Product Management For Dummies

Glossary

A/B testing

Also known as split testing. Used to compare two different versions of the same web page and determine which one is measurably more effective at achieving results. Results are usually measured as click through, purchase, or download.

active listening

The process of listening and responding by echoing some of the talker’s words to ensure understanding.

Agile

An iterative and incremental approach to, typically, software development that involves short phases of work followed by checking that the work achieves the agreed upon goals and adapting to new information given market changes.

alpha

The very first version of the software that works, sort of. Term mostly used in waterfall development.

application program interfaces (API)

A set of definitions, protocols, and tools used to build software. Especially important to define when different software parts need to work together.

assumption

Unproven business supposition used to make rapid progress toward a conclusion.

business-to-business (B2B)

A business model where a business primarily supplies its product to other businesses.

business-to-consumer (B2C)

A business model where a business primarily supplies its product to consumers.

barrier to entry

A set of obstacles that prevent or slow down a business from conducting business.

benefit

A description of a product advantage written from the perspective of the customer. Often includes emotional aspects.

beta

The almost final version of the software. Term mostly ...