Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks to identify the stages of growth, which typically refers to the life cycle of a business or a product.
Step 2: Key Concept:
The Business Life Cycle or Product Life Cycle model describes the various stages a business or product goes through from its inception to its eventual decline. While models may vary slightly in terminology, they follow a common pattern.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
The common stages of a business/product life cycle are:
Introduction / Birth Stage: The business or product is launched. Sales are low, costs are high, and profits are often negative. This corresponds to option (A).
Growth / Development Stage: The product gains market acceptance. Sales and profits grow rapidly. This corresponds to option (B).
Maturity / Extension Stage: Sales growth slows down as the market becomes saturated. The focus shifts to maintaining market share and extending the product's life. This corresponds to option (C).
Decline Stage: Sales and profits begin to fall as the product becomes obsolete or faces increased competition.
Since all the given options—Birth stage, Development stage, and Extension stage—represent recognized phases in a growth cycle, they are all correct.
Step 4: Final Answer:
The most appropriate answer is (D) All of these, as it includes all the listed valid stages of growth.