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ES93G-15 Product Life-Cycle Management

Department
WMG
Level
Taught Postgraduate Level
Module leader
Nick Golsby
Credit value
15
Module duration
5 days
Assessment
Multiple
Study location
University of Warwick main campus, Coventry

Introductory description

Product Life Cycle Management (PLCM) aims to provide a coherent and holistic understanding of how products and services in an organisation are conceived, developed, launched, sustained and retired. The contribution of PLCM towards competitiveness is considered, including both the strategic and tactical consequences and implications of its application and use. The overall goal is improved business and optimised supply chain performance.

Module web page

Module aims

Product Life Cycle Management (PLCM) aims to provide a coherent and holistic understanding of how products and services in an organisation are conceived, developed, launched, sustained and retired. The contribution of PLCM towards competitiveness is considered, including both the strategic and tactical consequences and implications of its application and use. The overall goal is improved business and optimised supply chain performance.

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

  • Stages and Processes for Product Life-Cycle Management
  • Product vs Service Design and PLCM
  • QFD – Quality Function Deployment and Kano model
  • Technology Management and Technology Road mapping
  • Portfolio Management
  • Human Factors in PLCM
  • Indian Motor Cycle Case Study
  • Case studies

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

  • Critically evaluate essential processes and interactions in the management of a product through its life-cycle
  • Evaluate strategies for predicting, managing and responding to change in technologies, processes, suppliers, customers, requirements, products, portfolios, markets, competitors, and the business environment
  • Identify and adapt product development approaches to life-cycle stages
  • Demonstrate a methodical approach to the execution of product life-cycle management.
  • Perform key competencies required for effective team work.

Indicative reading list

  • Haines, Steven (2014) - The Product Manager's Desk Reference, Second Edition McGraw Hill
  • Gorchels, Linda (2012) - The Product Manager's Handbook, 4th Edition
  • Cooper, Robert G. (2017) - Portfolio Management for New Products 5th edition, Perseus Publishing
  • Webber, L. and Wallace M. (2007) - Quality Control for Dummies, Wiley & Sons (chapters 6 and 18, in particular - covering Voice of Customer and QFD)
  • Ficalora, J. and Cohen L (2012)- Quality Function Deployment and Six Sigma: A QFD Handbook, Addison Wesley Engineering
  • Cetindamar, D, R. Phaall and Probert D. (2016) - Technology Management: Activities and Tools, Palgrave Macmillan

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

Product Management, Customer Requirements Definition, Market Segmentation, Portfolio Management

Transferable skills

Project Management, Time Management, Decision Making

Study time

Type Required
Lectures 15 sessions of 1 hour (12%)
Seminars 15 sessions of 1 hour (12%)
Online learning (independent) 10 sessions of 1 hour (8%)
Assessment 80 hours (67%)
Total 120 hours

Private study description

Directed by a module study guide issued at the start of the module. This will direct students to relevant text and journal readings and other learning activities, including flipped classroom activities, with indicative time allocations for each.

Costs

No further costs have been identified for this module.

You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.

Assessment group A4
Weighting Study time Eligible for self-certification
Final assessment 80% 55 hours Yes (extension)

Written assignment: choice of questions, choose one (80% weighting)

Case Study Work 20% 15 hours No

An in-module group exercise and assessment based on a case study, which comprises classroom, collaborative and independent working pulled together in a group presentation (*subject to peer assessment) to academic representatives at the end of the module.

*Peer Assessment will be used to award individual marks. Students are required to complete a peer assessment of their team members in accordance with departmental group assessment policy.

Assessment group R3
Weighting Study time Eligible for self-certification
Electronic Case-Study Presentation 20% Yes (extension)

Individual student will record a presentation for online submission of their PLCM approach based on the in-module case-study.

Final assessment 80% 55 hours No
Feedback on assessment

Written feedback will be provided in a report for all Post Module assignments. Feedback for the case study will be given verbally during the module with written feedback for all in-module components provided in a summary table within a week of the face to face part of the module.

Courses

Course availability information is based on the current academic year, so it may change.

This module is Core option list C for:

  • Year 1 of TWMS-H7BG Postgraduate Supply Chain and Logistics Management (awarded jointly with Hong Kong Polytechnic University)
  • Year 1 of TESS-H7PE Postgraduate Taught Supply Chain and Logistics Management (Overseas and Self-Financing)

This module is Option list C for:

  • Year 1 of TESA-H7PD Postgraduate Taught Supply Chain and Logistics Management (Home Fees)