Life cycle, concept

Another way to view streamlining is through the application of the cradle-to-grave nature of LCA to look at products, processes, and activities in a more qualitative manner. This approach is also called using the life-cycle concept or life-cycle thinking. Life-cycle thinking requires the user to look upstream and downstream of the operation being studied, perhaps in an approach that combines quantitative and qualitative information. 

Life-Cycle Concepts for Sustainable Use of Engineered Nanomaterials in Nanoproducts... 

For nanomaterials this is especially true if the exposure scenarios used in the test system are not representative of those likely to be found in the field [91, 92]. For example, the degree of toxicity observed in aquatic invertebrates exposed to multi-walled nanotubes (MWNTs) in water and sediment was influenced by the functional groups on the MWNTs and their preparation for dispersal into the test systems [93]. As noted, even the concept of what constitutes nanomaterials is not fixed [87], so these emerging materials will likely require a rethinking of how their toxicity is assessed and the hazards and risks they might pose to ecosystems [90]. For more information on nanomaterials, including application of life-cycle concepts to their design, see Chapter 8. 

FIGURE 39.7 Four Q-Model Life Cycle Concepts for Internet Computers at Source and Destination Site. 

Instrument hardware should be validated prior to routine use, after repair, and at regular time intervals. Computer systems should be validated during, and at the end of, the development process and after software updates. Computer systems with complex software are frequently gradually developed over many years. It is critical to note that quality cannot be tested into a product or system at the final testing stages. To ensure quality during the development process, the life cycle concept has been developed. 

Life cycle costing (LCC), also called life cycle management (LCM), is another toolbox based on life cycle concepts [83, 84]. It includes aspects related to the three pillars of sustainability an environmental tool, an economic tool and a social tool. 

The validation of new or recently installed systems following a life cycle concept. 

Geoffrey Moore has extended the product life-cycle concept to identify the specific kinds of innovation needed in different life-cycle phases. These innovation types, in turn, require different sponsors and team leaders within the company. Table 5.2 maps his innovation types to our life-cycle model. This framework should be put to work in assessing a company s current projects, as described later in this chapter. 

Table 5.1 provides a screen for evaluating a project s contribution to strategy. We believe marrying the life-cycle concept to the grid has particular value. It should help managers focus on the next quadrant and do things today to be competitive tomorrow. 

IPDTs must be staffed with people who work well together and communicate. Team member s participation will vary throughout the life cycle, and different members may have primary, secondary, or minor support roles as the effort transitions from development of requirements, through the subsequent life-cycle stages. IPDTs must be empowered with responsibility for their products and services throughout the entire life cycle, concept through disposal, and the authority to succeed. 

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