Which framework maps the four stages of a product's commercial life?

• A. Product roadmap
• B. Product life cycle
• C. Market cycle
• D. Innovation funnel

Answer: (B)

This question tests how a product’s commercial life is modeled over time. The product life cycle describes the progression through four stages—introduction, growth, maturity, and decline—and it shows how sales, profits, and the marketing effort typically change as a product moves from launch to eventual withdrawal. This framework helps teams decide when to invest in promotion, adjust pricing, expand or shift distribution, and plan product improvements or discontinuation to align with each stage’s realities.

The other concepts describe different things: a product roadmap focuses on planned features and release timing; a market cycle looks at broader market ups and downs; an innovation funnel tracks ideas through development and testing. The product life cycle is the one that specifically maps the four stages of a product’s commercial life.