PPM Analysis for Beginners: Stars, Cash Cows, Question Marks, Dogs

Anyone deciding which of several products or services to focus on opens this beginner template the first time they try PPM analysis (the BCG matrix). The whiteboard holds a four-quadrant matrix (market growth rate x relative share) for stars, cash cows, question marks, and dogs, two frames on the high/low lines, a 5x3 grid for each product's numbers, five allocation steps, and a frame for what to grow and cut. The task board has five columns from listing products to review, with four parent tasks, each split into three not-started subtasks. Even if you don't know PPM analysis, just list products, enter the numbers, place them in the quadrants, then follow each quadrant's playbook to land on an allocation. It suits individuals or small teams with several offerings, like a restaurant menu, courses, or side-income sources. Enter amounts in dollars and compare annual revenue and profit over the same period.