truth-in-lending
B. Breach of warranty
C. Equal employment opportunity
D. Situational ethics
E. Tying agreement

52. (p. 14) Equal employment opportunity legislation: 

A. Directly affects how sales managers implement their sales programs
B. Is a form of consumer protection legislation
C. Is becoming less important as the sales force is becoming more culturally diverse
D. Is a form of antitrust legislation
E. Does not apply to sales positions

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53. (p. 16) A few years ago, when Internet sales took off, the major automobile manufacturers
had to decide whether they would sell directly or through their dealership network. In this
situation a change in the industry's __________________ environment created a potential
change in sales strategy. 
A. Technological
B. Social and cultural
C. Political and legal
D. Ethical
E. Natural

54. (p. 17) Sales force ethics is considered to be a part of the _____ environment of

organizations. 
A. Economic
B. Internal
C. Legal and political
D. Personnel
E. Social and cultural

55. (p. 17) Which of the following statements about ethics and business is true? 

A. Two-thirds of executives surveyed about their attitude toward commercial bribery said
they considered bribes unethical and would never use them as a sales tactic
B. Written ethical policies are more harmful than helpful to the sales force because they
diminish the salesperson's ability to be flexible
C. Bribes and kickbacks are not a problem in the United States
D. Management directives do not deal with many situations that are viewed as ethical
dilemmas by the sales force
E. None of the above statements about ethics and business is true

56. (p. 17) The difference between a law and ethics is best described by 

A. What is ethical may not be legal
B. Laws are concerned with the development of moral standards
C. What is legal may not be ethical
D. Formal policies define what is legal and ethical for salespeople
E. Legal puffery is ethical too

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57. (p. 17) In developing ethical standards for your company, you attempt to anticipate actions
that would or could be harmful to consumers or the organization. For your company, ethics is 
A. Consistent with legal standards
B. More proactive than the law
C. Responding to negative consequences of past actions
D. A formal statement of legal requirements
E. All of the above

58. (p. 17) John, the sales manager for a building materials company, knows the customers in
one profitable sales territory, are particularly hostile to women sales reps. John faces an
ethical dilemma primarily in the area of: 
A. Determining compensation and incentives
B. Equal treatment in hiring and promotion
C. Respect for individuals in supervisory and training programs
D. Fairness in the design of sales territories
E. Fairness in the assignment of sales territories

59. (p. 17) Sarah and Steve are sales reps for a major pharmaceutical company in the same
geographic area. Sarah calls on private practice physicians, while Steve calls on hospital
groups. Their sales manager would likely have an ethical dilemma in the area of: 
A. Determining compensation and incentives
B. Equal treatment in hiring and promotion
C. Respect for individuals in supervisory and training programs
D. Fairness in the design of sales territories
E. Fairness in the assignment of sales territories

60. (p. 18) The most effective way for sales managers to influence the ethical performance of
their salespeople is 
A. To have a formal policy
B. Provide clear guidelines
C. Communicate policies clearly
D. Lead by example
E. Punish unethical performance

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61. (p. 18) Which of the following is an example of the external natural environment for a

manufacturer of metal lawn furniture? 
A. A longer than usual distribution channel due to a rail strike
B. Consumer trend toward treating gardens like another room
C. The popularity of metal lawn furniture that looks vintage rather than newly bought
D. A flood at the manufacturer's main warehouse
E. Inflationary pricing by competitors

62. (p. 19) After a major hurricane, a building products company rationed its supply of roofing
materials among its major customers. This is an example of 
A. Internal environmental control
B. External environmental control
C. Demarketing
D. Transactional selling
E. Discontinuous change

63. (p. 19) Many firms use environmental scanning to assess their external environment.

Environmental scanning should be used to 
A. Respond to current crises
B. Identify future threats and opportunities
C. Determine personnel performance
D. Allocate financial resources
E. Assist with service delivery

64. (p. 20) When developing the sales program for her university, Yesenia recognized in the
short run, her program 
A. Must fit within the organizational situation and limitations
B. Should push the envelope of institutional selling
C. Must include an analysis of long-term threats
D. Should emphasize possibilities rather than current conditions
E. Should maximize short run revenues

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65. (p. 20) Dominique, the new national sales manager is learning about the internal
organizational environment in her company. She will learn about all of the following
EXCEPT 
A. Human resources
B. Financial resources
C. Service capabilities
D. Social and cultural environment
E. Research and development activities

66. (p. 20) Brendan is a new sales rep and is learning about his company's corporate culture. He
will try to learn about the company's 
A. Financial condition
B. Service capabilities
C. History
D. Research and development efforts
E. Technological capacity

67. (p. 21) Much of what drives ethical behavior in sales organizations is the overall culture of
the firm and 
A. Service capabilities
B. Technological support
C. Supply chain management strategies
D. The tone set by upper management
E. The external environment

68. (p. 21) Which of the following questions addresses the internal organizational issue of

supply chain capabilities? 
A. Can we afford to do this?
B. Will we meet Wal-Mart's delivery deadline?
C. What will senior management think?
D. When will the new product line be developed?
E. All of the above are supply chain capability questions

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69. (p. 22) Discontinuous changes force companies to 

A. Lower their prices
B. Take drastic strategies in order to be successful
C. Expand long-term research and development capabilities
D. Implement an integrated sales strategy into the corporate culture
E. Move from relationship to transactional selling

 
 

Short Answer Questions

 

70. (p. 4) Briefly discuss the three "new-age" themes of sales management in the 21st century. 

