Product Life Cycle Concept Research Articles

ЦИРКУЛЯРНА СТІЙКІСТЬ ПІДПРИЄМСТВА ЯК ІНДИКАТОР ОЦІНКИ ЕФЕКТИВНОСТІ ТЕХНОЛОГІЙ РЕЦИКЛІНГУ

The concepts of circular economy and sustainable development are recognized as the biggest challenges of today. Under such conditions, the issue of expanding the focus of the circular economy to the micro level, encouraging enterprises to transition from a linear model of the economy to circular (circular) one in conditions of economic uncertainty, is becoming actualized. Thus, the development of the theoretical basis of the concept of the circular economy of the enterprise and the formation of the definition «circular sustainability of the enterprise» as an indicator of the evaluation of the efficiency of recycling technologies. To solve the set goal, the main criteria of the circular economy were revealed in the course of the study, the differences between the circular sustainability of the enterprise, the circularity of the enterprise and the circular economy of the enterprise were characterized, the concept of the circular sustainability of the enterprise was developed, and the relationship of economic theories underlying the concept of circular sustainability was characterized enterprises. For greater thoroughness, the author investigated the following close categories: «circular economy of the enterprise», «circularity of the enterprise» and proposed a new category «circular sustainability of the enterprise». It is justified that these concepts are closely related, but not identical. The similarity between the categories is that they all aim to optimize the use of resources, reduce waste and increase efficiency in terms of environmental sustainability. The differences between the studied categories are determined by the level of application and concentration on specific aspects of management and strategy. It is substantiated that the «circular economy of the enterprise» focuses more on internal processes, the «circularity of the enterprise» covers interaction with the external environment, and the «circular sustainability of the enterprise» focuses on the long-term perspective and the inclusion of circular practices in the overall sustainability strategy. The theoretical basis of the circular sustainability of the enterprise as a symbiosis of economic theories was studied: systems theory, supply chain theory, product life cycle concepts, sustainability theory, closed loop economy theory, social responsibility theory, and innovation theory. Based on the results of the research, the author's concept of «circular sustainability of the enterprise» was developed

Utilizing a Transdisciplinary (TD) Systems Engineering (SE) Process Model in the Concept Stage: A Case Study to Effectively Understand the Baseline Maturity for a TD SE Learning Program

Systems engineering (SE) solves the most complex problems, bringing together societal issues, theoretical engineering, and the transformation of theory into products and services to better humanity and reduce suffering. In industry, the effort to transform theoretical concepts into practical solutions begins with the product life cycle concept stage, where systems engineering estimates and derives technologies, costs, and schedules. It is crucial to have a successful concept stage as today’s industries focus on producing the most capable technologies at an affordable cost and faster time to market than ever before. The research of this paper utilizes a transdisciplinary SE process model in the concept stage to develop and propose training for early-in-career engineers, effectively bridging the gap from university learning to industry practice. With a focus on the concept stage of the product life cycle and the industry’s demands of expeditiously proposing complex technical solutions, the paper aims to create an efficient learning program. The main objective of this research is to create a learning program to bring up-to-speed early-in-career engineers using a transdisciplinary SE process model, with six key components: (1) disciplinary convergence—creating a collective impact; (2) TD collaboration; (3) collective intelligence; (4) TD research integration; (5) TD engineering tools; and (6) analysis and TD assessment. The research will then conclude with a case study piloting the TD learning program and analyzing its effectiveness, ultimately aiming to enhance early-in-career engineers’ skills in proposing technical solutions that meet customer demands and drive business profitability.

Tools for decentralized product lifecycle management

The concept of product life cycle evolves with the development of technology. PLM tools provide information support for products at all stages of the life cycle. The maintenance and repair system, as a resource-intensive component of the life cycle, has great potential for increasing economic efficiency through the introduction of a decentralized resource management system. The article shows how this problem is solved by the introduction of decentralized technologies that work in real time: distributed artificial intelligence technologies; multi-agent systems; blockchain. Similar solutions are also applicable to product configuration management processes. It has been proven that the use of blockchain technology makes it possible to track parameters about the load and condition of goods at all stages of the life cycle, reduce the number of intermediaries and optimize the cost of the life cycle of goods as a whole.

