Key terms- Related to Doing E-Commerce as an Entrepreneurial Company

Attribute listing. An idea-finding technique requiring individuals to list attributes of an item or problem and then evaluate each attribute from a variety of viewpoints.

Big-dream approach. This approach requires the individual to dream as grandiose a dream as possible without worrying about the practicalities of implementation.

Brainstorming. An unstructured process of generating all possible ideas about a problem without worrying about the practicalities of implementation.

Checklist method. This method requires the individual to prepare a list of related issues or suggestions.

Collective notebook method. This problem solving method requires a notebook, including a statement of the problem, ample blank pages, and any background data pertinent to the problem.

Concept stage. Ideas passing the initial screening enter the concept stage where they are developed into more elaborate product concepts.

Creative problem solving. Techniques ranging from attribute listing to parameter analysis which help to unlock creativity and to generate ideas.

Focus groups. A focus group interview involves a moderator leading a group of people through an open and in-depth discussion.

Forced relationships. A technique for developing new products by asking different questions about ideas and new idea combinations.

Free association. A simple problem solving technique where a word or phrase is used to stimulate a more developed thinking process.

Gordon method. This technique depends on a group leader, the only one aware of the actual problem, who then leads the rest of the group through the problem solving process.

Idea stage. In this stage, suggestions for new products are obtained from all possible sources, and all available devices for generating new products are employed.

Parameter analysis. This is a matching process involving the parameter identification and creative analysis.

Problem inventory analysis. A method of generating new ideas that uses the customers in a manner analogous to the focus group.

Product development stage. In this stage, the new product is further developed into a prototype and tested.

Product life cycle. This cycle is generally divided into four major stages: product introduction, market growth, market maturity, and sales decline.

Product planning and development process. Generally divided into five major stages: idea stage, concept stage, product development stage, test marketing stage, test marketing stage, and commercialization stage.

Reverse brainstorming. Similar to brainstorming, but criticism is allowed and encouraged as a way to bring out possible problems with the ideas.

Test marketing stage. This, the last step in the evaluation process, provides actual sales results indicating the acceptance level of customers in real market conditions.