1. LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT LESSON 3
Within this lesson you will cover:
Understand the life cycle of a product through a graph.
Understand the role of planned obsolesce in relation to the benefit of the manufacturer and not necessarily the consumer.
Apply knowledge by comparing two similar products and answering an exam question.

2. PRODUCT LIFE CYCLES WHAT IS A PRODUCT LIFE CYCLE?
Objective - Learner will gain knowledge & understanding of the role of planned obsolesce in relation to life cycle assessments.
WHAT IS A PRODUCT LIFE CYCLE?
PRODUCT LIFE CYCLES
Do Now – Study these images what do they all have in common with product life cycles?

3. What is a product life cycle?
Objective - Learner will gain knowledge & understanding of the role of planned obsolesce in relation to life cycle assessments.
WHAT IS A PRODUCT LIFE CYCLE?
What is a product life cycle?
How companies are introducing innovative products through this cycle.
Lets discuss – why is it important for companies to monitor a product life cycle?
Can you think of a company which follows this?
Can you think of a company/product which failed to do so?

4. WHAT IS A PRODUCT LIFE CYCLE?
Objective - Learner will gain knowledge & understanding of the role of planned obsolesce in relation to life cycle assessments.
WHAT IS A PRODUCT LIFE CYCLE?
The diagram below helps shows the life cycle of specific products.
Fad – A product that is popular for a short period of time.
Standard – A product that is used regularly and very rarely changes.
Classic – A product that is timeless and has been adapted over time but still remains to have the same principle.
Planned obsolescence can be regarded as bad for the environment, because it leads to products being ‘dumped’ by customers, so that new updated products can be acquired.
The product is becoming more well known and wanted.
The product is at its peak of sales.
The product is becoming more well known
The product is launched in shops, displayed, advertised.
Planned obsolescence

5. WHAT IS PLANNED OBSOLESCENCE?
Objective - Learner will gain knowledge & understanding of the role of planned obsolesce in relation to life cycle assessments.
WHAT IS PLANNED OBSOLESCENCE?
Planned, obsolescence is the description given to something that has been designed to have a limited working life.
Manufacturers may accelerate the obsolescence of a product by introducing new, more desirable products or versions of the existing product. E.g. Toasters, electric kettles, refrigerators, televisions, mobile phones.
(Q) How many of you have a flat screen TV at home? Hands up, don’t shout out!

6. (Q) Looking at the diagram what differences do you see?
Objective - Learner will gain knowledge & understanding of the role of planned obsolesce in relation to life cycle assessments.
WHAT IS PLANNED OBSOLESCENCE?
Planned obsolescence is sometimes designed into a product, in order to encourage the customer to buy the next upgrade. A good example of this is a mobile phone, such as the IPhone.
(Q) Looking at the diagram what differences do you see?

7. Lets discuss – How has Lucozade developed? & why did they need to?
Objective - Learner will gain knowledge & understanding of the role of planned obsolesce in relation to life cycle assessments.
FAMILIAR PRODUCT: CASE STUDY
Lets discuss – How has Lucozade developed? & why did they need to?

8. Lets discuss – How has Lucozade developed? & why did they need to?
Objective - Learner will gain knowledge & understanding of the role of planned obsolesce in relation to life cycle assessments.
FAMILIAR PRODUCT: CASE STUDY
Lets discuss – How has Lucozade developed? & why did they need to?

9. Lets discuss – How has Lucozade developed? & why did they need to?
Objective - Learner will gain knowledge & understanding of the role of planned obsolesce in relation to life cycle assessments.
FAMILIAR PRODUCT: CASE STUDY
Lets discuss – How has Lucozade developed? & why did they need to?

10. Life cycle analysis of games consoles
Objective - Learner will gain knowledge & understanding of the role of planned obsolesce in relation to life cycle assessments.
PRODUCT LIFE CYCLE GRAPH TASK
Life cycle analysis of games consoles
Study the graphic and select one games console which you can convert into a life cycle analysis graph.

11. CONVERTING DATA INTO A GRAPH
Objective - Learner will gain knowledge & understanding of the role of planned obsolesce in relation to life cycle assessments.
CONVERTING DATA INTO A GRAPH
On the worksheet provided write a short definition of what a product life cycle graph is.
On the graph paper template using a ruler and pencil I would like you to draw a product life cycle for one of the products previously seen on the graph.
Label the graph A, B,C & D.
Introduction [A], Growth [B]
Maturity [C] & Decline [D]

12. Life cycle of games consoles
WORKSHEET TO PRINT

13. So, let’s review what we know now, which we didn’t know before…
Objective - Learner will gain knowledge & understanding of the role of planned obsolesce in relation to life cycle assessments.
LESSON REVIEW
So, let’s review what we know now, which we didn’t know before…

14. EXAM QUESTION – TEST YOURSELF
Objective - Learner will gain knowledge and understanding of life cycle assessment and how it can be used to assess environmental impact.
EXAM QUESTION – TEST YOURSELF
The graph below shows the main stages of a product life cycle.
Explain each of the phases, A to E, shown on the graph. [10 MARKS]
This is a PAST A2 GCE exam paper question. Test yourself from todays knowledge by completing this mini essay question.

15. The graph below shows the main stages of a product life cycle.
Explain each of the phases, A to E, shown on the graph. [10 MARKS]
WORKSHEET TO PRINT
Name:
Score:

16. EXAM QUESTION – ANSWERS
Indicative Content:
A (Stage 1):Introduction
The product is introduced into the market place. The marketing strategy is key and product placement/target market identification is key to the success of the product. It is essential that any relevant patent is in place at this point while the reputation of the product is established.
B (Stage 2):Growth
The reputation of the product is increasing with IPR protection. Word of mouth assists with the marketing campaign to establish a rapid growth in sales.
C (Stage 3):Maturity
With its reputation secured the product enjoys high sales figures, however the design team need to remain vigilant as saturation, patent renewal dates or new product launches etc. could cause the product to lose its market position.
D (Stage 4):Decline
Due to new products on the market etc. sales decrease and the product may be removed from the market/ reduced in price to maxim is sales before removal
E (Stage 5):Product Extension/Product Churning
If the design team is able to they will extend the product’s life by introducing ‘special editions’ of the product, such as new colour schemes, software updates, product hardware add-ons to deal with technological updates from other companies.
EXAM QUESTION – ANSWERS

17. Answer the questions on the sheet.
Objective - Learner will gain knowledge and understanding of life cycle assessment and how it can be used to assess environmental impact.
EXAM QUESTION HOMEWORK
Answer the questions on the sheet.
Bring in to the following lesson for marking of answers.

18. What is meant by planned obsolescence? [1 mark]
State two factors that influence the sustainability of a products? [2 marks]
What is meant by planned obsolescence? [1 mark]
Explain how transportation contributes to a products carbon footprint. [2 marks]
Give two examples of when transportation that contribute to the products carbon footprint occurs [2 marks]
why can using an electrical product contribute to its carbon footprint? [1 mark]
HOMEWORK SHEET TO PRINT