Question

Exam 2: Explain the following concepts. Provide examples where appropriate.

• Cradle-to-Grave Assessment
• Degree of Standardization
• Modular Design
• Recycling
• Computer-aided Design
• Research and development (R&D)
• Remanufacturing
• Virtual Teams
• Delayed Differentiation
• Robust Design
• End-of-Life Programs
• Virtual Teams

Answer 1

• Cradle-to-Grave Assessment

Cradle-to-Grave assessment is also known as life cycle assessment. This technique is used to evaluate or identify the environmental impact of the product while it passes through or goes through different phases right from the time the idea of that product was generated to the end. It includes raw materials required for the manufacturing of the product, the processes involved in extracting the raw material, processing of the raw material, bulk manufacturing, packaging, distribution, sales, servicing or repairs, and eventually disposing or recycling of the product. It also includes the processes involved in the byproducts of the main product manufacturing. Most important of all, it included all the waste generated and its disposal and its eventual impact on the environment. E.g. Raymond shirt production involves cotton farming and production, cotton industry related work, transportation of pure cotton to industry, manufacturing of cotton string and then the material, stitching and finishing of the shirt, packaging, transport to warehouses, distribution to distributors, sales, use of the shirt, and eventually disposal (can be burnt or used in compost pits etc.)

• Degree of Standardization

It is a framework of agreements of set rules and regulations as per industry standards that all parties working in the industry or company or organization or project must agree and adhere to.

• Modular Design

A product that needs to be developed is divided and subdivided into smaller units called modules. Each of this module is then worked on and developed into the final product. Advantages of modular design to work efficiently as a team and come to a solution within a smaller span of time. This is particularly useful when the product is offered in a customized fashion.

• Recycling

It is a process that involves converting waste material into something useful or productive. It is beneficial and required as it has greater impact of reducing pollution. Types of waste can be classified as e-waste, plastic waste, chemical waste, etc. E.g. spoons are re-cycled into material that can be used for 3-d printing.

• Computer-aided Design

Computer-aided Design or CAD is the use of computers to design products. It also helps in storing the processes involved in the final output. This helps in comparing different processes and analyzing and evaluation process steps, cost, manpower, and resources required for final output. Many commercial applications are available in the market for the same. Some of them are 123D, Qcad, Cobalt, etc.

• Research and development (R&D)

This involves processes or activities any organization goes through for new product or service development. Innovation is another term that goes along R&D. R&D is a continuous process in organizations that like to be in the market for long run.

• Remanufacturing

Manufacturing of old product with new parts or manufacturing new product using old parts by repairing is remanufacturing. It is beneficial as old parts are in a way recycled, raw material usage is reduced, manpower and resources required is less. Also, remanufacturing is cost efficient as well. E.g. remanufacturing of old and used tired by replacing the rubber and retaining the inner iron core.

• Virtual Teams

Virtual teams are teams that work using digital software using internet, web and cloud system. This is used when people work from across the globe or from different geographical regions. They make use of the internet, emails, fax, web conference, video, etc. This is beneficial where distribution and sales are considered, expansion of business etc.

• Delayed Differentiation

Best explained using the example of Benetton sweaters which are manufactured in white and dyed at the last step into different colors. It involves making a generic product and later in the supply chain cycle is differentiated into different products as per demand or customer requirement. A simple example is popcorns – different flavors are added later.

• Robust Design

It is a concept coined by Japanese quality guru Dr. Genichi Taguchi. It means developing a product or any process that can sustain variation. Any product that can withstand any changes like e.g. a toy that can withstand being thrown multiple times, or in water or bitten by kids can be termed as robust.

• End-of-Life Programs

It refers to those products which are at the end of life stage. No further servicing or spare parts will be available or provided. This is used from sales-point of view as the product may no longer be in the manufacturing stage or may have become obsolete.