Analyzing Decision-Making Factors of Green Design for Kid’s Toys Based on the Concept of Product Lifecycle

In promoting the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), increasing attention has been given to environmental pollution and abnormal climate issues. In particular, a large number of products made of plastic materials have caused harm to the environment. Secondly, with the improvement of average spending power, many parents are more willing to buy toys for their children. However, the lifespan of kid’s toys is often short, and most materials are made of plastic, which also causes issues as they are not easy to break down and are difficult to recycle. This study investigates the concept of the product life cycle in kid’s toys and explores the decision-making factors of green design. First, analysis and induction were conducted through literature collection. Through semi-structured interviews with experts, the design dimensions related to the green design of kid’s toys and the elements that affect the willingness of consumption by consumption values and behavior were obtained. After the questionnaire survey and data analysis, the design factors and purchasing decision factors of green design for the product life cycle and consumption values and behavior of kid’s toys were obtained. Finally, combined with kid’s toy design, green design, product life cycle and consumers’ consumption values and behavior, the decision-making factors for the green design of kid’s toys were extracted, which included (1) using non-toxic materials; (2) designing for maintainability and disassembly of the toy; (3) refining the toys to be artistic and collectable; (4) upgrading the educational functions of toys; (5) improving the recycling of toys; (6) emphasizing green packing; (7) creating a green brand and increasing product visibility; and (8) advocating the value of green design for toys. In addition to supplying green design considerations for kid’s toys to designers and companies, the results can also be used as an important reference with regard to the research topics of product life cycle, toy design and development for the sustainable designs of products.

The product life cycle revisited: an integrative review and research agenda

PurposeThis paper aims to respond to calls in academia for an update of the product lifecycle (PLC). Through a systematic literature review, the authors provide an updated agenda, which aims to advance the PLC concept in research, teaching and practice.Design/methodology/approachThe authors started by surveying 101 marketing academics globally to ascertain whether a PLC update was viewed necessary and beneficial in the marketing community and thereafter conducted citation analysis of marketing research papers and textbooks to ascertain PLC usage. The subsequent literature review methodology was split into two sections. First, 97 empirical articles were reviewed based on an evaluative framework. Second, research pertaining to the PLC determinants were assessed and discussed.FindingsFrom the results of this review and primary data from marketing academics, the authors find that the method of predicting the PLC based on past sales has been largely unsuccessful and perceived as somewhat outdated. However, a new stream of PLC literature is emerging, which takes a consumer-centric perspective to the PLC and has seen more success at modeling lifecycles in various industries.Research limitations/implicationsFirst, the study outlines the most contemporary and successful methodological approaches to modeling the PLC. Namely, the use of artificial intelligence, big data, demand modeling and consumer psychological mechanisms. Second, it provides several future research avenues using modern market trends such as sustainability, globalization, digitization and Covid-19 to push the PLC into the 21st century.Originality/valueThe PLC has shown to be resolutely popular in management application and education. However, without a continued effort in academic PLC research to update the knowledge around the concept, its use as a productive management tool will likely become outdated. This study provides a necessary and comprehensive literature update resulting in actionable future research and teaching agendas intended to advance the PLC concept into the modern market context.

Methodology for Forecasting Revenues from the Sale of Innovative Products in the Domestic Tourism Market

Abstract This article presents a methodology for forecasting the expected sales of innovative tourism products in the domestic market. The principles of the product life cycle concept and consumer behavior theory are taken as starting points for calculating the sales volumes of an innovative product as well as the rate of its penetration into the market. A method of measuring the level of consumer commitment to a travel agency and its offerings is posited, and the relationship between the structure of the target market and market activity in purchasing tourist products is demonstrated. Deep market segmentation is applied to take into account the behavioral peculiarities of individual subsegments (Loyalists Market, Sympathizers Market, Qualified Market, Finders Market, Serviced Market, Possible Market, Potential Consumers Market, Perspective Market). Formulas are proposed for calculating the volume of each of the identified markets. An improved and adapted model for the tourist market (by E. Rogers and F. Bass) is used to calculate the diffusion rates of domestic tourist products. This methodology of forecasting the expected sales of innovative tourism products in the domestic market is empirically confirmed based on data on the domestic tourism market in the region of Vinnytsiya, Ukraine.

Management of reverse logistics in the supply chain system

The article considers the issue of return flow management in supply chains. Recently, this problem has become particularly acute due to growing economic losses and social, economic and security threats, a sharp increase in the return of unused, substandard, end-of-life products, hazardous and hazardous waste, materials for recycling and regeneration. This link of business processes was not even distinguished in the structure of the supply chain before. Based on the analysis of the theory and practice of recycling, resource conservation, recycling and disposal, the authors concluded that it is necessary to form a closed supply chain with the participation of reversible flows and based on the concept of product life cycle. The example of Ukraine illustrates the current situation with the formation and accumulation and processing of waste production and life due to the actual lack of reverse logistics services. The paper develops a comprehensive scheme-structure of existing problems of reverse logistics and offers specific recommendations for solving problems of reverse logistics management in Ukraine. Each aspect of improving the management system considered from the standpoint of economic, social, environmental, technical and technological efficiency. Particular attention paid to the relevant educational work with the population on ways to implement the principles of reversible logistics, improving the culture of consumption together with the introduction of legal and social responsibility.

