| In this dissertation, a new design methodology and business model that help to lower costs and improve environmental performance is discussed. In various industries, environmental problems are more caused by rapidly shortened product life span (from cradle to grave). This leads to a situation where the number of new products delivered and end of life products discarded increases with a speed never experienced in the industry. Increased number of new products requires more raw material extraction, more energy, and more manufacturing activities. Handling the obsolete end of life products, on the other hand, places more monetary requirement on companies and puts a heavy burden on the environment.; The idea of the multi-phase extensible life cycle is based on the fact that some components of end of life products are not functionally dead. The products' life cycle more determined by its performance life cycle than their function life cycle. Their life ended only because the product itself is obsolete due to performance requirements. One focus of this research is to extend the life cycle of the products at the components level by reincarnating them as parts of other products, thus form a product chain that will continue the life of the obsolete product in a different industrial sector.; To do this, the synopsis of this research has included three parts: Firstly, The research study decision-making process in product development and provide tools in collaborative negotiation based decision-making since the components will be shared in two different products at different time. Secondly, in order to evaluate the environmental performance of the product developed and embedded LCA model is developed. In order to realize the idea, other activities and organizations should also be included, especially the down stream in the supply chain, i.e. the reverse chain. Finally, A case study in “Design for Extended life Cycle” is discussed in the last part and is used in personal computer modular design for multi-phase extensible life cycle.; This research proposed the fast time an innovative business model that addresses the problems in sustainable development and environmental problems challenging nowadays industry. It will also provide a test bed for brainstorming in research in product design, manufacturing, and other industrial activities. It can also put influence infrastructures by providing direction in supply chain management, product design, and manufacturing. The innovative business model will help industry deliver to the market a more cost saving and environmentally benign products and services. |
