B.C.G. Analysis

B.C.G. Analysis is a technique used in brand marketing and product
management to help a company decide what products) to add to its product
portfolio. It involves rating products according to their market share and
market growth rate. The products are then plotted on a two dimensional map.
Products with high market share but low growth are referred to as "cash
cows". Products with high market share and high growth are referred to as
"stars". Products with low market share and low growth are referred to as
"dogs" and should usually be discontinued. Products with low market share
but high growth are referred to as "question marks".

BCG Matrix

Each circle represents a product or brand. The size of the circle indicates
its dollar sales volume.

A "question mark" has the potential to become a "star" in the future if it
is developed. A company should have a balanced portfolio. This implies
having at least one "cash cow" which can generate revenue that can be used
to develop one or more "question mark". This process, referred to as
"milking your cash cow", is shown in the next diagram where the arrows
represent cash flows.

BCG Matrix with Cash Flows

B.C.G. Analysis was originally developed by the Boston Consulting Group in
the early 1970's.