The Impact of Strategic Core-Component Reuse on Product Life Cycles

The mobile games business is an ever-increasing sub-sector of the entertainment industry. Due to its high profitability but also high risk and competitive atmosphere, game publishers need to develop strategies that allow them to release new products at a high rate, but without compromising the already short lifespan of the firms' existing games. Successful game publishers must enlarge their user base by continually releasing new and entertaining games, while simultaneously motivating the current user base of existing games to remain active for more extended periods. Since the core-component reuse strategy has proven successful in other software products, this study investigates the advantages and drawbacks of this strategy in mobile games. Drawing on the widely accepted Product Life Cycle concept, the study investigates whether the introduction of a new mobile game built with core-components of an existing mobile game curtails the incumbent's product life cycle. Based on real and granular data on the gaming activity of a popular mobile game, the authors find that by promoting multi-homing (i.e., by smartly interlinking the incumbent and new product with each other so that users start consuming both games in parallel), the core-component reuse strategy can prolong the lifespan of the incumbent game.

ПРОТИВОРЕЧИЯ В ТРАКТОВКАХ ПОНЯТИЯ ЖИЗНЕННОГО ЦИКЛА ИЗДЕЛИЙ. ЖИЗНЕННЫЙ ЦИКЛ ИЗДЕЛИЯ КАК БИЗНЕС-МОДЕЛЬ

Nowadays a new business model of high-tech enterprises is actively developing in the world economy – it is called “the business model of the product life cycle”. The important thing of product life cycle concept historical development is that since 1965 in the economy and the scientific environment there’s different interpretations of this term been formed. Most of these interpretations are not related to business modeling and, accordingly, cannot be used in commercial activity of the enterprise. The concept of the product life cycle as a business model means that the customer does not purchase the product itself, but its guaranteed operation with the specified technical characteristics for a certain period. Consequently, the business is focused not only on the development and sale of the product, but also on the activities aimed at the successful use of the product in the customer's business: e.g., service maintenance, modernization, replacement with a newer device, etc. In the article, the author conducts a historical analysis of the terns and concepts related to the product life cycle that have been formed from the mid-20th century to the present times. In conclusion the article notes the interpretation of the product life cycle that is the most relevant to current market conditions, when corporations are forced to transform their business model in order to maintain sustainable growth and rivalry.

ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКАЯ ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТЬ РЕАЛИЗАЦИИ БИЗНЕС-МОДЕЛИ ЖИЗНЕННОГО ЦИКЛА В МАШИНОСТРОЕНИИ

Despite the active development of the product lifecycle concept in the real sector of economy, Russian companies in the engineering industry are just beginning experiments with this business model and product lifecycle contracts (or performance-based lifecycle product support). Probably, one of the reasons is that enterprises cannot objectively assess the economic efficiency of this business model: sometimes the sources of economic efficiency and possible economic risks are not obvious to them. Moreover, enterprises do not have a basic economic model that would help to assess the potential financial result of a project fulfilled in a lifecycle business model. In this regard, it is important to analyze and explain the reasons for the economic efficiency of lifecycle contracts with using of global practical experience, as well as international research of this topic. As a result, it is necessary to formulate a principled approach to assessing the effectiveness of such projects in comparison with projects implemented within the classic product business model. In the article, the authors analyze the sources of economic efficiency of projects fulfilled in the product lifecycle model in mechanical engineering industry. The authors point out the potential risks, which can affect the economic result of the project. The article also presents a principled formula for assessing the cost of a lifecycle contract and an example of calculating the economic efficiency of such a contract in aircraft engine project.

