Ultimate ICDC RMS PIs (memorizing PIs)

"No one has ever won first place in an individual series event at ICDC from NH, with the sole exception of Jack Hebert of course".

Discuss the impact of bribery and foreign monetary payments on business (EC:140) (SP)

DULL

Damaged Reputation
Unfair Competition
Legal Risk
Loss of Trust

Describe current business trends (NF:013) (SP)

RECAP

Remote Work
E-Commerce
Cybersecurity
AI
Personalization

Explain legal considerations for pricing (PI:017) (SP)

-Not price fixing
-No predatory pricing
-Fair competition
-Truthful pricing

Proof ads (PR:346) (SP)

-Accuracy
-Grammar
-Claims
-Legality
-Brand Consistency

Rotate stock (OP:395) (CS)

-FIFO

-Older out

-Prevent Shrinkage

-Check Expiry Dates

Use conflict-resolution skills (EI:015) (CS)

Stay Calm
Emphasize
Listen
Find Solutions

Protect company information and intangibles (OP:153) (CS)

-Confidentiality

-Secure Data

-Use Passwords

-Limit Access

Explain the components of advertisements (PR:014) (SP)

-Headline

-Slogan

-Visual

-Copy

-Trademarks

-Brand/Logo

Discuss internal and external audiences for public-relations activities (PR:253) (SP)

Internal: employees, managers
External: customers, media, public

Describe factors used by marketers to position products/services (PM:042) (SP)

-Price

-Quality

-Features

-Benefits

-Competition

-Target Market

Accept checks from customers (SE:152) (CS)

-Verify ID
-Check details
-Endorsement
-Bank acceptance rules

Plan special events (PR:360) (SP)

-Set goals
-Budget
-Select venue

-Schedule

-Promote

-Evaluate

Plan follow-up strategies for use in retail selling (SE:489) (SP)

-Send thank you letters

-Contact customer
-Solicit Feedback

-Send reminders

-Notify customers of loyalty offers

Manage commitments in a timely manner (EI:077) (CS)

-Prioritize

-Schedule

-Meet Deadlines
-Communicate delays

Explain the receiving process (OP:384) (CS)

-Inspect delivery
-Match PO
-Check quality
-Record
-Store properly

Explain the role of customer service as a component of selling relationships (SE:076) (CS)

-Builds trust
-Fosters Loyalty
-Provides satisfaction
-Promotes repeat business
-Referrals

Determine quantities to buy/reorder (PM:261) (SP)

-Forecast demand
-Check stock levels
-Determine reorder point
-Check Lead time
-Safety stock

Use cross-merchandising techniques (PR:358) (SP)

Bundles
Impulse Buying
Displays

Prepare cash drawers/banks (OP:194) (CS)

-Count cash
-Record opening balance

Describe word-of-mouth channels used to communicate with targeted audiences (PR:247) (SP)

-P/S Reviews
-Customer Referrals
-Social media
-Influencers
-Customer recommendations

Explain information privacy, security, and confidentiality considerations in business (OP:441) (CS)

-Protect data
-Restrict access
-Data encryption
-Business policies
-Legal compliance

Analyze product information to identify product features and benefits (SE:109) (SP)

-Product Labels
-Company Promo Materials
-Features = facts
-Benefits = customer value/need solved

Choose vendors (PM:263) (SP)

-Price
-Quality
-Reliability
-Delivery
-Reputation
-Terms

Identify communications channels used in sales promotion (PR:249) (SP)

-Radio
-Online ads
-Print
-Email

-TV
-Social media
-In-store

Manage the bid process in purchasing (OP:160) (SP)

Issue Request For Purchase
Compare bids
Evaluate criteria

-Select supplier
-Award contract

Close the sale (SE:895) (SP)

-Ask for purchase
-Handle objections
-Confirm decision
-Finalize payment
-Thank customer

Explain the concept of production (OP:017) (CS)

Transform inputs into goods/services efficiently to meet demand

Sell gift certificates (SE:016) (CS)

Promote value
Explain use
Process payment
Issue certificate
Suggest gifting occasions

