First Movers and Performance: Timing Is Everything

Abstract

In this article the author examines business concepts advanced in the article "The Role of Environmental Dynamics in Building a First Mover Advantage Theory." Noted is the efficacy of the contention that first mover advantage applies to individual types of products and certain industries and that this quality is associated with market share measured against that of the competition. The author of the article examines the importance of lead time on the successful launch of a new product. Also discussed is the business strategy associated with first mover advantage and the cyclical timing associated with the marketing concept.