STATE INNOVATION POLICY FOR GREEN TECHNOLOGIES SUPPORT IN CONSTRUCTION

The purpose of the paper is to determine the status and areas of improvement of state policy to support the development of green technologies in construction. Methodology. This review is based on the characteristics of individual areas of implementation of green technologies in construction. Possibilities of using renewable sources in the process of construction and operation of buildings are considered. It is established that different methods of energy production are used in energy efficient houses. These include photovoltaic solar panels, heat pumps, photothermal collectors, geothermal waters, mini hydroelectric power plants. It is emphasized that the energy consumption of such buildings should also be reduced; for the reason of special architectural design solutions, the energy-efficient materials with high thermal insulation properties are used. The peculiarities of the policy of stimulating the increase of energy efficiency of buildings in Ukraine are considered, the conclusion on its insufficient efficiency is given. The reason for ineffectiveness of the incentive policy is figured out. The directions for reduction of air and water pollution by filtration and use of rain and melt water for household needs are considered. It is established that the active implementation of innovation is impossible mainly due to obsolete housing and worn-out utilities. Eco-design is also used to increase energy efficiency in construction and architects must actively use passive and active methods of designing houses in different climatic conditions. Green construction also involves recycling of construction waste. Improving the environmental efficiency of buildings and structures involves the use of modern insulation materials, coatings. Currently, nanomaterials with unique properties are becoming widespread in construction. They have increased physical characteristics, in particular, accumulated thermal radiation, provided significant energy savings in winter and summer. The results of the study showed that the state regulatory policy (innovation policy, support of science and R&D, technology transfer, price policy regulation, updating of technological regulations) has an extremely important role in stimulating the spread of green technologies in construction. Practical implications. The most important areas of public policy in construction are: the implementation of environmental energy and quality international standards for construction products; stimulating consumer demand for environmentally friendly innovative solutions, including through “green” public procurement, setting reasonable prices for energy resources, stimulating the implementation of a holistic concept of product life cycle; development of financial mechanisms to support the demand for cleaner technologies and innovations.

Garment Supply Chain Management Based on Product Life Cycle

Garment supply chain management covers all the nodes of the enterprises, from fabric to end customers, with the purpose of better meeting customer needs, reducing the operation cost of the whole supply chain, and improving corporate efficiency. Garment products have the characteristics of multiple varieties, small batches, fast product update, and the bullwhip effect is obvious. The whole life cycle of clothing covers a series of links such as garment design, garment manufacturing, garment sales and after-sales service, and the whole process is considered and managed as a whole. From a systematic point of view, the concept of product life cycle is adopted to manage the clothing supply chain and achieve the coordinated management among enterprises in the chain, which can better solve the problems of information asymmetry and high inventory of clothing enterprises.

Winners and losers of the global beer market: European competition in the view of product life-cycle

Abstract The European brewing industry has experienced considerable development related to the changes of beer production volume. These trends are generalised by Vernon’s concept of product life-cycle that is already anchored in the economic geography. The differences of its growth, maturity and decline stages are important to study transnational corporations’ (TNC) strategies within the combination of different stages of all European markets. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to verify how the TNCs’ behaviour in individual countries depends on the stages of their beer markets. In the beer life-cycle perspective, Europe can be divided into several regions with a similar stage of development. Expected behaviour of brewing TNCs in the dependence of the countries’ stage in the beer life-cycle have been proved in the large extent. Some interesting differences were, however, also found. The paper finally pointed on the rising beer life-cycle of microbreweries, which could replace the life-cycle of traditional breweries.

Impact of Lean, Agile and Green (LAG) on business competitiveness: An empirical study of fast moving consumer goods businesses

The adoption/utilisation of Lean, Agile and Green (LAG) practices in both the manufacturing and service sector is rising. However, there yet remain a research gap to precisely evaluate the relationship between LAG practices and business competitiveness (e.g, achieving reduction in cost, lead time and environmental recyclable waste). This research aims to explore this relationship, specifically in fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) businesses. The hypothesised relationships are tested with data collected from 96 FMCG companies. Structural Equation Modelling is applied to evaluate different channels of achieving business competitiveness through the adoption of Lean, Agile and Green. The findings suggest that competitive outcomes vary with the adoption of LAG practices in specific product life cycle stages. This implies that awareness of the product life cycle concept is essential. A combination of LAG practices for the sole purpose of reducing environmental waste is negatively related to environmental waste reduction. LAG practices are more efficiently adopted when the adopters are equipped with expert knowledge on the paradigms and their individual practices. This research has approached the attainment of competitiveness in the FMCG businesses by analysing management efforts that improve cost performance, lead time and environmental sustainability aspects of business operations. The research has also considered the product life cycle stages in analysing the impacts of management efforts.