Describe methods used to design marketing research studies (i.e., descriptive, exploratory, and causal) (IM:284) (SP)

Exploratory = Ideas
Descriptive = Data
Causal = Cause-effect tests

Establish relationship with customer/client (SE:110) (CS)

-Greet
-Listen
-Understand needs
-Build trust
-Personalize service

Interpret statistical findings (NF:093) (SP)

-Analyze data
-Identify trends
-Compare results
-Draw conclusions
-Support decisions

Utilize quality control methods at work (OP:164) (SP)

-Inspect
-Test
-Standards
-Fix errors
-Continuous improvement

Explain stock-handling techniques used in receiving deliveries (OP:385) (CS)

-Inspect goods
-Count items
-Check damage
-Label
-Store correctly

Discuss the nature of marketing research problems/issues (IM:282) (SP)

-Unclear objectives
-Biased data
-Small samples
-Cost/time limits
-Inaccurate info

Describe the role of ethics in project management (OP:675) (SP)

Responsible decisions
Accountability
Fairness
Transparency

-Honesty

Maintain the confidentiality of others (EI:103) (CS)

-Keep private info secure
-Share only when authorized
-Be respectful and trustworthy

Use power appropriately (EI:135) (SP)

-Ethical use
-Fairness
-Respect others
-Avoid abuse
-Make responsible decisions

Analyze the impact of technology on retailing (NF:041) (SP)

Improved Experience
Data Analysis
E-commerce
Automation

-Faster service

Follow up orders (OP:040) (CS)

Track status
Resolve issues
Update customer
Ensure completion

-Confirm delivery

Discuss the impact of cultural and social environments on global trade (EC:045) (SP)

-Customs
-Values
-Language
-Buying habits
-Adapt marketing strategies

Resolve problems with suppliers' quality issues (OP:652) (SP)

-Inspect defects
-Report issue
-Communicate supplier
-Request fix/replacement
-Document the issue

Devise/Enact merchandise security measures to minimize inventory shrinkage (OP:172) (SP)

-Surveillance
-Tags
-Audits
-Access control
-Staff training
-Theft prevention

Explain the nature of direct marketing channels (PR:089) (SP)

-Direct to customer
-No middleman
-Email
-Mail
-Phone
-Online ads
-Personalized outreach

Determine stock turnover (PM:224) (SP)

Cost of goods sold ÷ average inventory; measures how fast stock sells

Identify the impact of product life cycles on marketing decisions (PM:024) (SP)

-Intro: awareness
-Growth: expand
-Maturity: compete
-Decline: reduce/alter/exit

Explain the concept of supply chain (OP:443) (CS)

Flow of goods/info from suppliers → production → distribution → customer

Organize and prioritize work (OP:228) (CS)

-Set goals
-Rank tasks
-Plan schedule
-Meet deadlines
-Adjust priorities

Select vendors (OP:161) (SP)

-Compare price
-Quality
-Reliability
-Delivery
-Terms
-Choose best fit

Explain the use of descriptive statistics in marketing decision making (IM:191) (SP)

Summarize data (mean, %, charts) to identify trends and support decisions

Describe the nature of ethics (EI:123) (CS)

Moral principles guiding right vs wrong behavior and decisions

Motivate team members (EI:059) (SP)

-Set goals
-Recognize effort
-Communicate clearly
-Support growth
-Lead by example

Explain the economic impact of interest-rate fluctuations (EC:084) (SP)

↑ Rates: less borrowing, spending ↓, slows growth

↓ Rates: more borrowing, spending ↑, boosts growth

Collaborate with others (EI:130) (SP)

-Share ideas
-Listen actively
-Respect others
-Divide tasks
-Work toward common goals

Describe the regulation of marketing-information management (IM:419) (SP)

-Privacy laws

-Data protection

-Truthful use

-Consumer consent

-Ethical standards

Explain communications channels used in public-relations activities (PR:250) (SP)

-Social media

-Press releases

-Events

-Company website

-Media interviews

Discuss the nature of information management (NF:110) (CS)

-Collecting data

-Organizing info

-Storing securely

-Processing data

-Sharing for decisions

Assess information needs (NF:077) (CS)