Innovation, technology and leadership.

71. (p. 6) What technologies, other than the Internet, are being widely used in sales force
communication? 

EDI, electronic data interchange, ECR, efficient customer response systems and CRM,
customer relationship management systems are all being used.

72. (p. 10) The sales management process involves what three interrelated sets of decisions or
processes? 

Formulation, implementation and evaluation and control of the sales program.

73. (p. 14) What are the three categories of laws that are particularly relevant to sales
programs? 

Antitrust, consumer protection and equal employment opportunity laws.

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74. (p. 16) Equal employment opportunity laws make it unlawful to discriminate against a

person in hiring or promotion based on what factors? 

Race, religion, nationality, sex or age.

75. (p. 17) How is ethics different from laws? 

A particular action may be legal but not ethical. Ethics is more proactive than the law.

76. (p. 16) What are the major demographic trends in the United States affecting selling? 

The major demographic trends include aging society, influx of minorities, two-income
households, greater mobility and increased desire for leisure time and convenience goods.

77. (p. 17) What two sets of ethical dilemmas are of particular concern to sales managers? 

Ethical issues involved with relationships with salespeople and ethical issues that arise from
the interaction of salespeople with customers.

78. (p. 18) What is the most effective way for management to influence the ethical performance
of their salespeople? 

Lead by example.

79. (p. 19) What is demarketing? 

Control and allocation of limited supplies of a product based on each customer's purchase
history.

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80. (p. 20) What six variables make up a firm's internal organizational environment? 

Six categories of organizational variables influence sales management strategy including:

(1) goals, objectives, and culture;
(2) human resources;
(3) financial resources;
(4) production and supply chain capabilities;
(5) service capabilities; and
(6) research and development and technological capabilities.

81. (p. 4) Discuss the issues forcing sales organizations to reinvent themselves in the 21st
century. 

Building long-term relationships with customers

Creating more nimble and adaptable sales organizational structures to meet the needs of
different customer groups
Gaining greater job ownership and commitment from salespeople
Shifting sales management style from command to coaching
Leveraging technology for sales success
Better-integrating salesperson performance evaluation to incorporate the full range of
outcomes relevant within sales jobs today.

82. (p. 7) How is sales leadership different from sales management? 

Effective sales leadership includes:

(1) communicating with salespeople rather than controlling them,
(2) becoming a cheerleader and coach instead of a supervisor or boss,
(3) empowering salespeople to make decisions rather than directing them.

83. (p. 12-19) Assume you are the sales manager for your college or university (at universities
sales management is often part of admissions, recruitment and development departments).
Describe existing or plausible changes in the school's external environment including at least
one possible change for each of the five categories of external factors. 

Answers will vary but should include an example of changing economic, natural, social and
cultural, technical and legal, political and ethical environmental factors.

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84. (p. 15-16) How are changes in technology affecting salespeople and sales management? 

First, technology is contributing to rapid product development. New products require

adjusting a firm's sales program, incentive systems and definition of territories. Technology is
also improving communications alternatives, reducing the number of and need for face-to-
face sales calls, replacing samples with computer animations and expanding the use of
telemarketing, teleconferencing and computerized reordering systems. Technological change
is also creating legal issues in areas such as electronic signatures.

85. (p. 20-22) Assume you are the sales manager for your college or university (at universities
sales management is often part of admissions, recruitment and development departments).
You are asked to assess the school's internal organizational environment. What will you do? 

You will assess six categories of the school's internal environment including the firm's goals,
objectives and culture, human resources, financial resources, production capabilities, service
capabilities, research and development capabilities.

 
Multilevel selling is not a variation of team selling. *
True
False

Organizing the sales Effort

Section A
* Required
Name *

Multilevel selling is not a variation of team selling. *

True
False
The organization structure should serve the following purposes *
Stability and Continuity
Coordination
Specialization of Labor
Communication
All of the above
The Criteria for choosing agents involves *
Economic criteria
Strategic flexibility
Control

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Work ethic
All of the above
Transaction costs are not considered when replacing an agent *
True
False
An advantage of Specialization of labor is that the activities should be directed
towards accomplishing the same objective *
True
False
An advantage of product organization is that fewer managerial levels are required
for coordination which results in lower overhead cost *
True
False
Product oriented organization leads to cooperation between sales and production *
True
False
Regardless of how their sales forces are organized, many firms are developing new
organizational approaches to deliver the customer service necessary to attract and
maintain important customers *
True
False
The purpose of an organization is to only divide and coordinate activities *
True
False
Co-marketing alliance is best suited for high-tech industries *
True
False
IBM has embarked on a strategy that employs a divergent mix of sales approaches
to attack the small- and medium-sized markets. *
True
False
What is the criteria for deciding when Outside Agents are Appropriate? *

Explain two ways an organization can structure it's salesforce horizontally. *

Your answer
 
This is a required question
List two disadvantages of Geographic organization. *

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