Marketing Environment and Competition Matching

This question requires matching elements from List-I with corresponding elements in List-II, focusing on marketing environments and competition types.

Micro External Environment Factors

The micro external environment consists of forces close to the company that affect its ability to serve its customers. Among the options provided, (iii) Input suppliers are a direct part of this microenvironment.

Macro External Environment Factors

The macro external environment includes broader societal forces that impact the company and its microenvironment. Factors like (i) Economic and political factors are key components of the macroenvironment.

Non-Price Competition Strategies

Non-price competition involves strategies that differentiate a product or service without directly lowering its price. Examples include advertising, branding, and customer service. (iv) Sponsoring of events like sports is a promotional activity that builds brand image and customer loyalty, fitting this category.

Desire Competition Definition

Desire competition occurs when different types of products or services compete to satisfy the same underlying consumer desire or need, even if they are in different product categories. (ii) Competition among diverse products targetting disposable income of consumers accurately represents this, as consumers choose how to spend their disposable income on various desires.

Summary of Matching

Based on the analysis:

• (a) Micro external environment matches with (iii) Input suppliers.
• (b) Macro external environment matches with (i) Economic and political factors.
• (c) Non-price competition matches with (iv) Sponsoring of events like sports.
• (d) Desire competition matches with (ii) Competition among diverse products targetting disposable income of consumers.

Conclusion on Correct Code

The correct code representing this matching is (a)-(iii), (b)-(i), (c)-(iv), (d)-(ii).