-Identify purpose

-Determine needed data

-Consider sources

-Check relevance

-Ensure accuracy

Negotiate terms with suppliers (PM:264) (SP)

-Set clear goals

-Compare options

-Discuss price/terms

-Seek win-win

-Build relationships

Plan reductions (e.g., anticipated markdowns, employee/other discounts, stock shortages) (PM:063) (SP)

-Analyze sales trends

-Forecast demand

-Plan markdown timing

-Set discount levels

-Adjust for stock shortages

Explain legal considerations in distribution (OP:525) (SP)

-Contracts with suppliers

-Fair trade practices

-Product safety laws

-Shipping regulations

-Consumer protection rules

Identify resources needed for project (OP:003) (SP)

-People (team/skills)

-Time (schedule)

-Money (budget)

-Materials/equipment

-Information/tools

Conduct an environmental scan to obtain business information (NF:015) (SP)

-Analyze market trends

-Monitor competitors

-Study economy & regulations

-Identify opportunities/threats

-Collect external data

Explain the concept of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (EC:017) (SP)

-Total value of goods/services produced in a country

-Measured over a specific time period

-Indicates economic performance

-Higher GDP = stronger economy

-Used to compare countries’ growth

Explain key factors in building a clientele (SE:828) (SP)

Customer Service
Experiences
Referrals
Technology

Determine what to buy/reorder (PM:260) (SP)

-Review inventory levels

-Check sales data

-Identify fast/slow movers

-Consider demand trends

-Set reorder points

Discuss the impact of globalization on business (EC:109) (SP)

-Expands markets worldwide

-Increases competition

-Lowers production costs

-Encourages innovation

-Creates supply chain interdependence

Maintain a safe work environment (OP:008) (CS)

-Follow safety rules

-Report hazards

-Use equipment properly

-Keep workspace clean

Generate product ideas (PM:128) (SP)

-Identify customer needs

-Brainstorm ideas

-Analyze trends

-Study competitors

-Gather feedback

Discuss the importance of utilizing ethical purchasing methods (OP:246) (SP)

-Ensures fair trade

-Supports responsible sourcing

-Builds trust with suppliers/customers

-Reduces legal/ethical risks

-Promotes sustainability

Explain the concept of productivity (EC:013) (CS)

-Output compared to input

-Measures efficiency of resources

-More output with same or fewer inputs = higher productivity

-Key to business growth

-Improves profits and performance

Explain the purposes and importance of credit (FI:002) (CS)

-Buy now, pay later

-Builds purchasing power

-Helps manage cash flow

-Builds credit history

-Supports large purchases/investments

Price mark merchandise (OP:390) (CS)

-Check cost and markup rules

-Use pricing tools/labels

-Ensure accuracy

-Follow store pricing policy

-Clearly display prices

Demonstrate collaborative/groupware applications (NF:011) (CS)

-Share files in real time

-Communicate via chat/video

-Co-edit documents

-Assign and track tasks

-Support teamwork remotely

Plan purchases (PM:064) (SP)

-Review demand needs

-Check inventory levels

-Set budget limits

-Compare suppliers/prices

-Schedule purchase timing

Describe the use of technology in the selling function (SE:107) (SP)

Data analytics (targeting)
Online sales (e-commerce)
CRM systems (tracking)
Social media (follow-up)

Monitor and ensure completion of delegated tasks (OP:354) (SP)

-Set clear expectations

-Assign deadlines

-Track progress regularly

-Provide feedback/support

-Verify completion and quality

Explain the selling process (SE:048) (CS)

-Identify customer needs

-Approach customer

-Present product/service

-Handle objections

-Close sale and follow up

Distinguish between retailing and marketing (MK:003) (CS)

Marketing: creates demand (promotion, research, branding)

Retailing: sells products to final customers

Both work together to drive sales

Streamline work processes (OP:355) (SP)

-Remove unnecessary steps

-Automate tasks

-Standardize procedures

-Improve workflow efficiency

-Use technology/tools

Track stock by location for department/class/vendor level (OP:412) (SP)