Life-cycle-based water footprint assessment of coal-fired power generation in China

Water is essential for thermal energy and electricity generation. To help clarify water–energy interdependencies in China, a life-cycle water footprint evaluation framework was developed based on the product life-cycle concept and water footprint assessment methods to assess coal-fired power generation in China. The framework was applied to quantitatively analyze the virtual provincial water consumption by coal-fired power generation in China in 2016 and its impact on water quality. The results revealed a water footprint of ∼6.60 m3/MWhel, where the blue water footprint accounted for 24.8% and the grey water footprint accounted for 75.2% of the total. The coal-fired power generation industry in China is the main industrial water consumer, and its total water footprint in 2016 was 26.03 billion m3. Because coal transportation and electricity transmission are driven by spatial asynchrony in energy production and consumption, virtual water flowed from water-scarce Northwest China to water-rich East China. The total annual output of virtual water in Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, and Northwest China was 498.2 million m3, representing 33% of the total regional blue water footprint. These findings can be used to improve understanding of the patterns in the energy industry and regional resources in China and to inform coordinated development of regional energy and water resource management.

Вплив життєвого циклу товару промислового підприємства на формування його інноваційної стратегії

The article deals with strategic directions of entrepreneurial strategies development in accordance with the product life cycle concept. The approaches of scientists before the formation of stages of the enterprise goods life cycle are considered. On the basis of the analysis of scientific researches the basic characteristics of marketing depending on a stage of life cycle of the goods are generalized. It is found out that at different stages of the life cycle of goods the enterprise makes managerial decisions concerning the main directions of its activity. The directions of the enterprise activity are generalized in accordance with the stages of the product life cycle on such criteria as key strategy, management system, technical development, production, personnel, economics and finance, marketing. The strategic policy of the enterprise in accordance with the product life cycle is studied and generalized. It has been proved that the innovative orientation of the company's activity, which is characterized by innovation, production and marketing potential, is decisive in the development of the company's strategy. The article contains an ABC analysis of the industrial enterprise's activity and draws conclusions about the use of the enterprise's commodity resources. Based on this analysis and the degree to which the enterprise is ready to innovate at different stages of the TLI, conclusions were drawn on the strategic behavior options of the enterprise.

Development strategy of agricultural enterprises in the production of high-tech products

The aim of the study is to develop an approach to increasing the profitability of agricultural enterprises. To achieve this goal, the concept of product life cycle and the possibility of its transformation into a more complex model, which provides for the release of several generations of high-tech products, is used. In this regard, the article deals with the issues of ensuring the competitiveness of agricultural enterprises under the conditions of rapid development of technologies, including information technologies. It is shown that agricultural enterprises producing high-tech products have significantly lower material costs and higher costs for research and development work, as well as significantly higher profits than traditional enterprises of the agricultural industry. Due to the fact that the release of innovative high-tech products is associated with high risks, the management of high-tech enterprises need to plan the life cycles of their products. An important resource for supporting the competitiveness of products is the scientific information used to develop new types of products and their production technologies. This approach allows for the timely introduction of new types of products with higher competitiveness in the market. This allows achieving sustainable growth of product competitiveness and growth of income of agricultural enterprises. Creating a software model for implementing this algorithm will create the possibility of automatically planning new types of products and increasing profitability. This will help increase the efficiency of the enterprises of the Russian agricultural sector.

Marketing Strategies of Companies in Internationalization Process

The article concerns the options of company internationalization, depending on the degree of market internationalization. The main indicators for assessing the degree of company internationalization were determined. The specificity of companies’ internationalization in terms of the concept of international product life cycle was analyzed. The features of international marketing strategy in the internationalization process were examined; the determinants of international marketing strategy were described. The relationship between the phases of international marketing and the level of application of international marketing strategy was determined. The level of application of international marketing strategy by Ukrainian enterprises was researched.

Product Identity Over Time and the Concept of Product Life Cycle

Since the introduction of the concept of the product life cycle (PLC) to the marketing literature almost 67 years ago, a plethora of literature regarding this concept has appeared in the academic as well as trade journals. In spite of an extensive body of research related to PLC, several critical questions related to the product identity and changes in the identity of product over time are completely ignored by the researchers. This study is an attempt to fill this gap in the marketing literature. After defining the concept of product identity, we provide answers to the following questions: How do products stay the same even after they change? At what point does a product become different? When we talk about a certain product and say that “it changed,” what exactly is “it”?

Strategic pricing across the product’s sales cycle: a conceptualization

Establishing the initial price for a new product is one of the most important decisions a firm will make. Implementing and adjusting this price over the sales cycle of the new product are crucial decisions for both its short- and long-term success. A modification of the product life cycle (PLC) concept is presented to reflect one of the many alternative price-setting strategies available to the company. After justifying and illustrating the modified PLC pricing strategy, applications and limitations are presented and discussed.