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HOMOGENEOUS: In general, the notion that everything has identical characteristics. For example, a neighborhood might have a homogeneous culture, meaning everyone has similar income, religious preferences, and political views. In economics, it is used in a couple of different ways. One is for production, such that two or more goods are homogeneous if they are physically identical or at least viewed as identical by buyers. Another is for mathematical equations, such that an equation is said to be homogeneous if the independent variables are increased by a constant value, then the dependent variable is increased by a function of that value. In a marketing context, this is a market characterized by buyers with similar needs and wants. This group is targeted with an undifferentiated targeting strategy. The company uses only one marketing mix to satisfy this group of buyers.
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                           WANTS: The psychological desires which make life just a little more enjoyable, but which are not biological necessities for life. Psychological wants are often contrasted with physiological needs that make life more enjoyable, but are not essential for existence. Satisfaction is achieved by fulfilling wants. The pursuit of satisfaction, the fulfillment of wants (as well as needs), motivates human behavior, including all types of economic behavior--buying, selling, producing, and consuming.Consider a few examples. - Duncan Thurly, a normal human being, wants a late-night snack. He sees a commercial for Hot Mamma Fudge Bananarama Ice Cream Sundaes on late-night television. Duncan is not particularly hungry, he does not need food to continue his mortal existence, but he wants, he desires, he absolutely craves a Hot Mamma Fudge Bananarama Ice Cream Sundae. Within minutes he has driven to the Hot Mamma Fudge Ice Cream Shoppe to purchase a Hot Mamma Fudge Bananarama Ice Cream Sundae. Duncan's psychological desire to consume a Hot Mamma Fudge Bananarama Ice Cream Sundae has triggered more economic activity.
- Duncan Thurly also desires a little entertainment. After consuming his tasty Hot Mamma Fudge Bananarama Ice Cream Sundae, Duncan decides to take in a midnight showing of the classic Marx Brothers comedy, Duck Soup. Duncan does not need to see a midnight showing of this movie, but watching it makes him happy. He buys a ticket and watches the movie. He feels better, more satisfied after the movie than before. Duncan's psychological desire for entertainment has triggered economic activity.
While wants are not considered necessary for continued existence, there is some evidence to suggest that psychological wants may be as necessary to life as physiological needs. For example, "wanting" to be with other people is often considered nice to have, but not essential to life. Studies of the neuro-physiology of the brain, however, suggest that companionship triggers the release of specific chemicals that when absent cause physiological problems. Fortunately, doctors of economics (who are not doctors of neuro-physiology) need not be overly concerned with the difference between psychological wants and physiological needs. A market does not care if wants are necessary or not. The only consideration is that people are motivated to do things (go to work, make a purchase, get an education) to satisfy them. If Duncan is willing and able to pay $3 for a Hot Mamma Fudge Bananarama Ice Cream Sundae, it matters not if he needs it or just wants it.
Recommended Citation:WANTS, AmosWEB Encyclonomic WEB*pedia, http://www.AmosWEB.com, AmosWEB LLC, 2000-2018. [Accessed: October 17, 2018].
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Today, you are likely to spend a great deal of time strolling around a discount warehouse buying club trying to buy either handcrafted decorations to hang on your walls or throw pillows for your bed. Be on the lookout for celebrities who speak directly to you through your television.
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The average length of a "business lunch" is about 36 minutes.
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"Do what you feel in your heart to be right ‚ for you'll be criticized anyway. You'll be damned if you do and damned if you don't. " -- Eleanor Roosevelt, first lady
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AFC
Average Fixed Cost
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