What are the 7 critical issues in business success and failure?

• A. Technology, Economic Conditions, Competitive Advantage, Trend-Analysis, Over-Extension of Resources, Management, Business Plan
• B. Technology, Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, Operations, Strategy, Governance
• C. Innovation, Risk, Quality, Customer Service, Logistics, Compliance, Growth
• D. Advertising, Sales, Production, Distribution, Capital, People, Process

Answer: (A)

This question tests the big-picture factors that determine whether a business can succeed over the long term. The best option brings together seven elements that cover both the external environment and the firm’s strategic discipline: technology, economic conditions, competitive advantage, trend-analysis, over-extension of resources, management, and the business plan.

Technology and economic conditions shape what the market can do and what it costs, so staying attuned to these external factors is crucial. Competitive advantage explains how a business stands out and earns profits, while trend-analysis helps anticipate changes in markets, technology, and consumer behavior before they erode performance. Over-extending resources—spreading too thin, taking on excessive debt, or expanding too quickly—undermines stability and execution. Strong management guides strategic choices and everyday operations, and a solid business plan ties all of this together by outlining goals, resources, timelines, and metrics to monitor progress.

Together, these seven areas cover the forces behind why a business thrives or falters, providing a more complete view than lists that focus only on individual functional activities.