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Product Design, New Production Introductions Issues Such As Delayed ...


Product Design, New Production Introductions
Issues such as delayed differentiation, mass customization, modularity and related areas representing new product introduction are components of product design and new production introductions. A popular application within this context is what is termed as postponed product differentiation (Lee et al, 2001, pp. 116-121). The foregoing is a development of globalization in that traditionally the products designed for global markets are customized to suit the tastes of local markets which are an inventory management nightmare as a result of the differences. Utilizing postponement product differentiation the preceding is redesigned whereby it is customized in the distribution channel, therefore the product is produced in generic form at the factory thereby permitting the generic version to be shipped to those locales where it is selling well and customized (Matthews et al, 2004).
Outsourcing Along with Strategic Alliances

The resulting rapid growth in logistics providers has created aspects such as supplier hubs that are managed by third parties. The impact of the foregoing has increased strategic alliances and outsourcing as technologies and services expand.
Green Issues and Reverse Logistics
Environmental issues along with the reverse logistical issues represented by product returns are the components of this segment (Rudi et al, 1999). The growth in environmental concerns as well as governmental legislation and corporate governance has made this area an important managerial consideration. The foregoing has compelled companies to deal with this aspect in environmentally friendly means, as well as efficiently. Product recovery entails the handling of used and discarded components, products and materials and at the same time attempts to recover as much value as can be extracted while reducing waste (Thierry et al, 2001, pp. 114-135). The concerns regarding the eventual realities of product recovery and green issues have caused manufacturers to consider the end results of eventual product recovery and green issues in the design and engineering phase. Aspects such as eventual product disassembly, reuse and recovery are design and engineering considerations representing green issue costs and compliance. An example of the foregoing is provided by water treatment chemicals in reusable containers whereby customers do not need to touch either the chemicals or dispose of the used containers (Castillo et al, 1996, pp. 48-60).
Incentives and Metrics
This sector deals with measurement in the supply chain along with industry benchmarking and represents the link between performance and the improvement within the chain through the use of metrics.
Global Concerns and Issues
All of the preceding categories are impacted, influenced and or affected by global issues when the company operates in multiple markets. Kouvelis (1999, pp.

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