A company loses sales volume because a competitor introduces a better product. This is an example of

Oaties is the market leader in the breakfast cereals category in the southwest region. The

company uses the market structure -market share method of competition identification. Which of the following companies will Oaties NOT consider to be a direct competitor according to this method? A) Chuck's is a lesser-known company that has a small share of the breakfast cereal market. B) Chocotreat is a rival company that specializes in making a patented chocolate -corn cereal. C) Wholesome is a market niche firm that specializes in cereals manufactured from organic sources. D) Morningtown is the market leader in the pancakes segment, the main alternative to cereals as a breakfast food.

Which of the following variables is considered random or probabilistic?

A) future interest rates B) last year's advertising budget C) last week's sales data D) historical stock prices E) historical interest rates