Title: Industry performance gradient indexes and market entrance: an empirical tool for market researchers

Authors: Michael J. Hicks

Addresses: Air Force Institute of Technology, Department of Systems and Engineering Management, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, OH 45433 and Marshall University, Center for Business and Economic Research, 1 John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV 25755, USA Marshall University, Center for Business and Economic Research, 1 John Marshall Drive, Huntington, West Virginia 25755, USA

Abstract: This paper examines the Industry Performance Gradient Index as an analytical tool for market researchers, specifically for screening markets for potential entrance. The identification of the Industry Performance Gradient Index as a market entrance tool is examined empirically in the Tennessee banking industry. This highlights the potential benefits of using the Index to identify potential profits from easily obtained data including: incumbent profits, market structure and output sensitivity to price changes in the market. An outline for employing this Index and additional uses for incumbent firms are also suggested.

Keywords: industry performance gradient index; market entrance; market analysis; market research; banking industry; incumbent profits; market structure; output sensitivity; price changes; strategy; competitive advantage; market screening.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBPM.2005.007365

International Journal of Business Performance Management, 2005 Vol.7 No.4, pp.381 - 390

Published online: 13 Jul 2005 *

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