-Use inventory management system

-Tag items by location/category

-Update stock movements in real time

-Generate reports by department/vendor

-Monitor stock levels accurately

Set up point-of-sale displays and handouts (PR:114) (SP)

-Choose high-traffic locations

-Arrange products attractively

-Use clear signage

-Restock and maintain displays

-Provide easy-to-read handouts

Describe factors used by businesses to position corporate brands (PM:207) (SP)

-Target market needs

-Competitor positioning

-Brand values & image

-Product quality/perception

-Price and customer experience

Explain the role of ethics in information management (NF:111) (SP)

-Protect privacy

-Ensure data accuracy

-Prevent misuse of information

-Follow legal standards

-Promote responsible data handling

Evaluate project success (OP:521) (CS)

-Compare results to goals

-Check budget and timeline

-Measure quality of outcomes

-Gather stakeholder feedback

-Identify lessons learned

Determine final cost of purchases from domestic and international sources (PM:193) (SP)

-Base price of item

-Shipping & handling fees

-Taxes/duties/import fees

-Currency exchange rates (international)

-Insurance and additional charges

Develop promotional calendar (PR:209) (SP)

-Identify key sales periods

-Schedule campaigns/events

-Align with marketing goals

-Assign timelines and budgets

-Coordinate across teams

Analyze competitors' offerings (IM:298) (SP)

-Compare products/services

-Review pricing strategies

-Evaluate features & quality

-Study customer reviews

-Identify strengths and weaknesses

Maintain inventory of supplies (OP:031) (CS)

-Track stock levels regularly

-Record incoming/outgoing items

-Set reorder points

-Organize storage area

-Conduct periodic audits

Route stock to sales floor (OP:394) (CS)

-Receive and verify items

-Prioritize high-demand products

-Move stock to correct departments

-Ensure proper labeling/organization

-Restock displays efficiently

Model ethical behavior (EI:132) (CS)

-Act with honesty and integrity

-Follow rules and policies

-Treat others fairly and respectfully

-Take responsibility for actions

-Set a positive example for others

Demonstrate negotiation skills (EI:062) (SP)

-Listen to both sides

-Communicate clearly

-Find common ground

-Compromise fairly

-Aim for win-win outcomes

Explain the benefits of supply chain collaboration (OP:444) (SP)

-Lower costs

-Faster delivery times

-Better communication

-Reduced errors/stock issues

-Improved efficiency and coordination

Demonstrate good/service (SE:374) (SP)

-Show key features

-Explain benefits clearly

-Give hands-on examples

-Answer customer questions

-Highlight value/usefulness

Describe the nature of business records (NF:001) (SP)

-Documents of business activities

-Include financial and operational data

-Used for decision-making

-Must be accurate and organized

-Stored for legal/compliance purposes

Evaluate questionnaire design (e.g., types of questions, question wording, routing, sequencing, length, layout) (IM:293) (SP)

-Clear, unbiased wording

-Mix of question types (open/closed)

-Logical sequencing

-Proper routing/skip logic

-Appropriate length

-Clean, easy-to-read layout

Describe factors that affect the business environment (EC:105) (SP)

Governmental
Economic
Technology
Social

Create displays (PR:047) (SP)

-Choose focal point/products

-Use attractive layout/design

-Apply color and signage

-Keep display organized and clean

-Highlight promotions or key items

Explain the importance of coordinating elements in advertisements (PR:251) (SP)

-Ensures clear message

-Creates visual appeal

-Maintains brand consistency

-Improves audience understanding

-Increases advertising effectiveness

Discuss motivational theories that impact buying behavior (SE:359) (SP)

-Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

-McClelland’s Acquired Needs Theory (achievement, affiliation, power)

-Drive Theory (Homeostasis)

-Pleasure-Pain Principle (doing something pleasurable to avoid pain)

-Expectancy Theory (Behavior caused by expectations rather than internal needs)

-Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory (Hygiene = basic expectations that prevent dissatisfaction vs. Motivators = factors driving satisfaction + purchasing)

Explain shipping processes (OP:405) (CS)

-Pick and pack orders

-Label and document shipment

-Choose carrier/method

-Dispatch goods

-Track delivery and confirm receipt